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The Handyman Can!!! Inc
Appliance (Major Electric Appliance) - Install or Replace, Repair or Service a Fridge, Freezer or Ice Maker, Electrical for Home Addition or Remodel - Install,
About us
When I was 5, mom caught me taking apart a watch and a toaster at my grand parents home. She scolded me, but grandpa insisted that she let me be. I fixed the toaster. The watch, well it didn’t work in the first place. When I was 15, my mom hired my cousin Jim, 10 years my senior, to finish our basement. Being an ever curious young man, I asked Jim questions and he put me to work alongside him. We worked a night or two a week for 2 years. Then Jim became busy raising his own family and work came to a standstill. Mom wanted the basement finished for my older sisters’ graduation. Jim asserted that I could finish it. I wasn’t so sure, but he said he’d tell me what to do over the phone. He did, and the job was completed on time, much to the delight and pride of mom. In 1977 I purchased and lived in a duplex. I graduated Vo-Tech in 1971 with "Outstanding Student" and "Perfect Attendance" Awards. In 1980 I purchased and live in one side of a double bungalow. The ensuing 21 years of pulling permits, passing city, fire department and HUD inspections made for an excellent background to performing construction, installation and repairs properly. From 1972 to 1983 I worked for Gould Battery (also known as GNB). I worked in engineering at the Mendota Heights facility. I was a product and applications technologist, a fancy title, but it contributed to my handyman skills by requiring problem solving. Some of the engineers owned duplexes and we would problem solve together at lunchtime. Hence, many of the jobs I got, challenge me to solve a problem along the way to making the repair, installation. In 1995 I began my Handyman business. In 1997 I sold my duplexes. In 1998, I got my license and became incorporated. Today I enjoy listening for and producing my customers intended results. “Being Of Service - I Love It” John Thomas CEO, The Handyman Can®!!! Inc. Minnesota Department Of Labor And Industry Residential Building Contractor License BC129693 Qualified Builder 117014
Business highlights
30 years of experience
Services we offer
Repair, Residential Install, and Maintenance: Bathroom & Kitchen Fixture Replacement * Carpentry * Caulking * Change Smoke Detector Battery In High Ceilings * Cleaning * Concrete Repair * Deck Repairs * Door Installation & Repair * Drywall Repair * Fence Repair * Fixture Install * Flooring Repair * Flood Lights * Glass Replacement * Gutter Repair * Insulation * Locks * Moulding * Painting * Picture And Mirror Hanging & Centering * Rental Maintenance * Shelving * Siding * Siding Repair * Small Drywall Patching * Storm & Scre
Amenities
Free Estimates
Yes
Accepted Payment Methods
- CreditCard
Reviews
4.8272 Reviews
| Number of Stars | Image of Distribution | Number of Ratings |
|---|---|---|
| 90% | ||
| 4% | ||
| 3% | ||
| 1% | ||
| 1% |
Filter reviews by service
Showing 76-100 of 272 reviews
Ruthie M.
Jul 2016
Went fine. The service door replacement was a real challenge and took several hours. Mr Thomas stuck with it until it was completely done. He picked up the replacement door with his panel truck and hauled away all the old scrap wood and debris. He left the work areas completely cleaned up.
Response from The Handyman Can!!! Inc
"Dear Customer, Thank you for taking the time to write your review. It was a nice day to be outdoors and I appreciated the assistance from your little 4-pawed friend. Please call on me again. I would be happy to take care of need([Member Information Removed]) again. Sincerely, Johnny "Being Of Service - We Love It""
Steve B.
Jun 2016
I ended up using The Handyman Can based on the reviews I read.
After I heard what his rates were I should have kept on going and found somebody else. His rates are ridiculous!
When he first came I figured he was there to give me an estimate. Not the case. He planned on starting in and getting everything done. He sanded for 3 to 4 hours before he realized that he was going to have to use veneer over the top instead of refinishing what was there due to water damage. It shouldn't have taken more than a half an hour to make that determination. One of the windows was considerably worse than the other. He decided to sand both of them and then make a determination that the veneer needed to be replaced. Why continue when you know you need to replace with veneer and there’s no need to sand any longer?
I had many warning flags to stop the work but I didn't. It should have never taken that long to figure out that he was going to sand through the existing veneer. He left to get veneer at a local lumberyard. One of my windows is 8 feet wide and the other is 10 feet wide. He could only find 8 foot long veneer.
So the 10 foot window he decided he would use 2 pieces and join them in the center with some type of molding piece.
