Are you looking to find a Handyman to repair leaking pipes, smoked damaged walls/ ceilings, or any home Maintenace? Take a look at these 6 steps to save you from learning a lesson the hard way!

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1- Shop around: Don’t just go with the first handyman you find on yelp or Google. These sites allow anyone to claim that they have been InBusiness for years and are professional. Which in more cases than you would think could not be further from the truth! I can't even count the times I have seen guys ruin client's homes! Take the time to research different companies and read reviews from previous customers. Look for handymen who have a good brand built, a website that has quality content and a history of happy clients.

2-Word of mouth: Word to mouth is a great way to acquire a handyman. You already have one reference from them. Just make sure the person recommending is a trustworthy person. Ask family and friends first. Word of mouth is often the best way to find a reliable tradesperson. Tread lightly as sometimes handymen who do a great job for some doesn't mean they are always going Todo a great job for you. Don't pay up front more than material cost. The going rate is usually 10 percent. 

3-Get three quotes: Don’t be afraid to shop around and get quotes from multiple handymen. This will give you a sense of the going rate for handyman services in your area and help you find the best deal. Just be careful not to get too many quotes – your head might start spinning like a top from all the different prices and options. Check for licenses and certifications: Make sure the handyman you choose is licensed and certified to work in your state, if applicable. This ensures that they have the necessary training and experience to do the job safely and effectively. And let’s be real – a handyman who takes the time to get certified probably cares about their work and wants to do a good job for you.

4-Common sense: If your guy shows up and is dancing and fidgety. Don't pay him half up front. He is probably on drugs. It's always best to steer clear. Go with someone who you feel comfortable working with and who you trust to do a good job. When using handymen to do a job they are likely the cheapest. But also, it's not hard for just anyone to consider themself a handyman. Often times they don't even have a license and sometimes they are contractors who have been removed from the CSLB. 

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5- Start small: It may be tempting to get a good price with a "package deal" If you're using someone for the first time, give them a list of stuff Todo but tell them you want to start off doing just one project and see how it goes. This way if something happens you can stop and mitigate your losses. Sometimes you end up with a person you just don't want in your home any longer. At that point it's easier to cut ties if you haven't given them a big deposit and the amount loss is very small. Raise concerns immediately and don't hesitate to even throw in a minor problem immediately to see what type of reaction you get and how he resolves the matter. "You never truly know someone until you do business with them." 

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6- Cheap, fast, quality- If you're looking for a handyman who is cheap & fast. They will likely not do quality work. If you're looking for someone who is good quality. They will not be cheap & fast! This is not always true but is a good rule of thumb. Looking for a bargain is great! But remember you're not buying just a product. You are paying for labor and if someone cuts you a deal on labor, they likely charged you too much to begin with. When someone discounts labor, they are being paid less for the time they are on the job. When a handyman offers an hourly or flat rate a lot goes into that. Advertising, taxes, expenses, insurance & wear & tear on vehicles and tools. So keep that in mind when you get a high hourly rate. Its not the same as what an employee or a "side job" guy will charge as they have a lot less overhead! 

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