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.

Everything You Need to Know About Jackson Handyman Services

Should I hire handymen with lower ratings in Jackson to save money?

The type of handyman company that you should hire really depends on the difficulty and specifications of your project. Keep in mind that lower ratings could be a sign of unsuccessful jobs or simply that the professional or company has not done many jobs quite yet. Either way, you will still want to contact any Handymen you are considering and inquire about their work history. There are plenty of great Handymen in Jackson that have very few or low ratings.

For example, right now in Jackson there are:

    How do I know I am getting a fair price for Handyman Services work in Jackson?

    Every Handyman Services job has different requirements. Remember that the price will differ depending on the scope of your project. However, that doesn't mean you have to go in blind. Check out our tips for getting a fair price for Jackson work from Handymenbelow:

    • Talk to a few different Handymen and ask for quotes to compare. We have around 50 professionals and companies in Jackson for you to compare.
    • Before contacting a company, check out the ratings and reviews from previous customers to learn what others have paid, how long the Handymen took on the job, and how satisfied they were.

    What should I check for once my Handyman in Jackson 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.

    Latest projects near Jackson

    Recent projects booked on Porch
    Jackson 83001
    Furnace Installation
    Start Date
    Within a month
    Type of project
    Installation or replacement
    Type of installation or repair
    Home heating
    Type of heating to install
    Furnace
    Furnace project type
    Replace an existing furnace
    Know furnace they want
    No, and I'd like the pro to make a recommendation
    Furnace fuel source
    Electricity
    Furnace install location
    Basement
    Who removes old furnace
    I'd like the pro to do it
    Approximate home square footage
    1000-2000 sq ft
    Number of stories tall
    Two floors
    Jackson 83001
    Cabinet Installation
    Start Date
    Within a month
    Service type
    Replace cabinets
    Already purchased cabinets
    No
    Number of cabinets to install
    1 to 4
    Where to install cabinets
    Kitchen
    Cabinet removal needed
    Yes, I'd like someone to do it for me
    Part of remodel project
    No
    Jackson 83001
    Thermostat Replacement and Repair
    Comments from Customer
    I would like to get an estimate for thermostat installation.
    Jackson 83001
    Drywall Repair
    Start Date
    Within a week
    Project type
    Repair existing drywall
    Amount to repair
    More than one area the size of a quarter or larger
    Surfaces to repair
    Walls
    Any repair above 15ft
    No
    Jackson 83001
    Deck Repair
    Start Date
    I'm flexible
    Type of deck
    Cedar
    Areas of deck to repair
    Decking or deck surface
    Deck damage
    Warping or water damage, Needs to be refinished, Rotting, cracked or missing boards
    Severity of damage
    Minor (the deck just needs cosmetic repairs)
    Filing insurance claim
    I'm not sure
    Already have deck materials
    No, and I'd like the pro to provide them
    Jackson 83001
    Shower Installation
    Start Date
    I'm flexible
    Floor plan changes
    No
    Paint or wallpaper too
    No
    Move or replace tub or shower
    Yes
    Move or replace toilet
    No
    Move or replace sink
    No
    Update or replace countertops or backsplash
    No
    Update or replace cabinets or vanity
    No
    Update or replace flooring
    No
    Type of tub or shower
    Walk-in tile or stone shower