How to Choose a Handyman Service

Whether your home improvement project is large or small, choosing the right handyman service is an important step in the process. Thoroughly analyzing your options increases the chances of picking a reputable, high-quality handyman. Choosing the cheapest handyman isn't necessarily the best idea. Paying more for a handyman service that completes the job the right way with high-quality materials saves money down the road. Poor workmanship increases the likelihood that the project will need to be redone in the future.

Instructions

1. Ask acquaintances for recommendations. Pay particular attention to people who have actually used a handyman service. Ask questions about the cost, efficiency and quality of work performed by their recommendations.

2. Contact the recommendations to conduct a brief phone screening. Ask if they perform the type of project you need completed and if they currently have a long wait for services. Schedule a consultation and estimate for the project if they pass your phone screening.

3. Prepare a list of questions specific to your project for the consultation. Questions might include the time line, payment policies, typical method of handling the project and the types of materials used. Verify that the handyman service is insured and bonded. Check on how long the company has been in business. Request a list of references from past clients.

4. Contact the references provided by each potential handyman service. Ask them about the quality of work performed, how quickly the job was performed and their overall satisfaction with the company. Make notes about each company for later reference.

5. Contact the Better Business Bureau to see if the handyman service is registered or has had any complaints against it.

6. Compare all of the estimates, references and answers from your questions for all of the potential handyman services. Rule out a company that comes in significantly lower than the rest. This is potentially a sign of poor workmanship and is often a red flag to choose someone else.

Tips & Warnings

• A spreadsheet highlighting the deciding factors allows you to compare the potential handyman services side by side.

• Contact at least three to five companies to get a good range of estimates before hiring a handyman service.

• Always get the terms of the agreement in writing.

• Avoid a handyman service that requires cash payments.

References

• 10 Tips for Choosing a Reliable Contractor