Q: Should handymen be certified or licensed?

• <div><p>Yes, you should hire a handyman who&rsquo;s licensed, certified, and insured, if possible. States have different requirements for handyman licensing, registration, and certifications. If licensing is required in your area, you may pay more for a licensed handyman with experience than one who is not licensed or certified, but you&rsquo;re likely to get a better end result for your project. Be sure to check our <a href="https://www.angi.com/angi-license-check.htm">state licensing tool</a> to review the local handymen guidelines.</p></div> • <div><p>Being certified and/or licensed typically provides the customer with a level of comfort when hiring a handyman, but is not always a guarantee of quality work. Ask the handyman to explain what his or her process to complete your project is, and if you hire this person, check on the work, ask questions, make suggestions. After all, it's your project, your money, and you deserve quality work.</p></div> • <div><p>Be aware that not every state requires or even provides a license for a handyman. Many handymen will not or cannot be licensed. If you want a general contractor, hire one (they will be licensed and bonded/insured). Understand what you usually get when you hire a handyman and it is NOT a general contractor.</p></div>

Question 1

How much do handymen charge?

Accepted Answer

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The average cost to hire a handyman ranges from about $40 to $140 per hour. Average project cost ranges between $180 and $700, but the cost per hour and per project depends heavily on the type, size, and complexity of the project. The pro’s experience level and your location also factor into how much a handyman charges per hour or per project. You can also expect to pay higher rates or additional fees for emergency services, or around periods of high customer demand, like holidays.

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Handymen/contractors will charge anywhere from $50 to $175 per hour. The hourly rate is based upon their experience level, overhead costs, and the cost of living in that specific area. Many handymen/contractors will charge by the job.

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The average cost to hire a handyman ranges from about $75 to $150 per hour. Average project cost ranges between $150 and $1000, but the cost per hour and per project depends heavily on the type, size, and complexity of the project. The pro’s experience level and your location also factor into how much a handyman charges per hour or per project. You can also expect to pay higher rates or additional fees for emergency services, or around periods of high customer demand, like holidays.

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There are major differences between professional handyman services and a “Chuck in a truck”. Professionals typically have over 10 years of experience, are background checked, bonded and insured. They arrive in clearly marked company vehicles, in uniform, and guarantee their workmanship. Credentials can be verified with google reviews and official websites. Rates for professionals often run between $120-$160 per hour. Many reputable companies will now offer fixed rate pricing based on the task or scope of work, no matter how long it takes to complete the work.

Question 2

Should you tip a handyman?

Accepted Answer

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Tipping a handyman is not a requirement or necessarily expected, as they should build a fair wage into the price of the job. However, some people will tip a handyman around $10 to $20 per hour or the equivalent of a day’s pay, depending on the size of the job. But it’s up to your discretion. There are no set rules for tipping a handyman service, but if they did a great job and you’re so inclined to tip, it’s encouraged and will likely be received with thanks.

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A tip is not necessary. If you feel that a handyman did a great job for you, the best thing you can do for them is boost their reputation by leaving reviews on as many sites as possible and spreading by word of mouth how good they are. A tip is temporary but a reputation creates a business!

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Tipping is not a requirement, or even an expectation, but is appreciated by the technician when performing exceptional work. A good tip may be around 10% of the project cost. In addition to or instead of a tip, professional handymen appreciate 5-star google reviews and referrals to help them be found by more potential clients.

Question 3

What questions should I ask a handyman?

Accepted Answer

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There are several questions or things to know before hiring a handyman to do any work in your home.

What kind of work do they do?
Do they have proper licensing?
Do they charge for estimates?
Is the estimate for both labor and materials?
Do they provide references?
Do you provide a guarantee?
When can you start and finish the job?
Do you have any before and after photos of your work?
How long have you been doing this kind of work?
Do you clean up and dispose of waste when the job is finished?

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Is your company bonded and insured?

What is your warranty on service and materials?

Do you provide phone and/or on-site estimates?

Do you accept credit cards as form of payment?

Does your company offer financing for bigger projects?

Do you offer discounts for senior citizens/military (if applicable)?

Where can I see client reviews and samples of work?

Do you have any certifications or awards?

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If I encounter problems after you finish, will you return and fix your work?

What is and isn't covered in your project estimate?

Can you tell me the details of the work you plan on doing, from start to finish?

How long do you think it will take?

What hours can I expect to see you on my project?

Is your price a fixed price or hourly? If you encounter issues will the price change?

Question 4

Should handymen be certified or licensed?

Accepted Answer

•

Yes, you should hire a handyman who’s licensed, certified, and insured, if possible. States have different requirements for handyman licensing, registration, and certifications. If licensing is required in your area, you may pay more for a licensed handyman with experience than one who is not licensed or certified, but you’re likely to get a better end result for your project. Be sure to check our state licensing tool to review the local handymen guidelines.

•

Being certified and/or licensed typically provides the customer with a level of comfort when hiring a handyman, but is not always a guarantee of quality work. Ask the handyman to explain what his or her process to complete your project is, and if you hire this person, check on the work, ask questions, make suggestions. After all, it's your project, your money, and you deserve quality work.

•

Be aware that not every state requires or even provides a license for a handyman. Many handymen will not or cannot be licensed. If you want a general contractor, hire one (they will be licensed and bonded/insured). Understand what you usually get when you hire a handyman and it is NOT a general contractor.

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