Need Help with Drywall Repair? 10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Drywall Repairman!

It can be challenging to find an expert drywall repairman. Searching “drywall repair near me” on Google is a great starting point to find a range of services in your area, but there are a couple of additional steps to take that will ensure you make the best choice.

After scoping out the top three to five search results, you’ll likely check their Google rating and reviewsLink opens in a new tab. You can learn a lot about a company from its Google reviews, such as what recent clients think of their services, photos of past work, and how a company replies to community feedback.

After narrowing down your list through conducting thorough research, there’s one final step before booking an appointment: the interview. Although most Nashville homeowners know to inquire about prices and availability, there are a couple of other questions you should ask.

To help you find the best company near you, our team of experts at Mr. Handyman of E. Nashville and Hendersonville have put together the following guide. Discover the most important questions you should ask before hiring a repairman.

1. Do You Work Alone or With a Team?

Depending on the job, a service professional may work alone or with a team. It’s important to ask if he or she will be working by themselves so you know who’s coming into your home. It could be unsettling to expect the person you interviewed, only to find a group of strangers shows up at your door. Also check if the technician you hire subcontracts to other people or has a dedicated team.

At Mr. Handyman, we have a dedicated team of home improvement professionals who can work individually or collectively depending on the task. So you know who to expect, we let you know that your handyman is about to arrive by sending a copy of his photo.

2. How Long Have You Worked in the Industry?

You’ll quickly be able to tell an experienced handyman from one who has fewer years on the job. A seasoned contractor will be able to repair or replace damaged drywall with ease. He or she will also carefully sand and paint over the repair so your wall looks seamless. You won’t be able to tell where the patch was! But with an unpracticed service provider, there might be issues like insufficient patching, uneven paint, or bubbling beneath the wall.

At Mr. Handyman, each of our service pros are highly experienced. We provide repair, improvement and maintenance services for both commercial and residential properties. When you hire our team, you’ll receive the utmost in workmanship, attention to detail, and professionalism. We provide comprehensive home improvement solutions. We also pride ourselves on our customer service. Our owners, Sarah and John Gentry, are lifelong members of the community and passionate about serving others. When you invite one of our team members into your home, you can rest assured that we’ll treat you with integrity and respect. Giving each of our clients a positive experience with our company is our top priority.

3. How Would You Approach the Project?

Get a sense of a handyman professional’s workflow and learn what to expect from the job by asking how he or she would approach the project. This also illustrates a company’s organization, proficiency, and professionalism. A few questions to keep in mind when asking about how a contractor will deal with your project include:

• Will they help you pick out materials, or buy drywall and Spackle on your behalf?
• For any renovation work, will they look after permits?
• How long will it take?
• When can they start?
• What will the schedule be like?
• How disruptive will the work be?

4. What Would Be the Tentative Timeline?

Being on the same page as your contractor is important to clearly understand expectations; such as what work will be completed, how much it will cost, and how long it will take. Most patch jobs are fairly brief—although painted patches might need up to 24 hours to cure. However, installing new sheets to replace those that are water damaged or removed during a renovation takes much longer. Depending on the task, it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

Once a technician has ascertained the job at hand, he or she should be able to provide a reasonably accurate timeline so you can plan your life around the repair. Perhaps that involves ensuring you’re home from work when the service professional arrives, and making arrangements in case part of your home is out of commission while the repairs take place. Even though having a handyman in your home can be disruptive, professionals—like those at Mr. Handyman of E. Nashville and Hendersonville—will do their best to limit this disruption. We take care to keep our work areas clean, and maintain a positive environment.

5. Can I See Your References?

Unless you’ve worked with a given handyman service previously, we don’t advise hiring a repairman without first looking at his or her references. Although online reviews are a type of reference, such as what you might find on Google My Business, it’s still important to ask for references from the company directly.

While inquiring about references, also ask for before and after images of completed work. Try to get photos related to your specific job, like patching a hole, replacing water-damaged sheets, or completing renovation work.

6. What is the Payment Schedule?

Different drywall repair companies will have different expectations when it comes to payment. It’s up to you to know how payment will work. Ask your technician to clarify the following:

• Do I have to put down a deposit?
• How much will I get back if the work is not to our satisfaction? Do you have a guarantee?
• Will I pay in installments, or once the job is completed?
• Do you charge by the hour, or scope of the job?

Never hire a technician that asks you to pay the entire fee upfront. In Tennessee, the Home Improvement Law prohibits contractors from asking for a down-payment of more than ⅓ of the total contract. We also suggest hiring a company that offers transparent pricing and charges hourly—like Mr. Handyman of E. Nashville and Hendersonville. With our flat rates there will be no hidden costs or surprises. Rather, what you expect is what you get!

Methods of Payment

Certain methods of payment are not accepted by all companies. For instance, small operations tend not to accept credit cards because of high processing fees. Also, while checks were acceptable to most businesses in the past, they are becoming increasingly outdated. If you’re planning on paying in a particular way, make sure the company accepts your chosen method of payment.

7. Do You Have Proof of Licensing and Insurance?

All contractors are legally required to be licensed with the Board for Licensing Contractors in the State of Tennessee. You can verify if a service professional is licensed on their websiteLink opens in a new tab. Do not hire a contractor who can’t provide proof of their license.

We also suggest not hiring a contractor who can’t produce proof of insuranceLink opens in a new tab. In Tennessee, both contractors and home improvement professionals need General Liability coverage and Workers’ Compensation to be licensed. General Liability covers the cost of lawsuits related to property damage, personal injury, or bodily harm caused on the job site (in this case, your home). Workers’ Comp. protects homeowners against being liable for medical fees, lost wages, and legal fees that are a result of injury to the contractor while on the job.

At Mr. Handyman of E. Nashville and Hendersonville, we pride ourselves on our professionalism and always stand behind our work by having all the correct legal documentation in order. All our service professionals are licensed and insured.

8. Will You Clean Up Before You Leave?

Confirm with your technician that they’ll tidy up before leaving. This is a sign of a company’s professionalism and integrity. No homeowner wants to deal with cleaning up after a professional leaves! You should be able to enjoy your space, with it’s finished drywall repairs, instead.

Lastly, and most importantly, even with small drywall repairs there’s a chance tools, materials, and dust left lying around in a messy work area could be a safety hazard. Protect your loved ones from harm by hiring a drywall repairman who will clean up before leaving.

9. What is the Best Way to Contact You?

Once your interview is complete, wrap up by confirming the best way to get a hold of the technician. Double check how to contact your contractor— whether via email, text, or landline—and ask what time of day is best for a call. Also, ensure you have the correct number saved in your phone or written down somewhere safe.

At Mr. Handyman, our pleasant customer service representatives are available during office hours, Monday through Friday. You can call us at 615-551-4653. We are always happy to answer any questions you might have.

Book Our Drywall Repairman Team Today!

Do you need a drywall repairman in Nashville? The next time you need your drywall patched, replaced, or painted, call one of our reliable handyman experts. At Mr. Handyman of E. Nashville and Hendersonville, you can trust that each of our contractors will prioritize your needs, treat you and your home with respect, and get the job done right the first time.

To book one of our experts, we invite you to call our friendly office staff at 615-551-4653 or request a service online to learn more.