Even though you pride yourself on being a handyman there are some maintenance or renovation jobs you just cannot do. It may be that what is needed is outside of your field of expertise, it’s illegal for an unqualified tradesman to do it or it requires the tools that you don’t have and that are not worthwhile purchasing because you wouldn’t use them enough to get the value out of them. So when you have to hire a professional handyman here are some tips to ensure you get it right.
- Make sure the handyman can do the job you want done. Not all skilled handymen do all jobs, or they may not be qualified for all work, such as plumbing and electrical work.
- Ask them to show you their liability insurance as well as their other professional qualifications.
- Use someone local as long as they have all the qualifications you need. That way you will pay less for travelling time.
- Ask around to see if you can get recommendations on the quality of their work. They may even take before and after photos for their portfolio or website.
- Discuss the cost of the job and know if it includes the supplies needed. Work out whether it will be paid on a per hour or per job basis. A per job basis could be a better deal as you will know exactly what the amount will be. And a slow worker will not mean that the price goes up.
- Make sure there is a contract, but don’t sign it until you are sure you understand and agree with everything. Ask if they are responsible for council permits where necessary.
- Never pay in advance. However, with a long job it may be okay to pay it in instalments, especially if the supplies are costly.
- Ask for a warranty so you will be protected against poor workmanship.
- Never hire a handyman who comes to your door unasked, offering to do a job. These are more likely fly-by-night people who will not do a good job or will want payment upfront and then disappear without doing the job.
- Ask them how many other jobs they are currently working on. You may not want to wait for weeks until they finish. That said, a handyman with a wide customer base is almost sure to do good work.
Most professional handymen are bone fide and can be trusted to do a good job. However, by taking note of these tips you will protect yourself against the fraudsters who give the handyman trade a bad name. And you will have peace of mind that your renovation will be successfully completed
