12 Tips for Finding a Home Handyman From the Winnebago County Older Adult Collaborative Group https://www.co.winnebago.wi.us/health
Common handymen jobs:
Minor plumbing repair, like a leaky Replacement of broken or cracked faucet glass Installing basic plumbing fixtures, Replacing a thermostat such as faucets or toilets Installing a mailbox Installing ceiling fans Cabinet repair Small paint jobs such as touch ups Bathroom caulking or grouting Drywall repair Fixing a loose hinge Caulking windows, doors, and siding Adding locks to doors Cleaning gutters Minor exterior repairs Installing light fixtures Sealing decks and porches Door installation
*Please note that not all handymen are carpenters, electricians, or plumbers.
#1 Make a list of the work you need done. List exactly what you want a handyman to accomplish before you contact one. Be upfront with what you expect, so the handyman can determine if your requests are within his abilities. Don’t throw in any surprises mid-way through the job.
#2 Search local resources to find reliable candidates. Word of mouth is key. Check with your local home improvement store, ask your friends and neighbors, your real estate agent, people at your church, or your hair stylist.
#3 Watch for scams – there are lots of them out there. Check with your local police department and the Better Business Bureau.
#4 Get good reliable local references. Check with your local city government office that handles building, construction, and permits to make sure they're a familiar face there (if you're getting work done that requires permits) or that there aren't any outstanding complaints / pending legal issues with the handyman from City Hall's perspective. Your local building or code inspector will have a good idea of who does good work, and who can barely pass inspection (or doesn't bother to get inspections done). Do a background check by searching for the individual and/or business name at: https://wcca.wicourts.gov/simpleCaseSearch
#5 Get your cost estimates and a plan for both labor and materials ahead of time. Generally speaking, an estimate should be within 10% of the actual cost.
#6 Interview your candidates either in person or by phone Questions to ask include: Experience Is this an individual or team job? If a team job, will the same team be doing the entire job? Who do they employ and have background checks been done? How many jobs are they working on? Where would your project be on their list? Timelines
#7 Make sure your handyman is licensed, bonded, and insured. Handyman licensing varies from state to state, however it's a good question to ask your handyman. You'll also want to verify the dollar amounts for their surety bond (a third party that can cover payments in case the handyman doesn't pay subcontractors or employees) as well as insurance (in case they damage your property or injure themselves).
#8 Determine whether city permits and inspections are needed. For more information call your local city, village or town inspector.
#9 Make sure you’re comfortable with how they price their work. Do they expect to be paid by the hour? Are they willing to be paid or by the job? This needs to be settled before any work is started and especially before any supplies or parts are ordered.
#10 Establish a schedule for the work to be done. Be very clear on start and finish dates, as well as, communication regarding changes or delays.
#11 Get a contract in writing. With a written agreement there will be no confusion, miscommunication, or forgotten details. Not only will you be clearly defining what’s expected, but in the event that your handyman doesn’t hold up his end of the bargain, you will have documented proof. Some handymen will ask for a reasonable deposit, however, DO NOT PAY FOR THE JOB IN FULL UNTIL WORK IS COMPLETED TO YOUR SATISFACTION! You want a handyman that stands behind his work. Guarantees or warranties of workmanship will vary depending on the type of work that’s to be done. If it’s in writing that your handyman will take care of quality issues or workmanship failures for a specified amount of time at no charge, then your level of protection and recourse better — especially if the legal system becomes involved.
#12 Inspect the work If you are not comfortable doing it on your own, have a trusted family member or friend do a walk-thru with you.