How to Choose the Right Handyman for Your Needs
Need a Handyman But Don’t Know Where To Begin?
Finding a trustworthy and qualified handyman has never been easier. Handyman Services and their service platforms is on the rise with over 90,000 companies across the U.S. But which one should you choose?
It can be overwhelming to find a trusted handyman to do your repairs and maintenance for you. However, don’t just give up just yet. We are going to make it easy for you to find your local qualified handyman for your home repairs.
The right handyman is able to save you both time and money in addition to saving you a gigantic headache.
Handymen come in all shapes and sizes, some are good, while others? You can just call them the plague of your life.
What you’ll discover:
- Why Handyman Services Are Booming Right Now
- The 5 Must-Check Credentials Before Hiring Anyone
- How to Spot Red Flags During Your Search
- Smart Questions That Separate Pros from Amateurs
- The Real Cost of Handyman Services
Why Handyman Services Are Booming Right Now
The handyman industry is booming to say the least.
The market has grown at 3.7% over the last few years and is expected to top $355.3 billion in 2025, according to IBISWorld. This isn’t a bump in the market, it’s a complete sea change in the way that consumers are handling their home repairs.
We’re seeing three main reasons for this spike in handyman services.
First: modern life is hectic. Work, family, life…between everything that’s going on in our day to day we simply do not have time to fix a leaky faucet, repair a door knob, or put up some shelves. And with 79% of Americans living paycheck to paycheck, we simply can’t afford to lose time at work fixing these things either.
Second: do-it-yourself culture has peaked. YouTube tutorials are awesome and we all love them, but let’s face it, sometimes you want a professional. No one wants to call a plumber to fix a toilet that they turned into an overflowing DIY science experiment.
Third: consumer expectations have changed. We’ve all seen those home repair shows on TV where the professionals fix a homeowner’s faulty work. Nobody wants that for their home. So, homeowners are more selective when they hire a handyman, demanding high quality workmanship and experience.
Where homeowners used to ask friends and family or thumb through the yellow pages to find a local handyman, most people are finding a handyman online these days and are using handyman services platforms technology to find and contact professionals in their area.
Look at the numbers: a reported 71% of U.S. homeowners say that hiring a handyman saves them both time and money in the long run.
The 5 Must-Check Credentials Before Hiring Anyone
Want to avoid home repair nightmares? There are some basic rules to remember before you make a call.
1. License and Insurance
This one is non-negotiable, people.
You want to see proof of both licensing in their area of work, as well as general liability insurance.
If they tell you they “don’t need it,” “it costs too much,” or “none of my previous customers have ever asked to see it,” please do not hire that handyman.
You should never start a job with any contractor without first confirming license and insurance.
2. References and Reviews
This is where most people get it wrong. They look at the star rating and think they’re good.
Don’t do that.
Look at the real reviews. Are people saying the same things over and over again? Good and bad. Are the positive reviews detailed and specific or vague and generic?
Better yet, ask for some recent references that you can call directly. A reputable and quality handyman will have no issue providing you with past customer contacts.
3. Written Estimates
This should be a red flag warning: If the handyman you are speaking with refuses to provide you with a written estimate, move on.
A professional and reputable handyman will provide you with a written estimate that includes:
- Cost of labor
- Cost of materials
- Expected timeline
- Specific work to be completed
No verbal agreements. Ever.
4. Specialization Match
Not all handymen are created equal. Some specialize in electrical work. Some are plumbers. Others focus on general repairs and maintenance.
Match their specialization to your specific need.
Just because a handyman is great at drywall repair doesn’t mean he is your best option for a complex electrical issue.
5. Communication Skills
Huge, but often overlooked.
Can the handyman clearly explain what needs to be done and how in terms that you understand? Do they return your calls in a timely fashion? Are they respectful of your time and your property?
Communication skills are a leading indicator of the quality of their work.
How to Spot Red Flags During Your Search
Some are obvious, others you need to know to spot.
Door-to-Door Solicitation
Legitimate handymen don’t need to knock on doors soliciting for business. They are booked solid.
Unusually Low Prices
Everyone loves a bargain, but if the price you are quoted seems too good to be true, it most likely is.
Cheap prices usually mean:
- Skimping on materials
- Rushing the work
- Hidden costs added on later
- Inexperienced workers
Cash-Only Payment
A professional handyman accepts all major credit cards, checks, and various other forms of payment. Cash only? Beware. Cash only means they are likely trying to avoid taxes and/or accountability.
No Fixed Address
If you want to be able to find a handyman again in case there are problems later down the road you need an actual business address. A cell phone number only is not going to cut it.
Pressure Tactics
“This price is only good today” or “I can start immediately if you pay upfront” is an absolute red flag. These are the classic lines of a scammer.
Professional handymen are booked out weeks in advance. They are not going to pressure you with special “today-only” offers.
Smart Questions That Separate Pros from Amateurs
Asking the right questions will tell you exactly what you need to know.
Project-Specific Questions
- “How would you approach this specific problem?”
- “What materials do you recommend and why?”
- “How long should this repair last?”
- “What could go wrong with this type of work?”
Business Questions
- “How long have you been in business?”
- “What’s your typical timeline for projects like mine?”
- “Do you guarantee your work?”
- “Can you provide references from similar jobs?”
The Test Question
Here’s my personal favorite: “What would you do if you discovered additional problems while working?”
Their answer will tell you everything you need to know about their honesty and level of professionalism.
The Real Cost of Handyman Services
Let’s face it, we all care about price. Knowing ballpark figures for what a service should cost helps to weed out the scammers as well as the “steals.”
National averages:
- Small repairs: $75-$150
- Medium projects: $200-$500
- Large jobs: $500-$1,500+
- Hourly rates: $50-$100
But what really makes the cost different?
Location makes a big difference. Urban areas are 20-30% more than rural areas on average.
Complexity is more important than size when it comes to pricing. A simple shelf installation is going to cost less than diagnosing an electrical problem, even if the electrical repair takes less time.
Timing can also impact your price. Emergency calls are going to cost a premium. Weekend work costs more. Holiday repairs? Well, let’s just say you’re going to pay a little extra for that.
Handyman Services Platform market segments are making pricing more transparent, but always get multiple quotes for large projects.
Wrapping It All Together
Finding a qualified handyman to do your repairs and maintenance shouldn’t be complicated.
Start with the basics: license, insurance, and solid references. Ask the right questions to understand their level of expertise and professionalism. Learn to see the red flags when you spot them.
Remember: the cheapest handyman is rarely the best value. With an industry-wide customer satisfaction of 89% and growing, there are plenty of good handymen out there willing to be found and paid a fair price.
Your home is your biggest investment. Treat it as such. Protect it by hiring professionals who care about it as much as you do.
Do your research. Ask questions. Trust your gut. The right handyman will become a long term partner for all your home maintenance needs.
