GETTA Help
Questions to ask before hiring a handyman
Handyman services work best for a clearly defined list of suitable small jobs. Describe each task and its materials, then confirm experience, price, timing and boundaries before work starts.
Describe the exact scope
- List every task rather than asking for ‘a few odd jobs’.
- Include photographs, dimensions and the wall, floor or material involved.
- Mention access restrictions, parking and whether furniture must be moved.
- Ask which parts of the list they can complete confidently and which need another trade.
Experience and working arrangements
- Have you completed comparable work on this type of material or fitting?
- Will you do the work personally?
- What insurance do you carry for the work offered?
- When can the work start and approximately how long should it take?
- How will you protect floors, furniture and occupied areas?
Materials and price
Agree who selects, buys and owns leftover materials. Check whether the price is hourly, daily or fixed for the described work and whether travel, collection time, fixings and VAT are included. For an estimate, ask what could cause the total to change.
- Confirm any minimum charge.
- Ask before substitutions or additional work are authorised.
- Keep the scope and price basis in writing.
Know when a specialist is needed
A general handyman should not be used as a substitute for a suitably qualified specialist where the work requires one. Be particularly cautious with gas appliances or pipework, significant electrical work, asbestos, structural alterations and tasks requiring formal approval. Ask the appropriate specialist about qualifications and notification requirements for the exact job.
Finishing and waste
- Who removes packaging, old fittings and other waste?
- Are disposal charges included and will waste be handled appropriately?
- What finish or making-good is included?
- How should you report a problem after completion?
- What payment is due, and when?