Hiring the Perfect Handyman
Find the Project
Walk through your house and make a list of all the things that you would like to have fixed. It might be something large, like finishing out a room in your basement or garage, or it might just be some odd jobs that have been stacking up over time.
It's a good idea to have a couple of different projects in mind. Why? Because you want a handyman who is handy, as in he can fix more than one problem. If he just knows how to fix faucets but has no clue how to fix drywall, then what good is he to you? You want someone that is competent at several kinds of minor repairs, not someone who focuses on one type of repairs.
Call in the Candidates
When you know what you want, it's time to find out whom you want. Start by asking around. Chances are good that someone you know will have a few names of people to call to start you out. Also, you can call your local Better Business Bureau. They keep these kinds of things on file and they can tell you who people recommend, and who they don't. You can then go ahead and round out your list with names from the phone book. You never know, you just might find a diamond in the rough.
The first step is to talk the handymen on your list by phone. Then you can narrow down your list to the ones that you want to meet face to face. You don't have to meet with too many, but it would be recommended to try for at least two. That way it gives you a comparison if nothing else. And you are not going to know what you like and what you don't until you have a face to face meeting.
Ask for Proof
At this point you have met with your favorites and probably have a pretty good idea of who you want to work with. But now it's time for them to really show you what they can do. Ask them to provide you with references from customers that they have worked with.
You not only want the chance to talk with these people but ideally you want to see some before and after pictures of their previous work and projects. This way you get a good idea as to the skill level of the handyman and you can also find out if they are respectful, prompt and honest.
You will also need to ask if they are licensed. Some cities require this, and some don't so it might not be a big deal in your area, but it never hurts to ask. If they went through the trouble to get the license in the first place then chances are good that they are serious about their work.
Make Your Choice
At this point you are ready to make your choice. You have everything you need; you just have to look at the facts. But you also have to look at who gives you a good feeling. It's nice to find someone that you like, as this is a person that you are going to be inviting into your home, but it is a business relationship. So the most important thing is that they are competent and that they can perform the job well.
Hiring a handyman doesn't have to be a strenuous task. And it is a good idea to be proactive about it rather than reactive to a sudden situation. That way you already know who to call and that they can perform at the level that you want.