What's up with Phoenix (or EV) area handymen? (home, pricing)

[jnojr]

I generally dislike the "all x's are y!" threads. But I've noticed something really bizarre around here. I've talked to a half-dozen handymen. They're happy to come out and look at what we want done. They nod, and ask questions, and some take pictures, and seem like they want work! But then, one of two things happens... 1) they never get back to me; or 2) they want to get started... without talking about what and how they're looking to get paid. In the second case, my repeat of a request for pricing results in the loop restarting... they either disappear, or repeat that they want to get started.

I have a list of jobs, from small to large, that could easily keep someone working for a couple of weeks. It doesn't have to all be consecutive. Nothing is outrageous. There's a variety of work, and I do not demand that one person do everything. I'm not telling anyone, "I want you to take on this Herculean task, and I'm paying $50". But I cannot for the life of me get someone to say, "I charge $x per hour, or I can do task #1 for $500 and task #2 for $1000". What does it take to get someone to give even an estimate?

[crod1227]

I have no advice for you, but wanted to tell you, you are not alone. My neighbor from Chicago says the same thing. My husband is pretty handy and does most handy man jobs for me, but have you tried Home Advisor? I’ve always had good luck with that site and have always been pleased with the people they have recommended. Good luck!

[bigrigdriver]

That happened to me several times, so I decided to do the work myself by watching youtube videos & asking the guys & girls at homedepot.