How do you find a good handyman?

Question

How to you find a handy man if you want to self manage remotely? Do you just go online? And these handy men do not typically mind being on call 24/7? Do you pay them a retainer fee (or just for the jobs they do? A clogged toilet is obviously not a huge deal, but it is of no good if they are not prompt in responding. I am interested in buying and self managing in the mountains and beach, but I am trying to figure out how to start. I feel like finding a good cleaner is not easy but is certainly doable. But I am curious about the handyman aspect.

Thanks to everyone here, btw. I have learned so much from your posts!

Bob Lett · Answer

@Andrew Powers that’s being resourceful! Another one pre-Covid is fine the locals at the breakfast/coffee spots in the town you are investing. Introduce yourself and network. Local knowledge is power.

Dalyn Hazell · Answer

@Andre M. A good hack I found is to go to your local real estate investor Facebook group and search for “handyman”, “recommend”, etc.

When I did this, I pulled up YEARS of past Facebook posts of recommended handyman that I was able to sift through and vet further.￼

Luke Carl · Answer

@Andre M. Enemy method

Andre M. · Answer

Thanks

Luke, as I have recently read your enemy method, do you mean that I talk to my enemy and ask him/her for a referral?

Dalyn Hazell · Answer

@Andre M. By nature a handyman is someone that can do a whole host of tasks related to renovation. Therefore, many pay handymen hourly. Others avoid paying hourly whatsoever. I don’t mind paying a handyman hourly -  a good one will cost you less hourly than by job.

And no, you don’t need to pay them any sort of monthly fee.

Jaquetta T Ragland · Answer

@Andre M. I think word of mouth is the best way to find one. If you have a local REIA maybe someone can recommend a person.

Andrew Powers · Answer

Good tip I've heard for finding contractors is to show up at lowes or home depot when they open early in the morning. I bet you'll find some handy men there

Mark Futalan · Answer

@Andre M.

Nextdoor is pretty helpful as well as Yelp and referrals from other STR owners in the area.

Kenneth Garrett · Answer

@Andre M.

I have found many handymen from the local hardware store.  I contact the store and ask for a referral.  I do like the enemy method as @Luke Carl suggested.

John Underwood · Answer

Trial and error, craigs list, FB marketplace, thumtac.com, takl.com

How do you find a good handyman?

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