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A handyman is someone who gets paid to do various household chores and repairs. The range of skills a handyman has varies greatly from person to person. A handyman can do odd jobs such as lawn work or raking leaves. They can also do minor home repair or improvements such as painting. The search for the right handyman starts with you.

Decide what needs to be done and make a detailed list. Do not expect every handyman to have all the skills necessary to do everything around the house. Handymen are typically used for smaller projects or one-time jobs. Handymen with a wide range of skills are typically more expensive and you might be able to save money by finding one who specializes in just your particular needs. If you simply need someone to paint a room, hiring a professional who has woodworking skills and electrical knowledge might prove to be more costly. If you have a laundry list of items that need work however, choosing one who has a range of skills well suited to your list may save time and money. Ask detailed questions about their experience.

Getting references is important. There are many stories of disastrous labor experiences from shoddy work to outright theft. Ensuring your handyman is trustworthy and well respected is essential in ensuring a good job. The best way to find a quality worker is by referral. Many handymen stay busy simply on word of mouth referrals from happy customers. Talk to neighbors, family, and friends to see if they have had positive experiences.

Get a written estimate that includes the price and time for completion. Unscrupulous handymen may give a verbal estimate and when it’s time to pay come up with a list of things that raised the price higher than expected. Know up- front what the work will cost be and any variables that may affect a change.

Get a contract in writing. This will protect you if anything goes wrong. A handyman who is willing to put it in writing is typically more trustworthy also. If they aren’t willing to do this, they are not the person to be trusted with your job. Check to see if they have valid liability insurance and get proof. Although you may opt to forego this for smaller jobs, there can be damage if things go awry and you want to be covered.

Hiring a handyman can be very useful in getting a lot of smaller tasks accomplished. They can also be a much more affordable option then hiring a licensed contractor. Check references and skill levels before making a final decision and be sure you are comfortable with the person. Remember that this person will have access to your home so you want to feel secure in your choice.