Handyman Services

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

A. Mostly "Honey Do" lists. Replace a door knob, faucet, light fixture etc.

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

A. Always try to get a referral! Never just open the Yellow Pages and pick someone out of the blue. Ask your local Hardware store or a neighbor for a referral. The problem is that this profession attracts a lot of shady charactures. Working for yourself doesn't require a resume' or a drug test, all you need to get started is a truck and a bag of tools. Some are hiding from arrest warrents, past due child support, back taxes, past felonies, prison time, depenancy issues, etc. So just be careful about who you let into your home.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. Well for one, you get what you pay for. The reason I have to charge what I do is because my Fed. taxes alone are 34%. Not to mention my state and city taxes and licenses. Handymen who skirt around paying taxes and who work for cash only can give you a cheaper price but most of them are only doing it for the quick buck and you won't be happy about the result.

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

A. The biggest thing is having some basic idea about what it's going to cost for the project. So many times I have looked at a job that easily costs several hundred dollars but the customer was only thinking it would cost 50 bucks.

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

A. Because I only take on jobs that I enjoy and that I'm very experienced in. I never take on a job just for the sake of getting paid for it.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. The complete freedom that comes from working for myself.

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

A. Q: How long have you been doing Handyman type work?

A: About 30 yrs.

Q. Do you have a favorite story from your work?

A. I had a customer that wanted me to hang a 500 lb. sculpture of a fish on her wall above the fireplace.

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

A. That just because I make a job look effortless, it's not. Most of the jobs I do, I have done over and over. I have had years of experience working in this field and know most of the short cuts and tricks. It might take me 10 min. to do something that takes a novice 3 hrs. but that that doesn't mean I shouldn't be fairly compensated.

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

A. I kind of fell into it after I retired from the Navy Seabees. I love fixing things but also wanted a business of my own. it was a perfect fit.
The best part is helping others who are in need. The satisfaction from that alone is priceless.

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

A. I made cabinet doors for a customer's kitchen out of 3/4" plywood and trimmed them out with lattace strips around the edges. I painted them white and added hinges and knobs. He couldn't affort to have his cabinets refaced professionally by a cabinet shop which would of cost thousands more. They turned out awesome and he was very happy.

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

A. I'm always researching newer/faster ways of doing things. Improved materials, faster drying glues, stronger concrete etc.

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. In the last few years the Handyman profession has been taken a lot more serious. It's not just someone between jobs knocking on doors wanting to work for food.

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

A. I rebuilt a 4 ft. wide x 6 ft. tall wooden gate that was falling apart. It took me 4 hours. including painting it. $160.00 for labor and $40.00 for mat. Total cost was $200.00

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

A. For single items I can give a flat rate as long as it's under $500. 00 including mat. and labor because I'm not a Ca. state licensed contractor. I never ask for money up front, I never mark up materials or ask for a fee just to show up.
I stopped charging by the hour this year. I've noticed customers like that much better. I like it better too. I can tell
they are more relaxed and not glancing at the clock every 5 min.

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

A. Do everything by the book and stay "Above board". Customers are looking for someone they can trust. Answer your phone, show up on time etc. Getting a small business license is a great way to start.

Q. Write your own question and answer it.

A. Q: Would you ever decide to quit your business and get a regular job?

A: Not in a million years.