A handyman also referred to as a handyman, handy person, or handyman, is an individual skilled in a wide array of repair jobs, usually around the house. These jobs are usually both exterior and interior and can be described as “durable,” “low maintenance,” or “side job” jobs. Most handymen are not licensed. However, there are a growing number of handyman contractors who offer licensed practical training in licensed programs. Some handymen are just ordinary citizens who love fixing things and share their knowledge with others. Others like Handyman are professional repairmen who earn a living by fixing things for others.
Handyman repairs can include anything from replacing door handles to full bathroom renovation. They fix things for people, so they have various tools, skills, and experience. Although many handymen are not licensed, there are handyman contractors who provide specialized training on many areas of maintenance, repairs, construction, and design, and remodeling. With this specialized training, they are able to perform many maintenance and repair tasks that were previously performed only by licensed professionals.
To perform home repairs, it is essential to acquire the necessary legal qualifications. Qualifications and licenses vary from state to state, and handyman contractors must be licensed according to state laws. Some states require that the handyman complete a certain amount of training and education before being licensed. Other states, such as New York, don’t have any requirement for licensing but instead allow handymen to be self-employed. The best way to find out the requirements in your state, contact your local contractor’s association or the New York State Contractors Board.
If you are interested in being a handyman, whether you are planning to start your own business or do contract work for another individual or company, you should do your research and consider all of the potential costs, risks, and benefits involved. As with any business, there are always potential hazards and costs involved with contracting with a handyman vs. a general contractor. Although most handyman contractors are required to obtain general liability insurance coverage, this insurance may not cover all of the tasks performed. If the homeowner thinks that the contractor will not be requiring him or her to purchase this insurance, the handyman would be better served by obtaining general liability insurance to protect his or her financial assets.
For example, doing simple carpet cleaning tasks such as removing dirt and stains and changing the linoleum can be considered general contractor work but is not covered by the contractor’s insurance policy. Instead, homeowners should seek a comprehensive homeowner’s insurance plan that includes these kinds of services. This coverage would include cleaning the carpets, changing the linoleum and returning them to their pre-existing condition. Many times it is enough for homeowners to simply hire a handyman to do the job rather than having to pay for the service through the homeowner’s insurance policy.
Handyman services that do not require the homeowner to purchase additional insurance can often be obtained for a flat rate price. In some cases, it may be enough for the handyman to only charge a one-time fee for the task and then have to pay around the same price for ongoing coverage. However, in other cases, it may be necessary to purchase insurance coverage for the entire job if the homeowner is not changing out linoleum on a regular basis or changing out the stove regularly. In these situations, homeowners may be better served by making a flat rate payment for the entire job so that the handyman does not have to worry about adding coverage beyond what is already in place under the existing policy.
Some handymen focus their business solely on house improvement tasks, while others offer general contracting services. Before choosing a handyman to undertake a specific repair or plumbing job, the homeowner should ensure that the person charged with the work has plenty of experience for the task. It is also important to consider whether the handyman is insured to perform the tasks. It is rare for plumbing or electrical tasks to turn into a dangerous situation, but even with experience, it is not a guarantee that a handyman will be able to handle any unexpected situation. It is always a good idea to check the contractor’s background and credentials before selecting any particular individual to complete maintenance repairs or general remodeling jobs.
Handyman services that focus primarily on general contracting jobs are not usually equipped to handle specialized electrical or plumbing repairs or maintenance work. Homeowners who choose this type of handyman service are usually better off hiring a company that specializes in these types of services. This will allow them to receive professional rates from a company that has a track record of successfully completing electrical and plumbing repairs and maintenance work for other companies. Even when contracting a general service, homeowners should ensure that the company has ample experience performing the work they are purchasing. The Better Business Bureau is a good source for researching this matter.
