If you’re at that “in-between” stage of life, where you are not quite ready to move to a senior living community, as have many of your friends, yet you envy them the more carefree lifestyle they have achieved, you can find handypeople willing to help you around the house; for a fee, of course. Not all are qualified, or trustworthy, but with a little – make that a lot – of research, you can find a helper who is right for you.
Perhaps your energy is waning a bit, or you just want to leave the housecleaning, lawn mowing, laundry, cooking and more to someone else so you can gallivant off to enjoy lunch with friends, see a movie, or take a trip. You may have repairs – a leaky faucet here, a sticky window there, a room that needs repainting, new locks to be installed -- that have piled up, and the list seem insurmountable.
Help is out there. But how can you find someone who is reliable, affordable, honest, and safe?
Get Started
· You can begin your search online, but be cautious.
· If you type in the word “handyman,” dozens – even hundreds – of names will appear.
· The same thing will happen with other “helpers,” from housecleaners to home care aides.
Seek Recommendations
· Online reviews abound.
· Yelp, Google, NextDoor and other sites offer opinions; often conflicting.
· Customers’ perceptions of a job well done may vary, depending upon the homeowner’s expectations as much as the professional’s work.
· The time-honored way of asking neighbors whom they have used and if they’d recommend them is still a good way to research options while getting to know people in your vicinity.
Meet First to Obtain a Quote
· People operating a business as a handyman or handywoman are not required to have a contractor’s license in the state of California.
· This does not make them sub-par, but you should understand what you are getting.
· Licensed contractors typically charge more, are specialized, and may refuse “small” projects.
· Ask the handyperson to visit your home, check out the job(s), and provide a WRITTEN quote. Request references, then follow up to make sure other customers were satisfied with the quality, timeframe, professionality, etc. of the person.
· Sign a contract that clearly sets out the work to be accomplished and the cost. Make sure they understand and plan to abide by your jurisdiction’s safety and building code regulations.
· If someone balks at signing a contract, tell them goodbye and find someone else.
Putting in the effort to find a good handyperson is well worth your time. It can save you hassles and money, and you may even make a friend for life!
If you are considering “rightsizing” your home and lifestyle, consider Greenwald & Gerke your professional “handypeople.” Call us at (844) 782-9674 for a complimentary initial consultation.
#righsizing #handyperson #greenwaldgerke #seniorstayorgo
