How to Find a Reliable Handyman to Do Your Home Repairs

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With so many contractors and service professionals available, it can be a daunting task to find home repair services from trustworthy professionals — and all too often, you don’t know if they’re any good until it’s too late and the damage has been done. Continue reading on to learn tips that will help you to find someone reliable to do your home repairs.

1. Decide whether you need a handyman or a contractor

Professionally speaking, the words “handyman” and “contractor” actually mean two different things. Basically, a handyman can do minor exterior/interior repairs, limited plumbing or electrical jobs, some painting and light maintenance work. You’ll need a contractor, however, for large-scale electrical/plumbing jobs, major repair and construction projects and other types of specialized jobs. Before contacting anyone, decide whether you need a full-service contractor for large-scale projects, or a handyman who specializes in specific, smaller jobs.

For general home repair and maintenance jobs, a handyman will complete the following projects:

• Replacing/installing sinks, toilets, etc.
• Painting jobs
• Yard work and landscaping
• Drywall repair
• Fence repair
• Gutter cleaning
• Replacing and repairing flooring

A contractor will typically handle the following jobs:

• Building or remodeling a home 
• Rewiring 
• Building patios
• Replacing electrical and plumbing fixtures
• Installing tile
• Replacing or installing HVAC units

2. Know exactly what you want done

Before you start looking for a handyman or local contractor, you first need to decide exactly what you want done. Be specific and prioritize what’s important — otherwise, you may find that, intentionally or otherwise, you’ve been talked into doing something that’s costly, unnecessary and contradictory to your original plans.

3. Use licensed professionals

Be sure to hire licensed professionals for your home improvement projects. Also, make sure to hire someone who not only carries the necessary insurance for the job, but also takes care of getting any permits that may be required. If you go through a home warranty service like Select Home Warranty, the company will vet the professionals for you.

4. Shop around and read reviews

Sites such as Angie’s List and HomeAdvisor, as well as online testimonials, can offer a wealth of information and tip you off about any potential red flags with a contractor’s services. Also, check with friends and colleagues who have had similar home repair services done — they may be able to refer you to someone reliable.

5. Get estimate/service specifics in writing

Before you sign a contract, get everything in writing. This includes a final price quote (not a “ball-park” estimate), and a specific list of all services to be performed.

6. Check credentials and guarantees

Before hiring home repair contractors, check their credentials, and don’t hesitate to ask about past projects that they’ve completed. Experienced service professionals will be happy to provide this information. Also, make sure they offer a guarantee or warranty for their work.

Thanks to the Internet, it’s easy to find reputable expert home repair services that can tackle just about any project. By reading reviews, checking credentials and asking the right questions, you can be more proactive in finding a reliable professional for all your home repair needs.