I’m interested in understanding what factors I should consider when hiring a handyman.
Specifically:
How important is it that they are licensed?
What kind of hourly rate should I expect?
What are warning signs?
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Q: How important is it that they are Licensed? A: It’s your legal guaranty and used for recourse if there is a problem. It’s Equal to having a warranty or a guaranty on a product. Without a warranty you have no legal recourse that the product or service will perform as discribed. Note: A consumer has no legal mean for recourse against an unlicensed Hanyman (other than turning the handyman into the local registrar which can only fine the worker, not correct your problem) . If that unlicensed Hanyman’s work creates a situation where damages result in an insurance claim. It is unlikely that your insurance can collect or have recourse against that handyman. It is more likely that you (the home owner) will be seen as the problem for knowingly hiring a unlicensed, unqualified person to do the work. Your insurance has the right to deny the claim on those grounds.
Q: What kind of hourly rate should I expect? A: First, all the various trades base there prices on a cost plus materials bases. All the trades have a basic service call amount or minimum. All these rates are fixed and or adjusted to compete in a market depending on which service or trade is involved in the repair. The hourly rate varies based on the complexity, amount of knowledge and difficulty to perform the task. What I’m attempting to say is that you have the right to ask for an estimate with a breakdown of the cost that shows the Labor and Material and how long it will take to complete a project. You should expect an hourly rate that is competitive with the current market rate. If your Handyman can’t or won’t privide you with this information. You might want to look for someone that will.
Q: What are the warning signs. A: This is a hard one. There are many and some times there are none. The most obvious. A person that won’t give you a written estimate. Out of state plate on their vehicle. Persons that ask for a deposit without a signed contract. A person that asks to be paid in cash (Note: A check to a person that is self employed to a company name can not be cashed. It can only be deposited to an account. This is your only legal recourse) can not taken to court. You have no legal recourse. Never pay cash or write a check to an individual.
The importance is pretty high, considering that you might be liable for damages if they are not licensed, also in Florida, the contractor and the Owner can be charged with a misdemeanor.
check with your local building officals/department and/or legal advice!
Licensing is very important for anyone in the building, maintenance and alteration business.
If you need someone to paint a window, or replace a door lock, perhaps you can use an unlicensed handyman and expect to pay anywhere between $10.00 and $20.00 dollars per hour, however frequently you get what you pay for.
If your project requires significant demolition, or any framing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC and/or structural replacement or reinforcement, you should always use a licensed and insured contractor or handyman.
If your handyman candidate works out of the back of his truck, refuses or is unable (for any reason) to provide proof of licensing and/or insurance, fails to provide professional and thorough estimates of cost and scope of work, I would never use him…no matter what.
It’s just not worth the problems you will almost certainly suffer!
I hope this helps!
Licensing is important, but even as important is Property Damage insurance. Say you get a handyman to come out and fix your sink, simple job, BUT… the supply hose breaks loose in the middle of the night and floods your kitchen and living room. Who pays for the carpet, drywall and furniture? Well, you can hope he’s got a little money saved up or better yet Liability and Property Damage insurance. Be very carefull as to what you have unlicensed and uninsured contractors do for you…it could turn out very costly!
How important is it that they are licensed?
What kind of hourly rate should I expect?
What are warning signs?
This may help you..
http://www.cslb.ca.gov/Consumers/HireAContractor/FindingTheRightContractor.asp
..License, Bonded, and Insured... The insurance should include Liability, Workers Compensation, and also Auto.Upon opening Authentic Services Inc., I became aware of how important it is to be licensed here in Iowa. Iowa law requires contractors to be licensed, with an exemption of a company making under minimum guidelines. By a company being licensed they are meeting the guidelines of Iowa, which are compliance with the laws of this state relating to workers’ compensation insurance and shall provide evidence of workers’ compensation insurance coverage annually, of relief from the insurance requirement. This I believe should help any homeowner or business hiring a contractor that he or she is professional and practices safety.
In my personal experience working with homeowners, hotels, and other busniesses; hourly rates or giving one set price/bid differ from job to job. I determine which rate to use after meeting the homeowner and seeing how they are doing also for the cost of the material and how soon the job needs to be done.
Warning signs to me for a homeowner, would be a person/company trying to get a down payment via wire transfer/Western Union,before creating a contract, meeting you, and discussing the project at hand. Any company who states they will show up at a certain time and either are two hours late, or never show up.Anytime you have someone working in your home their will be liability. So even the smallest job like hanging a picture or painting a wall, can cost you. if you hire a unlicensed - uninsured handyman and they fall of a ladder you could be liable for there injury. Be very carefull when hirring one
If your home was built prior to 1978, I suggest you hire an EPA lead safe certified firm.
Learn more about it here:
http://www2.epa.gov/lead/renovation-repair-and-painting-program
:) Rhoda http://www.billfryconstruction.com/NEVER hire Unlicensed or UnInsured people. Not every home is built perfect and problems always arise. When you hire unlicensed or uninsured they are telling you that they are not qualified or responsible for any work or damage in your home.
You get what you pay for.
Integrity…call past customers!
Always check for the basics. Ask for all general information. Make sure he has valid drivers license and a vehicle to get to your job. Ask him/her for valid insurance certificate. Make sure you are comfortable with how he wishes to be paid and make sure he is reputable and comes with at least a couple references.
Very important that they are licensed. Here in Florida, you could be fined for hiring an un-lic. person.
Check with local—Occupational license, also called Business tax receipt.
Also check for Liab. / WC insurance, any complaints. Also references.
Handyman hourly varies as to experience and tooling. I have a few handymen --their rates vary as much as $10 / hr, the cheaper ones carry less insurance and are normally limited in experience.
Warning signs: Can’t get a hold of references, excuses for non-produce of license and insurance, cash down payments.