Check repair coverage first. If your home repairs are damages paid through
insurance, review your coverage with your insurance company first.
Make sure the handyman has workers’ compensation and liability insurance,
if applicable.
No handyman should charge you to stop by to do an estimate.
Obtain at least two other estimates. Investing the time to obtain
extra bids will bring potential savings. Get an itemized estimate on the project that includes materials, labor, overhead,
and a time frame. When comparing estimates, look for how much detail each company proposes for the work. Also, note that prices
may vary depending on quality of supplies and tools they’ll use. The estimate should be in writing
in order to compare it with others.
Once you receive all estimates, take time to compare them. Don't base your
decision on price alone.
Ask for references, a reputable handyman won't mind giving you the names
of at least three. Ask such questions as:
- How long ago did this handyman work for you?
- What was the quality of the finished project?
- Did the handyman stay on schedule and report to work in a timely manner?
- Would you recommend him/her to your family and friends?
- Would you use this handyman again?
- Did the project go over the original estimate? If so, by how much?
- If possible, visit at least one previous work site, preferably where similar
work to your project was done.
Are there "before and after" pictures available of previous work?