Nobody really talks about those odd jobs around the house that could take forever if we started doing it all by ourselves. You may either don’t have the time or the skills. So in situations like this handymen are our heroes without capes. From fixing leaky taps to assembling furniture, a reliable handyman can save you from hours of frustration.
But here is the question, how do you go about finding trustworthy handymen near me that won’t cost you the earth?
Don’t worry! Everything you need to know is written below. Here is what you need to do:
Ask Around You
One of the easiest ways to find reliable handymen is by asking your family, friends, and neighbours as they can give you the best recommendations. People are always happy to share their experiences whether they are good or bad. If you know someone who had a positive experience with local handymen then it’s possible that they can also do the job well in your house.
- Why it works: Personal recommendations are usually more reliable than online reviews because you are hearing them from someone you trust.
- Bonus tip: If you are new to the area then don’t hesitate to ask around at local shops or community centres. People often know local handymen who are great at their jobs.
Check Online Platforms for Reviews
There’s almost nothing in the world that you can’t find on the internet so checking online reviews is a must. Many websites like The Trade Core and My Builder are perfect for finding handymen. These platforms let customers leave feedback to help you see who is reliable and who might not be.
What to Look For in Reviews
- Consistency: Look for a handyman who consistently has high ratings. If you see a single bad review then it’s not a deal breaker but if many people have had the same issue then it’s possible that the tradesperson is not reliable.
- Details: Don’t just take a glimpse of the star rating. Read through the reviews for details about their professionalism, timekeeping, and the quality of their work.
- Before and After: Some platforms allow handymen to upload pictures of their previous work so you can have a better idea of what to expect from them.
Ask About their Qualifications and Insurance
Not all handymen need to have qualifications and insurance but if they are dealing with something that requires a bit more technical skill like electric work or plumbing then you should check if they are properly qualified. In the UK, jobs like gas work should only be done by someone who’s Gas Safe registered. Just like that, any electrical work needs to comply with current regulations.
- Why it matters: Qualified handymen UK are more likely to do the job safely and correctly to reduce the risk of problems that could occur later.
- Insurance: Make sure that your local handyman has public liability insurance. This will protect you and them in case something goes wrong while they are working at your home.
Get multiple quotes
Get a few quotes from different tradespeople before you finalise your tradesperson. This allows you to compare prices and avoid paying a lot of money. Regardless of that, you should be careful of anyone who offers you a rate that seems too good to be true.
Why Multiple Quotes Help
- Price comparison: You will get a better idea of the current rate for the job.
- Scope of work: Different handymen UK may suggest different solutions for the same job which will give you an insight into what needs to be done.
- Avoid scams: A suspiciously low quote could be a sign of poor workmanship or a lack of experience so don’t always go for the cheap pricing. Your priority should be high-quality work.
Pro tip for you: Be clear about the job’s requirements and ask for a breakdown of the costs when you are requesting quotes. This will make sure that there’s no confusion later on.
Always Look for Local Expertise
When you are searching for local handymen, you will want someone who knows the area and is familiar with the specific challenges that local homes might present. Whether it’s dealing with older properties or navigating UK weather conditions a local handyman tends to have a better understanding of these things.
- Benefits of hiring local tradespeople: Hiring local handymen usually means that they can come to your home quicker in case of emergencies. Plus, they may have established relationships with local suppliers which makes it easier to source materials at a reasonable price.
- Community trust: Local handymen mostly rely on word-of-mouth recommendations, so they are motivated to maintain a good reputation in the community.
The Key is Clear Communication
It’s important to have clear communication before hiring a handyman. A good handyman should be willing to discuss the job with you in detail and they will not hesitate in explaining how they plan to tackle it and any challenges they expect.
What You Need to Discuss
- Range of work: Make sure that the handyman understands exactly what news to be done and agrees to it. This will help you avoid future misunderstandings.
- Timeframes: Ask them how long it’s gonna take to complete the job. It’s normal to have some delays but you don’t want the project dragging on indefinitely.
- Materials: Ask them if they are going to bring the materials and include them in the budget or you are expected to source them. Make sure that you clarify these issues in advance.
- Cost breakdown: Always request a clear and detailed quote so you know what you are paying for including labour, materials, and any extras.
Pro tip for you: It’s always a good idea to get a written agreement, especially for bigger jobs. This way you will make sure that both of you are on the same page.
Ask for references
When you are hiring someone new, especially for bigger jobs then it’s a good idea to ask for references. Reliable handymen will never have any problem providing you with references from previous clients.
- Why this works: Hearing details from past customers can give you confidence in your decision. Ask the handyman for at least two or three references, and contact them if necessary.
- Questions to ask: Were they satisfied with the work? Was the handyman reliable and professional? Would they hire them again?
Don’t Forget the Aftercare
A trustworthy handyman will take pride in their work and be willing to come back if any issues arise after the job is done. When you are hiring local handymen then don’t forget to ask if they offer any sort of aftercare or guarantee for their work.
- Aftercare options: Some handymen will give you guarantees for certain tasks to give you peace of mind that any problems will be sorted without additional cost.
- Follow-up calls: A quick call to check that everything is working as expected shows a level of professionalism that can help determine great handymen from average ones.
Do Check their Portfolio
If the job you need to get done is something like carpentry or decorating then ask them to show the portfolio of their previous work. This could be in the form of photographs or they may connect you to their previous clients where you can see their work yourself.
Why this Helps
- Quality of Work: Their portfolio can give you a real sense of the handyman’s work level.
- Range of Skills: You will also get a feel for the variety of tasks they have handled before. This is especially important if you’re looking for an adaptable handyman.
Know What Jobs to Avoid Giving a Handyman
Handymen are indeed great for many types of jobs but there are some jobs that you should hand over to the specialists. For example, complicated electrical work, structural building projects, or large-scale plumbing renovations should be handled by qualified professionals present in those fields.
- Know their limits: A good handyman will be clear about what they can and cannot do. Be careful of anyone who claims to be able to handle every job under the sun as it might be a sign of inexperience.
- Specialist jobs: Tasks involving gas work should always be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer, while major electrical installations must comply with UK building regulations.
Always Trust your Instincts
Trust your guts. If at any point you feel like there is something wrong while you are talking to the handyman whether it’s their attitude or the way they state their pricing then it’s always ok to walk away. There are a bunch of handymen near you who will be a better fit for the work you need to get done.
Final Thoughts
When you follow the right steps, then finding the right handymen near you will be very easy. All you need to do is keep the points mentioned above in your mind and you will be well on your way to getting your job done exactly the way you want without any hurdles.
Remember that you should not rush the process. Take your time to find local handymen who suit your needs and you will have peace of mind knowing the job will be done right the first time.