HART & HOME HANDYMAN
As a professional handyman for over 15 years, I’ve seen a lot of home repair jobs. I’ve painted more living rooms than I can count, installed cabinets in kitchens of all sizes, and repaired drywall damage from everything from kids playing indoor basketball to water leaks. My goal today is to provide homeowners like yourself a helpful guide to understanding handyman services, especially when it comes to painting, drywall repair, and installation work.
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What Exactly is a Handyman?
A handyman is a skilled worker who provides minor home repairs and maintenance. We have a wide range of skills to handle many of the common jobs that come up around the house. My talents lie in areas like interior and exterior painting, drywall installation and repair, and installing items like windows, doors, and cabinets.
While some handymen are jacks-of-all-trades, others specialize in certain areas. I focus on painting, drywall, and installation services. The key benefit of hiring a handyman over a licensed contractor is lower costs. However, most handymen do not perform major plumbing, electrical or structural work. For those jobs, you need a licensed professional.
Common Handyman Services
Painting, Drywall, and Installations
Interior and exterior painting is one of the most frequent services I provide. This includes painting walls, ceilings, trim, doors, windows, decks, and fences. I’ve painted living rooms in every shade of beige and stained decks in redwood, cedar and everything in between. If there’s a surface in or around your home that needs a refresh, a handyman can paint it.
Installing and repairing drywall is another common task. I’ve installed drywall in basements, attics, and garages to finish off extra living space. I’ve also repaired water damage, holes, and dents in existing drywall, then sanded and applied new coats of compound for a seamless finish. Drywall installation or repair typically takes a few days to complete and requires multiple steps like measuring and cutting drywall to size, fastening the drywall to studs, applying joint compound over seams and screw holes, sanding, priming, and painting.
Many homeowners also hire me to install items like windows, doors, cabinets, and hardware. Just last week I installed a new bay window and front door for a couple wanting to improve their home’s curb appeal. And recently I put in new cabinets and hardware in a kitchen, which made a huge difference in the functionality and style of the space. This kind of installation work requires knowledge of building codes, proper safety gear like work gloves and eye protection, and the right tools to get the job done.
Hiring a Handyman: What to Consider
If you’re thinking of hiring a handyman, there are a few factors to keep in mind. Consider the experience and skills for your specific job. Ask about licenses and insurance. Get references from previous clients. Compare multiple bids to determine a fair price. And be sure to sign a contract that outlines the work schedule, total costs, and other details to avoid confusion later on.
While handymen typically charge lower rates than contractors, you still want to hire a skilled professional. Look for someone with a proven track record of quality work to ensure your job is done right the first time. Check if they offer a warranty on parts or labor. Ask about how long they’ve been in business and if they have a portfolio of photos from previous jobs. Meet with the handyman in person if possible to get a feel for their communication style and see if you feel comfortable with them working in your home.
By understanding the kinds of services a handyman provides, and what to consider when hiring one, you can feel at ease tackling your to-do list and keeping your home well-maintained. Please let me know if you have any other questions! I’m happy to provide more details about my experience, availability, or rates. Here’s to keeping your home in tip-top shape!
