Xtra Hand Comparative Summary

Being “service-oriented” isn’t just a catch phrase at Oakland-based Xtra Hand—it’s the cornerstone of the company’s philosophy. “It means we’re not just a company that shows up and does the work,” explains owner Brant Newman. “We want to be a client’s partner in the maintenance of their home. We’re looking for long-term relationships. If the customers aren’t satisfied, we’re not satisfied.”

The list of services Xtra Hand offers is extensive and covers most kinds of home maintenance and repair. According to Mr. Newman, its service-oriented approach to business is readily apparent in its everyday business practices. The work crews show up on time, and if something is causing a delay, they let you know right away. “We don’t let people just sit and wonder what’s going on,” he says. Xtra Hand also doesn’t expect customers to gather all the materials necessary for a job. On the contrary, they’ll help clients find what they need and order it for them. It all goes along with the service, says Mr. Newman.

Once a project is started, Xtra Hand’s professional handymen work diligently until they get the job done right. They clean up after themselves, ensures Mr. Newman, making sure they leave the work area looking better than when they arrived. For the client’s part, they’re not expected to make a payment as soon as a job is completed. “I don’t ask for money right away,” explains Mr. Newman. “Everybody is on a 15-day billing schedule with us. Customers get at least 15 days to make sure we did what we’re supposed to do. Personally, I think that says a lot about the way we do business.”

Xtra Hand’s handymen have many years of experience under their respective belts, and each one excels in one area or another. “Everybody has a different skill set. We’re all experts in one of them,” confirms Mr. Newman, who worked in customer service for various industries for 30 years prior to starting Xtra Hand.

“I know how to run a business, and that means making customers feel comfortable so they want to come back again and again,” says Mr. Newman. He has a proposal for any prospective customer who can’t quite make up their mind about hiring Xtra Hand for handyman/home repair service: Call him to set up a home visit. “If I can meet people face-to-face and engage them, most of the time, we’re fortunate enough to get their business,” he says.