Questions to Ask When Hiring a Handyman

When you’re undergoing a long-desired home renovation, or something goes awry in your home that requires repair, you need a trustworthy handyman. But how can you tell if your handyman is trustworthy? The key is in the questions you ask. However, when scrambling to find the right handyman for the job, you may not remember the right questions to ask. 

Skipping out on these questions can lead to further problems. If you hire a handyman who isn’t qualified or doesn’t meet your expectations, they could damage your home, causing even more damage. On the other hand, if you don’t ask the correct questions about costs, you could receive a bill that far exceeds the original estimate. Having the right questions can help you understand whether a handyman is the right fit for your home project.

With that in mind, let’s cover some questions you should ask when hiring a handyman to fix a home repair problem and why this decision is so important.

The Benefits of Hiring Mr. Handyman

Mr. Handyman offers some of the top handyman services in the Treasure Valley. As such, we’re uniquely qualified to answer any questions you may have about our work before hiring us. Here’s why:

High-Quality Solutions

Unlike other handy professionals, Mr. Handyman professionals can provide high-quality solutions thanks to our detailed approach. Even though all of our professionals take this approach, they’re also open to any feedback. If, at any point, you have concerns about the quality of our work, we’re more than happy to make necessary adjustments. We guarantee you’ll feel satisfied after we finish our work. We’ve helped hundreds of homeowners in the Treasure Valley, so consider us for all your home project needs!

Expert Knowledge and Experience

Mr. Handyman only hires the most qualified handy professionals. Even more, our handymen undergo an extensive training program to help standardize their knowledge for most housing projects. With this screening process, we can confidently say that every Mr. Handyman professional is qualified to work on most home projects, no matter how complicated. In addition, our experience in the Treasure Valley allows us to recommend popular solutions that can draw in significant value for your home if you ever decide to sell. 

Commitment to Customer Service

Even if you don’t have the right questions when calling us, we are committed to guiding you through the process of every project. With our exemplary customer service, we’ll inform you at every step — from the first call to the final touches. By doing so, you won’t feel like you’re in the dark at any point.

Ask the Right Handyman Questions

Even if you find the right handyman, it’s still best to draft a list of questions beforehand to understand better the house project, what the handyman will do throughout the project, and why the handyman you’re calling may be a good fit. Here are just a few examples of questions you can ask:

“What Is Your Experience as a Handyman?”

This question is a great starting point for understanding your handyman’s qualifications. In their answer, look for more information about specific projects they’ve worked on. The more experience they have with similar housing projects, the more likely they’ll complete yours without causing further problems. It may also be helpful to ask follow-up questions about their actions when problems occur. This can help you gauge whether they’re effective problem-solvers and will be able to manage any situation — no matter how stressful. 

“What Is the Scope of the Project?”

The right handyman will understand that their answer to this question will help you understand all the steps involved in the project. The correct answer will involve the steps they’ll take, who will assist them in the repair, how long it will take, and how complicated it may be. If the handyman is brief in their answers, they may not be the right fit, as they may not be as transparent as you’d like throughout the home project. 

“Do You Have a License or Insurance?”

The answer to this question may vary based on your location, but handymen and contractors in Idaho do not need licenses to complete certain home projects. However, they can join the Idaho Contractors Board, which provides standards for contractors that operate on projects that cost more than $2,000 in labor and materials. To help protect your home, you can also ask about what insurance they may have for projects. This ensures they can compensate for any damages during the project due to their work. 

“Can I Check Your References?”

Sometimes, the best way to assure yourself that you’re hiring the right person for a home project is to check the references of your handyman or any online reviews. When evaluating these reviews, check for others who may have had similar projects done by the handyman and how long ago these projects occurred. The more recent the project, the better, as it illustrates that your handyman will perform similar work due to their experience level.

“Who Will Be Working on This Project?”

Knowing who will be working on the specific home project is essential. Smaller or less complex projects may only require one handyman. Larger projects may require more than one handyman, such as drywall repair or replacement, a kitchen remodel or renovation, floor repair and replacement, and other carpentry tasks. More handymen can make the project less complex and faster in these circumstances. However, more handymen can also raise the overall cost of the project.

