Evaluating a Seattle Handyman Company
When you run into home repair and maintenance issues that you either can’t handle on your own—or simply don’t want to mess with—how do you go about finding and evaluating all the care and repair companies in the Seattle area? Actually, finding local companies to perform maintenance and repair is pretty easy. There are lots of them online and in the phone book. But how do you evaluate which one is right for you? Here are a few things to consider.
Experience: Make sure the repair and maintenance company you’re considering has been doing this kind of work for a while. A tough economy has forced a lot of people who used to do something else into other fields of work. Just because somebody was “handy” around his house, doesn’t mean you want him doing significant repairs around your house.
Reputation: Find out who your potential repair company has done work for in the past. Get references—and check them out. Sometimes people recommend someone who is a friend rather than because they’re good. Talk to someone who has actually had work done and see if they were satisfied. A company that can’t (or won’t) provide valid references shouldn’t be considered.
Bonded and Insured: Don’t get yourself into a situation where you could end up in legal trouble. Make sure your contractor is bonded and insured. If a contractor can’t show you evidence it’s a risky proposition. If he gets hurt on the job, you could end up paying for his injuries.
Go with Your Gut: This is a pretty subjective way of evaluating a company—but it’s valid. If you simply aren’t comfortable with someone, you probably ought not to have them doing repairs in your home. You don’t have to be best friends with them or share their taste in music or literature. It doesn’t really matter if you’re a Seattle Seahawks fan and they’re not. That’s not important. The big question is whether or not you trust them in your home. If the answer is no—even if you can’t put your finger on why—keep looking.
There are home care and repair businesses in the Seattle area that will do a good job for you. Just make sure you select one that has the experience, the reputation, the reliability, and the character you can trust.
What else is important to
you in selecting a home care and repair company?