Tips To Hiring A Handyman

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Are you in need of getting some projects done around the house and thinking of hiring a handyman? Having a relationship with a licensed and reliable handyman is a valuable resource. So, how do we develop such a relationship and what do we need to look out for?

First, What a Handyman Can and Cannot Do… Legally.

Handyman Exemption

A handyman who works under the amount of $1000 (this includes labor and material) does not need a license under the handyman exemption clause of the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.

A Licensed Handyman

If the scope of work is more than $1,000 the licensed handyman category, labeled R-62 Minor Home Improvements at the Arizona Registrar of Contractors, allows for more work to be done. The handyman working under the R-62 category cannot perform a job that exceeds $5000 or requires a permit. A handyman or handyman company with this type of license can perform remodeling repairs and improvements to existing structures. They cannot do structural work, like removing walls nor can they do anything with the electrical panel or plumbing work.

There are plenty of jobs a person working under the handyman exemption can do, but Ryan Hopkins of Handyman Connection tells us that if you want work done that requires a permit, electrical, plumbing, or remodeling work, it is necessary to find a contractor who is licensed and bonded in the right fields.

Finding the Right Handyman

The internet is a great tool for vetting everything under the sun. There are lots of ways to find a company and determine if they are a fit. Referrals by friends and neighbors can be a good starting point.

Here are some things you can do to vet your future handyman:

• Are they registered at the AZROC? Being licensed, bonded, and insured is more than just a marketing claim and are a must for any worker entering your home. Arizona licensing, bonding and insurance companies vet applicants. Licensing gives you, the homeowner, a necessary level of protection from shoddy workmanship to fraud.
• Testimonials and reviews – check review sources for reviews. Check to see if the reviews are recent. Are there issues mentioned? How was the issue handled? Did the contractor respond and was he concerned about providing a resolution?
• Experience – How long that person or company has been in business? Has he completed similar jobs?
• Interview. Before hiring a handyman service, have a conversation with them. Set an appointment for the interview and see if he shows up on time. Explain your project and make sure they can do that work.
• Ask for referrals. Talking with their past clients can provide you with great information to help in your decision-making process.
• Rosie’s Consumer Guide– these guides provide more information for choosing a contractor.

What kind of tasks can a handyman perform?

There are all manner of small projects that a handyman would be… well, handy for. We asked Ryan to give us a rundown on some of the projects the handyman branch of his company is asked to do:

• Changing smoke alarm batteries. With some of our cathedral and higher ceilings, this is not a small task for most of us. Having the right ladder and being able to climb it can be a challenge for us, but not for most handyman companies.
• Maintenance projects are popular from cleaning gutters and small painting projects such as touching up baseboards to flushing out the water heater tank. You can use your imagination.
• Aging-in-place projects. This can be as simple as adding grab bars to your shower or tub, to reworking a base cabinet to allow for wheelchair access. Widening a door opening may exceed the $1000 for an unlicensed handyman, but the $5000 limit for a licensed company would cover some of the larger aging-in-place projects you might need.
• Common requests for a handyman are to fix something that is not working like a door or window not closing properly, or things that are out of kilter. A handyman needs to be a skilled enough craftsman to identify the problem and resolve it.

If it doesn’t work, a qualified handyman can most likely fix it.

How do I prepare for a Handyman Visit?

Ryan tells us there is a fact-gathering process most handyman companies like his go through starting with the first phone call.

• Have as detailed a description of the work you want done as possible. Just saying “I need to have a ceiling fan installed” is not always enough. Tell them how high off the floor it is, if there is an existing fan or light fixture electrical box there*, do you have the fan, do you want the handyman to dispose of the old fixture?  Being detailed in your work description can save you money by saving the handyman time. *Note: If not, unless they have an electrical license, most handyman companies can’t do that.
• Taking pictures with your phone and sending them to the handyman is helpful. A picture is worth a thousand words, and maybe some dollars as well.
• If you are wanting something built, such as some display shelving, a photo from a magazine depicting the style you are seeking can be very helpful.
• Let the handyman know if you are supplying materials or are willing to. Be sure you have all the materials to perform the task or if not, let them know what they need to supply. Also, make sure you have enough to complete the task.

Using licensed, bonded, and insured handyman or contractors for any trade is a must. These minimal requirements are designed to protect you from many things including shoddy workmanship and fraud. As with all licensed companies a two-year warranty of the work performed is an Arizona law, and handyman companies are no exception.

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CONTENT PARTNER | HANDYMAN CONNECTION

Rosie Certified Partner, Ryan Hopkins of Handyman Connection, goes beyond the basic handyman scope of work. The Handyman Connection is also licensed to do remodeling work including being licensed to perform electrical and plumbing work. This vertically integrated company can certainly save you more than just more phone calls!

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• Handyman Connection