Top 10 Handyman Services in El Cerrito, CA
Top questions to ask before hiring a handyman
Handymen are hired to do many various home improvement tasks. Some are general tradesmen, who have a variety of experiences. Others have licenses and training in electrical work or plumbing. The key is asking what their level of experience is for the type of work you need done. Before you call a handyman, know what you need done along with any important details. You'll want an in-home consultation so that you can walk through the project.
Handyman licensing varies from state to state however it's a good question to ask your handyman. You'll also want to verify the dollar amounts for their surety bond (a third party that can cover payments in case the handyman doesn't pay subcontractors or employees) as well as insurance (in case they damage your property or injure themselves).
After the handyman has had a chance to walk through the project, have him or her outline the scope of work. The details of the project, including labor, materials, supplies, rental equipment, or subcontractors, should be listed as separate line items. If you are on a tight budget or timeline, this is the time to discuss options or alternatives for your project. If the project is small, like hauling debris or performing minor repair work, the handyman should request payment when the job is complete. For larger projects that require ordering of materials or multiple subcontractors, it's more common to pay a deposit.
Obtaining proper permits for home improvement is the responsibility of the homeowner. But very often professional file the permits on behalf of the homeowner and should have a good understanding of the process. When the structure of the home is altered, or when changes are made to the electrical system or gas lines, you may need to file a permit. Discuss your particular project with your handyman and ask if a permit is required.
A good handyman should be happy to share references. Anywhere from three to five past clients should be able to give you a good idea about the handyman's work style, ability to get the job done, and the satisfaction when the job is complete. If a homeowner wasn't satisfied with the handyman, be sure you ask specifically why. Sometimes miscommunication can contribute to unsatisfied customers.
Recent reviews for El Cerrito Handymen
Johnny changed my front door deadbolt and door knob, re-keyed my garage door, and re-programmed my garage remotes. He was flexible about the time he had to arrive and was very professional. Johnny is great and I will recommend him to family and friends.
Great work done, very fast, professional and efficient; will reuse.
Johnny changed my front door deadbolt and door knob, re-keyed my garage door, and re-programmed my garage remotes. He was flexible about the time he had to arrive and was very professional. Johnny is great and I will recommend him to family and friends.
I AM SO IMPRESSED. Charming, intelligent, punctual, talented, INCREDIBLE VALUE, trustworthy, professional... I mean, there are so many words to use about his class, his skill, and his demeanor. He's truly a gentleman and class act, his pricing is of great...
The gentlemen were prompt, efficient, effective and professional.
Diran helped me on some tasks, mainly replacing two outdoor wall-mounted lighting fixtures and installing a programmable light switch. The switch was tricky because it was a 3 way setup. But he managed to install it, applied caulking. Would do busin...
Jose and Kevin did a great drywall job. We are already planning other jobs in our home for Jose to do.
Great work and very personable. Willing to go the extra mile and get the job done. Very satisfied.
One side of our garage door was lifting higher than the other, making it look lopsided. Daniel checked the cables and found that one had frayed, throwing off the balance. He replaced both cables and ensured even tension. The door now moves evenly, and we ...
One day, our garage door opener just stopped responding to the remote. Kevin and Jason came out and discovered that the receiver was malfunctioning. They replaced it, reprogrammed our remotes, and now the opener works better than ever. The whole process w...
Everything You Need to Know About El Cerrito Handyman Services
I have Handyman Services work that I need done in El Cerrito. What should my budget be?
Our data on recent handyman projects in El Cerrito shows that larger handyman services projects in city are often upwards of $179.00. However, this price depends on a number of factors. Cost can increase or decrease based on any/all of the following:
- Location: handymen travel time may factor into the budget.
- Cost of materials. This is an important factor of your handyman services project budget. You can purchase materials yourself, but remember that your handyman professional maybe be able to leverage relationships with other companies to save on material costs.
- Company ratings: Highly-rated handymen tend to be more expensive. Decide what balance between ratings and cost is right for you.
As always, every project is different and you should contact multiple handymen throughout El Cerrito to ensure your project is done right.
How does invoicing/payment work for most Handyman projects in El Cerrito?
Every project differs, but you should ask any handyman for an estimate, before they do any work. In fact, ask for their general payment terms before any handyman services work is done.
If the job is large and going to take longer than a day, it's common practice for handymen to request a down payment. Usually, this will be around 25% so they can commence work on your handyman project.
If it's a quick job, you'll likely be given an invoice/bill when the job is complete. Then it's up to you and the handyman to determine if you pay immediately or can send payment at a later date.
What should I check for once my Handyman in El Cerrito has finished working?
Every handyman services project is going to have different results, but here are a few things to check for once any handyman services company has told you they've finished the job:
- Obviously you want to do a visual inspection. Even if you're unfamiliar with handyman services work, this gives you the opportunity to ask questions (even basic ones like, what did you do?).
- Ask the handyman to describe what they did. Whether your handyman services project was a repair job or a building job, have them run you through what was done.
- Compare the description provided on your handyman services project estimate to the work completed. Did the professional do what was promised?
- Request that the handyman do a follow-up visit to check on the work. Most professionals are willing to do this, especially if you ask them.
