McMillion Company   (615) 440-0839         Brentwood, TN 37027 

                                                                             

Avoid these Mistakes -  Hiring Handyman Services...  

 CINCINNATI, OH - The recovering of a kidnapped teen in Utah and the fact that her abductor had previously worked as a handyman on the family's property provides  an important point every homeowner should bear in mind. Hiring reputable handyman contractors for home improvement work is not just about quality work,  it's also a security issue.

In addition to family and close friends, those invited in your home most often are the people hired for home repair work.  It is definitely important for homeowners to take precautions  to ensure they invite reputable, respected contractors into their homes.

What can homeowners do to ensure the safety of their families and property?

1. Insist that a handyman provide a written estimate on company letterhead.
   
2. Ask the handyman  to provide written a guarantee.
   
3. Find someone else if a contractor or handyman insists on cash payment.
   
4. Are the handyman or contractor's licenses and registrations valid?
   
5. Did the handyman or contractor offer you a legitimate business card?
   
6. Ask for proof of third-party property and injury insurance.
   
7. Are the handyman  or contractor and any related trades persons bonded?
   
8. Check to see if the handyman or contractor is registered with the Better Business Bureau.
   
9. Ask for proof of membership in local Builders Associations or Chambers of Commerce.
   
10. How long has the contractor been in business and can he/she provide references from previous customers?
    

Should you hire "Jo Handyman", the independent with a truck and tools?

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The Independent Jo:

1. If you find someone reliable and skilled in the job you need done, you will definitely come out ahead.
   
2. Jo isn't hampered by company rules. While this may also be a disadvantage, Jo can give a free estimate if he/she chooses, go the extra mile, and often gives household maintenance advice. Most independents try to be fair to protect their reputation.
   
3. A reputable Jo will provide valid references, let you see samples of recent work, and give you a written estimate in detail. In recent years progressive handymen have built websites to increase business.
   
4. Most will tell you up front if they aren't as skilled in some areas. "I don't do plumbing."
   
5. When possible, it's always good to support your local small business man.

Handyman Companies:

1. The biggest advantage to you in hiring a handyman company is a savings in time. The company has done criminal background checks on its employees. The company is licensed and insured. This saves you considerable effort, and gives you peace of mind.
   
2. Companies usually employ handymen with a significant amount of experience and skill. Some require at least ten years in the trade or construction profession in order to be hired.
   
3. Most companies guarantee satisfaction of the work done.
   Employees in uniforms are well identified as part of the company.
   
4. Some guarantee their employee will show up on time - important if you have taken the day off of work.
   
5. Most companies require employees to clean up after the work is done, and even to wear surgical booties in the home.

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Cautions:

1. Understand up front how the company operates:
   
2. Some give "assessments" over the phone, and will not give free estimates on site.
   
3. Some will give a traditional bid or contract up front. Others work on a time plus materials basis (which can be two or three times the independent.) A reputable company will train its employees to alert the customer that a job will take longer than expected and get your approval.
   
4. Check with the Better Business Bureau for complaints against the company. A few complaints are normal. A large amount of frequent complaints is a red flag.
   
5. Even though a company's trump card is its reputation, ask around for anyone who has used the company and what their experience was.

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Further Advice:

Never hire the independent going door to door, asking for work. It is likely a scam, or even a setup for criminal activity.

"Asking a handyman  the proper questions will  let you know if that contractor is shady or not, and a professional  trades person will never discount the questions you are asking.