Finding reliable handymen/maintenance workers

[Samed Arif]

I am a property manager in Chicago and I am struggling to find reliable handymen/maintenance workers. We only manage 150 units so we can't put someone on the payroll and have them fix things as they come up. I eventually want to come to that.  Every time I find someone they gradually disappear and only want to do bigger jobs that pay more. I've told them that I will give them bigger jobs but they still have to do the smaller tasks for me.... 

Simple tasks such as hanging blinds, recaulking a bathtub, changing light bulbs. Noting too complex, simple stuff yet I can't find someone reasonable. 

Any ideas where I can find someone and keep them loyal? 

[Brian LeBow]

It’s best to hire someone.  Good handymen (people) are expensive.  150 units is plenty to be able to add someone to payroll. You back bill owners for the work, so about 60% of the handyman’s time is actually making you a couple bucks per hour.  If you need more help reach out to me.   All the best!