Tips for Finding a Handyman for Your Property
Managing a rental property can be overwhelming. In a single week, there are tons of things that can go wrong. These problems can happen in diverse areas of the building. If you had to call different technicians to fix each problem, not only would your costs go through the roof, you would have trouble managing all the workers.
That is why Keyrenter North Dallas management company suggests having a single handyman to handle minor problems in your rental property is the best way. Who is a handyman, and how is a handyman different from a specialist? When should you hire a specialist contractor instead of a handyman? What are the things to look for when hiring a handyman for your rental property?
Who is a handyman?
A handyman is a professional skilled at a wide range of repairs. These technicians are trained to fix those minor problems that often occur in a rental property. Handymen can also handle routine maintenance for most of a building’s systems. They typically work on jobs that require one person.
A handyman is not just anybody good with their hands. They are trained professionals. Most of them acquire their skills through a combination of formal training, apprenticeship, and practice. In order to work as a handyman, a person must obtain a license. Handymen are also expected to be members of a recognized professional body.
What is the difference between a handyman and a specialist contractor?
The first major difference is that while the handyman can fix most minor problems in the home, the specialist focuses on one area of the building, such as HVAC, electrical, roof, plumbing, doors, etc. A specialist contractor has more in-depth knowledge about their specialization than a handyman.
Secondly, a specialist handles larger projects than a handyman does. These projects often cost more money, and they take longer to complete. If you are doing a major renovation of your home, you don’t need a handyman. You should hire a contractor who will often have several specialist contractors working with him.
When should you hire a handyman? If the cause of the problem is known and the task is a simple repair, hire a handyman. But if you have a structural issue or your home requires a significant investment of money and time, hire a specialist. In most cases, however, an honest handyman will tell you when to hire a specialist.
A handyman can save you a lot of money and time when doing things like cleaning your gutters, painting an interior wall, hanging/wiring a light fixture, installing an appliance, fixing drywall, unclogging a sink, assembling furniture, power washing your rental, replacing baseboards, installing a gutter rail and a host of other small jobs.
How to find a qualified and trustworthy handyman
How do you find a competent handyman who will not worsen the problems in your rental property? Follow these steps to screen any handyman you are thinking of retaining as the preferred handyman for your rental property.
- Search in the right places
Your best bet for finding reliable handymen is to ask friends, family, neighbors, and acquaintances. You may find out from other property investors in the area, a trusted estate agent, or your local hardware store for recommendations. If you don’t get useful results from these sources, you may try Yelp and Angie’s List. - References and reviews
For each handyman you find, check their online reviews and BBB rating to see what others are saying about their services. Ask the handyman for references, names, and contacts of past and current clients willing to vouch for them. Make sure these are genuine clients; do your best to call each person on the list. - Years of experience
A handyman’s experience matters, especially if the experience is with properties similar to yours. The longer the handyman has worked in your locality, the better for you. A seasoned handyman would have gathered enough experience and built a vast network that can be of immense value to any landlord or property manager. - Guarantees and insurance
Do not hire a handyman unless they offer a guarantee on their work. This guarantee must be in writing, with the duration spelled out along with everything in the guarantee. You also want your handyman to have adequate insurance; general liability and property insurance are mandatory policies.
A well-written contract
Lastly, your chosen handyman should be willing and able to give you a written contract with all the details of your agreement. If you are hiring the handyman for the long term, they should specify the timeframe, the roles, and responsibilities of each party, plus payment terms, the exit clause, and resolution processes.
In closing, good handymen are hard to find, but the above process will make finding one easier. When you find that handyman, we recommend you have a service agreement with them for the best, all-around results.