Another flag went up and I should of stopped the work right there.
He cut the veneer to size and the cuts were not very precise.
He got to my house at 7:30 AM. At 4:30 PM we sat down to figure out where his bill was at. I swallowed hard when I saw that he'd come up with over almost $1400 and we were nowhere near the end of this project.
A bit later as he was cleaning up I told him that I was pretty unhappy with the way things were going. I mentioned that joining 2 pieces on my 10 foot window would look pretty bad.
I also discussed about how long it'd taken him to get where he was by 4:30 PM. We discussed about how he had the highest rates compared to other handyman\Carpenters that were listed in Angie's LIST. I said I thought I was going to get so much more than what I had gotten based on his reviews in Angie's list and also by the rates that he charges ($225 for the first hour and I believe it was $130 for every hour after).
At this point he said that he would come back and finish the job (in regards to the veneer) without charging for any more hours. I told him that I would try find a 10 foot piece of rolled veneer to replace the quarter inch veneer that he had bought and had cut (not precise cuts at all).
Again at this point I should have cut my losses and found somebody else. But I figured as long as he said he wasn’t going to charge me I didn't have much to lose. Wrong!
We scheduled up for another day to start up again after I had received the rolled veneer. I was in the hospital on that day. I figured me being away from the house was a good thing so that he could glue down the new veneer, stain it and maybe even start applying poly. I am disabled and would need to move my hospital bed out of my bedroom during the application of the adhesives and the poly. He called me and told me he had finished. He said it took him one hour to finish the front door deadbolt and 1 1/2 hours to look at the ceiling fan (which my PCA had to help him hold the fan up while looking at the receiver).
So he informs me that he needs to charge me $225 for the first hour and $130 an hour for the subsequent time work on the door and ceiling fan.
I settled up with him.
When I came home from the hospital to see what he had done I couldn't believe my eyes! The veneer was wavy and not adhered in many spots. He kept on talking about using quarter round molding to run around the window. The quarter round that he used was to cover up the flaws from not cutting the veneer correctly. Along the front edge of each of the windows where the new veneer had been installed there was a tiny little finishing nails to hold the veneer down because the gluing down part of the job was done so crappy. Even though he used these nails the veneer was still wavy in spots where the adhesive did not hold. The work looked like something a 5th grader would do!
At this point I feel like an idiot for continuing to go along with his charade of trying to be a carpenter and paying top dollar for it! I truly have myself to blame for not stopping this project at different points of the process. I kept on thinking that something would change and the quality of work would show up.
I think he's capable of doing small odd jobs but I don't know why you would want to pay his rates to have that type of work done.
Response from The Handyman Can!!! Inc
"Dear Customer, I am sorry to read of your disappointments. When I first looked at the surfaces of your 2 bay windows after moving plants and other items off of the surfaces, I showed you the warping of the surfaces, most likely from plants being watered. I said I would try to see if sanding would remove the warpage. It did not. I then recommended a 1/4 inch over-lay of solid oak. You agreed. The rest of the sanding time was on the 4 crank-out windows and 2 large stationary picture windows. Upon shopping for 1/4 inch overlay, there was not one available over 8 feet long as needed for the larger of the 2 bay windows. I then conferred with you again to have a seam at the center with a 1/4 inch x 1/2 inch oak seam cover. At this point you stopped me, we talked, you would investigate one-piece material and get back to me. When I returned, the material you found and furnished was 1/32 inch veneer. I installed is as best I could, and 1/32 inch did not lay flat over the warped surfaces. I do hope that you eventually received serviced that restored your windows. Sincerely, John C. Thomas"
Tamra N.
Jun 2016
Johnny is a very nice guy. We ran into a few bumps throughout the project, but Johnny was very willing to make things right and the porch was completed with high quality standards and within our budget. We laid out our budget to Johnny and made sure to complete the project within our budget. After the project was taking longer than he anticipated- Johnny made every effort to come over and work late nights, in order to complete the project with high quality standards. We appreciate Johnny's wiliness to work with his clients and you can tell he takes great pride in the work he does. Thanks again, Johnny!
Response from The Handyman Can!!! Inc
"Dear Customer, Thank you so much for your in-depth and accurate review. Thank you also for sharing many meals and refreshing Arnold Palmer beverages on days that went into the evening and many other times as well. Your generousity and care for others is obvious in your children as well. I hope you enjoy many summers in your now screened in porch. Sincerely, Johnny. "Being Of Service - We Love It" Sincerely, Johnny."
