There are always home projects – repair or maintenance – that need to be done. Without the time, expertise or desire for DIY, the old adage – a stitch in time saves nine – can easily come into play. It costs less for your handyman to repair a leaky faucet than for a licensed contractor to install a new floor ruined by the leaked water. Know your limits and look for handyman ser

Most handyman services providers are the jack-of-all-trades, master of some variety. That is great in that your handyman has probably capably handled a huge variety of tasks. A good handyman is crazy capable but knows his or her limits. Talk through the scope of your project(s) to make sure you both know you’re making the right decision.

Need a toilet installed or a light fixture changed? That’s typically in a handyman’s wheelhouse. Need wiring upgraded or new plumbing run? Unlikely. Most municipalities and/or states require licensing for that level of work.

You may be surprised what your community requires. You and your handyman service provider may be happy as clams with the project and work performance but it’s a real buzz kill to have your friendly city inspector bring your project to a halt because you didn’t realize that task requires either registration with or licensing from the city. Make a call to your city to be sure.

Referrals are the most trusted source of product and service quality. Check with your friends, family and colleagues for good experiences they have had with a handyman service provider. Absent that, check out your local hardware store. Look at the business cards posted on the bulletin board and check with long-time clerks for their recommendations.

Even if your handyman service provider is your cousin or neighbor, in fact especially if your handyman is related or lives down the street, get a written scope description, estimate and make clear how payment for services will be made. You will be doing yourself and the service provider a favor.

You ever had the experience that what you say and what the other person hears are two different things? That can be so on projects for which you paying any contractor. Write a good scope description and include in it things like what exactly the project involves, any materials/brands specified, its location, the expected outcome, the agreed upon start and completion dates. If you are not meeting the handyman service provider in person, send photos. Don’t forget any special considerations or requirements. These could include quiet times for sleeping babies, clean up, parking, communications, use of premises facilities and more.

With a good project description, your handyman can provide you with a good estimate. Look for those estimates to include a minimum service fee, a flat project or hourly rate, material costs and the time to purchase them. If you prefer your handymen licensed and insured, expect the project or hourly rate to be higher.

Save money on your projects by bundling them together. This saves the service provider time and travel costs which translate into savings for you. You may want to save further by purchasing and providing the materials yourself but talk those materials through with your handyman to make sure they are appropriate for the project.

Don’t be stingy with your handyman service provider. If you find a good one, give them a good review on their website, Google or Yelp. Share with friends and family. You may worry he or she won’t be available for when you need them the next time but they won’t forget the customers who appreciate them.