It's spring. Your faucet is leaking,
and you made a New Year's resolution to fix the sticking closet
door - last year. You are not lazy. You are much too busy, and tool-challenged.
Time to call a handyman.
But wait - aren't all handymen ex-convicts,
ready and willing to rob you blind while they charge you $200 to
screw in a light bulb?
While the handyman profession garners
a hefty share of complaints (being second only to the used car salesman),
plenty of honest, hard-working skilled handymen are out there.
Now all you have to do is find one. With the hints provided,
you should be able to find a reputable handyman (which includes
women, who are more than a small presence in this profession)
in your area, and be pleased with the outcome.
Hiring a handyman requires more than
a look-see in the classifieds. While you may find a great tradesman,
it could also be the beginning of a disappointing relationship.
A little bit of research will tip the scales in your favor to a
more pleasant transaction.
Should you hire Jo Handyman, the independent
with a truck and tools, or call on a franchise to send a uniformed
worker? Either is a viable option. How do they compare?
The Independent Jo:
1. The biggest advantage to you: hourly
rates. If you find someone reliable and skilled in the job you need
done, you will definitely come out ahead.
2. Jo isn't hampered by company rules. While this may also be a
disadvantage, Jo can give a free estimate if he/she chooses, go
the extra mile, and often gives household maintenance advice.
3. Most independents try to be fair to protect their reputation.
4. A reputable Jo will provide valid references, let you see samples
of recent work, and give you a written estimate in detail. In recent
years progressive handymen have built websites to increase business.
5. Most will tell you up front if they aren't as skilled in some
areas. "I don't do plumbing."
6. When possible, it's always good to support your local small
business man.
Cautions:
1. Some states allow handymen to operate
without a contractor's license - as long as they stick to minor
repair work such as painting, yard work, etc. Bigger jobs require
a contractor's license. The Better Business Bureau says you have
limited recourse for damage done by an unlicensed contractor.
2. Ask for proof of liability and workers compensation insurance.
If the handyman you hire gets hurt on your property, you could be
liable for his medical bills. If he sustains long-term injuries,
you may incur indefinite liability.
3. Ask for at least three references, and check on them.
Be aware you could be calling a relative of the handyman - ask how
long the referral has known him/her, and what is the relationship.
4. Better yet, ask friends and neighbors for a recommendation. The
best handymen operate by word-of-mouth referrals. Ask at your local
mom & pop hardware store. Ask a widow. Ask the pickiest person
you know.
5. If you use the phone book to choose a handyman, take the time
to check with the local police for a criminal record. This might
require a fee and will only be for the area you are in.
6. Check with your local Better Business Bureau for a record of
complaints.
7. Get two to three estimates. Most people choose the middle bid.
A good recommendation is worth more than saving a little on the
bid.
8. Get a bid in writing, and signed. Make sure you know up front
what you are paying for; look to see if supplies are included in
the bid.
9. Do not agree to make a full payment up front. Do not pay the
entire amount until the work is completed satisfactorily.
10. Be reasonable and understanding when minor glitches occur, as
they almost always do.
Handyman Companies:
1. The biggest advantage to
you in hiring a handyman company is a savings in time. The company
has done criminal background checks on its employees. The company
is licensed and insured. This saves you considerable effort, and
gives you peace of mind.
2. Companies usually employ handymen with a significant amount of
experience and skill. Some require at least ten years in the trade
or construction profession in order to be hired.
3. Most companies guarantee satisfaction of the work done.
4. Employees in uniforms are well identified as part of the company.
5. Some guarantee their employee will show up on time - important
if you have taken the day off of work.
6. Most companies require employees to clean up after the work is
done, and even to wear surgical booties in the home.
Cautions:
1. Understand up front how the company
operates:
-Some give "assessments" over the phone, and will not
give free estimates on site.
-Some will give a traditional bid or contract up front. Others work
on a time plus materials basis (which can be two or three times
the independent.) A reputable company will train its employees to
alert the customer that a job will take longer than expected and
get your approval.
2. Check with the Better Business Bureau for complaints against
the company. A few complaints are normal. A large amount of frequent
complaints is a red flag.
3. Even though a company's trump card is its reputation, ask around
for anyone who has used the company and what their experience was.
Further Advice:
- Never hire the independent going
door to door, asking for work. It is likely a scam, or even a setup
for criminal activity.
- Be mindful that most independents
and companies charge mark-up costs for materials, from 20 to 100
per cent. This is not an unfair practice in an occupation where
the tradesman is only getting paid by the hour for the time he is
on the job, not for the time it takes to shop for materials (which
can be very time-consuming). Some companies offer to let you pick
up the materials to save you money, and most handymen will be glad
to offer specific advice in what you need to get for the job.
- Some communities have free home-improvement
programs for the elderly, or services at discounted rates. Check
with your local chamber of commerce, church or synagogue.
- Good handyman hourly rates range
from $30-45 per hour in the Southeast to $40-60 per hour in the
Northeast. (thanks John)
Now that you're armed with adequate
information and warnings, begin your search with confidence. Your
next step is to decide what jobs to prioritize, but that's a different
story.- E. E. Kane
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