Debra R.
May 2016
unknown
Response from The Handyman Can!!! Inc
"Dear Customer, I am sorry to hear of your dissatisfaction. I am not sure what you mean by "corners were cut". While there were some flaws, yes we got them corrected to your satisfaction, or so I thought. Should you call on us again, I will do my very best to provide the service for which I am known. Sincerely, John C. Thomas"
Nancy E.
Apr 2016
unknown
Response from The Handyman Can!!! Inc
"Dear Customer, Thanks for telling me it's break time each and every time I was over to work. The sandwiches, ice cream, hamburgers, chips, salsa. Then to ask me what ice cream my wife like and have that ready on a visit, well I had to stop by so she could meet and thank you in person. Your dream basement office and exercise areas are done just the way you wanted it. Enjoy. Sincerely, Johnny "Being Of Service - We Love It""
LYNN V.
Apr 2016
John did a great job fixing our doors. We could not be more pleased. Nothing worse than daily aggravation from doors that do not close properly! Wish I'd call The Handyman Can!!! earlier. We've put up with misaligned doors for years, but due to surgery, I've had to turn myself into a pretzel to close our doors. Now both doors shut properly and easily. John returned our message promptly and arranged to do the work right away given my health issues. So kind. He did the door work in an hour so we asked him to fix a few more things. Couldn't be happier. Will definately use The Handyman Can!!! again.
Response from The Handyman Can!!! Inc
"Dear Customer, Well, this is what makes me happy. Happy customers. Thank you so very kindly for your remarks of affirmation. All my best in your full and complete recovery. Sincerely, John C. Thomas CEO The Handyman Can!!!® Inc. "Being Of Service - We Love It""
Jon W.
Apr 2016
unknown
Response from The Handyman Can!!! Inc
"Dear Customer, Thank you for giving us a 6-A rating. Your taking the time to submit a review makes a big impact for my company. I shared it with my staff who appreciate you for doing so. Sincerely, John C. Thomas CEO The Handyman Can!!!® Inc. "Being Of Service - We Love It""
Robert S.
Mar 2016
First of all, Johnny responded immediately to our Angie's List request. He came right over to our home, listened to our wish list and took the time to review our projects. He contacted suppliers right from our home to get the most accurate cost of materials, giving us a total project cost right on the spot. He scheduled the job within a week and followed up with emails and phone calls. The cost of the jobs was somewhat expensive but you get what you pay for and that is quality craftsmanship in a timely, professional manner. If you want a job done right, The Handyman Can is a perfect option.
Response from The Handyman Can!!! Inc
"Dear Customer, I am moved and humbled by your appreciation. I am left with 'wow, I did that?' I'm inspired to keep it up thanks to appreciative folks like you. There is something else that drives me: It's fun taking care of people. I get to go to bed every night after having looked at the next days customer needs. I read it & go to bed happy knowing that I get to produce another persons' intended result tomorrow. Yippee. What am I going to do in retirement? Maybe I'll ask my wife to break something every now and again. Please call on me again. I enjoyed meeting you both and look forward to serving you in the future. Sincerely, John C (Johnny) Thomas CEO The Handyman Can!!!® Inc. "Being Of Service - We Love It""
George S.
Mar 2016
Great service! Very friendly and worked efficient! The door looks great!!!
Response from The Handyman Can!!! Inc
"Dear Customer, It was a pleasure to meet you both. Glad you love your door. Please call on me again. Sincerely, John C. Thomas CEO The Handyman Can!!!® Inc."
Jerry C.
Mar 2016
John is an excellent communicator. When I first called he was at the store and asked to contact me later in the evening. He promptly called me back in the evening and set up the appointment for the next day. I emailed a picture of the problem and he was able to develop a professional estimate with details for the job which he returned quickly by email. I told him that this job was the last item on an inspectors report that potential buyers wanted and that I needed this job done immediately. John responded right away and gave me a 5% discount on his usual price. Although, John was delayed arriving to the work site because of finalizing work for another customer, he immediately texted me his situation and estimated time of new arrival. Once he arrived, he began work immediately and checked with me on the progress of the work. John also made a run to the store to buy caulk for the project, returned promptly and completed the work efficiently. He did not charge me for the caulking supplies. John finished the job in record time so that I could attend to my caucus responsibilities. John also completed a paid receipt that included details of the work the next day with information needed by the potential buyers. I would highly recommend John for any future work as he was a professional in all areas of the job. I found his prices reasonable and appreciated the fact that I could pay upfront for one hour's work and that would guarantee my appointment slot and John's time.
