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Before hiring a handyperson, it's important to ask several questions to ensure they are the right fit for the job. Key areas to cover include their experience, logistics, and job specifics.

Experience and Qualifications:

• What kind of work do you specialize in?

• How long have you been doing this kind of work?

• Are you licensed and insured?

• Do you have references?

• Can you provide before-and-after photos of your work?

Estimates and Contracts:

• Do you charge for estimates?

• Will you provide a written estimate and contract?

• Does the estimate cover both labor and materials?

• How much do you expect materials to cost?

Project Details and Guarantees:

• When can you start the job, and how long do you expect it to take?

• Do you provide a guarantee for your work?

• Will you handle cleanup and waste disposal after the job is finished?

• Do you have any questions about the projects on my list?

A contractor specializes in a specific field. They often operate in teams where they have subcontractors to handle specialized problems. So if you have significant plumbing, drywall, or roofing issues, you’ll want to hire a contractor, as the job may require a team.

A handyperson is typically one person who works on whatever jobs come their way. You wouldn’t call a contractor to fix the hinges on cabinets or paint your room. Instead, a handyperson can handle all these issues, saving you from making multiple phone calls.

While handypeople do not need to be licensed in many places, you should only hire insured pros for any home improvement work. Your handyperson should have active liability coverage that protects them and you in the case of an error or accident. Furthermore, if they have employees on your property, they should also have workers’ compensation insurance. If you hire an individual or a company that is not insured and they damage your property, have an accident while on the job, or become injured on your property without insurance, you can be held financially liable.

The cost to hire a handyman can vary, with most charging on a per-hour or per-project basis. On average, expect to pay between $50 and $150 per hour, with a typical rate around $90 per hour. For project-based work, the average cost is about $400, though the total can range from as low as $180 to $1,500 or more. Some handypeople may also require a minimum flat rate, such as payment for two hours of work.

Several factors influence the final cost, including:

• The type, size, difficulty, and complexity of the job

• The amount of time the work takes

• The handyman's experience level

• Your geographic location

• The cost of materials and any necessary permits

• Accessibility of the work area and potential travel costs

Additionally, you may encounter higher rates or extra fees for emergency services or work scheduled during holidays.