Handyman

Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.

A. Drywall repair, electrical problems, small remodeling jobs, and just advise.

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. Ask for references or accreditations.

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. They should know what they want first. The color of paint, tile, any finished product they want installed. If it is an addition have appropriate permits and plans which have been approved by the building dept. of your city.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. My work shows quality and workmanship that comes from experience. I have many long time customers who have been calling me for over 14 years. I hope to satisfy new customers completely in order to keep me in mine for the next repair.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. Every job I do is a challenge. It may seem like a simple fix until I actually try to troubleshoot the problem. I'm always trying new methods and buying new tools to accomplish routine repairs and maintenance.

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. How long have you been doing this?

About 14 years.

Q. What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?

A. Get at least 3 quotes, sometimes the range of prices can be outrageous. Make sure everyone is doing the same process.

Q. How did you decide to get in your line of work?

A. I was helping a handyman do his work. He just kept calling me to help out. I was working in the data processing field at the time. But eventually that temp job ended and i have been working in construction since.

Q. Tell us about a recent job you did that you are particularly proud of.

A. i had to install ducting for a newly installed microwave oven. The plumber flaked and asked me to do. I learned how to make a 7" ducting fit into a 6" vent.

Q. Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?

A. Yes, I took a RRP certification class last Dec. 2009. I also took a Simpson workshop in concrete epoxy. I have taken 6 classes in construction technology at El Camino College.

Q. What are the latest developments in your field? Are there any exciting things coming in the next few years or decade that will change your line of business?

A. Solar and wind power will be big. As impovements in manufacturing and pricing becomes more consumer friendly. The EPA wants workers to become cerified in lead paint (just started in July 2010). You can become RRP certified by calling any EPA office and asking for the location of the nearest certification class.

Q. Describe your most recent project, what it involved, how much it cost, and how long it took.

A. I just removed 2 windows, framed the opening, screwed sheathing to the framing, and stucco'd. I also plastered 2 rooms inside to paint ready condition. I color matched the finish stucco. I charged around $800 materials included.

Q. If you have a complicated pricing system for your service, please give all the details here.

A. I usually give a dollar amount for the job. If it is routine maintenance then I charge around a monthly fee.

Q. If you were advising someone who wanted to get into your profession, what would you suggest?

A. You need customers. Unless you have some steady work around the block, have a good marketing plan. Make sure the work is done to code and stands up to the best standards.