By admin 
If you’re juggling multiple home projects, it may be faster to consider hiring a handyman rather than spending your weekends tackling them yourself. However, knowing how to hire a handyman who is reliable and skilled makes all the difference.
Whether you’re updating your bathroom in a Los Angeles, CA home, repairing your apartment in Miami, FL, or fixing up your rental in Chicago, IL, asking the right questions is key to finding the right professional.
What does a handyman do?
A handyman is a skilled professional who handles a wide variety of home repair and maintenance tasks. From fixing a leaky faucet to assembling furniture, they tackle many unexpected tasks, from small to mid-sized jobs, to save you time and effort.
Nathan Baddon, CEO of highly rated general contractor service BiltPros from Temecula, CA, highlights the importance of understanding a handyman’s capabilities. “A good handyman will only take on jobs they are skilled at, rather than attempting everything and doing some of the work poorly. Handymen can be of great value as long as you understand their skills and limitations.”
Common tasks a handyman can handle include:
- Drywall repair and painting
- Fixture installations (ceiling fans, light fixtures, faucets)
- Basic carpentry and furniture assembly
- Gutter cleaning and maintenance
- Minor plumbing or electrical work (depending on regulations in your area)
However, for larger jobs that involve structural changes, electrical rewiring, or plumbing overhauls, a general contractor may be required.
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Do you need a handyman or a general contractor?
Knowing how to hire a handyman starts with understanding the difference between a handyman and a general contractor. This helps you choose the right professional for your project.
Nathan Baddon of BiltPros explains, “For larger or more complex jobs, hiring a general contractor is always advisable to ensure the work is done properly and safely in accordance with building code guidelines.”
Key Differences
| Factor | Handyman | General Contractor |
| Scope of Work | Small repairs, maintenance, and installations | Larger projects requiring multiple trades |
| Licensing & Bonding | Usually not required but varies by state | Must meet strict licensing requirements:
|
| Permits & Compliance | Generally not required | Manages permits and ensures code compliance |
Fort Smith, AR-based Arcadia Remodeling advises, “Assess the scope of your repair needs. For larger or more complex projects, hiring an established company may be a better choice, as handymen typically focus on smaller, general repairs and may have limited resources.”
Checklist for hiring the right handyman
Knowing how to hire a handyman also means protecting yourself from hiring the wrong one, which can lead to wasted time, money, and frustration. Follow this checklist before deciding:
- Verify licensing, insurance, and bonding
- Request multiple references and online reviews
- Get a written contract detailing scope, costs, and timeline
- Clarify post-job cleanup and debris removal policies
- Check their online presence and social media activity
- Avoid unreasonably cheap offers; if it’s too good to be true, it probably is
General contractor Amaximum Construction warns, “Check recent Google reviews; real clients leave consistent feedback, while fake reviews often come from inactive profiles. Be cautious with ultra-cheap offers from classified sites, where unreliable contractors can disappear overnight.”
How to hire a handyman: Questions to ask
1. Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
While many handymen aren’t required to have a license, it’s still wise to ask about insurance and bonding. Insurance advisor Shawn Plummer explains, “A bonded handyman has an extra layer of protection, compensating you if they fail to complete the work as promised.”
Aharshan Thangarasa, senior insurance broker of Toronto-based business insurance brokerage Zensurance adds, “Before hiring a handyman or independent contractor, homeowners and renters should verify their credentials and liability insurance. Ask for proof of licensing and a certificate of insurance. Always contact the insurer to confirm it’s valid.”
4Menearme, a local service comparison platform in Arkansas City, AR highlights the importance of verification. “Always ask your handyman about their specific experience related to your project type and request references from recent similar jobs. Additionally, verify if they carry proper insurance to protect yourself from liability and unexpected costs. These simple steps help ensure quality work and reliability.”
2. Do you have experience with similar projects?
Experience matters, especially when hiring a handyman. Chris from ProfitDig, a construction bidding platform for contractors, shares, “Before hiring a handyman, it’s crucial to ask about their experience with the specific type of work you need done. Inquire about their licensing and insurance to protect yourself from liability.”
