How to choose a handyman

by | Jan 28, 2019 | Home

Has the start of 2019 got you thinking about making some changes to your home? Whether you’ve got a dripping tap that you’re determined to fix or a room that needs wiring, you’re probably wondering whether you should take the DIY road or hire a professional.

Professional handymen can be the difference between a large painting being hung properly and plaster being ripped from the wall. That said, not all are created equal, and just as opting for the DIY approach can lead to an expensive mistake, so can a poor choice of handyman. To avoid this fate, here are the questions you need to consider to ensure you choose the right handyman next time you need some work done.

Is the handyman’s work insured and guaranteed?

As with other interior design or construction projects, it is important to check that your handyman is insured, especially if they are self-employed or work as a freelancer. According to Tradesman Saver, the most important cover a handyman needs is public liability insurance. Importantly for you, this covers handymen for any damage caused to property and ensures that you can claim insurance against them in this scenario.

As well as public liability insurance, it is also recommended to scout out a handyman who offers a guarantee of quality as well. Take property maintenance company Homyze, who not only insure their handymen for up to £5 million, but guarantee their work for up to 12 months after it is completed. By taking the time to find a handyman who can ensure that their work will last, you won’t be forced to splash out even more money if the task isn’t completed to a suitable standard.

Does the handyman belong to a professional association?

One way to determine the quality of a handyman is to check that they are a member of a professional association. Handyman associations are geared towards improving the standards of the profession as a whole. Members receive a wide range of benefits aimed at helping them become better at what they do, such as member knowledge bases, newsletters and networking opportunities.

Handymen who receive this level of accreditation must first pass an evaluation, so it figures that they will possess a certain level of knowledge and also suggests a degree of credibility and reliability. Be sure to ask for proof of certification from an official association when contacting a handyman, such as The Association of Certified Handyman Professionals or the UK Guild of Handymen.

Has the handyman worked on similar projects to yours in the past?

It should go without saying, but make sure that your handyman has ample experience working on similar jobs to your own. It would be galling to procure the services of a handyman for a plumbing job, only to find out that they are actually a qualified electrician with basic plumbing knowledge. Similarly, employing a handyman that specialises in commercial properties instead of residential properties, or vice versa, would also be short-sighted and could potentially jeopardise the quality of the job.

From the very first inquiry, make it clear to the handyman what your exact specifications are and what experience on similar jobs they have. This will help you gauge whether or not they are well placed to take on the work, and also ensure you’re going to get bang for your buck.

Can you obtain a fixed quote for the work?

Finally, it is essential to choose a handyman that provides you with a fixed quote for the work. Not doing so could leave yourself open to extra charges, meaning you might find yourself out of pocket. Always ask for a written quote prior to hiring somebody. This will serve as proof of the original quote if a handyman does try to charge you extra for a job, safeguarding you from any potential scams.

Following these tips will help you save money and prevent unnecessary risks to your property with future maintenance jobs.

Read through our useful guide for more information

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