Response from The Handyman Can!!! Inc
"Dear Customer, Thank you for affirming me and an "excellent communicator". The review you authored tells me you are an excellent re-creator of events. That you attended a caucus in our city warms my heart. You embody what I look for in a politician: Listen and represent. Said another way: Re-create your constituents to the governing body. We need more like you. Thank you for being of service to our city. Sincerely, John C. Thomas CEO The Handyman Can!!!® Inc. "Being Of Service - We Love It""
David K.
Mar 2016
unknown
Response from The Handyman Can!!! Inc
"Dear Customer, Thank you for taking the time to review us. For the reader, the following work was done. Project 1) Deck off kitchen: -Replace 5 deck boards pre-marked on ends with blue marker. Customer to furnish 2x6 cedar boards: Qty 2 20' 1 10' 1 6' 1 4' THMC furnishes coated deck screws. Project 2) Replace 16 48" landscape timber on front walk-way. Customer furnishes: Qty 8' SKU 111-2748 2 30 piece box of 7" spikes SKU 229-2117 1 8 piece pack of 7" spikes SKU 229-4908 Project 3) Rear Deck: Replace 4 top rail pre-marked with blue marker. Customer to furnish cedar boards: Qty 3 2x4x6 Project 4) Furnish & add screws to stabilize rear deck 4x4 gate post, closest to fire pit Project 5) Roof over existing shed roof with architectural shingles furnished by customer: Qty 5 bundles of shingles 1 bundle of matching roof peak cap Haul away & dispose all construction debris. Please call on me again. Sincerely, John C Thomas CEO The Handyman Can!!!® Inc."
Michael B.
Feb 2016
The contractors arrived the day after I called. They were very friendly and professional. They completed the work really fast. It would have taken me all weekend to do what they completed in two hours. I would definitely recommend this company. They even were nice to my dogs. I'm trying to figure out what they can fix next. I'm really happy with the results. :)
Response from The Handyman Can!!! Inc
"Dear Customer, We love animals. Yours sounded like my Yorkie. Would like to make your personal acquaintance next time. (Readers, he was @ work). Here's an idea toward you figuring out what to hire us for next: Find something that isn't working quite right and break it. (1/2 kidding, 1/2 not) A pleasure doing business with you. Sincerely, John C. (call me Johnny) Thomas CEO The Handyman Can!!! Inc.® Inc. "Being Of Service - We Love It""
Pat S.
Feb 2016
unknown
Response from The Handyman Can!!! Inc
"Dear Customer, This is a review that makes me go hmmmmm. Doggonit, I could not find you in our records. Could be a software glitch or human error. At any rate, thank you for the 6-A rating. Please call on me again. Sincerely, John C. Thomas CEO The Handyman Can!!!® Inc. "Being Of Service - We Love It""
Lorelie R.
Feb 2016
unknown
Response from The Handyman Can!!! Inc
"Dear Customer, Given the N/A rating under "Price", this must have been an overhead garage door. If that was the case, I referred you to our trusted subcontractor who specializes in overhead doors. I am grateful you took the time to write us a review. I am happy to know you were taken care of. Please call on me again. If I don't do it, chances are very good I can refer you to another firm. After 21 years in the business, I have had the pleasure of meeting and keeping good craftsman to call on. Sincerely, John C. Thomas CEO The Handyman Can!!!® Inc. "Being Of Service - We Love It""
Andrew A.
Feb 2016
He showed up right away and had it done within the hour matching his estimate. I mentioned a slight change I wanted after he completed his work and he finished that at no charge.
Response from The Handyman Can!!! Inc
"Dear Customer, Yes, sometimes timing is on our side. I transfer my office calls to my cell this time of year. I was just getting close to finishing a job and was looking to fill my schedule when you called. Perhaps we should both go out and buy a lottery ticket. You mention other items you will need done later this year. I look forward to taking care of your service needs. Btw, your dead bolt was installed with short screws. I put long ones in that capture the double 2x4 frame. Sincerely, John C. Thomas CEO The Handyman Can!!!® Inc. "Being Of Service - We Love It""
Kristin C.
Jan 2016
Johnny came to our house the same day I contacted him, and he was able to start work on the project right away. We are very happy with how the project turned out.
