Handyman contractor recommendations (Scottsdale, Tempe: home builder, construction, inspection)

[marchewka959]

We want to replace a large patio door with a smaller window. I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for a reliable, honest and not exorbitant contractor.

Thanks. I hope asking for recommendations is allowed. If not, apologies, mods please delete

[AzScorpion12]

What part of the valley are you in? I do know someone but if you're out in the far east valley that might be to far.

[marchewka959]

This is in Tempe. thanks

[ScottsdaleMark]

I've used Handyman Connection a number of times with positive results. I think you most likely could find someone to do it cheaper than they would if you went the Craigslist route but in cases where I had a big project with multiple phases they could handle that and they generally seem to use career tradesmen and are licensed, bonded, background checked every month, all that. I've also had good luck with some independent / individual trades over the years so maybe Gixxer's suggestion would be a good fit for Tempe.

[DougStark]

I've only contacted Handyman Connection one time for an estimate to fix a second story floor that is sagging.

I could tell he either wasn't qualified to do the repair, or didn't want the job. At least I didn't have to pay for a service call, though.

[Italy04]

Wish my dad was here! This is right up his alley

[ScottsdaleMark]

Originally Posted by DougStark

I've only contacted Handyman Connection one time for an estimate to fix a second story floor that is sagging.

I could tell he either wasn't qualified to do the repair, or didn't want the job. At least I didn't have to pay for a service call, though.

I remember seeing a sagging floor repair on Holmes Inspection ... it was a major undertaking and they had to take up the floor, replace beams, rebalance things, plus you have to be careful not to damage the walls etc. when you replace a sagging floor with a proper one, etc. It was definitely a major undertaking, I don't remember if they had to get a structural engineer but it was a large effort. Did you ever get it fixed and if so what was your experience? I don't have a second floor, just curious.

[azriverfan.]

I recommend doing a search on Yelp. If you don't have a Yelp profile, set up one. If you find someone you like on Yelp and contact them, make certain you tell them you found them on Yelp and are a reviewer. They usually provide better than routine service to yelp reviewers because they know you will put a bad review of them if they do a poor job. If they do a poor job, you can do a review (be polite and professional) and most of the time the person will then go out of their way to rectify the situation to get you to pull or edit your Yelp review. I would not consider anyone with less than 4 stars and realistically, you want to aim for someone with around 4.5 stars. I've had good experience with yelp and find their ratings to be reliable if they have a fair number of reviews.

[DougStark]

Originally Posted by ScottsdaleMark

I remember seeing a sagging floor repair on Holmes Inspection ... it was a major undertaking and they had to take up the floor, replace beams, rebalance things, plus you have to be careful not to damage the walls etc. when you replace a sagging floor with a proper one, etc. It was definitely a major undertaking, I don't remember if they had to get a structural engineer but it was a large effort. Did you ever get it fixed and if so what was your experience? I don't have a second floor, just curious.

ScottsdaleMark. No. I haven't gotten the job done. I know it's something I'll eventually have to get to. You're right- the job was too major for a handyman. I might contact the original home builder and ask for their advice (and complain to them at the same time.) Unacceptable problem for a 23 yo. home.

[ScottsdaleMark]

Originally Posted by DougStark

ScottsdaleMark. No. I haven't gotten the job done. I know it's something I'll eventually have to get to. You're right- the job was too major for a handyman. I might contact the original home builder and ask for their advice (and complain to them at the same time.) Unacceptable problem for a 23 yo. home.

From what I have seen on the shows I've seen that deal with this problem, it IS usually due to improper construction...especially after only 23 years I guarantee you that the beams aren't big enough or the spans are greater than they should be. Something's not up to code for a floor to be noticeably sagging. Definitely worth contacting the builder to see what they have to say about it, although I'm guessing they'll claim ignorance.