A little drywall patch here, a leaky faucet there — your “honey-do” list is piling up and it’s time to enlist the help of a local handyman who can help you out.
We may know some surefire red flags to avoid when starting the handyman search — high-pressure sales tactics and door-to-door solicitation, for example, are clear signs to run in the other direction. But do you know which questions to ask once your potential new handyman has passed this important “red flag test?” Just a few simple, direct questions should guide your local handyman selection process and help you choose a home maintenance professional who is well-equipped to tackle your “honey-do” list.
Which important questions should you ask the local handyman?
- “Are you licensed and registered?” If the handyman is not licensed or registered with the proper government bodies such as a consumer affairs division, you could be left holding the bag if the job is not completed to your satisfaction. Licensing and registration ensures that customer and handyman alike have backing and protection if something goes awry.
The laws dictating who needs to be licensed vary from state to state. In Connecticut, a handyman needs a license if the job in question costs more than $200. Search the state’s online database to confirm that the handyman holds a license. In New York, licensing is handled at the local level and varies from town to town. - “Can I speak to your references?” No testimony is stronger than the direct experiences of satisfied customers. Ask your potential new handyman for recent customers who are willing to share their experience. It’s also important to do your due diligence online by reading reviews on the handyman’s website, social media pages or a third-party site such as HomeAdvisor, Google, Angie’s List or Houzz. While consulting references, be sure to obtain answers about accuracy, cleanliness, costs, timeliness and overall satisfaction with the completed work.
- “What type of experience do you have?” While the term “handyman” usually implies a jack-of-all-trades home improvement professional, it’s entirely possible that this person has more refined skill or more in a select area. Ask your potential new handyman about the type of work he or she has completed in the past. If your job involves drywall repair and the bulk of the handyman’s experience is in electrical work, you may need to find a closer match.
- “Do you have insurance?” An insured handyman is equipped to properly handle issues that could arise on the job, from workers’ compensation to liability. Just like proper licensing and registration, insurance provides protection for you, your property and the repairs you’re paying hard-earned money to complete so you don’t end up paying more than you bargained for. Even if insurance isn’t required – the guidelines vary from state to state – an insured handyman is properly equipped to address any issues that may open along the way.
- “Can you provide a written estimate?” A good, reliable and honest handyman will not hesitate to provide a written estimate for your project. Not only will you have proof of the estimate if needed, but a willingness to commit to a price range is a mark of integrity and reliability in a field where many are wary of scams and rip-offs.
HomeSquare is the trusted, local handyman service you’ve been looking for
Tales of incomplete tasks, projects done incorrectly and drawn-out and disruptive schedules certainly cause headaches and heartaches, but these five important questions reduce the possibility of ending up in that situation in the first place. Without these answers, you may fall victim to poor-quality work and out-of-control bills just to have to conduct the interview process over again with another, more reputable home maintenance company.
“They were knowledgeable, professional, respectful and more importantly very pleasant people to work with. In addition, they did a great job promptly.” – Shirley L., Cos Cob CT
By asking these questions, you can save yourself time, money and headache by identifying the right professional the first time around. You can quickly judge character, professional ethics and work quality by speaking to references and reading reviews online. A written estimate keeps you and your handyman on track as the work progresses. The backing and security provided by licensing, registration and insurance provides the proper protection if something were to veer off track.
Whether you need electrical services or deep cleaning, HomeSquare’s home maintenance professionals have the proper training and experience to complete your projects correctly and to your satisfaction. And we’re backed by positive reviews from dozens of satisfied customers to boot. Contact us to learn more about the services HomeSquare offers!
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