The True Cost of Hiring a Handyman: What You Need to Know Before Choosing the Right Professional đź’ˇ
Hey, I’m one of the wonderful Pencils from PRH—your guide to drawing a straight line in the handyman market. Searching for a handyman? You’ll find rates starting as low as $50 per hour. But what does such a rate include regarding quality and safety? Let’s delve into what you truly receive for your money and why choosing based solely on affordability might cost more.
What is Quality Service? 🛠️
When hiring a handyman, you aim to ensure the job is done right, safely, and to a high standard. Imagine you’re replacing a toilet and discover a rotted flange. While a less experienced individual might opt for a quick fix by slapping a new wax ring on it and might not even notice it, a seasoned professional will properly address the underlying issue, preventing future leaks and potential damage. In the pencil pouch, we have a saying, “Everyone says plumbing is easy until there’s a leak!” đź’§
Be cautious of quick fixes from platforms like Angie’s List, where you might encounter a mix of student DIYers and some genuine professionals. While these sites offer a convenient one-stop solution for hiring handymen and other services, the fine print often reveals significant gaps. This might be acceptable for small, non-critical tasks but risky for more substantial repairs. These platforms won’t fully cover your repair bills if something goes wrong. Even platforms like Handy, despite offering a Happiness Guarantee that covers up to $2,500 in property damage, will leave you liable for extensive damages due to numerous exclusions.
Like many, during the uncertain times of the COVID-19 pandemic, we turned to popular gig platforms to keep the lights on, undertaking everything from home repairs to installations. Our firsthand experience with these services revealed significant gaps, especially in professional standards. Often, when a job requires a team of two, the inconsistent quality of professionals from these platforms is stark and concerning. We’ve encountered situations where the second ‘pro’ who showed up was clearly unprepared and lacked the necessary skills, undermining the safety and reliability of the work.
How to Get the Best Results 🔍
Experienced professionals usually have a robust track record of tackling various tasks and navigating unexpected challenges; a strong online presence and years of experience are today’s benchmarks. They should be licensed and insured, protecting you and your property. Plus, they arrive prepared with the right tools—not just a Homer bucket with a couple of tools, asking if they can borrow your drill because they forgot theirs 🔧.
Your home is your sanctuary—your castle and your retreat from the world. Don’t let subpar work disrupt its tranquility, especially at your expense. Opting for a lower-cost handyman might seem appealing initially, but it can lead to more issues or repairs down the road. An experienced and well-equipped handyman will provide reliable service that addresses immediate needs and safeguards against future problems, maintaining the peace and security of your home.
Considering these points, you’ll be better prepared to make an informed decision about your home repair and maintenance needs. Investing in quality service ensures that your home is well taken care of and that any issues are handled properly, giving you peace of mind for the long haul 🛡️.
Pencil-ing in an important point✏️
Did you know that hiring someone who is not properly licensed and insured can leave you financially and legally responsible for any damages or poor workmanship and might also expose you to claims where the unlicensed worker could seek compensation for injuries or disputes? If economic or other financial constraints compel you to use these platforms, ensure you select a reputable company from them, not just an individual whose only credential may be a ‘background check’ that allows them to pay a fee for your contact information and job request, potentially costing you far more than if you had hired a qualified professional from the start.
This is my first blog post, and I’m eager to make it as helpful as possible. Have you ever hired a handyman or service through an online platform where the individual wasn’t a company? What was your experience like? Drop your stories or additional questions in the comments below—I’m also here to learn from you!
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” — Proverbs 27:17
