Hiring a handyman as an independent contractor for home repairs and improvements can offer several benefits compared to hiring a large company or doing the work yourself. Here are two of the main advantages of bringing on a handyman contractor.
Page Contents
1. Flexibility and Availability
One major perk of hiring a handyman contractor is the flexibility and availability they can provide. Large companies often have packed schedules weeks or months out for even small jobs. Solo handyman contractors, on the other hand, typically have much more flexibility in their schedules. This means you can often get repairs taken care of quickly when problems pop up unexpectedly.
Handyman contractors set their own hours and availability. So if you need a small repair done during evenings or weekends when you’re off work, a handyman is more likely to be able to accommodate your schedule. Last minute issues that pop up can usually be handled promptly as well.
This flexibility can provide major benefits:
- Get fast repairs when appliances, fixtures, or equipment break unexpectedly
- Schedule work around your own availability nights and weekends
- Get needed repairs handled promptly without long waits for an opening
When something breaks at an inconvenient time, being able to get a handyman contractor in quickly can make a big difference in minimizing disruption and getting your home back to normal.
2. Lower Cost
Bringing on a solo handyman contractor will also often be more affordable compared to larger companies. Some of the reasons hiring a handyman can cost less include:
- Lower overhead – no physical offices or large team to pay
- No sales commissions or markups on work
- Greater flexibility to negotiate pricing
- Lower minimum charges for small jobs
Large repair and contracting companies have much higher overhead costs. They need to pay for office spaces, support staff, sales teams, company vehicles, and other expenses. Solo handyman contractors have very low overhead, so they can offer much more competitive pricing.
There are no commissions or sales markups that get tacked onto your bill either. With big companies, 15-20% markups are common as subcontractors get a commission on sales they generate. You just pay for the handyman’s time and materials with no inflated charges.
Handymen are also often open to negotiating pricing, especially for larger jobs. This flexibility allows you to stretch your home improvement budget further. Even on small repairs, you can save as independent contractors often have lower minimum charges.
Saving 15-30% on common repairs and upgrades is not uncommon when hiring a handyman vs larger contractors. Those savings really add up, allowing you to get more household projects completed without overspending.
Cost Savings Examples
Here are some examples of the type of cost savings you can expect from bringing on a handyman contractor vs a larger repair company:
| Project | Handyman Cost | Contractor Cost | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Install new vinyl flooring in 20 sq ft laundry room | $450 | $650 | $200 |
| Replace leaky kitchen faucet | $105 | $275 | $170 |
| Hang new interior doors (labor for 2 doors) | $140 | $340 | $200 |
| Build privacy fence (per linear foot) | $40 | $65 | $25 |
For major kitchen or bathroom remodels, total savings can amount to thousands of dollars by choosing an independent handyman vs a larger contracting company. Every dollar saved goes towards getting more important home upgrades completed.
Finding a Good Handyman Contractor
While there are certainly big advantages to hiring a handyman contractor, you need to find one who is qualified, reliable and does quality work. Here are some tips for finding a skilled handyman:
- Ask friends and neighbors for referrals of handymen they have used and would recommend.
- Search online review sites like Yelp to read feedback on local handymen’s quality of work.
- Look for handymen who have been in business for several years with good ratings.
- Choose a handyman who has experience with the type of project you need done.
- Ask for references from recent customers and follow up with them.
- Get estimates from 2-3 top choices before choosing one.
Taking the time to carefully select a well-qualified handyman will ensure you get the quality and reliability you need from the independent contractor.
Insurance & Payments
When hiring any contractor, there are two other important considerations – insurance and payments:
- Insurance: Choose a handyman who carries both general liability insurance and workers compensation. This protects you in case of any injuries or damages during the project.
- Payments: Avoid paying 100% upfront. Agree to pay a portion upfront, milestone payments for larger jobs, then remainder upon satisfactory completion. This incentivizes timely and quality work.
Conclusion
Hiring a handyman contractor provides much needed flexibility in scheduling small repairs and improvements around your own availability. It also comes at a lower cost with the potential for major savings compared to larger contracting companies. Just be sure to do your due diligence in selecting a qualified and reliable handyman with positive reviews and the proper insurance. The advantages of cost and convenience will be well worth it when you need projects done right around your home.