How to Choose the Right Handyman in Manchester

A good handyman saves you a weekend and a second call-out. A poor one leaves you with a half-fixed tap and a bill. Five checks tell you which one you are dealing with before anyone picks up a tool.

Write the job list first

Handymen are strongest on the small and medium jobs that no single trade wants: hanging shelves, fitting a cat flap, building flat pack, re-sealing a bath, mounting a TV. Write down every job before you call. A written list lets you compare quotes like for like, and some handymen discount grouped work, so ask.

Some work needs a specialist. Gas appliances should only be worked on by a Gas Safe registered engineer, and larger electrical jobs by a qualified electrician. Ask any handyman where their work stops.

Ask for proof

• Photos of similar jobs, or the address of a job you can ask the customer about.
• Reviews from customers you can find independently, not only ones on the handyman's own site.
• Whether they carry public liability insurance, and a copy of the certificate if you want one.

Get the price in writing before work starts

There are three usual ways a handyman charges: by the hour, by the day, or a fixed price per job. Our guide to handyman pricing in Manchester explains each one. Whatever the method, ask for the total in writing, and ask whether there is a call-out charge. We quote a fixed price for each job and charge no call-out fee, so you pay only for the work we complete.

Check the quote covers the same things

Two quotes can differ a lot and still be for different jobs. Check whether each one includes materials, waste removal, making good afterwards and a second visit if the first one runs over. A quote that lists these lines is easier to hold someone to.

Judge how they communicate

The first phone call or message is a preview of the job. A handyman who replies the same day, asks sensible questions and turns up when they said they would will probably do the same during the work. One who is vague about dates before you have paid anything will not improve afterwards.

If you want a fixed price for a list of jobs in Greater Manchester, send us the details or see everything we cover.