Response from The Handyman Can!!! Inc
"Dear Customer, You project is precisely why I love what I do. That I got to meet you and your husband as our newest customers is also why I love what I do. Thanks for suggesting that we only take the project to the 1/2 way point, then come back to finish. Thanks for working out a price that was amenable to all. In the interest of the reader, my customer purchased a new washer dryer, yet to be delivered. The new units were taller than the original. The original units had a counter top built over them with additional cabinetry to one side and a laundry tub to the other. The intended result was to remove the counter top, add pre-stained solid oak spacing to leave a 1" clearance between the new units and the under-side of the new spacer location, then re-install the original counter top. While I wanted to finish the project in one trip, (our customer) felt better about taking the counter top off and waiting for the new appliances to be installed, then coming back to finish. So that is what we did. The back splash had to be removed to clear existing electrical outlets & switches, and some slight drywall repair was performed. We are happy that you and your husband are happy. Please let me know if you would like a quote on installing a tile back splash. It has been a pleasure to provide service to you both. Sincerely, John C. (Johnny) Thomas CEO The Handyman Can!!!® Inc."
IDA B.
Jan 2016
unknown
Response from The Handyman Can!!! Inc
"Dear Customer, Thank you for waiting through the rainy weather before reviewing our work. Thank you for taking time to write a detailed review. Thanks for contributing a new word "tangential" to my vocab. I looked it up. I believe you are referring to attention needed to seal foundation exterior. A pleasure meeting you. The person answering the door @ our completion (forgive me, I have forgotten the name) was as pleasant as you were. She affirmed that you were pleased how we answered all your questions. We do listen 1st, take notes, pictures and continue a conversation until we know by your responses, that you are understood & you know that we know your intended result. I will pass your review along. Please call on us again. (We especially appreciate any indoor winter work you may need. Sincerely, John C. THOMAS CEO, The Handyman Can!!!® Inc. "Being Of Service - We Love It""
Thomas S.
Dec 2015
The provider responded very quickly to our call. We were having a lot of things done to the house and the discovery of the water damaged window and surrounding wall definitely through a monkey wrench into the project. The Handyman Can worked quickly and efficiently and advised us of our options at every step of the process. He also helped us order the replacement window and installed it. The replacing of rotting wood around the gutter was also unexpected. We were having the siding replaced and The Handyman Can responded a second time very quickly and completed the work without disrupting the work of the siding crew. I will definitely use The Handyman Can again.
Response from The Handyman Can!!! Inc
"Dear Customer, We receive $ tips from time to time and yours was most generous. I like the idea of saving tip $ when receiving service, putting aside an additional 5% or so. Then when someone really comes through, they receive the lump-sum endowment along with the explanation that you've saved it up for extraordinary service and they were the winner this time. Wow. Love it. Spread that around a bit. Hey Ellen, Oprah, it's working. A pleasure working with you and your wife on your home. Please call on me again. Happy New Year. Sincerely, John C. Thomas CEO The Handyman Can!!!® Inc. "Being Of Service - We Love It""
Nathan F.
Dec 2015
unknown
Response from The Handyman Can!!! Inc
"Dear Customer, Thank you for the "A" rating. Before coming out, here is what we took down over the phone: YB 2006 Replace Second floor exterior board under master bedroom window (showing signs of rot). 2nd story bath-the fan runs 24/7: When 2 of 3 toilets are flushed, a gurgling sound is created in other toilets, sinks, water level in 1 of these toilet bowels is much reduced as if the gurgling noise is sucking out the water. Here is what we found and did: Inspect bath vents @ roof for damper opening & flow. During inspection, it was discovered that 3 of 4 plumbing vent pipes still had the seal @ the opening, preventing proper venting hence causing 1 upstairs master bath toilet to pull water out of upstairs guest room toilet and guest room toilet to pull water out of 1st floor toilet. Caps were removed and problem diminished. Problem: Upstairs bath fans either do not operate or when operating do not remove moisture. Remove 6" ducting for 2 bath fans in attic and install 4" R8 insulated duct, coiled on attic floor to form a water trap, preventing condensate from entering bathroom through bath fan. Although the customer had not experienced water entering either bathrooms, the increased flow of air (CFM) may cause condensate. Swap out 2 bath fan motors and squirrel cage impellers with customer furnished from new fans. 1st floor bath fan damper rattles with moderate to heavy winds. Design & construct from aluminum, 2 wind deflecting vanes and mount using "K" blocks on left & right side of exterior wall discharge vent. Realizing you recently moved in, the previous owners had to be having the same gurgling problems. Please call on me again. I especially appreciate indoor winter work should you have a need. Happy New Year. Sincerely, John C. Thomas CEO The Handyman Can!!!® Inc. "Being Of Service - We Love It""
Paige R.
