All too often when it comes time to try to hire a local handyman, we are in a rush.  Things have been let go and now suddenly there is no more time – projects needs to be done soon before the house just about falls in around you.

When it gets to the “mission critical” point, we tend to act out of desperation rather than logic.  What happens?  We make assumptions that lead to bad judgments, and these bad decision usually result in inaccurate bids, miscommunication, poor planning, no written work agreement, and plenty of unforeseen problems all around.

To avoid problems and confusion – no matter what kind of emergency you are having – you need to not only put something in writing, but there are key elements that should be addressed no matter how simple you think the project will be.

1. Make sure a written estimate details the exact work you want done.  Don’t make any assumptions like, “Well, I know he means…”.   He doesn’t.  Clarify!
2. Have a definite start and finish date.
3. If the project isn’t going to finish on time, then what?  Don’t put yourself in a position where the kitchen still needs one wall painted and it’s a week overdue.  Decide how YOU want to handle a situation like this.  It usually entails a reduction in the overall price for the job.
4. Know ahead of time who is providing all supplies.  If the estimate says “paint bathroom white” you don’t want to assume the handyman is showing up with his own white paint.
5. What about any damage he might cause?  No matter how small a job is, all sorts of problems can occur.  His truck tires can rip up your front lawn, or he tracks the white paint all over your marble floors and leaves it there.  If he has no insurance (most freelancers don’t!), you need to figure out how damage will be repaired.
6. How will unforeseen problems be handled?  For instance, if he is patching some dry wall and he discovers mold – what then?
7. If he injures himself on your property – which is not out of the question! – this could be a major problem.   Have him sign a waiver so that he can’t sue you for accidents incurred on the job.  (Of course, if your dog bites him, that’s a different story!)
8. How will you handle additional expenses?  If he runs out of paint can he go buy more or does he wait for you to do it?
9. Who supplies all the tools?  Not all handymen have a complete tool set.
10. Payment! He wants to know when you plan on paying him, and that’s only fair.  Will he be paid no matter what, when the job is done?  What if he does a lousy job and you need to have it redone?  Outline all this!

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