Loose banisters, a hole in a wall, a closet door that doesn't shut right, a rotted board in the back porch. These are the tiresome little problems that can drive a homeowner crazy. In days long gone, we all knew a local handyman who we could call to fix such small, tedious problems. Changing Times for the Modern Handyman Today, the shift of workers to new professions has chipped away at the availability of the traditional handyman. Even when we actually do find one, we have concerns about insurance, workers compensation liability, social security taxes, licensing and a host of other complications. During the booming eighties, about the only way to get a professional firm out to repair a porch was to have some major remodeling done and make the porch repair part of the job. Contractors had so much work they couldn't be bothered with small repairs, which lacked the glory and big bucks associated with larger projects. Times have changed. During the eighties, rapidly rising housing values gave homeowners a deep pool of home equity to tap into to pay for major renovations. Now, few people are in a position to do major remodeling projects. It's a common misconception to think hiring a handyman will always be cheaper than hiring a licensed appliance specialist, electrician, plumber, or carpenter. A handyman may not be the most economical way to go. In order to earn a living, professional handymen need to charge minimum hourly rate and often have a minimum charge just to show up. It is just the nature of the business. You can imagine how difficult it would be to make a living driving 30 minutes for 20 minutes worth of work. The gas alone would eat handymen alive! Get Organized Before You Call a Handyman There is something you can do to reduce the cost of repairs. By getting organized before you call a contractor, you'll not only save money, but also reduce the hassle factor. Begin by walking through the entire house room by room. Then go outside and walk around the house looking at both the house and the grounds. Make a list of everything that needs attention. It sometimes helps to get a friend to help because he/she can offer an outsider's perspective. Now organize your list into logical groupings. Sections might include wall repairs, door repairs, weatherstripping, windows and so on.
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