When faced with the important decision of hiring a handyman, be sure to take into account the level of experience of anyone you’re considering. Screen each candidate thoroughly. You may want to check to see if the handyman is a member of the Better Business Bureau. “Definitely check their references; get some feedback from some of their clients,” says Gifford Teeple, owner of A Reliable Handyman. “Pay attention to your gut instincts. How do you react when you’re speaking to them for the first time on the phone?” Make sure that whomever you hire guarantees their work and is willing to come back and fix something if necessary. Pick someone who’s happy to answer any and all questions regarding a job.
Homeowners should make sure that anyone hired to do work for them is covered by liability insurance. “And if they have a crew," says Mr. Teeple, “they should have workmans' compensation insurance.”
It's wise to shop around and interview a number of handymen. But don’t just go with the lowest price, advises Mr. Teeple. Quality, responsibility, trustworthiness and good communication skills are valuable attributes, and should be a significant part of your decision-making process. Because you want to find someone you can feel confident about bringing into your home and calling whenever needed, you should seek out someone with whom you'll have a good professional relationship—someone who you can count on.