Aju Neeraj from Contractor App echoes this. “When hiring a handyman, I always recommend asking about their experience with similar projects, verifying licenses and insurance, and requesting references or reviews. Make sure you agree on the scope of work, timeline, and costs upfront.”
3. Can you provide references and examples of past work?
To gauge reliability and skill, ask for references and examples of completed projects.
Real estate agent Tony Bitar in Kenosha, WI suggests, “In our community, I always recommend homeowners and renters get 2-3 references, check online reviews, and verify how long a handyman or company has been in business. Experience and reputation matter when it comes to quality work.”
Roger Howroyd from San Francisco, CA-based Invoice Fly, an invoicing platform for home services agrees, saying, “Always ask for references from previous clients and request to see examples of similar work they’ve completed to verify their skill level and reliability.”
4. How do you clarify the scope of work?
Before hiring a handyman, defining the scope of work is essential to avoid misunderstandings and ensure the project runs smoothly.
Matt of Toback Builders located in Dewey Beach, DE emphasizes, “Clearly define what tasks need to be completed and communicate them upfront. Provide as much detail as possible, so the handyman can give an accurate estimate and ensure they have the right tools and expertise for the job.”
Steven Odorisio of Trustwork Home Renovations and Repairs in Lafayette, CO also stresses the importance of having a written agreement. “Always get a written contract detailing the work, cost, schedule, and warranty. It holds the contractor accountable and ensures clear expectations. From small repairs to renovations, we provide detailed contracts for peace of mind.”
5. How do you handle payments?
Discussing payment structure upfront prevents misunderstandings. Roger Howroyd from Invoice Fly advises. “Discuss payment structure upfront, including whether they charge hourly or by project, and get a detailed written estimate that covers materials, labor, and a realistic timeline for completion.”
Johan Blacksmith from Spartanburg Handyman Upstate, located in Columbus, NC, outlines their approach. “Our pricing is based on the scope of the project, any special permits necessary, materials needed, and the time required to complete the job. We offer free estimates to give you a clear idea of the costs involved.”
6. Do you offer a warranty or guarantee?
A reliable handyman should stand behind their work. Mike from Emerald City Repairs in White Center, WA stresses, “Inquire about their warranty policy; reliable professionals stand behind their work and offer a guarantee on labor.”
Professional handyman and owner, Phil of Phil’s Home Services in Seattle, WA, offers a 1-year labor warranty, explaining, “At Phil’s Home Services, I provide a 1-year warranty on labor, while materials are the homeowner’s responsibility.”
7. How do you handle unexpected changes?
Projects rarely go 100% as planned, so it’s essential to ask how changes will be handled. Phil suggests, “Before hiring a handyman, ask how unexpected changes are handled. Projects don’t always go as planned. It’s important to ask how the handyman communicates unexpected repairs or changes and what to do when the job isn’t finished.”
8. What is your policy on cleanup and debris removal?
Knowing how to hire a handyman involves clarifying details like post-job cleanup and debris removal.
Phil highlights, “Before hiring a handyman, ask how they handle post-job cleanup and debris removal. Some handymen include cleanup as part of their service, ensuring the workspace is left neat, while others expect the homeowner to handle it.”
9. Do you markup materials, or can I buy them myself?
Material sourcing is another important consideration. Phil also explains, “Some handymen charge a markup on materials they purchase to cover the time and effort of sourcing, transporting, and selecting quality supplies, while others allow homeowners to buy materials themselves to avoid additional costs.”
Understanding this upfront prevents surprises on the final bill.
10. How many projects do you take on at once?
A handyman who takes on too many projects may not give yours the attention it needs. Natalia Herrera from Katalox Construction, located in Des Moines, WA, recommends asking, “What is your projected timeline for starting and finishing the project? How many projects can you handle simultaneously? This helps manage workload and ensures your project avoids delays.”
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Ensuring a smooth experience when hiring a handyman
By asking the right questions, you can protect yourself from unexpected costs, delays, and poor workmanship. Learning how to hire a handyman helps you avoid one that swindles you and makes you wonder if you should ever hire a contractor or do it yourself again.
Whether you’re thinking about hiring someone for a project in your forever home, or hiring a handyman when selling your house, being informed is the key to a successful outcome.