What to do before hiring a handyman?

• Ask for some references and then contact them.

It wouldn’t be a big deal if family or friends recommended a handyman. However, when you were chosen through an online ad, newspaper ad, or by mail, it is critical to ask for references, as you will be working from within a home.

• Ask the maintenance staff about their experience and ability.

How long have you been in this line of work? What jobs do you specialize in? What are your favorite jobs? Questions should be direct so that owners know if this person is capable of other work. For example, if they like me to do a particular job, like putting up adjustable shelving in the garage, it’s important to know if the handyman is capable of other crafts. When owners are comfortable with the maintenance staff, they can assign other tasks, either the same day or later.

• More information on licensing and registration …

The licensing and registration rules for home repair contractors differ from state to state and must be followed by any handyman. Since the ‘craft’ jobs that intersect with other crafts are a bit small, the laws pertaining to builders and contractors may not apply to handymen in a particular area. For example, some rules depend on the average job size; others on the annual income of the contractor and there are states that require a license for each contractor, while some states do not require anything. The rules in some large metropolitan areas can literally vary from block to block. Other states agree to follow local governments. All of these can be very confusing!

To find out the licensing requirements in a particular area, residents can ask their local building inspector / city hall.

• How does a handyman put a price on his work? Do you offer estimates? Do you charge by the hour / half hour?

This is an issue that may be partially regulated by the local or state government. There are states that require a written quote for jobs that cost more than a certain dollar figure. In this way, consumers are protected from dishonest contractors who submit an estimate and then manage to charge significantly more.

Many operators charge by the hour with a minimal charge. Homeowners should take note of the hourly rates for a handyman. Some handymen charge an hourly rate due to popularity and overhead, to name a few.

In reality, there is little or no connection between the hourly rate and the skill of the maintenance personnel. Most of the time, the prices are not based on an esoteric formula, but on what the market will be able to support, as well as on the rates of the competition.

It would be a bit scary to give anyone authority. If they like to spend more on the job listing, they should inform their handyman beforehand. He can make them understand what is needed, what could go well and, above all, what could go wrong, what would make them go beyond their budget. When both parties are honest with their exchange of information, there will be no more surprises.