Finding the right handyman in the Charlotte area can appear at first to be an overwhelming task. But, in fact, it is simple if you know how to narrow it down to the One Local Expert who can best serve your needs. Because the term handyman can be used for a broad range of skills and varying levels of expertise, it's important to choose one who is capable of doing the work correctly. This will mean narrowing down the field to a handyman with skills and experience in the type of work you need done, and making certain the person you hire really can do the job well.

Find the right handyman with these seven steps:

1. Ask friends, family, and professionals such as realtors for referrals

2. Choose a handyman who has experience with the type of work you need completed

3. Find out how long they have been in business, and ask for references from previous clients

4. Ask to see proof of liability insurance and worker's compensation, as well as a license if required

5. Get several bids on the job to be sure the price is fair

6. Find out what is included in the estimate to make it easier to compare bids

7. Get everything in writing, and read the contract thoroughly to make sure everything is accurate and looks on the level

Good sources of referrals to qualified handymen include general contractors, realtors, or local home builder's associations. Expand your search online at One Local Expert to get a list of recommended providers. Locate a handyman who has experience with the specific type of work you need, as not all handymen can do the same tasks.

Some good questions to ask former clients.

Were you satisfied with the process and the completed work?

Ask if they were happy with the quality of the work and if any problems arose during or after the work was done. Was the contract followed? Did they feel the handyman was candid regarding the cost and timeframe for the work?

Were the handyman and any staff professional and courteous?

How the handyman handled communications, questions and issues will say a lot about their work. Ask if they showed respect and consideration and were always polite and courteous.

Did they leave the work area neat and clean?

A good handyman will clean up thoroughly after the job is done, clear away debris and leave everything neat and tidy. Failure to clean up properly after a job indicates sloppiness, and this isn't a good sign for a job well done. A handyman who cleans up after himself shows pride in his work, and likely doesn't cut corners - which speaks volumes about the quality of the work.

Was a warranty included?

Find out what the warranty covers and for how long, and make sure it is included in the written contract. A good handyman will stand behind their work and guarantee it against flaws in workmanship or errors of installation.

Questions to Ask when Hiring the Right Handyman.

When narrowing down your choice from a list provided by trusted sources to the One Local Expert you will hire, make it easier with this list of important questions to ask.

What type of work do you have experience with?

The term handyman can mean an incredible number of things, and every handyman has a different area of expertise. While some handymen may claim knowledge in a wide variety of areas, you want to make sure you find one who is specifically experienced in the work you need done. Remember that anyone can claim the title of handyman, and to find someone with real skill, you need to verify their claims. Here are a few questions you should ask to ensure expertise:

*What is your background? Find out where the handyman learned his skills and how he honed them through experience. Some handymen may once have been contractors in a specific field, or have taken vocational courses allowing them to learn specific skills. Years of practice without any training can be just as good, but harder to verify. In that case, remember to check references.

*What are your specific areas of expertise? A handyman who claims they can do it all is either stretching the truth, or can do a lot of things but none of them particularly well. Most will focus on a somewhat narrower field of work where they will have spent a great deal of time improving their skills. A handyman who can offer a specific area of expertise is a better choice than a jack of all trades.

*Do you do repairs? Some handymen specialize in repair work. This can still mean a wide variety of things such as appliance repair, plumbing repair, patching of drywall and many other areas. If you need new work done and not simply repair work, look for a handyman whose specialty lies in that area instead.

*Do you offer free estimates? Most handymen will offer a free estimate if they are confident of their skills. As they look at the project and explain to you how they will approach it, their knowledge of the subject should quickly become obvious.

How long have you been in business, and can you provide references?

Find out how long the handyman has been and working in the field. Don't hesitate to ask for references to help you choose the right handyman. An honest and forthright handyman will not mind the request and is confident that you will hear glowing reports from previous customers. In fact, most handyman services depend on word of mouth and referrals for their business.

Do you have the proper insurance and any required licenses?

Every good handyman should carry a liability policy that meets the required state minimum as well as worker's compensation to cover any employees. Request to see proof of both policies. In some cases a license may be required for certain types of handyman work. Be sure your handyman is licensed if necessary.

Ask for a Quote

Have the handyman take a look at the job to be done and go over what you need completed. Find out exactly what work is included and what is excluded, and how the handyman charges; this may be by the job, or by the hour. You should also get a clear idea of how long the work is expected to take. The quote should indicate what types of materials are being used. Ask to have the detailed quote provided in writing. Get more than one quote for comparison; at least three are recommended in order that you may establish a reasonable range of total cost for the project. Make sure each quote includes the same work and the same materials so you are comparing apples to apples.

Execute a Contract.

The contract should stipulate everything agreed upon in the quote. It should include a detailed description of the work to be done, the amount of time expected for completion, and the cost of the procedure. As part of the description of the work, make sure the contract includes a listing of the type of materials being used. It should also list any warranty on work completed that the handyman provides as a guarantee of quality.

Things to Look for in a Qualified Handyman.

Appropriate licensure insurance. Verify the handyman's insurance coverage with a call to the insurance company, or check with your local governing board. If a license is required, verify it with the state.

A strong reputation. Call the Better Business Bureau - they can provide you with information on any complaints that have been filed against the handyman or company. Check online review services such as Angie's List or Service Magic for a review of their work. You may also visit One Local Expert to locate a top quality service provider in the Charlotte area.

Safety Commitment.

The various forms of work done by a handyman can include some dangerous procedures and equipment. Ask the handyman about their safety procedures to protect employees from potential injuries. The right handyman will use all required safety equipment and procedures when working.

Clean Up.

Ask how much clean up the handyman plans to do in the work area after the job is complete. All debris should be cleared away and the area free of dust and construction materials. Find out if the handyman will arrange for removal of any old materials that have been taken out, or if you are responsible for having it hauled away.

TIPS

*A handyman who works individually may be just as skilled as one working for a big company, and charge less

*Watch out for quotes that seem unusually high or low. A low quote might mean the handyman will raise the price later. A high quote often suggests they are probably really too busy for the job