You adore your home—it’s your safe place. But that dripping faucet, overflowing gutter, or chipped shower tile? They’re enough to make anyone lose their cool. Enter the handyman: the unsung hero of home repairs, tackling the tasks you’d rather avoid, don’t have time for, or wouldn’t dare attempt yourself.
Finding the right one isn’t as simple as picking a name from a hat. A good handyman isn’t just someone with a hammer and a tape measure—they’re a trusted ally who’ll step into your space and get the job done right.
Here’s how to track down a reliable pro, avoid the duds, and keep your home (and sanity) intact. Let’s break it down.
Why a Good Handyman Matters
A handyman isn’t just a fix-it person; they’re someone you invite into your home and trust to help. You need more than skills—you need MAJOR trust. The right fit could become a long-term partner for all those pesky projects. (which means you won’t have to search again!)
Heather Bays, a single mom, learned this firsthand. She found her go-to guy through a friend who’s a real estate agent. Recently, he replaced her massive 8-foot by 10-foot backyard planter. “The referral from my friend was key,” Heather says. “I want someone I know and trust to have used this person before and be satisfied with the work.”
Where to Find a Trustworthy Handyman
Word of mouth remains king when hunting for a pro. Forget the old-school backyard gossip—today, it’s all about digital neighborhoods like Nextdoor. A recommendation from someone nearby means they’ve likely stuck around and won’t vanish after the job’s done.
John Sunderland from Denver took a different route when remodeling his 1928 Spanish bungalow’s kitchen. He posted an ad on Craigslist under the “labor” section, specifying he wanted an “experienced carpenter” with three references. Of the four replies, only one followed instructions and had glowing reviews.
After a test run replacing two kitchen windows, John hired him for the full kitchen redo and even lined up a garage ceiling drywall gig.
What is the moral of the story? Be clear about what you need, and don’t skip the reference check.
Online platforms like HomeAdvisor and Angie’s List can also connect you with pros. HomeAdvisor’s ProFinder is free for users (pros pay a fee and pass background checks), while Angie’s List charges for access but offers detailed reviews. Both are goldmines for finding vetted talent.
Tip: Ask friends, neighbors, or even your local hardware store staff for leads. They often know who’s legit.
Narrowing Down Your Options
Got a shortlist? Great. Start with a quick phone chat to gauge their vibe, then invite them for a walk-through. (always be safe and have somewhere there with you!)
Come prepared with a list of tasks and a timeline—some handymen book out weeks ahead or skip weekends, says Buddy Hendrickson, a nine-year veteran of the trade. You’ll likely get an estimate on the spot or within 24 hours.
Buddy adds, “It’s all about the right fit. Someone is letting me into their home, and I respect that,” Clear expectations make all the difference.
Charlene Andrisen, a rental property owner, has a clever hack: she scopes out their toolbox and truck. “At that first meeting I ask about what tools they use, look at their toolbox and even casually walk out and check out their truck,” she says. “Is everything neat or a trash pile of cigarette butts and candy wrappers? That’s a good clue as to the type of job they’ll do.”
Tip: Trust your gut during the meet-and-greet. If they’re sloppy or dismissive, move on.
Asking the Right Questions
“Home projects are so emotional,” Brooke Gabbert from HomeAdvisor nails it: “To find someone who respects both you and your home and with whom you are comfortable takes educating yourself.” That starts with educating yourself. Lay out your project in detail and ask the biggies: What are your skills? Have you done this before?
Barbara Schmidt wishes she’d pressed harder. She hired a duo from an online service to replace the carpet on her garage steps and trim the bedroom sliding doors after installing a new carpet. The steps were fine, but the doors? Disaster. “They cut one shorter than the other and didn’t install a floor track because they were uncomfortable doing it,” she says. Her next handyman—found via a neighbor’s mother-in-law—fixed the mess by trimming the second door to match. “He took one look and knew the door was too short, so trimmed the other one to match. I still may need to buy new doors, but for now they work. He did a great job, and more important, I know where he lives.”
Tip: Don’t assume expertise. Confirm they’ve tackled your exact type of job before.
Tools and Stats to Guide You
Handymen topped HomeAdvisor’s service request list, with homeowners spending $460 to $682 per job (national average: $566). The top five gigs? Plumbing fixes, electrical installs, exterior painting, appliance repairs, and drywall patching.
Need a budgeting boost? HomeAdvisor’s Cost Guide offers free estimates for over 850 projects tailored to your location. It’s a handy way to avoid sticker shock.
Tip: Get multiple quotes to compare pricing, but don’t just chase the cheapest option—quality counts.
12 Must-Ask Questions Before You Hire
Seal the deal with these essentials:
- Does this job need a licensed specialist (like an electrician)?
- Can you share references I can call?
- What’s your expertise?
- Do you charge hourly or by the job?
- Is there a fee for an initial quote?
- Are there trip charges for visits or supply runs?
- Do you have a local address?
- What’s your availability?
- Do you warranty your work? For how long?
- Are you insured?
- Will you haul away debris?
- Can we put our agreement in writing?
Tip: A written agreement protects you both—don’t skip it.
Hiring a handyman doesn’t have to feel like a gamble. With some legwork—asking around, checking creds, and trusting your instincts—you’ll land someone who’ll treat your home like theirs. Whether a quick fix or a big redo, the right pro makes all the difference.
This story first appeared in The Denver Post.
