A Step-by-Step Guide to Hiring a Handyman for the First Time

You’re a responsible homeowner enough to realize that you’ll need to pay someone to assist you to fix a few things now and again because you can’t handle it all alone.

Make a list of your issues.

The easiest method to make excellent use of a handyman is to organize your duties into a list. Many handymen charge by the task or by the hour, so bundling a number of activities into one day can save you money. A handyman will usually come to your property and fix numerous separate objects; you pay for materials and by the hour, so it’s worth it to try to combine those activities into a single time block.

However, even though we live in a time where everyone is always eager to get the greatest deal, be wary of haggling.

Contractor vs. handyman

Make sure the jobs you need to do call for a handyman rather than a contractor. A contractor is a certified professional who specializes in a particular field, such as plumbing, electrical work, or jobs that necessitate the use of heavy machinery. If the project is hard, time-consuming, or requires specialized knowledge, you should hire a contractor rather than a handyman.

A handyman’s scope is broader; some have formal training and specialize in a specific area, while others can perform a wide range of home improvement tasks. Some Handyman Winnetka specializes in specific house maintenance tasks, such as tiling, carpentry, or painting. While most states do not need handymen to get a license, others do require them to register and pay a fee.

Before you engage a handyman, do some research to see if your project requires the services of a contractor. A handyman can help you with simple jobs around the house, such as:

Installing shelves in cabinets: A handyman can easily install extra shelving in your kitchen cabinets if you need it.

Hanging pictures or curtains: While you can install window treatment hardware and hang pictures yourself, hiring a handyman will ensure that these activities are completed accurately and safely.

Painting: A handyman is definitely your best bet, whether it’s a whole room or simply a touch-up job for some scratches on the wall. However, if you need your entire house painted, hiring a painting crew may be a better option.

Caulking: Homeowners often overlook aging caulking in their homes and replacing it with new caulking around windows, doors, and siding is a great way to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Hire a handyman to spruce up your entryways and windows while saving money on your utility bill.

Gutter cleaning: Gutter cleaning is required anywhere from twice a year to regularly, depending on where you reside. Although it isn’t a difficult task, getting on the roof poses a risk to your safety. Save yourself the trouble and hire a handyman with experience and equipment.

Make some inquiries.

When you’ve identified the handyman, you want to hire, make sure to do some background research on them. Look for public reviews of them on Google or elsewhere, and always ask for references from past projects they’ve completed. It’s a red signal if someone isn’t on the Internet or can’t provide you with any references.

Real estate agencies are also a good place to look for and hire a handyman. They frequently keep lists of contractors and handymen with whom they operate. Also, they keep track of who is providing quality service. 

Make some inquiries.

When you’ve identified the handyman, you want to hire, make sure to do some background research on them. It’s a red signal if someone isn’t on the Internet or can’t provide you with any references.