Questions to Ask a Handyman
Essential questions to ask before hiring a handyman to ensure quality work, fair pricing, and a smooth home repair or improvement project.
1Are you licensed and insured?
Click to see why this works
Are you licensed and insured?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Protects you from liability if accidents occur and verifies they meet legal requirements.
2What types of projects do you specialize in?
Click to see why this works
What types of projects do you specialize in?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Ensures their expertise matches your specific repair or improvement needs.
3Can you provide references from recent customers?
Click to see why this works
Can you provide references from recent customers?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Allows you to verify their work quality and professionalism through past client experiences.
4How do you charge—hourly rate or flat fee per project?
Click to see why this works
How do you charge—hourly rate or flat fee per project?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Clarifies the pricing structure so you can budget appropriately and avoid surprises.
5Can you provide a written estimate before starting work?
Click to see why this works
Can you provide a written estimate before starting work?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Ensures transparency about costs and creates a reference point if disputes arise.
6How long do you expect this project to take?
Click to see why this works
How long do you expect this project to take?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Sets realistic timeline expectations and helps you plan around the work being done.
7Do you guarantee your work, and what does that cover?
Click to see why this works
Do you guarantee your work, and what does that cover?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Protects you if repairs fail or issues arise after completion.
8Will you handle permits if needed, or is that my responsibility?
Click to see why this works
Will you handle permits if needed, or is that my responsibility?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Clarifies who manages regulatory compliance for projects requiring permits.
9Do you use your own tools and materials, or do I need to provide them?
Click to see why this works
Do you use your own tools and materials, or do I need to provide them?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Prevents confusion about what's included in the service and avoids delays.
10What happens if you discover additional problems while working?
Click to see why this works
What happens if you discover additional problems while working?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Establishes the process for addressing unexpected issues and associated costs.
11Are you the one who will be doing the work, or will you send someone else?
Click to see why this works
Are you the one who will be doing the work, or will you send someone else?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Ensures you know who will actually be in your home and their qualifications.
12Do you clean up after completing the work?
Click to see why this works
Do you clean up after completing the work?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Sets expectations about site cleanup and whether you'll need to handle disposal.
13What forms of payment do you accept?
Click to see why this works
What forms of payment do you accept?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Avoids payment confusion and helps you prepare the appropriate method.
14When do you need payment—upfront, upon completion, or in installments?
Click to see why this works
When do you need payment—upfront, upon completion, or in installments?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Clarifies payment terms and protects you from paying in full before work is done.
15Have you done this type of work before? Can you show examples?
Click to see why this works
Have you done this type of work before? Can you show examples?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Verifies their experience with your specific project and quality standards.
16What should I do to prepare before you arrive?
Click to see why this works
What should I do to prepare before you arrive?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Ensures you're ready and prevents delays due to inadequate prep work.
17Are there any potential complications or challenges with my project?
Click to see why this works
Are there any potential complications or challenges with my project?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Identifies risks or issues upfront so you're not blindsided during the work.
18Do you offer any warranties on parts or materials?
Click to see why this works
Do you offer any warranties on parts or materials?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Provides recourse if materials fail prematurely after installation.
19What's your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
Click to see why this works
What's your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Protects both parties if plans change and clarifies any associated fees.
20Can you start right away, or is there a waiting period?
Click to see why this works
Can you start right away, or is there a waiting period?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Helps you plan around their availability and urgency of your repair needs.
Best Practices for Hiring a Handyman
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Get Multiple Quotes
Contact at least three handymen to compare pricing, timelines, and professionalism before deciding.
Verify Credentials
Check their license, insurance, and online reviews. Don't skip this step even for small jobs.
Get Everything in Writing
Request written estimates, timelines, and guarantees. Verbal agreements are hard to enforce.
Trust Your Instincts
If something feels off during your initial interaction, find someone else. You're inviting them into your home.
Question Sequences
The Vetting Sequence
The Pricing Clarity Sequence
The Project Logistics Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Pay the Full Amount Upfront
Pay a deposit if needed, but save the majority for completion. This protects you if work is subpar or incomplete.
Don't Hire Without Checking Insurance
If an uninsured handyman gets hurt on your property, you could be liable for medical costs.
Don't Accept Vague Estimates
Insist on detailed, itemized quotes. Vague estimates often balloon into surprise charges.
Don't Ignore Red Flags
Poor communication, pressure tactics, or unwillingness to provide references are signs to walk away.