Contractor or Handyman Service? How to Choose
So, you’ve got a few small home repair projects on your list. How do you find the right contractor? Most big remodeling contractors don’t want small jobs, but are they too specialized for a handyman service?
What Handyman Services Do
The answers depends on the type of remodeling work. If you’re trying to get some insulation in the attic or crown molding installed in the dining room, many handyman services do that type of work. Some people can even do crown molding installation without a contractor.
When it comes to fixing a boiler or a water issue in the basement, it might be too involved for a handyman service. You may want a contractor with heating and cooling expertise or who works for a waterproofing company. On larger projects, you also want someone with insurance.
Handyman or Contractor?
Here’s an interesting thread on the whole handyman service topic. You can see that it’s the larger projects that are less suited for most handyman services or individuals. They may not have the expertise or workers to do a full kitchen remodeling, for example.
Define Remodeling Project
The first step is to define the project(s). What’s involved and how extensive are the repairs? If you’re not sure, start with a contractor you know and explain the projects. They should tell you right away if the projects are too small.
Then call a few handyman services and ask them what they offer. How many workers do they have and what are their backgrounds? Ask a few to stop by the house to look at the work. Here are some good questions to ask when interviewing a handyman service.
In the end, it’s okay to simply ask someone if the job fits their skills or is too small or big for them to handle. Better to ask upfront then be surprised in the middle of the remodeling work!
You can actually answer this question while you are on the phone with potential contractors. Describe the project and they’ll tell you if their expertise is required, or if general handy work is in order. Many specialized contractors won’t even bother with a project that is beneath their skill level.
People don’t use their neighborly resources anymore – every neighborhood has husbands and there has to be at least one that is handyman oriented. It could be cheaper, potentially even free, or trade something for their services, or they might know of a great handyman who would do the right job. Some handymen in my area charge just to come assess the project, which isn’t a necessary charge…
Handyman are hired to do some fixing in the house or remodeling not doing the construction. I think that is what I have understood in the post.