Whether your next remodeling project is to replace a kitchen sink or bathroom vanity, have new windows installed, or do a range of home improvement jobs, working with a local handyman can help make your job go a lot faster and safer. Most local handymen know where the best places to get materials, how to do the best job, and know how to get the job done right. They are also familiar with neighborhood homes. A local handyman is also in tune with the demands of neighborhood homeowners as they are first on the scene for routine maintenance requests. They also have good connections in the construction community, which means they have even more helpful resources to call upon when you really need them.
So, how do you go about finding a local handyman to help with your residential or commercial projects? There are a few things you can do to help yourself and the contractor you are working with. It goes without saying that if you want quality work done, you will want to deal with a licensed professional who has a track record for being on time, completing projects on time, and providing prompt customer service. While it is certainly possible to find someone who will do a poor job, or have an irregular schedule, most handymen who have been performing repairs for a while will have established a good reputation and stick by their word.
The key to choosing the right contractor starts with knowing what you want done. Do you need new windows installed? Are you having an electrical problem fixed? Are you having a plumbing issue fixed? Any type of repair requires that you have a reliable contractor who knows how to handle whatever comes up. If you require an emergency repair, such as a roof leak, it is important to choose a local handyman who can come to your home in a timely manner, whether it is to fix a small repair or to finish a larger project.
One important factor when choosing a long-term home improvement contractor is to make sure they have references. Call each contractor to inquire about any and all references. You should also ask how long they have been working with homeowners like you. This can be determined by asking how long they have been doing residential work or business projects in your area, and it can also be determined by asking how many clients they serve. Most good handymen will have a website where you can view previous jobs and client testimonials.
When you are speaking with your local handyman, you may want to request that they provide a general liability policy. This will help protect both you and the contractor. For example, if you accidentally injured your guest while in their home, the local handyman would have a responsibility to make sure that you were able to get medical attention. If you were injured in an accident as a result of poor workmanship, the general liability policy of the local handyman would cover any and all medical and other related costs for you and your guest.
In addition to general liability coverage, a handyman should also have home repair and plumbing services listed on their business cards. Even if you are not familiar with home repairs and plumbing, it is often advisable to hire a professional to do small odd jobs around the house such as replacing light bulbs, cleaning the bathroom and changing the oil in your vehicle. Doing small home repairs yourself can result in accidents, delays and wasted time. The general contractor is more likely to complete the work properly and on time. This can often mean the difference between a successful home renovation project and one that failing months later because the homeowner was not careful and didn’t have the right people around him or her to guide them through the rough waters.