Top 10 Handyman Services in San Rafael, 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 San Rafael Handymen
We woke up to find that our garage door was stuck open and wouldn’t budge. Alex inspected the opener and found that the motor had overheated. He replaced the damaged part, tested the system, and now our garage door opens and closes effortlessly again!
Our garage door was getting stuck halfway every time we tried to close it. Mark arrived quickly, inspected the tracks, and found that a bent rail was causing the issue. He carefully adjusted it, lubricated the rollers, and now the door moves smoothly agai...
The gentlemen were prompt, efficient, effective and professional.
WHAT A JOKE. We hired them to wallpaper a bedroom and a bathroom; I'm experienced in wallpapering, but pregnant so figured we'd hire a pro to make sure the nursery was perfect. The first day he showed up (late) and said the job would take 3.5 hours. He le...
We contacted these guys to do a multi project deal which included a 260 linear feet fence project, decking, and exterior painting for our 3000 sq ft home which turned out to be the best and beyond what my wife and i had expected since the quote was under ...
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.
Excellent value. Excellent responsiveness in communication. Excellent work quality.
The Fix It Guy's work exceeded my expectations. They were friendly and professional.
Jorge assembled my trampoline, he was on time, very professional and fast... I will definitely use him again
Jorge Duran called me and told me he worked for Porch and wanted to do the work I needed done. I asked him if he had ever worked on the siding of a mobile home and he said he had. He was the only person who called me and he presented himself as a kind a...
Everything You Need to Know About San Rafael Handyman Services
What should I check for once my Handyman in San Rafael 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.
How does invoicing/payment work for most Handyman projects in San Rafael?
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.
I have Handyman Services work that I need done in San Rafael. What should my budget be?
Our data on recent handyman projects in San Rafael 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 San Rafael to ensure your project is done right.
