Go to Main Content

Advertisement

By MoneySense Staff on May 2, 2014
Estimated reading time: 1 minute

How to woo a handyman

By MoneySense Staff on May 2, 2014
Estimated reading time: 1 minute

There are ways to make your project more enticing to a potential contractor

Advertisement

Shutterstock

The old cliché about good help being hard to find is particularly true when looking for a handyman or general contractor for a small job. Handy people tend to prefer big, expensive work—$10,000 kitchen overhauls, say, as opposed to $100 paint patches. As a result, many homeowners find that getting a quality contractor to come out to fix a broken door frame or repair some drywall is a struggle. There are ways to make your project more enticing to a potential contractor, however. First off, before making a pitch, wait until you have a bunch of tasks that amount to at least a day’s work. Not only will the larger price tag prove more attractive but you may be able to bring down the overall cost. It also helps to be flexible. Sam Sumaida, a Toronto-based contractor, hates saying no to small jobs because the profit margins are often higher and the work may lead to long-lasting relationships. But, he explains, it can be difficult to fit small jobs in. “If clients are available on evenings and weekends,” notes Sumaida, “that’s great for me.” Once you get a handyman in the door, be sure to treat him well. Contractors like it when you have a clear vision for your project and you can easily access any required materials. Treating contractors with respect—perhaps offering the occasional glass of lemonade on a hot day—will increase the odds of a repeat visit. Another way to get in a contractor’s good books is through referrals. After all, once he installs your neighbour’s new kitchen, it will take less convincing to get him to come back for a $60 doorknob installation.

Comments Cancel reply

Related Articles

Carpenter works on home improvement project

How to renovate your home on a fixed income

Spending thousands of dollars on upgrades to your living space can be daunting for seniors. Here are some financing...

How to renovate your home on a fixed income

Canadian Financial Summit 2024: MoneySense sessions and free tickets

Canadian Financial Summit 2024: MoneySense sessions and free tickets

A couple receive the keys to their new home from a realtor

The tax implications of buying a second home in Canada

Vacation or rental property, or both? Here are the taxes you can expect on a secondary property in Canada,...

The tax implications of buying a second home in Canada

Lights glow in front a modern two-storey home at dusk

Second mortgages in Canada: What are the rules?

Interested in buying a second property? Familiarize yourself with the mortgage rules first to make sure it’s the right...

Second mortgages in Canada: What are the rules?

Two empty Muskoka chairs on a deck, to inspire the contrast of the perks of a cottage in Canada and the financial implications.

Yes, a cottage is an investment property—here’s how to minimize capital gains tax

Should you “invest” in a cottage? And if you do, what happens when you sell it, give it away...

Yes, a cottage is an investment property—here’s how to minimize capital gains tax

Leaving a cottage to family and capital gains

Reducing capital gains on a cottage

With planning and the right documents, the capital gains tax owing on a family cottage can be lowered. Here...

Reducing capital gains on a cottage

Canadian family saying goodbye to the cottage they're selling.

Tax deductible expenses when selling a cottage in Canada

Minimize capital gains taxes on the sale of a cottage in Canada by making smart reno choices.

Tax deductible expenses when selling a cottage in Canada

Woman adjusts home security camera

Home and Décor

How much it costs to install a home security system in Canada

Thinking about installing a CCTV camera or motion detector alarm on your house? Here’s what to consider when setting...

How much it costs to install a home security system in Canada

A technician works on a heat pump attached to a house

Heat pump, furnace or hybrid—which is the better option in Canada?

Need a new furnace or central AC? Consider installing a heat pump. Here’s how to choose one, plus details...

Heat pump, furnace or hybrid—which is the better option in Canada?

ladder in backyard pool

How much does a swimming pool cost in Canada?

The pool’s style, shape and size, as well as your choice of decking, landscaping and maintenance, all affect the...

How much does a swimming pool cost in Canada?