What is a Handyman?
A home handyman is a jack-of-all-trades capable of handling a wide variety of home repairs and chores. These tasks may include repair work, home maintenance and odd jobs around the house and yard. Some handymen are skilled at light construction, plumbing and electrical work.
A good handyman is versatile enough to complete a variety of small- to medium-sized jobs, and honest enough to admit when a job requires a professional, certified contractor.
The Limits of the Family Handyman
Almost every family has a family handyman: a dedicated do-it-yourself enthusiast. A family handyman can be very proficient and helpful, as long as he or she knows when to stop. Sometimes a family handyman takes on projects better left to trained individuals. And let's face it-- some family handymen possess more enthusiasm than skill.
Even if you're a skilled family handyman, some jobs are too large for a single person. In such cases, it often makes sense to hire a professional handyman.
When to Hire a Home Handyman
Many people hire a home handyman to perform tasks that they can't do themselves, but convenience is also a factor. A handyman can help by:
- Assisting with jobs that may be dangerous, like cleaning leaves from a high gutter or changing a light fixture.
- Completing tasks that require a specific skill, like repairing small plumbing problems.
- Helping with routine tasks and maintenance that you can do on your own, but you're too busy to complete. This may include painting the trim on your house, shoveling snow or mowing the lawn.
Finding the Right Handyman
You can find handyman services through the yellow pages, newspaper ads and online handyman websites. However, the best way to find a good, reliable handyman is by word of mouth.
Ask friends, family and coworkers for recommendations. Chances are, someone you know has a trusted home handyman. Ask the person recommending the handyman if you can view their work, and if they think the handyman is well suited to your particular project.
The Importance of Certification and Insurance
Each U.S. state has its own laws concerning handyman licenses. Some states don't require that handymen be licensed, while others require licenses for handymen who work with electricity, gas or plumbing. If your state requires handyman licenses, be sure to check that your handyman's license is current.
If possible, hire a handyman who has his own liability insurance. If the handyman is injured on your property, you could be held liable for medical expenses. Some jobs, such as raking leaves, carry little risk of injury. For other projects, such as rewiring electrical systems, you should insist on hiring a handyman with liability insurance.