Word of mouth is a powerful tool. It can help grow a business or sink it. Unfortunately for handymen, rumors, myths, and misconceptions have created confusion about who they are and what they really do. Allow us to set the record straight. Want to know the truth about what a handyman can do for you?
Myth #1: Doing Home Improvements Yourself is Cheaper Than Hiring a Handyman
It’s easy to think that the DIY route will save money. After all, you already bought the faucet for the guest bathroom. The rest of the cost to install it is labor, right? Not quite. It’s true you might come out ahead financially if you have all the right tools and supplies.
However, home projects often come with hidden costs. To install a simple bathroom fixture, you may need to buy tools and supplies you might only use once. Plus, if something goes wrong, you could spend even more time and money fixing those mistakes. Handymen bring their own tools and experience. They know the right materials to use and may already have them from the last job. Their expertise can prevent costly errors and ensure the work is done right the first time, which can save you money and stress in the long run.
Plus, they can often get the job done faster and more efficiently, saving you precious time you’d rather spend doing something else.
Myth #2: A Handyman Can Fix Anything
Handymen are experienced trade professionals and can handle a variety of jobs, but even they have their limits. If your home repairs include major electrical work, extensive plumbing repairs, or structural changes, you may need the help of a licensed specialist trained for those specific jobs. Also, some projects require permits or certifications that could be beyond what a handyman can do.
A trustworthy handyman will always be upfront about what they can and can’t do. If a job is beyond their scope, they’ll recommend a professional to make sure it’s done safely and properly. This honesty shows their professionalism and dedication to doing what’s best for you rather than pretending they can fix absolutely everything.
Myth #3: It is Better to Hire a Trade Specialist
While specialists are great for highly technical or complex projects that require permits, their expertise may be a bit more than you need for some simple jobs. Calling a specialist for every household task could leave you overpaying for smaller fixes.
Handymen can be the better choice for small or multi-skill jobs. Take the Joneses, for example. Jenny and Mikey were playing baseball in the backyard. Jenny hit the ball with a loud crack. “Home run,” she yelled. Then they heard a loud thud as the ball hit the brittle, sunworn siding, putting a baseball-sized hole in it. Afraid that someone would see what they’d done, both kids turned and ran for the house and face-first into the screen door, tearing the mesh.
They could call a siding company to repair the siding and a window company to replace the screen. But that would mean coordinating with two professionals, two service calls, and, worst of all, two bills. Handymen are versatile and can handle a variety of tasks. A handyman can fix it all in one visit, and they’re also typically more affordable for basic jobs.
Myth #4: You Get What You Pay For
While handymen often charge less than other trade specialists, that doesn’t mean their work is inferior or that you are sacrificing quality. Many handymen take pride in their work and aim to deliver high-quality results at a fair price. They can offer customers lower prices for a few reasons:
- No Premiums – Unlike an expert plumber or HVAC technician, handymen don’t charge more for their unique skillset. They aim to keep costs low for customers on a wide range of projects.
- Efficiency – Their ability to complete several unrelated tasks in one service call helps keep costs down for handymen, who pass savings on to customers.
- Low Overhead – Handymen usually work solo or in small teams, which allows them to minimize operating costs.
- Individualized Pricing – Each home improvement job is unique and comes with a unique price tag when you hire a handyman. If your job takes less time or is less complex, it may also be less expensive.
Myth #5: Handymen Are Less Reliable Than Trade Specialists
In every profession, there are bound to be some bad apples. These unreliable individuals are typically the exception to the rule. Handymen take their work seriously and value their reputation. They rely on word-of-mouth referrals and repeat clients to keep business booming. They show up on time, communicate clearly, and complete jobs efficiently. Many develop trusting relationships with the customers they serve.
Before hiring any home improvement professional or letting them work on your home, be sure you know who you are hiring. Checking reviews, asking for references, or hiring through a trusted platform can help you find a dependable handyman. In many cases, a skilled handyman is just as reliable as any specialist, especially for everyday repairs and smaller home improvement projects.
A Trusted Resource
A trusted handyman you can call when you need help with home repairs or improvement projects is an excellent choice for many homeowners. These skilled professionals work in the space between what you can do and the projects only a licensed trade professional can. They can help you save time and money, while eliminating the hassle of vetting, scheduling, and potentially rescheduling with multiple contractors if you have several small jobs. Now that you understand what a handyman can do, what can they do for you?
Infographic
Word of mouth is a powerful tool that can make or break a business. Unfortunately, myths and misconceptions about handymen can create confusion about their services. Want to learn the truth about what a handyman can do for you? Check out this infographic.
