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Someone on a local FB page indicated he was taking on handyman jobs. I asked whether he'd provide a written estimate and he responded that it depended on the job, because you never know what you might get into. Now, I understand that there may be issues outside an originial, initial estimate, and presume that at some point, a client could decide whether or not to proceed further if potential costs fell far outside the estimate. I would also, of course, compensate for any work completed up to a point where a 'no-go' decision would be made.
I've been ripped off more than once by local guys who I'd foolishly trusted and the last time made the decision that no work gets done around here w/out at least a written estimate.
Am I being unreasonable? Is it common practice these days to simply provide a verbal estimate and go from there? (something I am not willing to do). For you professional handymen, contractors, etc, how do you handle the matter of providing estimates?
Last edited by Riley.; 01-08-2022 at 06:54 PM..
Reason: spelling
You aren't being unreasonable. In a push, find the biggest wrestler or biker type that you can, have him with you when the "handyman" estimates that job, and subtly suggest that he might get upset if anything was unreasonable. As the "Monk" theme song suggests, "It's a jungle out there."
I call my local handyman when I have several things for him to do, like a "honey-do" list. He charges (last I knew) 25.00/hr. I tell him what I want done, he does my list. I am there when he does the work so I can see that he is completing my chores. I pay him accordingly to his time. Is my definition of a handyman different than yours?
I call my local handyman when I have several things for him to do, like a "honey-do" list. He charges (last I knew) 25.00/hr. I tell him what I want done, he does my list. I am there when he does the work so I can see that he is completing my chores. I pay him accordingly to his time. Is my definition of a handyman different than yours?
OP, that's right. We had this discussion last fall, when we asked for recommendations for handymen on the local social-media pages, and people were confused who exactly were the handymen. My definition of a handyman: A person who fixes things and undertakes small projects (e.g., repair a rotted threshold, paint a door, assemble an IKEA cabinet). I expect to pay him about $30-40/hr.
By contrast, a contractor is a person who does larger jobs, like building an addition, painting the entire house, replacing a stair. I expect to pay him about $60/hr. and above. There are way too many contractors who masquerade as handymen, but you will see that they will charge you the contractor's rates.
For a contractor, a written estimate is a must. For a handyman, probably not, if the job is simple.
However, for both handymen and contractors, I prepare a detailed scope of work with sketches and give it to them.
Just be aware that no written document -- or even a written contract -- will protect you against shoddy workmanship. E.g., we hired a handyman to repaint the front door and stipulated in writing that the paint should be low VOC. Surely enough, he started painting with whatever stinkiest paint he could get at his supplier. I can still smell it months later.
Someone on a local FB page indicated he was taking on handyman jobs.
A handyman job really shouldn't be anything the least bit complicated to the experienced.
Even if YOU don't have the skills/tools/time to do it yourself it's basic and straightforward work
that can be completed in less than a day.
Quote:
I asked whether he'd provide a written estimate...
Am I being unreasonable?
You're being naive ... showing how little you understand about the work.
If you need written estimates, or the work involved warrants them..
then you need a genuine LICENSED contractor to do the work for you.
You aren't being unreasonable. In a push, find the biggest wrestler or biker type that you can, have him with you when the "handyman" estimates that job, and subtly suggest that he might get upset if anything was unreasonable. As the "Monk" theme song suggests, "It's a jungle out there."
My two cents.....
IMO, as a retired Project Manager, an "estimate" does not automatically become a billable item.
Whether it is billable should depend on the scope of work. Replacing a ceiling fan, should be a 5 minute e-mail estimate, outlining what the customer has asked for and what the handyman will deliver for xyz dollars, within abc time frame. The handyman should ask for a return e-mail, giving a "yes to proceed" or "no, do not proceed". Personally, I would shy away from anyone not willing to do that simple task for me.
Replacing a deck, changing plumbing/electrical, remodeling a kitchen, etc. should require a detailed estimate. Whether this detailed estimate is billable is a decision that the service provider will need to make, but should be discussed with the customer before proceeding. A detailed estimate, once reviewed by the customer would culminate in a written/signed scope of work, and a signed contract if all parties agree to proceed.
This should always take place, be it between a handyman and the customer, or a licensed contractor and the customer....it becomes a binding document/agreement and it protects all parties involved, and provides a path to conflict resolution, should any arise.
Thanks all for the clarification. I appreciate the distinction you've described between handyman and contractor and the work each might do and how it gets done. Perhaps I am naive.
Some of the work I need done: installing baseboards in a portion of the basement, replacing trim around doors (and where drywall may be damaged in the process, repairing the drywall)....stuff like that.
I thought an estimate of time and materials might be a way for me to predict to a certain extent how much a job would cost me. If I'm going with an hourly rate (which this gentleman indicates is how he charges) then I guess it remains to be worked out who gets the materials needed or perhaps that tells me that this would be a 'contractor' job, not just he comes over and I indicate what I need done. I will speak to this gentleman privately to flesh out the details.
Here's what he said on social media:
"I’m a local guy now taking on small to medium size handyman projects. I have experience with electrical, plumbing, decks, tile work, and general building. Fair hourly rate. Please PM me with any questions."
Also, BTW, the State of Vermont does not license general contractors or home improvement contractors.
Good question. Yes, I would pay for a written estimate.
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