Hiring a handyman for your home project is a big decision. While a great portfolio and confident interview can make a strong impression, one of the best ways to gauge a handyman’s reliability and quality of work is by checking their references. Here’s a detailed guide on how to contact and evaluate the references your potential handyman provides, including important questions to ask and red flags to watch out for.
This blog is part of our series on how to hire a reliable handyman – sharing everything you need to know to get the best handyman for your needs.
Why Checking References Matters
A good reference check can give you peace of mind and valuable insights into a handyman’s work ethic, reliability, and skill level. It’s a chance to hear directly from previous clients about their experiences, which can help you make a more informed choice. In some cases, what you learn from references can save you from hiring the wrong person for your project.
Preparing to Contact References
Before making the calls, it’s important to get organised and think about what you want to know. Here are a few tips:
- Have a List of Questions Ready: This will help keep the conversation on track.
- Check for Relevance: Ensure the references relate to projects similar to yours. If you’re looking for someone to fix a roof, it won’t help to hear about their brilliant painting work.
- Set Aside Time: Reference calls can take longer than expected, especially if previous clients have a lot to share.
Questions to Ask Handyman References
When you’re ready to contact references, ask detailed questions to get a clear picture of the handyman’s work. Here’s a guide to some of the most effective questions:
1. What Type of Work Did They Complete for You?
- Listen carefully to see if the project matches the kind of work you need done. This will help you understand if the handyman’s experience is relevant.
2. Were You Satisfied with the Quality of the Work?
- Ask for specifics. If they mention the work was “excellent” or “satisfactory,” dig a bit deeper. For instance, ask what specifically impressed them or if there were any aspects that fell short.
3. Did the Handyman Stick to the Agreed Budget and Timeline?
- This question will reveal if there were any unexpected costs or delays. If the handyman consistently went over budget or took longer than promised, that’s a potential warning sign.
4. How Was the Communication Throughout the Project?
- Good communication is key for any project. Ask if the handyman was easy to reach, responsive, and clear in their updates. Poor communication can make even a small job frustrating.
5. Did They Clean Up After Themselves?
- A responsible handyman should leave your home tidy and in good shape. Ask if they handled the clean-up process well, or if the client was left with a mess to deal with.
6. Would You Hire Them Again?
- This simple question can be one of the most revealing. If someone is hesitant or says they wouldn’t hire the handyman again, it’s worth asking why.
Red Flags to Look Out For
Sometimes, even well-answered questions might not tell the full story. Watch out for these red flags when speaking to references:
- Reluctance to Answer Questions: If a previous client seems unsure or avoids giving detailed answers, they may be trying to avoid saying something negative.
- Vague Praise: If you hear a lot of general praise without any specifics (e.g., “They were great”), it might indicate that the handyman’s work wasn’t very memorable or outstanding.
- Mention of Unresolved Issues: If a reference mentions problems that were never fully resolved, it’s a sign the handyman may not be as dependable as you’d like.
- Multiple Mentions of Delays: While unexpected delays can happen, consistent tardiness or failure to meet deadlines can indicate poor planning or time management skills.
- Surprise Costs or Budget Increases: Be cautious if you hear multiple reports of the handyman exceeding the initial budget without proper explanation.
What to Do With This Information
Once you’ve gathered your notes from the references, take a moment to compare what you’ve heard with the handyman’s promises and portfolio. If everything aligns well, you’re likely in good hands. However, if the reference checks raise doubts or reveal major issues, it’s worth reconsidering your choice or asking the handyman for more references to cross-check.
Key Takeaways
- Prepare Thoughtful Questions: Before contacting references, plan out specific questions that will give you a clear understanding of the handyman’s work.
- Listen for Specifics: General praise isn’t always reliable. Look for detailed feedback on quality, communication, and reliability.
- Watch for Red Flags: Hesitant or vague references, mentions of repeated delays, and unresolved issues are signals to consider carefully.
Checking references might feel like an extra step, but it’s an essential one to make sure your home project is in the right hands. Trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to keep searching if something doesn’t feel right. Happy home improving!
