Small Home Repairs: Who Should You Call?

If you’re like most of us, you need to take care of a number of small home repairs. The problem is that you just can’t find the time to do it. But while it’s easy to de-prioritize minor repairs, it’s also important to understand that they could lead to bigger problems — and bigger bills — if left unaddressed. The good news is that there’s a quick and easy solution: hiring a handyman.

Surprisingly, it doesn’t occur to a lot of homeowners to hire a handyman. In fact, many falsely believe that they either need to tackle the job themselves or hire a specialist to tackle each project. The truth is, handymen are perfectly suited to take care of most minor projects, as well as some larger ones.

The Cost of Small Home Repairs

Hiring a handyman to perform multiple small home repairs will typically cost less than hiring multiple specialized contractors. But if you have a specific problem that is manifesting itself in multiple areas, a specialist is generally the way to go. If you have a squeaky stair, a leaky faucet and a shorting outlet, for example, hiring a handyman is probably the best way to get everything fixed quickly and affordably. If you have an entire set of stairs that needs to be replaced, low water pressure in all of your faucets or a house full of two-pronged outlets that need to be upgraded, on the other hand, you’re better off hiring a carpenter, plumber or electrician.

It’s simple when you think about it. Having one pro handle several small home repairs under a single trip charge is going to be cheaper and easier than hiring three or four separate pros. But when dealing with a single severe or widespread problem, a specialized contractor will have the equipment and expertise to more efficiently make the repairs. Whichever way you go, keep this in mind: If any “small” home repair is valued at over $500, your state might require that you hire a properly licensed contractor.

Make a List of Repairs Before You Call

Have a list of repairs ready before you contact a handyman. Taking a close inventory of every small repair will help your handyman understand the breadth of your projects and eliminate the need for multiple repair visits. While many minor repairs appear simple, some need a considerable amount of prep work and require multiple steps to complete (e.g., drywall repair).

When to Call a Handyman

The beauty of hiring a handyman is that most are pretty flexible when it comes to defining what constitutes a “small” home repair. Of course, faulty faucets and sticking doors are handyman-friendly projects, but if you have something a little more substantial or obscure, a handyman is likely to be able to handle that too. Going over your list before your handyman is at your doorstep is essential. While handymen might be able to mend everything from a plugged shower drain to a rickety antique bed frame, there’s a good chance that they won’t have every tool for every project in the van (i.e., they’ll make more trips to the hardware store on the clock). Make sure you describe your home repairs in detail and try to provide your pro with a good idea of what materials will likely be needed to complete the project.