FAQs
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
My father was always good at fixing things. I fought it for awhile, and tried my hand at some other things. But, eventually I joined the maintenance staff at the apartment complex where I was living. I wound up being better at it than I expected, and was eventually made Supervisor of a different apartment complex here in Charlotte. I enjoyed my 10 years in the apartment industry in many ways, but eventually decided to take my skills and focus more on homes and businesses. I've worked independently and with other handyman companies for the last 2 years, and have much grown to like it very much.
- Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
A friend of mine recently dropped a large plastic electric razor guard down into their toilet and flushed it, hoping it would pass through. Of course, it did not. Trying all the best plumber's techniques did not release the piece. Finally, I removed the toilet, flipped it upside down, and used an electrician's fish tape, bent in just the right way to pry the thing out. Most plumbers would have given up and recommended replacing the entire toilet. Why wouldn't they, when that would mean extra money for them? But, I was able to use an electrician's tool to solve a plumbing problem, and also save my friend a decent amount of money!!
- What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
I would encourage them never to hire the lowest bidder. There are many people who claim to be handymen, whose skill sets are very underdeveloped. What seems like a great deal, often winds up costing more in the end, when you have to hire a more competent professional to correct the errors made by less-skilled workmen. I would also encourage them not to go with the highest bidder. That extra money doesn't necessarily mean a higher quality of work. It is often going to pay for office space, secretaries, and professional salespeople who are adept at getting every last dollar out of you. Finding somebody in the middle, who is confident enough in their work to charge a fair price, but doesn't have as much overhead to pay for, is the best way to choose a good handyman for a good value.