Having a reliable handyman can help you get your landlord maintenance done quickly. However, you need to know what to look for when screening taskers.
While some minor electrical or plumbing work may be within the scope of Handyman Lexington KY anything that could pose a fire or health risk should be given to a licensed tradesperson.
Home maintenance
The first step to finding a handyman is to do your research. Check out online reviews, peek at their websites, and see what projects they’ve completed in the past. Also, ask them to provide a list of references. Reach out to those references and ask how their experience with the handyman was—how long it took them to complete the project, whether they found the handyman professional or not, and what the overall quality of work was like.
While you’ll want to hire a licensed tradesperson for major roofing repairs or electrical projects, a handyman can help with the rest of your home maintenance needs. For example, they can help clean your gutters or pressure-wash your driveway and paths. They can also handle smaller tasks such as replacing light bulbs or fixing broken furniture. It’s important to do home maintenance regularly. This will prevent small problems from becoming bigger issues, such as water damage or a clogged drainpipe.
If you’re a landlord, having a reliable handyman on call will minimize your tenant’s stress and give them peace of mind knowing their home is in good hands. Plus, with TurboTenant’s all-in-one landlord software, your tenants can easily share any maintenance requests with you and have them handled immediately by a trusted pro! Click here to learn more.
Repairing furniture
Whether it’s a piece you bought for yourself, an antique found at a garage sale, or a family heirloom, all furniture eventually starts looking a little worse for wear. Rather than replacing it or living with a damaged piece, you may prefer to repair it.
But finding a reliable handyman to tackle this job isn’t easy. According to Lifehacker, you’ll want to research the candidates you’re considering on sites like Nextdoor or Yelp and check their standing with the Better Business Bureau. You’ll also want to get a feel for their style and skill set by interviewing them. Ask them to provide a list of references and follow up with those references to find out how well they communicated their process, what time frame they quoted, and if they’d hire the handyman again.
A good handyman will be professional and courteous, and they’ll take the time to answer your questions. They’ll also make sure to stay on budget and complete the job within the estimated timeline. This makes them worth hiring, even if they’re slightly more expensive than other candidates.
Installing outdoor items
Even if you’re an experienced DIYer who can climb ladders with ease, screw in lightbulbs, and install a new window, there may come a time when it makes sense to book a handyman for outdoor tasks. These Taskers can help with tasks like installing garden sheds and clotheslines, fixing gutters, building fences, repairing pergolas, laying brickwork, and more.
They’ll know how to place these items safely, securely, and properly. They can also install or repair outdoor grills, patio furniture, and more to give your backyard a complete look.
Once you’ve compiled a list of potential handymen, ask to see their portfolios. Talk to them about the work they’ve done, and check out their reviews on sites like Yelp, HomeAdvisor, Nextdoor, and the Better Business Bureau. If one of your candidates offers a quote that is significantly lower than the rest, consider it carefully. It could mean they misunderstand the scope of the project, or think they can cut corners, Lifehacker notes. In this case, it’s a good idea to hire them on the contingency that they stick with their plan, timeline, and estimate—and don’t make any changes without your approval.
Gardening
While many handymen are jack-of-all-trades, it’s important to screen them carefully before hiring one for specialized work. For example, if you need extensive electrical or plumbing work, book a tradesperson instead. These jobs should not be done by non-specialists, as they can cause serious safety issues if not handled correctly.
During the screening process, ask each candidate for local references. Also, make sure they have insurance and a valid license. This ensures that they are legally allowed to work in your home and provides you with peace of mind if anything goes wrong.
Finally, clarify the scope of work and when it will be completed. This will avoid any misunderstandings and ensure that the handyman is working on the project you need. It’s also a good idea to get a written contract. This will protect you if the handyman fails to complete the job or does damage while working on it.
Some handymen charge by the hour, while others base their pricing on a per-project basis. It’s helpful to know ahead of time how they price their services, as this will help you compare estimates from multiple providers. It’s also a good idea for both parties to agree on the cost of materials before starting the work. This will prevent any unforeseen expenses and ensure that the final price is within 10% of the estimate. For example, if the handyman needs to buy supplies for your bathroom renovation, it’s best to have this information upfront.
Bricklaying
Bricklayers are skilled craftsmen who build masonry structures using bricks, blocks, and stones. Their duties include reviewing plans and blueprints to understand the design specifications of a project. They also prepare work areas by clearing debris and setting up scaffolding. They may also mix mortar to ensure it has the right consistency for their masonry projects. Throughout the day, they check their work for alignment and quality to ensure it meets industry standards and design specifications.