Don Vandervort, Head Homeboy, has written more than 30 DIY home improvement books, been a segment host on HGTV, served as MSN.com's home improvement expert and written countless magazine articles.
The best way to find reliable, capable tradespeople is through referrals from friends or neighbors who have had similar work done and were happy with the service. If you can't get recommendations, talk to local building supply dealers, or turn to the Internet or your telephone directory—your most likely source of names if you're dealing with a home-repair emergency.
So that you're not left to this device in a pinch, it pays to have the names and numbers of good repair services on hand. It's also smart to check with the local chapter of the Better Business Bureau to make sure there isn't a history of consumer complaints against the pro you plan to hire.
Select two or three potential tradespeople or companies (three to five for major construction work). Call them, describe your problem, and ask:
1) Their hourly rate or method of charging and whether they charge for time spent coming to the job or picking up materials. Also ask whether a basic fee for checking the problem can be applied toward the final bill for fixing it.
2) Whether they are licensed or factory-certified for a particular product. Will the person with the license or certification be doing the actual work?
3) How much experience they have with your repair problem.
4) Whether they can handle the problem as quickly as you need to have it taken care of. Pinpoint the time of their visit to avoid wasting the day waiting.
When a repairperson arrives at your home, review the work to be done and request a written description and price on their letterhead. This formal estimate should include:
1) Details about his or her fees and rates.
2) A "not-to-exceed" amount to limit the maximum price you will pay.
3) Written confirmation of any guarantees made.
4) His or her signature as well as yours—and do not sign a partial or incomplete contract.
5) An exact description of the work to be done and materials to be used.
A formal estimate is very important for all but the simplest repairs. But be aware that many problems may be concealed behind walls or above ceilings, and the repairperson can't be expected to anticipate every ugly surprise. If he or she can't give you a tight estimate, set a fixed rate for the investigative work that can become part of the overall price if they do the repairs.
Before making a final payment or signing off on the finished work, be sure to inspect it carefully. Ask for a written receipt that states "Paid in full" to avoid liens or other legal claims later.
For taking care of a variety of home repairs—especially small jobs that many contractors won't touch—a handyman or handywoman is often an excellent choice. Most people who give themselves this title have a range of skills—from wiring to plumbing to carpentry—and charge considerably less per hour than licensed tradespeople such as electrical contractors or plumbers. And, they work across trades—during a single house call, a good handyperson can fix your dripping faucets, replace a light switch, and repair the gate latch.
But it is imperative that you find a handyperson who is competent at a variety of trades and is fair in his or her dealings with you. Be aware that, when you hire a handyperson, you don't know what you're getting unless the person comes with high recommendations. Unlike licensed contractors and subcontractors or factory-authorized repairpeople, no particular accreditation is required for a handyperson in many states.
