How to Choose Handyman Services, by Pattie Hughes

Handyman services offer help with the small and medium-sized jobs around your house that are too small for a contractor. Some of the services typically offered by a home handyman include remodeling the kitchen or bathroom, finishing the attic or basement, installing drywall or ceramic tile, hanging shelves, and building a deck or fence.

Most do painting, hang wallpaper and do other general home maintenance and carpentry tasks. Many offer electrical and plumbing services as well. If you have several small jobs, a handyman can usually handle all of them for you.

What to look for in a handyman

Choosing a handyman is an important decision. You want to find a person who you can trust and whose opinion you respect. A handyman who shows interest in your project will often be a good fit.

When you first meet with the person who will be doing the handyman services, you will gain some insight into whether the person is a good fit. A professional will help you come up with ideas and offer alternatives to help you get the job you want within the budget you have set. If the person talks down to you, or dismisses your ideas, you may want to look elsewhere.

Access to materials at discount rate

One of the biggest benefits of hiring a professional is they often have access to materials that are not available to the average homeowner. In other cases, they can get materials at a discounted rate, compared to what you would pay on your own.

Be sure the professional handy man you choose is able to manage your project from start to finish. This would include working with you in planning the project, choosing the right materials, offering suggestions and fitting the project within the agreed upon budget.

Make sure handyman is qualified

Some handymen can do the entire job, including plumbing and electrical. With others, you may need to hire and electrician or plumber separately. If it's a one man job, make sure the person is qualified to do the work. Having an unqualified person work on the electrical system or plumbing in your home can be dangerous, leading to fire or flooding. Ask if the person has done this type of work in the past. If you aren't completely comfortable, ask for references.

Get a written contract

There are several ways to find a home improvement professional. Ask friends or neighbors to give you a referral to someone they have used in the past. Some websites offer information on handymen. However you find the person, make sure they are licensed and qualified for the job they will be doing for you. Verify that the handyman has at least liability insurance before awarding the job. Get a signed agreement before the work starts. You want a detailed proposal of all the work to be done, including material costs. Be sure it includes cleaning up and removing all materials from your home.

A handyman who shows interest in your project will often be a good fit.

Pay up to half up front

Never pay for the whole job up front, especially with an unknown provider of handyman services. Usually, you will pay half down and the balance when the job is completed to your satisfaction. Paying half down allows the person to pay for the materials and protects you from fraud. Always get a receipt for each payment, so you can keep accurate records and have proof of payment.