5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Handyman
- thelocalink
- Jul 9
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 5
When something breaks or needs fixing around your home, it’s tempting to hire the first handyman you find online or through a friend. But choosing the wrong person can lead to unfinished projects, surprise costs, or even safety risks.
Before you hire anyone for your next job — whether it’s a leaky faucet, wall repair, or furniture assembly — make sure to ask these five important questions.
1 Are You Licensed and Insured?
Not every home repair requires a licensed contractor, but for certain projects like electrical, plumbing, or structural work, it’s critical. Even for small jobs, you’ll want to make sure the handyman carries liability insurance and, if they have employees, worker’s compensation insurance.
This protects you and your property in case of accidents, injuries, or damage during the job. Never be afraid to ask for proof — a professional will be happy to show it.
Why it matters: If someone gets hurt while working on your property and they’re uninsured, you could be held financially responsible.
2 Can You Provide Local References?
A trustworthy handyman should have recent, local references from customers in your area. These could be written reviews, phone numbers, or a link to their online ratings.
When contacting references, ask:
What kind of work did they do?
Was the job finished on time?
Were there any unexpected costs?
Would you hire them again?
Why it matters: Speaking with real past customers gives you a clearer idea of their reliability, work quality, and professionalism.
3 What’s Your Availability and Turnaround Time?
Some handyman services book out weeks in advance, while others might offer same-day or next-day service. Find out:
When can they start?
How long will the job take?
Do they work weekends or evenings if needed?
Also, ask how they handle delays due to bad weather, supply issues, or unexpected complications.
Why it matters: Knowing the timeline upfront helps you plan around it and avoids frustrating surprises mid-project.
4 How Do You Price Your Work?
Handyman services typically charge in one of two ways:
Hourly rates (usually for small or unpredictable jobs)
Flat-rate pricing (for specific, clearly defined tasks)
Ask them for a written estimate that breaks down:
Labor costs
Material costs (if any)
Travel fees (if applicable)
Also, confirm how they handle additional charges if the job turns out to be more complicated than expected.
Why it matters: Clear pricing prevents disputes and ensures you’re
comparing fair, accurate quotes if you’re talking to multiple pros.
5 Do You Guarantee Your Work?
A professional handyman should take pride in their work and offer a satisfaction guarantee or limited warranty on labor and materials. Ask:
How long is the guarantee valid?
What does it cover?
Will they come back for free if a problem happens shortly after the job?
Some issues, like a leaky faucet repair, may need follow-up adjustments — you want someone who stands by their work.
Why it matters: A guarantee gives you peace of mind that if something isn’t right, it will be fixed without extra costs.
Bonus Tip: Make It Easy — Use LocaLink
Looking for a handyman you can trust? Skip the guesswork and let LocaLink connect you with reliable, local professionals in [Your Town].
Pre-screened, dependable pros
Transparent pricing
Fast, hassle-free service requests
Comments