How did you find your go to handyperson?

Question

I have some solid ones in my current market, but I'm moving into a new market soon. What are some tips you used to find your favorite handy person? How did you know they were the right one? What are some red flags to avoid?

James R. · Answer

Garrett, go to your local lumber, doors, windows, etc. supply store (not a HD or Lowe's, of course) and ask at the front desk if they can recommend someone. They will. Why? Because when that person does work for you, they will come there to buy the supplies, plumbing, or water heater etc. I did this and my handyman has been solid the last 10 years. He doesn't charge an arm and a leg either. In Milwaukee, the local lumber store is called Bliffert. They have 3 locations throughout the city. Extremely helpful. You can open an account and they will bill you monthly too, so something similar to that in your area is what I recommend.

John Underwood · Answer

I found my go to handyman on Craigslist over 10 years ago.

Today I would use a local RE FB group or a recommendation from people in my RE Club.

Michael Baum · Answer

Seeing as our house is pretty rural, our choices are limited. Luckily I have a few people available. Plumbing and HVAC especially.

I found my guy at the small ACE hardware store.

Mackaylee Beach · Answer

Facebook groups are an excellent resource for this.
Checking online reviews and ratings can also provide insight into the reliability and quality of a handyman's work. Once you have gathered a few potential candidates, it's important to ask them about their experience, any specialties they might have, and for references from previous clients.

Clear communication about your expectations and the scope of the work is crucial. Discuss timelines, costs, and any materials that might be needed up front. This will help prevent misunderstandings and ensure that the project runs smoothly.

Gary Nelson · Answer

The easiest way that I have found over the years is to simply ask other investors, specifically in your local market. Many of us will gladly share our contacts - helping you AND that allows us to provide value to our contractors by referring them extra business. Also, I have heard success stories of folks finding good contractors at the home improvement stores early in the AM.

Denis Ponder · Answer

Initially, I went through recommendations from friends or acquaintances. I went through a few and didn't find one I liked. Then I asked a PM and they gave me a contact. This one is a keeper. I'm always second tier to the PM, but I'm good with that. He does good work and is very responsive.

Brooklyn McCarty · Answer

LOTS of trial and error. Turno, FB groups, word of mouth are great ways to find people.

Once you find one that vibes well with you and seems to know what they are doing I would just hang tight with them.

Don't send them out for 1 or 2 little things at a time. Send them out to do 5+ things to make their time feel worth it. If you are sending them out to change one light bulb or tighten one screw all the time they will get tired of you.

Payment is always a big question to me. I want someone who is running a legit business and will invoice me and not just send me a Venmo request.

Benjamin Louie · Answer

Taskrabbit or Thumbtack are apps to find handymen

Collin Hays · Answer

Local Facebook groups.

Andrew Kessler · Answer

Love to use recommendations from people I know and trust if applicable. Otherwise, I have had success with local facebook group and recommendations from my realtor/other businesses I have worked with successfully. Clear and concise communication, willingness to help, and promptness have been my biggest indicators for finding the right individuals. Red flags have been the opposites of the three items listed above! No shows with no communication are one of the biggest red flags for me personally.

How did you find your go to handyperson?

How did you find your go to handyperson?

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