Some handymen actually have their own pre-printed contracts and/or work agreements, and that’s fine.  These can be edited as necessary.  Usually it’s only the larger companies and service bureaus that have this kind of paperwork, and the freelancers are typically more than happy to sign whatever you make up yourself.

The type of job at hand should dictate the detail put into the work agreement.  If you expect someone to paint your living room, for instance, this may sound like a very simple job but in reality there are many things to be considered and agreed up before the painting begins:  who moves the furniture, who buys the paint, how many coats, is repair work to the walls included in the bid, what happens if there is any damage done (spilled paint on hardwood floors, etc.)…these are all concerns best not left till later.

As a matter of courtesy it’s always a good idea to figure out ahead of time what to do with any pets when the handyman comes to do the job.  Not everyone loves or even wants to deal with animals, so it’s a good idea to have a frank discussion with your handyman as to what his interest might be with having your cats supervise his every move, or Fido yapping away for hours at a time.  For someone who has no tolerance for pets or animals at all, you may want to find someone who understands the passions of pet lovers and won’t mind them around.

Another thing to check on – even before you commit to the project – is whether you need a building permit to do the job.  Many homeowners try to use hire a good handyman knowing it will cost less than a fully licensed contractor in many cases, but when a job requires a building permit, the job needs to be completed by a licensed contractor or your job won’t be approved.  This is not an area where you can try to cut corners.  If you need repair work to your roof, even though a handyman might be able to do an excellent job, you really need to hire a licensed roofing contractor, not a handyman.

It will behoove you to find out what your local ordinances dictate before making a commitment to anyone for any major work.

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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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Domestic household mechanisms have to be attended to immediately once they encounter a problem as the malfunction can cause further damage and increase the overall cost of repairs. A certified handyman is proficient in home repair, and is able to fix a variety of fixtures, gadgets and appliances. The handyman who is skilled in home repairs can take care of different plumbing problems, malfunction of electrical units and switches and different repairs connected with woodwork and cement walls.

Handyman home repair usually deals with problems related with plumbing and drainage. Leaking faucets, blocked drainages, broken pipes, malfunctioning flushes are some of the things that a handyman repairs frequently in most houses. Plumbing repairs form a major portion in most handyman jobs, and he is called in frequently to set right the shower or when the water pressure is just not right.

Another major area which requires frequent handyman home repair is electrical fixtures and appliances. There is always the fused bulb or a shot wiring after a thunderstorm. Electrical appliances also have their own quirks and can suddenly malfunction for no apparent reason. This is an area which can be dangerous for DIY enthusiasts, as you are dealing with electricity which can kill, if you do not take adequate precautions and have adequate knowledge about its working. A handyman is qualified to do these repairs and can save a lot of time and effort on your part.

Apart from plumbing and electrical problems, handyman home repair takes care of damaged walls, broken tiles, eroded weatherproofing, creaking doors and jammed drawers. A good handyman is proficient in masonry and carpentry skills and can repair and plaster walls with cracks, remove damaged tiles and lay new ones, and attend to any weatherproofing which is required for the house structure.

Handyman home repair can just be a phone call away or you can register on a website and post your problem and have a reliable handyman come and repair it for you at a reasonable hourly rate.

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A certified handyman will hold some certificate of a course which shows that he is proficient in his particular skill set. Getting a certified handyman, you are sure that the job is in good hands and it will be completed efficiently without any mishaps. A certification means that the person has undergone some course that has taught him the skills required for the job.

One of the well known certificate programs is HVAC which shows proficiency in refrigeration and air conditioning repairs and maintenance. The person has to pass various tests and competency checks before he is awarded this certificate. The candidate also has to prove his skills in front of a qualified technician before he gets his certification. Such a certified handyman will be thorough with all the fundamentals and safety requirements of the job at hand, and will complete the job efficiently and in a timely manner. A handyman certified by HVAC will be competent enough to repair and maintain air-conditioning and heating units and also install refrigeration units.

A handyman holding a certificate of a collective organisation also has importance. For example the Association of Certified Handyman Professionals (ACHP) is an organisation which provides certification to handyman, by which they are able to learn about different techniques and tools of their trade. They also have the opportunity to network different resources with other members of the organisation and get their names listed in the respective local areas as certified handymen. A handyman who is certified by ACHP, has to pass an online verification exam and also adhere to a code of ethics in their trade. People prefer to employ a handyman certified by such organisations, as they know there is a very good chance of getting an honest and efficient handyman.

A certification always increases the value of the handyman and he may charge a little bit more than an uncertified handyman. Although a little more costly it is always better to employ a certified handyman as it will prove economical in the long run. There are much lesser chances of any mishaps with a certified handyman and also the job gets done as it should be.

If you are posting your project on a website to invite bids, give preference to a certified handyman even if his quotation is a bit more than the others.

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