How to Choose Your Handyman

September 16, 2010 | Posted by Randy Smith

So you have decided to go through with the home renovation project that you have been considering. It probably feels good to know that soon you will have a remodeled home to enjoy. The only issue is deciding who you are going to hire to do the work for you. You do not want to invite just anyone into your home, and on top of that you want to best quality workmanship that you can get and a reasonable price. The fact of the matter is, you have some research to do.

First you need to put together a list of potential handymen. We recommend two ways of doing this. The first is to seek a recommendation from someone who knows that company. Maybe it’s a friend or a neighbor or maybe you look here for reference on the internet. If these options do not work for you, it is likely that you can find a list of state certified professionals on the internet. Many of these choices will be listed as general contractors, but reputable handymen such as ourselves will be listed as well. Either of these methods will work, and we suggest checking both.

Now that you have found a list of candidates, it is time to decide which one will install your closet organizer or refinish your deck. Think about these things while you interview candidates.

Get Estimates- Have all of your candidates give you cost and time estimates. Pay attention to which of your candidates provide you multiple options to get the job done. This is a sign of experience and a willingness to make sure that you are happy with the end product. Make sure that you get all estimates in writing. Also, inquire as to whether the handyman is insured and ask for proof as part of the estimate.
Look for Someone You Like- This person or crew will be in or around your home. You need to make sure that you are comfortable with them as both people and service providers. If you are uncomfortable in any way, then you may want to cross a candidate off of your list.
Ask about Payment- Beware of any handyman who wants you to pay in cash or who requires that you pay for the whole job up front before any work has been done. Either of these factors should be a deal breaker. If they are obtaining materials for you, ask if they have a discount account with a local distributor.
Inquire about Experience- Be straightforward and ask about their experience in the field. The reference that you obtained will hint at this but make sure that your handyman has done jobs like yours before.
Agree on Everything in Advance- Make sure that each candidate is willing to agree on the entire scope of the job in advance. Once you have reached an agreement you will want to have a contract drawn up that details what will be done, by when and for how much. Make sure that factors such as the handyman pulling necessary permits and guaranteeing the work for a particular time period are discussed n a contract. Remember it will work both ways; you cannot expect the handyman to do more than he agrees to in the contract.

We hope that your remodeling project goes well for you. We can make sure that it does if you choose us to do the work.

Handyman Connection is proud to serve the home improvement and home repair needs of Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Lakeland, Orlando, Bradenton, Sarasota, Naples, Ft. Myers, Melbourne, Merritt Island & Titusville.