Finding a Handyman for Your Rental Properties

Are you tired of handling repairs yourself across your rental properties? Finding a reliable handyman can make maintenance a breeze for you and your property managers.

Imagine having someone who can fix that leaky faucet, repair that broken fence, or even help with small renovation projects whenever you need.

This article will guide you through finding and hiring a trustworthy handyman so that your property is in top shape.

What is a handyman?

A handyman is someone who helps fix things around the rental property. They're skilled in emergency repairs, such as fixing HVAC systems, leaky faucets, and broken appliances, as well as working on small construction projects.

They're like a superhero for your property, ready to fix, repair, or renovate anything that needs attention.

How do I find a handyman?

Starting to feel like you might need a handyman, but not quite sure how to find the right one? Below, we're sharing the steps to find a trustworthy and skilled handyman who can take care of your property maintenance needs and improvements:

Step 1: Ask for recommendations

The first step in finding a reliable handyman is to ask your family, friends, and neighbors for recommendations. They might know of a handyman who has done a great job for them before. Getting recommendations from people you trust is a solid way to start your search.

Step 2: Check online reviews

Check online review websites like Yelp or Google Reviews. These platforms allow people to share their experiences with local handymen, which can give you a good idea of their reputation and quality of work. Aim to hire someone with positive reviews and high ratings.

Step 3: Verify insurance and licensing

Once you've found a promising prospect, you'll need to make sure they have the necessary insurance and licensing before officially hiring them. An insured contractor can protect you and your property in case of accidents or damage during the job. Licensing verifies that the handyman is qualified to do the work they claim to do.

Step 4: Ask for references

A trustworthy handyman will be willing to provide you with references from previous clients. Reach out to these references to ask about their experiences with the handyman. Did they complete the job in a timely manner? Was the work done well? Were there any issues or concerns with the property maintenance? Talking to previous clients can help you determine the handyman's reliability and workmanship.

Step 5: Get multiple quotes

Although it might be easy to, don't settle for the first handyman you find. Get quotes from multiple handymen for your project. It'll give you a better idea of the average cost and help you find the best deal. Provide detailed information about the job when getting quotes to get the most accurate estimates.

Step 6: Communicate clearly

Clearly explain the scope of your project, as well as your expectations of the contractor. Ask any questions you have up front to ensure both parties are on the same page before the handyman work begins. This will help avoid misunderstandings later on.

Step 7: Review the contract

Once you've chosen a contractor (or contractors) that you want to have hired, create a written contract outlining the scope, timeline, and cost. This should include how much you plan to pay for their labor, as well as how long all the work should take. If any changes or additional work arise during the project, get those in writing.

Advantages of hiring a handyman

Hiring a handyman can bring several advantages, such as:

• Saving time: A handyman can handle a wide variety of property maintenance tasks efficiently, saving you time and energy.
• Safety: Certain repairs or maintenance tasks, such as electrical work or plumbing, can be hazardous if not done correctly. Hiring contractors can help complete work safely, minimizing the risk of accidents or further damage to a rental house.
• Convenience: Rather than searching for tools and figuring out how to repair issues yourself, a handyman has the necessary materials and expertise. This allows you to focus on other important aspects of your business.
•  Saving money: Although hiring a general contractor might sound costly, it can actually save you money in the long run. The handyman's efficiency and expertise can prevent expensive mistakes you might make if you attempt to make the repair yourself.

A handyman can save you time, provide peace of mind, and assure you that the job is done right.

Disadvantages of hiring a handyman

While hiring a contractor has plenty of upside, it also has some potential disadvantages to keep in mind:

• Work might not be up to code: Handymen may not have the same expertise or knowledge in building codes and regulations that licensed professionals, such as plumbers or electricians, have.
• Potential for costly mistakes: Even when you vet a handyman, there's still a risk that they make mistakes, which may end up costing more money to fix than the issues caused by the initial work.
• Limited specialization: Handymen are generally skilled in various tasks but may not have specialized expertise in certain areas. Hiring a specialized contractor or licensed professional with specific training and experience may be more appropriate for specialized repairs.
• Reliability and availability: If a handyman is in high demand, it may result in scheduling challenges or delays in getting the work done. Make sure that the person you hire has reasonable availability and can complete the job within your desired timeframe.

Additional tips:

• Communicate your expectations and ask for regular progress updates from your maintenance manager.
• Have a contingency plan in place in case of unexpected delays.
• Keep all relevant contact information if you need to reach the handyman quickly.
• Consider hiring an in house maintenance staff if it makes sense for your business.

The search for a handyman

Don't leave property care to chance. Hire a handyman you can trust by asking the right questions and conducting thorough background checks on their skills and reliability.

Following key steps like checking references and licenses will lead you to someone talented and dependable for your property's needs.

Finding a handyman

Is there an app to find a handyman?

Yes, there are several apps available to help you find a handyman. Some popular are Angi, TaskRabbit, Handy, and Thumbtack. These apps allow you to browse available rental property maintenance services or even for your personal needs and hire a handyman directly from your smartphone.

What do most handymen charge per hour?

Handyman hourly rates vary by location. To better understand the rates in your area, you can check options like the handyman application sites listed above for free estimates.

Do you tip the handyman?

Giving tips to a handyman is unnecessary or expected, but it can be a nice gesture if you're happy with their work and want to show appreciation.

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