When asking this question, it’s essential to ask follow-up questions about the additional handymen’s qualifications and how much their labor will affect the project's overall cost.

“Do I Need Any Permits for This Project?”

You or your handyman will need a permit for many home projects in Idaho. This includes permits for the following projects:

• Toilet repair and installation;
• Sink installation;
• Facet repair and installation;
• Drain repair and replacement;
• Dryer vent and other range vent installation;
• Smoke detector installation and repair.

Although some of these projects may seem small, a permit assures the city that any updates or changes made to the house can meet safety standards. Often, your handyman will know how to obtain permits and will be able to walk you through the process. 

“Can I Have an Estimate for This Project?”

Many handyman will provide an estimate after a consultation, which factors in the anticipated materials needed, the complexity of the project, and their hourly or baseline rate. It’s important to note that your total cost after the handyman finishes the project may also be higher or lower depending on whether they run into challenges while working, need more materials, or find other issues while working on the original home project.

While a handyman may provide an estimate, it’s important to research average prices for your desired home project beforehand to understand whether the handyman is working within industry standards. Here are some ballpark estimates you can expect, depending on how big the project is:

• Small: Small projects like appliance installation, gutter cleaning, and lawn care may cost $75-$250, depending on where you live and the project's complexity.
• Medium: Minor roof repair, shower shower and tub calking, and drywall repair can cost between $250 and $550.
• Large: For larger projects that will take more time, such as window replacements, floor repair and replacement, and concrete work, expect a larger bill of around $550-$2,000.

Note that larger projects will also require more handymen, which can also affect your estimate.

Additional Considerations

Follow-up questions are most likely where you’ll find the most information about your handyman and the home project, so don’t be afraid to speak up if you’re confused or need clarification! If you’re worried about forgetting which questions to ask, we recommend writing a list beforehand that you’ll have available when receiving a consultation. Asking questions is imperative as it establishes expectations between you and the handyman and ensures you’ll be happy with the result and the bill afterward. 

Call Mr. Handyman Today in Boise, Meridian, and Nampa!

No matter what kind of questions or follow-up questions you ask, Mr. Handyman is happy to answer them all. Our staff has decades of experience, enabling us to answer questions in a way that the layperson can understand, but we also have technical experience to answer questions related to the most complicated tasks. If you’re ready to work with us or simply want to ask us more questions, call Mr. Handyman today for all your home repair needs in Boise, Meridian, and Nampa! 

FAQs About Hiring a Handyman

Does a Handyman Need to Be Licensed?

No, handymen don’t need a license to operate in Idaho, but they may need to register to be a part of the Idaho Contractors Board, which establishes standards for Idaho handymen and contractors. 

How Do I Verify a Handyman's Insurance?

You can ask for a copy of their insurance certificate and look for general liability to protect you if the handyman encounters an accident or causes damage during the project.

Should I Get a Written Estimate from a Handyman?

Yes, always request a detailed written estimate. This should outline the project's scope, materials, labor costs, and additional fees. A written estimate prevents misunderstandings and helps you compare costs between different handymen.

How Can I Check a Handyman's References?

Ask the handyman for past client references or request examples of their work. You can research online by checking platforms like Google reviews, Yelp, or Angi.

What Payment Terms Should I Expect When Hiring a Handyman?

Payment terms vary, but most handymen will request a deposit before starting and the remainder upon project completion. Avoid paying the total amount upfront; always clarify the payment schedule in advance.

Does a Handyman Provide Warranties on Their Work?

Many handymen offer warranties or guarantees on their work, usually covering a certain period after the completion of a project. Always ask about the terms of their warranty before hiring.

How Do I Know If a Handyman Can Handle My Specific Project?

Ask the handyman about their experience with projects similar to yours. You can also inquire what they’ve done when they’ve challenges, and ask to look at their portfolio of similar work. 

What Should I Do If I'm Unsatisfied with a Handyman's Work?

If you're unsatisfied with the work, communicate your concerns directly with the handyman. Many professionals are willing to fix any issues. If the problem persists, check whether a warranty covers their work and discuss potential next steps.