If you are a homeowner, the chances are pretty good that eventually, you will find yourself in need of the best Alaskan handyman services to complete a project around the house. True, today is the age of DIY, and with a building supply store close to most residential neighborhoods, many of us are able to complete much of what we want to do on our own. Although winter still has a few months to go, now is the time to start thinking ahead to those spring projects you have been considering doing for a while now. Maybe you are unable to do them on your own, or perhaps you have been hesitant to hire a handyman or contractor to help you. Below we have shared five things to consider when researching a professional handyman or general contractor service. The process can seem daunting and a bit overwhelming, but by following these simple steps, you will be able to arrive at a service you feel comfortable trusting with your household projects.
Ask a friend or family member for a referral
If you have friends or family members who have recently had work done around their homes, ask them about it. Talk to your loved ones and see if they know anyone who they would recommend. Ask them for detailed, honest feedback about the person’s general character and professional standards, as well as their performance. Ask questions such as, did they show up on time? Did they finish the project as they stated they would? Did the final cost go over the budget? Are you happy with what they did? Most homeowners will have hired outside help at least once or twice and should be able to provide you with a place to start your search. Additionally, asking someone close to you to give a referral is a great way to get honest feedback on the character and professionalism of the contractor.
Take your search online
There are a variety of different online search engines that can point you in the direction of handyman or contractor services in your area. From the more extensive list, you can visit the individual websites of the companies to determine if their services meet your needs. You can also look to online reviews of the individual or business to see how their previous customers felt about their quality of work. When you begin your search, be specific on your search terms, so the list of potential companies provided to you does not grow too large.
Read reviews and seek suggestions on community home repair forums
While you’re online, see if the place you live has a community page that you can browse for referrals. Many newer neighborhoods and apartment complexes, for instance, have message boards where residents can share details of their experiences with handymen they’ve used in the past. If you do not have close family or friends in the area, who have used a handyman or the specific company you are considering, you may find these reviews are the next best thing to a word-of-mouth recommendation. One of the most significant advantages of getting the name of a handyman through a community forum is that you know they’ve already done work on homes like yours.
Additionally, when people take the time to provide a review on a website such as these (or a private company website), they generally feel as though their opinion is important to share. They could be due to their satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the work that was done. Either way, you would want to know this information.
Request multiple handyman estimates
Once you have narrowed down your list a little and determined your top three or five potential options, it is time to request estimates. Have each of your prospective handymen come to your home and bid on your project individually. Not only will this allow you to compare pricing and find the rate that best fits your budget, it will also give you the chance to meet with them face-to-face, discover how punctual they are, and get a feel for their professional etiquette. Meeting someone face to face allows you the opportunity to determine if you are comfortable having them in or around your home. Keep in mind that there are more factors involved in shopping around estimates than just price. The lowest bid will usually be the most attractive, of course, but you may ultimately be more inclined to work with the person who was timeliest and most considerate. A thorough, detailed bid is often a sign of competence and integrity. If a handyman takes the time to break down the cost associated with each step of the project, it shows that they care about doing things the right way and not just collecting a paycheck.
Ask about insurance and sign a contract
For some handymen, insurance is not required; however, larger companies and many general contractors will carry insurance for their business. It is ok (and highly suggested) to ask your handyman to supply proof of insurance upfront. At the very least, some form of general liability insurance is crucial. Worker’s compensation is also a must if the handyman has other employees working under them. Without these assurances, you could be held liable for damages or injuries that occur while they are working on your property.
It is also essential for you and your handyman (or the company you hire) to draw up a formal contract to seal the deal. Go over your written agreement with your handyman to recap and confirm each of the main provisions, including the general timeframe, estimated cost, and payment procedures. Please don’t sign the contract until you’re satisfied with the terms it lays out. A record like this can come in handy if a dispute arises between you and your handyman.
Is the work warrantied?
Some handymen and general contracting companies extend homeowners the benefit of a written warranty or similar guarantee in addition to the terms of a formal contract. This means that if the problem reoccurs or something goes wrong with a repair job within the specified warranty period, the handyman will come back and fix it at no additional cost. Having a warranty available to you will give you peace of mind after the project is completed should there be an issue or a concern that arises after your contractor or handyman leaves.
If you are looking for a local handyman service or a general contractor service in the Anchorage area who will be able to meet all these requirements (and more), look no further than Be Happy Property Services. We pride ourselves on hiring members of our team who you will feel safe and comfortable working within your home. Our goal is not merely to meet- but exceed- your expectations in both our work and our customer service. If you are considering a home improvement project, whether large or small, we would be happy to come to your home and provide you with a quote. Additionally, we will walk you through the process from start to finish so we can assure you understand and are comfortable with the services we will provide to you. Contact Be Happy Property Services today and allow us the opportunity to excel your home in whatever avenue you need help with. From lawn care, landscaping and excavation to handyman and renovation services, you won’t be disappointed!