Sometimes, there are repairs needed home that are challenging to do on our own. It’s true that today, you can find plenty of DIY videos and instructions online on how to fix things, such as dripping water pipes, clogged kitchen sinks, flickering light bulbs, and more. However, even if you think or feel that you’re up to the job of fixing them, it might still be a good idea to hire a handyman to solve those problems.
With these issues, you need to remember that jobs require not just knowledge and hands-on experience. It’s because fixing these things also needs special tools and spare parts. Therefore, instead of trying to learn how to carry out home repairs and spend time on discovering the things you would need, which can sometimes lead to a waste of money on tools that you may never use again, you can just simply call a handyman to do the job for you.
When it comes to hiring a handyman, there are also things you need to consider or do to be able to find the best one that will suit your needs at home. To help you, here are some of the best tips we can give for hiring a handyman.
Ask people you know for referrals.
It is a good idea to ask some of the people you know if they can refer a handyman that can make repairs in your home. This way, you can be confident that the person or service they will recommend is really good because they’ve experienced it first-hand. For example you can find a great handyman services indianapolis by searching and finding the right people to talk to.
Be specific about what you want the handyman to do.
Remember that handymen or contractors are not mind-readers. Therefore, you need to tell them exactly what you want. For example, if you need a handyman to paint your kitchen cabinets, you need to discuss with him the type and colors of paint you want, how many coats, and other details that you think are important. You can ask them for suggestions, but it will still depend on your final decision.
Send photos of what you want to fix or be done.
If you are searching for a handyman online, then taking photos and adding them to the task description is important. This way, those interested in taking the job would clearly understand what needs to be done.This will also help them assess what they need to do and give an accurate quote for the work.
Make sure that the professional has done the type of job you need before.
You also need to ensure that the handyman you are hiring is an expert when it comes to the type of job you need. It’s because he can be good at installing a garage door but has never done painting and installing trim molding. Therefore, before you hire someone, ask him first about his experience. Never go for someone who would use your home as a test project.
Never hire a handyman to do skilled work.
You can hire a handyman to do small repairs at home, such as changing a faucet, fixing small leaks, painting, installing patio bricks, etc. However, if you need a major plumbing job, electrical work, or heating and air-conditioning work, then you need to find other services for these things. Always make sure that you are hiring the right person for the job you need.
Check references and read reviews online.
If you are hiring handyman services online, it’s better to ask for references from former clients. You can also read online reviews to know if the handyman you’ll be hiring is efficient enough to do the tasks you require.
Test your new handyman out on smaller tasks first.
If you want to know how the handyman you hired works, you can test him out on minor tasks first. This way, you will see if the worker will show up on time, do the job well, and clean up after him/herself. If he passes all those tests, then you can move on to bigger tasks.
Know about licensing and insurance.
Licensing rules for handy work differ by municipality. There are cities where most seasoned handymen and handywomen are licensed, while in other cities, they may not be. Make sure that you ask for a copy of the license and then contact the local or state agency that issues them to verify if it is still valid.
Beware of door-to-door handyman services.
Sometimes there are people who would pose as legitimate home repair workers, which is a common trick for thieves. Remember that a good handyman doesn’t need to solicit door-to-door. Also, beware of those who would ask you to get building permits, want payment in cash, or pressure you in deciding. Always take your time.
Do not pay for work upfront.
Remember that a handyman usually does not ask for any down payments before starting the task. Also, if your project needs buying of expensive materials, it’s better to pay the supplier directly than giving the money to the handyman to purchase the materials you need.
Have the estimates written.
If the handyman you hired is not a skilled writer, then you can draft the contract or job list yourself. Include details and prices, and have him sign it if he can’t give you a written estimate. This can be used as a contractual agreement.
The lowest price is often not the best.
When choosing a handyman for home repairs, don’t just pick the lowest bid. As much as you can, resist your thrifty impulses when looking for the best handyman. It’s because those who ask way below the market rates might provide poor quality work or supplies, or there might be something fishy about the handyman himself.
These are some of the best tips we can give when it comes to hiring a handyman. We hope that these tips will help you in finding the perfect handyman that can help you with all the repairs and projects that need to be done in your home.