How do I vet a handyman? - Posted by Jerry Freeman

Posted by David (OH) on December 11, 2001 at 17:30:39:

Even if you hire a contractor to do your work, if they do not have workers comp insurance for their employees, then you are still liable. So proof of insurance is a biggie, especially if you have alot of assets in your corporation.

In the case in question, this handyman most certainly does not have workers comp. for himself. And even a $1 mil umbrella liability policy wont go too far with a serious injury with hospital bills and a lifetime of wages. Work comp is pretty resonable, except for tree work. For general carpentry work I think the rate is about 10 - 15% of the wages (Tree work is 42%). That would take this handyman from $10/hr to $11.50/hr. That combined with an umbrella policy and a corporate structure, and we should all be in pretty good shape. Just my two cents.

David

How do I vet a handyman? - Posted by Jerry Freeman

Posted by Jerry Freeman on December 10, 2001 at 20:44:06:

I got a call on one of my MH classified ads this evening from a guy who sounded like he knows a lot about used MHs. Got to talking and he said he’s done lots of work on them. He said he’d be available to work for me for $10 per hour helping me fix 'em. He sounds like an older fellow. The job market’s depressed around here (even more than most places), and fairly steady work at $10/hour would be a good deal for a lot of folks hereabouts. I’ve got a 1988 3BR/2Bath that’s had water damage and needs about half the floor replaced, etc., so I’ve got a project he could start right away. If he’s good and I can trust him, he might become an important part of my business. Question is, how do I find out if he’s for real, what quality of work he does, etc.? I’m a tradesman myself and can do professional work or train/supervise someone else to do professional work on just about any aspect of rehabbing a MH. Thanks for your input on this – I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the help I find here.

Re: How do I vet a handyman? - Posted by Jacque - WA

Posted by Jacque - WA on December 12, 2001 at 13:04:40:

Hi Jerry,

I you wanted to find out if he’s for real and the quality of his work, I would ask for some references and even go and see some of his projects that he’s completed. Generally, though I find that the handyman I’ve used has been pretty reliable and trustworthy - I just let him work on a small project and then we built it up from that point.

Also, make sure he signs an independent contractors agreement - available on legalwiz.com or I can email you one. This will protect you.

Jacque - WA

Re: How do I vet a handyman? - Posted by David (OH)

Posted by David (OH) on December 11, 2001 at 12:05:51:

Hate to be a party pooper, but if you are going to hire out work, you need to start thinking about your personal liability. I’d call your workers compensation office and figure out what you need to do to get your worker covered. The last thing you need to do is lose all that you have worked hard for all your life to someone who either intentionally or unintentionally gets hurt while fixing a floor in one of your MH’s. Sorry to bring up the negative.

David

Re: How do I vet a handyman? - Posted by lyal

Posted by lyal on December 11, 2001 at 07:00:23:

Jerry,
Get some references and call them. See if you can see some examples of his work or at least get a good referral from a previous customer. After that, I’d just try him out and see (sink or swim I guess). I’d work with him a bit and see what he knows then after that give him some space and a clear, written “Scope of Work” to keep him going. Check back and see what he’s done. You have the background to know how long a job should take so you’ll know if he’s sandbagging. I’d leave the “craftsman” hat at home when working on these homes. You are providing safe, affordable housing for people and most times they could care less about “quality” (within reason of course). They’re more concerned about function.
I would LOVE to find a handyman who could work for 10 bucks an hour!!
All the best, Lyal

Re: How do I vet a handyman? - Posted by lyal

Posted by lyal on December 11, 2001 at 17:04:06:

David,
You bring up a good point. Liability and asset protection should be an integral part of building any business. Many approaches are addressed on this site and others to minimize the results of anyone bringing suit.
I do business inside of a Corporation and carry liability insurance. Any handypeople I hire are contractors, not employees so workers comp is not an issue. In addition I should have mentioned that any contractor you hire should provide proof of insurance on his part for himself and any employees he has.
Lyal