Articles and tips about handyman topics, of interest to homeowners.
Before hiring a general contractor, do your research. This will ensure that you are hiring a reliable, competent firm who can complete the task for which you are hiring them. Use this list as a guide.
Loose banisters, a hole in a wall, a closet door that doesn't shut right, a rotted board in the back porch. These are the tiresome little problems that can drive a homeowner crazy. In days long gone, we all knew a local person we could call to fix such small, tedious problems.
As many homeowners know, small repairs and fixes around the house can add up quickly. Most people don't want to call a plumber out to their house simply to fix a leaky faucet, or have a carpenter make a special trip to tighten a loose kitchen cabinet. So how can a homeowner make the most of a visit by a handyman or woman?
Q: How can I avoid an expensive service call for a simple repair?
Loose banisters, rotted steps, a door that won't latch -- little problems are often big headaches for homeowners. Contractors don't seem interested in returning calls for small repairs, let alone actually making the repairs. Many people used to rely on some nice, retired fellow down the block who was happy to make small repairs for a modest hourly rate, but times have changed. Modern licensing and insurance rules have cut back on the number of "casual" handymen.
Finding a contractor or handyman to fix small repairs can be a challenge. This checklist provides some tips to make your search easier.
Handymen are often unlicensed but have long-established, trusting relationships with regular customers. These days more and more licensed companies are getting into the handyman business, and though they may charge more than the old neighborhood handyman, these companies are still handy for small jobs, especially if you save up the tasks. Home Advisor can help connect you with a handyman in your area.
Your handyman or repair person doesn't seem prepared with the proper tools or equipment, thus he/she ends up charging you more for extra time due to frequent trips to the hardware store.
In most states it is not necessary to use a licensed contractor if your project cost is under $300-$500 (depending on the state).