Hiring the right handyman can save you time, money, and a lot of stress. But how do you know you’re making the right choice? One of the best ways to gauge a handyman’s suitability for your project is to ask the right questions. Here’s a guide on essential questions to ask a handyman, along with tips on what to look for in their responses.
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.
1. What Kind of Experience Do You Have?
Why It Matters
Understanding a handyman’s experience will help you determine if they’re capable of handling your project. Some handymen specialise in specific areas, like plumbing or carpentry, while others might offer a wider range of services.
What to Look For
- Detailed answers: A professional should be able to describe their experience clearly. For example, if they claim to specialise in kitchen renovations, they should share examples or discuss past projects.
- Relevant skills: Ensure their expertise aligns with your needs. If you require electrical work, but they mostly have experience in painting, you may want to keep searching.
2. Can You Provide References or Examples of Your Work?
Why It Matters
References or a portfolio of previous work offer insight into the quality of a handyman’s craftsmanship and their reliability.
What to Look For
- Recent references: Aim for feedback from within the last year or two, as this shows consistent quality.
- Photos of projects: Before-and-after photos are helpful for visualising the handyman’s capabilities. If they can’t provide these, they may not be the right fit.
- Willingness to connect you with past clients: A reliable handyman should be happy to provide references.
3. Are You Licensed and Insured?
Why It Matters
Licensing and insurance protect both you and the handyman. While not all handyman services require formal licensing, insurance is essential for covering potential damages or injuries during the job.
What to Look For
- Public liability insurance: This covers damage to your property or injuries to others that might occur during the work.
- Licence details (if required): If your project involves more complex work, like gas or electrical tasks, specific licensing may be necessary.
4. How Do You Charge for Your Services?
Why It Matters
Understanding a handyman’s pricing structure will help you budget accordingly and avoid unexpected expenses.
What to Look For
- Clear breakdowns: They should explain whether they charge hourly, by project, or have a minimum service fee.
- Quotes over estimates: Always ask for a written quote rather than a verbal estimate, as quotes are more binding.
- Discussion of materials: Ask if the cost of materials is included in the quote or billed separately.
5. Do You Offer a Guarantee for Your Work?
Why It Matters
A guarantee shows that a handyman stands by their work. If something goes wrong shortly after the project is completed, you should know whether they’ll come back to fix it.
What to Look For
- Specific terms: A reputable handyman should specify how long the guarantee lasts and what it covers.
- Written guarantee: Always ask for this in writing. Verbal assurances may not be enforceable.
6. What’s Your Availability Like?
Why It Matters
A handyman’s schedule can affect how quickly your project gets completed. If they’re too busy, you may experience delays.
What to Look For
- Prompt availability: If your job is urgent, ask if they can prioritise it.
- Realistic timeframes: An honest handyman will give you a clear sense of when they can start and finish the job, even if it’s not as soon as you’d like.
7. How Do You Handle Unforeseen Problems During a Job?
Why It Matters
No project is completely free from surprises. Understanding how a handyman deals with unexpected issues can tell you a lot about their professionalism.
What to Look For
- Problem-solving skills: They should be able to discuss past examples of dealing with challenges, like finding hidden water damage or dealing with tricky installations.
- Clear communication: Look for someone who promises to keep you informed and work with you to find a solution.
8. What Tools and Equipment Do You Have?
Why It Matters
The right tools are essential for completing a project efficiently and safely. If a handyman lacks proper equipment, it may lead to delays or lower-quality work.
What to Look For
- Preparedness: They should confirm that they have reliable tools for the job.
- Specialist equipment: If your project needs specialist tools, ask if they have these on hand or if you’ll need to rent them separately.
Key Takeaways
- Experience and references are crucial: Make sure the handyman has relevant expertise and happy past clients.
- Insurance is non-negotiable: It protects you from liabilities in case of accidents or property damage.
- Understand pricing and guarantees: Get written quotes and be sure of what happens if problems arise after the job is done.
- Discuss availability and problem management: This ensures your project won’t be plagued by delays or unresolved issues.
- Check their toolset: Having the right equipment indicates preparedness and professionalism.
Asking the right questions helps you find a handyman who’s reliable and experienced. Take your time to interview candidates, and don’t be afraid to walk away if something feels off. Your home deserves the best care, so making the right choice is well worth the effort.
