Learn These 9 Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Handyman

Every house will require some care from time to time. You can sometimes do the task yourself. However, it may appear that the task is a little (or a lot) more than you can handle at times. When this occurs, it is normal to contact a handyman.

A handyman is a pleasant neighborhood assistant who knows how to fix all of your home’s minor annoyances. A little paint here, some electrical there, and some small carpentry over there. That vision is sometimes very near to the truth.

Many handymen (and, we should add, women) get the majority of their work through word of mouth and recommendations. Contractors, on the other hand, are one of the most complained about firms, just after auto services. Here are nine questions to ask before hiring a handyman.

9 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Handyman

1. What kind of work are you capable of doing?

You may have a big list of repairs, but you must ensure that the handyman is capable of doing them. While many handymen profess to be masters of all crafts, they may not specialize in the services you require. Just as you would not trust a general practitioner to conduct surgery, you should not trust a handyman to perform trade-specific work.

A handyman may be able to perform modest electrical or plumbing work, such as replacing a light fixture or unclogging a drain. However, more significant labor should be delegated to a tradesperson.

If you perform your electrical work incorrectly, you risk serious consequences, including damage to your property and possibly the people in your home. The same may be said for plumbing. So, while hiring a non-specialist to straighten a jammed door is acceptable, consider twice before entrusting specialized tasks to a handyman.

2. Do you have any local recommendations?

Most handymen rely primarily on recommendations and word of mouth. A handyman that is skilled and does quality work should be able to supply you with local references. Ask for three to five customer references and call at least two of them at random, just like you would for any other service. You can also look for reviews online.

Not all handymen are on the Better Business Bureau’s list, but you should check just in case. If they aren’t listed, it doesn’t imply they aren’t trustworthy. However, if they are featured and have negative ratings, you should be aware of this before hiring them.

3. Do you have a license, bond, and insurance?

You may handle these aspects for the little chores that most handymen work on. However, if someone working on your house is injured, you could face significant financial consequences. You are entirely accountable for any injuries on the job if a worker does not have personal liability insurance.

If the handyman causes any damage to your property, you should make sure that they are insured to cover it. Finally, many state and local governments issue licenses to handymen and the numerous trades they may specialize in. Hiring a licensed professional ensures a solid understanding of how to conduct their job.

You protect yourself when choosing a licensed, bonded, and insured handyman. Hiring a handyman who lacks these qualifications is a considerable risk.

4. How much will both labor and supplies cost?

Before beginning the project, an expert handyman should be able to provide you with a cost estimate. The final cost should usually be within 10% of the estimate. Make sure you have a written estimate and that the handyman understands the 10% guideline. Having a predetermined price limit protects you from price gouging.

5. How do you charge for your services?

Some handymen work on an hourly basis. Others charge on a project-by-project basis. You should know how they charge before you go in to determine if you are being charged fairly. This information, together with a price quote, will allow you to compare estimates from other handymen.

6. When will the project be completed?

Your handyman may be busy, as are you. Make sure you know when the work will begin and when it will be completed. If the task is simple, it may only take an hour or two.

If the job is large, it may take two days or more to complete. Knowing how long the project will take protects you against a handyman who drags out a job or starts it but never finishes it. A simple query and subsequent written response in your contract can save you a lot of headaches.

7. Do you have a documented agreement?

We sometimes see a handyman as a kind neighbor who is exceptionally handy around the house. However, this is a business transaction, and everyone must agree on the scope of the work.

A solid written contract should include a detailed explanation of the task, when it will be completed, how much you will be charged, and how payment will be handled. If someone fails to follow the contract’s obligations, you and the handyman are protected.

For example, if the handyman fails to keep their half of the bargain, a written contract can be used to file a legal claim in court.

8. Do you offer a warranty?

It’s lovely to be able to hire a handyman for all of your projects. It might be a huge relief to hire an experienced contractor who can fix what’s broken and make the modifications you want.

But what if something in their work fails to hold up? Will they come back if they fix a clogged sink and it backs up again? Will they replace a lighting fixture if it breaks or shorts out after installation?

It’s critical to know ahead of time whether and to what degree your handyman guarantees their services. Waiting until anything fails before inquiring about a guarantee is a recipe for disaster. The written contract should include a guarantee.

9. Will you be working alone or with others?

Some jobs are straightforward one-person projects. Repairing a drafty window or a sagging railing requires only one person. However, for a more extensive work, your handyman may require assistance.

This is common for small to medium-sized improvements. Don’t be surprised if your handyman hires a helper to build a fence, paint a room, or replace pieces of a kitchen. The extra work will benefit you because the job will be done better and faster.

However, it may impact price, so you should be aware of this ahead of time. In addition, you should always be aware of who and how many people will be in your home.