So, what exactly does a handyman do? It's a great question, and there's no clear answer because every handyman has a slightly different set of skills. If you want to ensure that your home projects are going to get fully completed, no matter what the nature of the work, go with a professional handyman service like Ace Handyman Services Lansing North. Individual handymen can do great work and frequently can be less expensive than a professional handyman service. However, they may not have the full range of skills that would be available from a larger team of technicians.
In the state of Michigan, anybody who performs residential construction or repairs with a value of over $600 must have a residential builder's license. And there are limits to what any handyman can do in a home. Electrical and plumbing work should be performed by a licensed professional in those trades. Typically, a handyman will do what's called “light” electrical or light plumbing, which typically involves the replacement of fixtures.
What are the skills and jobs that fall within the standard definition of handyman work?
Inside the home, it includes:
- Appliance installation
- Carpentry – doors, trim, railings & bannisters, cabinets, closet shelving
- Flooring – typically not hardwood or carpeting
- Caulking and sealing
- Standard home maintenance (light bulbs, filter changes, smoke detector batteries, etc.)
On the exterior, a handyman will typically perform work such as:
- Siding and trim repair
- Deck and fence repair
- Staining, sealing, and painting
- Concrete repair
Some handymen may take on larger projects such as bathroom remodels, basement refinishing, building decks, etc. Just beware when engaging a handyman for these projects. Typically, there is design work required, and there needs to be a minimum knowledge of engineering and architecture. Also, for larger projects, permitting and inspection may be necessary, which handymen are not always equipped to manage.
When talking to a handyman for the first time, make sure to ask:
- Are you licensed and insured? Ask for a certificate of insurance.
- Do you subcontract? If so, are the subcontractors insured and bonded?
- Will you handle any permit and inspection requirements?
Having a handyman you can trust is a great asset. And once you find someone that you can trust, you will come to rely on them more and more to help you with those small punch list items that you never seem to get to. Or even those mid-size repairs. That needs professional skills and special tools. Give Ace Handyman Services Lansing North a call. You'll experience professionalism, work quality, communication, and responsiveness that set the standard in the industry.