Dec 2015
Our screened-in front porch was in need of some new wood, particularly the horizontal sills where the screens attach to the wood, some screen stops, and some other boards. We also had some rotting on the front steps and were unsure if we could salvage parts of the steps or not. Because our house is an old Victorian, there is a lot of ornate woodwork to work around on the porch and on the spindles on the front steps. One handyman we got a bid from turned us down and said he wasn't the right person for the job because it might be too big and he was concerned about the woodwork and didn't know how or where to get replacement pieces if needed.
We contacted Johnny Thomas and got on his waiting list. The wait was a few weeks, but he's upfront about this and we weren't in a rush. Johnny started work on the porch in September, and as I had feared, as he removed some of the rotten wood, he found more rotten wood--including a support post in one corner of the porch, and he also found in the other corner of the porch that there actually was no support post beneath the surface woodwork. Additionally, the front step spindles and railings were too rotten to salvage, but we were able to save the newells with some repair work done to two of them. Johhny referred us to a place where we could order new spindles and railings and have the newells repaired. In the meantime, he worked on the porch, replacing wood, replacing support posts, removing and rehanging screens (as well as putting up some new screens), and building the steps. He caulked and sanded everything so it was ready to paint.
Johnny also did a couple of small projects for us in the house--such as re-fitting and attaching an ornate wooden spindle that's in a doorway area and replacing some loose drywall around our shower so it was ready to paint.
Johnny was always good about letting us know when he'd be working by emailing or texting. He communicated frequently with us, had us look at what he was doing in process, explained what was happening clearly, and was pleasant to everyone. The couple of times we wanted something adjusted, he was happy to do so. The work occurred over several weeks because we were waiting on the ordered parts. When he was finished, we reviewed everything he'd done, and he cleaned up the area nicely. Price-wise, I think his price was fair. It just ended up being a bigger project than we expected. I would highly recommend The Handyman Can and will definitely hire him again when we have new projects.
We contacted Johnny Thomas and got on his waiting list. The wait was a few weeks, but he's upfront about this and we weren't in a rush. Johnny started work on the porch in September, and as I had feared, as he removed some of the rotten wood, he found more rotten wood--including a support post in one corner of the porch, and he also found in the other corner of the porch that there actually was no support post beneath the surface woodwork. Additionally, the front step spindles and railings were too rotten to salvage, but we were able to save the newells with some repair work done to two of them. Johhny referred us to a place where we could order new spindles and railings and have the newells repaired. In the meantime, he worked on the porch, replacing wood, replacing support posts, removing and rehanging screens (as well as putting up some new screens), and building the steps. He caulked and sanded everything so it was ready to paint.
Johnny also did a couple of small projects for us in the house--such as re-fitting and attaching an ornate wooden spindle that's in a doorway area and replacing some loose drywall around our shower so it was ready to paint.
Johnny was always good about letting us know when he'd be working by emailing or texting. He communicated frequently with us, had us look at what he was doing in process, explained what was happening clearly, and was pleasant to everyone. The couple of times we wanted something adjusted, he was happy to do so. The work occurred over several weeks because we were waiting on the ordered parts. When he was finished, we reviewed everything he'd done, and he cleaned up the area nicely. Price-wise, I think his price was fair. It just ended up being a bigger project than we expected. I would highly recommend The Handyman Can and will definitely hire him again when we have new projects.
Response from The Handyman Can!!! Inc
"Dear Customer, Have you considered writing as a career? Comprehensive, detailed, easy to read and understand. Thank you for your generosity of time and thoughtfulness in sharing your experience with us. Thank you for the plate of dinner when I worked under the lights. Thank you for your freshly baked sugar cookies at a time when I needed an energy boost. The coffee and sandwich plate. Special thanks to your husband Damien who toiled over 2 weekends to mortar a barrier to the under-porch so that I could resume stair construction during the week. A thank you to your mom and dad who joined you in painting components prior to installation. Beautiful close-line multi-color painting. Another career in the future? I look forward to your call for the next project. If you have a need for any indoor work this winter, that is appreciated. Sincerely, John C, Thomas CEO The Handyman Can!!!® Inc. "Being Of Service - We Love It""
Cheryl K.
