How to Choose a Good Handyman
Ask friends and family members for referrals., Look for contractors online., Ensure that your contractor does not have any past or pending complaints., Procure estimates from several different handymen., Ensure that your contractor is insured., Make...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Ask friends and family members for referrals.
Perhaps the best way to locate a good handyman is by asking those close to you.
Many of them who own homes will have already established a relationship with a contractor, and will be able to recommend them or advise you against them.
This step will give you access to detailed, honest feedback about the contractor's performance. -
Step 2: Look for contractors online.
To augment the recommendations made by friends and family, search for handymen online.
Customer review websites like Yelp are helpful for assessing contractors, and specialized sites like Kudzu and Angie's List offer directories of service professionals like handymen.
Checking the contractor's own website is helpful, but reading third-party feedback is a better way to assess the quality and value of the contractor's work. , In the United States, you can check a small business using the Better Business Bureau's website.
If any major complaints have been registered against the contractor, you will be able to read the details of those complaints.
Check this site before calling a contractor to submit an estimate for your project. , Once you've found several potential contractors through referrals or online research, get several of them to come to your home and bid on your project.
This will allow you to meet them in person, determine whether or not they are punctual, and see how their pricing compares.
The lowest bid is of course attractive, but you may be more inclined to work with the contractor who was timeliest and most considerate. , Handymen are not typically required to be licensed, and bonding is not usually necessary on small home improvement jobs.
However, you should make sure your handymen has insurance.
Some form of general liability insurance is essential, as is worker's compensation insurance if the handymen employs other workers.
These forms of insurance can protect you from liability if there is an accident on your property. , Even for a small job, you should request a contract if it is your first time dealing with the handyman.
A contract will protect you if the contractor fails to perform the work as specified. -
Step 3: Ensure that your contractor does not have any past or pending complaints.
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Step 4: Procure estimates from several different handymen.
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Step 5: Ensure that your contractor is insured.
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Step 6: Make sure your handyman is willing to detail the project in a written contract.
Detailed Guide
Perhaps the best way to locate a good handyman is by asking those close to you.
Many of them who own homes will have already established a relationship with a contractor, and will be able to recommend them or advise you against them.
This step will give you access to detailed, honest feedback about the contractor's performance.
To augment the recommendations made by friends and family, search for handymen online.
Customer review websites like Yelp are helpful for assessing contractors, and specialized sites like Kudzu and Angie's List offer directories of service professionals like handymen.
Checking the contractor's own website is helpful, but reading third-party feedback is a better way to assess the quality and value of the contractor's work. , In the United States, you can check a small business using the Better Business Bureau's website.
If any major complaints have been registered against the contractor, you will be able to read the details of those complaints.
Check this site before calling a contractor to submit an estimate for your project. , Once you've found several potential contractors through referrals or online research, get several of them to come to your home and bid on your project.
This will allow you to meet them in person, determine whether or not they are punctual, and see how their pricing compares.
The lowest bid is of course attractive, but you may be more inclined to work with the contractor who was timeliest and most considerate. , Handymen are not typically required to be licensed, and bonding is not usually necessary on small home improvement jobs.
However, you should make sure your handymen has insurance.
Some form of general liability insurance is essential, as is worker's compensation insurance if the handymen employs other workers.
These forms of insurance can protect you from liability if there is an accident on your property. , Even for a small job, you should request a contract if it is your first time dealing with the handyman.
A contract will protect you if the contractor fails to perform the work as specified.
About the Author
Marie Stevens
Specializes in breaking down complex crafts topics into simple steps.
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