Architecture Festival

A handyman is just that – somebody that’s handy at everything but specializes in nothing. If you have a big project for some serious work that needs to get done and calls for a specialist, hiring a handyman is not money well spent. You may think that you are saving money but it may very well end up costing you thousands of dollars in the long run.

Let’s take a look at a plumbing situation for example. You have a loose pipe under your sink that you think could be easily fixed. You call up the plumber and find out that is going to cost you $200. You call up the handyman and he quotes you a rate of $50. Of course you will be tempted to take the handyman up on his offer.

A week later the pipe bursts and your kitchen floor is flooded. If you went with the plumber, odds are good that his work is guaranteed and he is insured against any damage that occurs in your home as a result of his work. If you hired the handyman, however, you’ll probably never end up getting a dime out of him to cover the damages. Most handymen do not carry insurance. Of course you can pursue the matter in court, but that is a long drawn out procedure that does not guarantee success. Plus, it costs a lot of money.

A handyman does have his place, however. If you have a few loose handles on your kitchen cupboards, need to attach a mailbox to the front of your home or need your grass mowed, hire a handyman. You’ll save money. Anything more complicated than a minor job will require the use of a skilled and trained professional.

Another thing to keep in mind is liability. If your local area handyman climbs up on a tall bar stools to change a lightbulb and injures himself he can sue you. One small accident from a tall bar stool can end up in a lawsuit worth thousands. Most professionals have their own insurance that covers them in the case of an accident.

That brings up another point. Any time you allow a handyman or any trained specialist into your home you should watch them. Look in on them from time to time as they work. They are more accountable this way and less likely to have an accident. As well, any tradesperson that is being watched will work faster than one that isn’t. If you’re paying by the hour, you’ll save some money by just ducking your head in once in a while to ask how it’s going.

When it comes down to it, your house is an asset and one that needs to be protected. There is a reason why there are trade schools, licensing and insurance. Even if your handyman tells you he can take on these larger projects, avoid using him in this capacity. He is called a handyman because he avoided all of the schooling and training that would have made him a specialized expert.