Dec 2015
This is the one provider who returned phone calls. I went on to the waiting list, but got the call as estimated when time was open. Great communication as we planning the project. Team came out and installed and cleaned up. A professional operation.
Response from The Handyman Can!!! Inc
"Dear Customer, Thank you for taking time to review your experience with The Handyman Can!!!® Inc. An extraordinary customer experience is our intention. Producing your intended result is our intention. We are happy when you are happy. Please call on us again. Merry Christmas from all of us here @ THMC. Sincerely, John C. Thomas CEO "Being Of Service - We Love It""
Robert S.
Dec 2015
unknown
Response from The Handyman Can!!! Inc
"Dear Customer, I tried contacting you and left a voice and text message. In my second attempt, I did reach you on your cell but you were driving at the time and said you would call me later. I let you know that I received your review but did not see any comments and that I would very much like to listen to you and take in what had you rate us such that you did. I take complaints and poor reviews very seriously. Your complaint is very important to me. Although my company has won 15 Super Service Awards, your complaint has value to me, as do you. Please call me so that I may listen to you and glean all I can. Sincerely, John C. Thomas CEO The Handyman Can!!!® Inc. "Being Of Service - We Love It" And that includes listening to you."
Daisy H.
Nov 2015
unknown
Response from The Handyman Can!!! Inc
"Dear Customer, We both know you type-oed the price @ $1.00. I just didn't want the readers to think I was running a give-it-away special. I look forward to resurfacing your deck come next spring. In the meantime, your deck is now safe. I got a kick when I had you come out to test it...it reminded me of that song by Tiny Tim: "Tip Toe, Through The Deep End..." or something like that. Merry Christmas Daisy. Love that name by the way. Sincerely, John C. Thomas CEO The Handyman Can!!!® Inc. "Being Of Service - We Love It""
Craig T.
Oct 2015
John offered to purchase and pick up the new door at Menards and did not mark up the cost of the door. He identified the problem of the old door frame being out of plumb and came up with solutions to give us a door that hung straight and looked good. He also took the extra time to caulk and suggest materials for work I could do myself.
Response from The Handyman Can!!! Inc
"Dear Customer, Thank you for reviewing my work and your experience with my service. Some years ago, a large retail company, but not a lumber yard, offered me $60 per storm door install. I've seen a lot of those installs. Some folks set them in place and put the screws to them. They don't close right, or tight or latch or seal, some screws are missing, some installed in the wrong area. You have to know if the opening is plumb, square and level prior to installing then, as you said, make corrections to install the door properly. Hey [Member Name Removed], it's winter time. Now that you don't have a drafty storm door, why don't you go break something inside your house and call me. I love indoor winter work. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all the [Member Name Removed], family and friends. Sincerely, John C. Thomas CEO The Handyman Can!!! Inc. "Being Of Service - We Love It""
David S.
Oct 2015
As of Oct 2015, it took him approximately 6-8 weeks between when I called and when he was able to come out. I assume at least part of that was a backlog of people who wanted his services.
We were having an issue where water was entering our basement. At first we thought it was coming in through the ground, and had a different contractor out who specializes in water in basements. They wanted to install a $4000 drain tile system, but luckily, I noticed that the water was coming in more based on wind than purely amount of rain, so I held off and called Handyman Can.
He took very detailed notes on the first phone call, then spent a long time reviewing everything when he actually arrived. I think this is important because it's important to actually fix the correct problem. He took a look at an upstairs window and soon noticed one area that might leak. After taking off the storm window assembly (which I didn't even know came off), he noticed additional leaking points -- basically someone before us put in a cheap window that had plastic components that cracked from exposure to the sun. Another issue was that the silicone caulk had deteriorated to the point that it was letting rain in along the edges. He fixed both those issue and applied a polyurethane caulk that he said would last a lot longer.
John has excellent communication skills and kept me informed of what he was doing throughout the job as well as texted 30 minutes before he arrived stating that he was going to be 10 minutes late (and he arrived exactly 10 minutes after 8:30).
Because he charges a lot of money (relative to other people), I would recommend other people hire him only when they have relatively complex issues that they want to make sure are addressed correctly. In other words, if you just want your gutters cleaned or some picture hung, go with someone cheaper. I would definitely hire him again anytime I need something complex done right.
We were having an issue where water was entering our basement. At first we thought it was coming in through the ground, and had a different contractor out who specializes in water in basements. They wanted to install a $4000 drain tile system, but luckily, I noticed that the water was coming in more based on wind than purely amount of rain, so I held off and called Handyman Can.
