Choosing a Repairman

A good repairperson can mean the difference between a trouble-free project and an unforgettable disaster. Don’t just hire the first person who returns your call. Whether you're looking for a general handyman or a specialty contractor, it's wise to do a little legwork in order to find the best and most reliable talent:

Ask friends, neighbors, and co-workers for recommendations.
The best litmus test is whether they would use the repairperson or company again. If you can, check with your home's previous owners; they may have a list of names to work from. Always check the references of anyone you're considering and trust your gut instincts, too.

Ask for credentials.
Specialty contractors should carry at least a contractor's license (Florida and California require specialty licenses as well) and be fully insured and bonded. If you are hiring a general repairperson, be sure they are bonded and carry worker's compensation insurance. Membership in a trade association or union doesn't guarantee competence, but unions do require members to go through a course of training (from apprentice to journeyman) and many associations require members to meet performance standards.

Ask for an estimate.
Always get a written estimate of the job to be done, including the amount of time it will take to complete the project, how you are to be billed, cost of materials, and any other fees. Billing practices vary from hourly to flat fee, and depend on the nature of the work. In general, hourly billing is more cost-effective for short-term projects.

Ask about materials.
Depending on the work, it may be more cost-effective for you to provide the materials necessary for the job. While contractors usually get materials at a discount, that discount isn't always passed on to you. If the project is small, such as replacing a door or installing ceiling fans, you may get a better deal yourself at the local home center.  

Ask about permits.
Be sure any work you have done on your house conforms to local building codes. This is required by law in most jurisdictions, and violations can mean a potentially costly run-in with the building inspector when you go to sell.

Ask for a written guarantee.
Most states require at least a year's warranty on most contracting work.

Ask how the work will be done.
Find out how decisions will be made during the project, and be available to participate by telephone or on-site. Ask about start and stop times in case you need to be there to unlock doors. Alert neighbors if your work is going to be noisy or long-term, and check local codes to be sure you meet noise and clean-up guidelines.

Ask about payment.
Never agree to prepay for a job or put down a deposit. Agree to a payment schedule in writing (if the project has more than one phase) before the work begins.

Ask for ideas.
The better the repairperson, the more creative they will be at solving tricky repair problems. Ask for their solutions up-front.

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