He took very detailed notes on the first phone call, then spent a long time reviewing everything when he actually arrived. I think this is important because it's important to actually fix the correct problem. He took a look at an upstairs window and soon noticed one area that might leak. After taking off the storm window assembly (which I didn't even know came off), he noticed additional leaking points -- basically someone before us put in a cheap window that had plastic components that cracked from exposure to the sun. Another issue was that the silicone caulk had deteriorated to the point that it was letting rain in along the edges. He fixed both those issue and applied a polyurethane caulk that he said would last a lot longer.
John has excellent communication skills and kept me informed of what he was doing throughout the job as well as texted 30 minutes before he arrived stating that he was going to be 10 minutes late (and he arrived exactly 10 minutes after 8:30).
Because he charges a lot of money (relative to other people), I would recommend other people hire him only when they have relatively complex issues that they want to make sure are addressed correctly. In other words, if you just want your gutters cleaned or some picture hung, go with someone cheaper. I would definitely hire him again anytime I need something complex done right.
Response from The Handyman Can!!! Inc
"Dear Customer, One of the best if not The best written review I have received. It warranted a twice read. Let's see, 8 weeks from Oct 15, that takes us back to mid August. I can affirm your 'assumption that at least part of the 8 week delay was due to a back log of people'. My wife and I skipped The State Fair this year, did take some time with family around Labor Day...so...indeed Most of the delay Was due to the backlog. I appreciate you: -For hanging in there on the waiting list, -For explaining vividly and in detail with regard to the symptoms and circumstances. -For giving me plenty to go on with the phone conversation prior to appointment. -For your endorsement of my problem solving and solutions to "complex" issues. And now If I may say few words about performance around the not-so-complex jobs. Gutter Cleaning: -I use a flexible scoop to quickly clear gutters. -I can lay on the roofs edge to clear gutters, except for the steepest of roofs. (Safely, never fallen off) -I use a concentrated nozzle with a built-in shut off (Home Depot) that blasts debris out of gutters. -It blasts downspouts free from clogs except in the most severe cases. -In severe cases, I use an electricians wire pull snake to free stubborn clogs. -The downspout is sometimes split and leaking from this type of clog. I tell the customer and ask if they want it replaced. -If the customer wants the crud hauled away, I do that. Picture Hanging: -If you (the review readers) have ever experienced a 'picture hanger' making multiple holes and still not getting it right... -Math...it sure helps if a picture is to be centered over a couch, bed etc. And at the desired height. -For height, I move and hold the picture until the customer says right there, mark with a pencil, do some math for distance to the hanging fastener or wire... -Heavy items may require a special anchor. For drywall I use metal 'spru-type' never plastic. -Sometimes a stud needs to be found. I paid $50 for mine 10 years ago. It detects A/C and has 4 depth setting including tile. -Other tricks of the trade to find studs: Look for nail points on the baseboard. Look for screw formations in the drywall. Knock the drywall with your knuckles to find the solid. Use a 1/64" bit just above the base to find a stud. (Or just pick up an issue of Gentleman's Quarterly) Measure ~16" from a corner, door or window. I'm going to make this up now: Performance gives Value. Said another way, if done swiftly, safely and correctly the first time, a higher priced service may end up costing less. Then there's peace of mind that comes with reputation. I gotta stop. I ran out of wind. [removed member name], I don't know how or what I will write in responding to a review until I've read it and sometimes I sleep on it a night or two, though not this time. I was smiling to every sentence of your review, grateful for your kind words and chomping at the bit to say..."Hey now, wait just a minute there about not hiring this guy". I hope you can tell I am still smiling now. I can say I know you more for writing than had you not. And I am glad & happy to meet folks like you. Merry Christmas [removed member name]to you, your family and I am certain, your vast expanse of friends. Sincerely, John C. Thomas CEO The Handyman Can!!!® Inc. "Being Of Service - We Love It""
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FAQ
The Handyman Can!!! Inc is currently rated 4.8 overall out of 5.
The Handyman Can!!! Inc accepts the following forms of payment: CreditCard
Yes, The Handyman Can!!! Inc offers free project estimates.
No, The Handyman Can!!! Inc does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.
No, The Handyman Can!!! Inc does not offer a senior discount.
No, The Handyman Can!!! Inc does not offer emergency services.
No, The Handyman Can!!! Inc does not offer warranties.