You'll need to learn the basics of choosing the right professionals, establishing a budget, considering your lifestyle and communicating your challenges.
Choosing a professional handyman service
Professionally trained handymen have undergone extensive training in the various elements of home improvement. They have a basic foundation of knowledge that allows them to work in a variety of environments ranging from small plumbing jobs to complete kitchen and bathroom remodelling.
That being said, not every handyman's talent is right for every project. For yours, you'll want to choose someone whose portfolio "speaks" to you in a positive way. As with every profession, Professional experienced handymen tend to develop personal styles that carry over into their projects. It could be the sense of clarity and order you see in the furniture arrangements, or maybe it's a colour palette that's used in a unique way. It could be the modern touches worked seamlessly into a roomful of antiques, or the interesting textures of the fabrics that we have suggested.
Referrals are the best way to find a handyman, so if a friend or colleague recommends ENVIRO HANDYMAN or http://www.envirohandyman.com to you, by all means ask them for the number! Expect to spend a bit of time on the phone discussing your project with the handyman and/or completing a free quote request by e-mail that will give them a better feel for your tastes and your project prior to work commencing.
You're looking for someone you instantly trust and respect, who communicates excitement about your project, no matter how big or small, and who trusts and respects you as well. After all, this person is transforming your most sacred and cherished space!
Establishing a Realistic Budget
Everyone has a budget, so don't feel bad about setting yours in stone…or tile, or brick. No matter what the amount, your handyman should help you get the best value and the highest quality possible. Be wary of anyone that summarily dismisses your grand ideas based on budget alone: A first-rate handyman will work hard to achieve your key design goals, perhaps by spreading the job out over time or suggesting alternative solutions for your project.
A great benefit of using a professional handyman is that they have access to materials unavailable to the general public, so no matter what your budget, your home will feel unique and very "you." Your handyman can also manage the entire process, whether it involves space planning, lighting design, purchasing, ordering, selecting finishes or monitoring the construction and installation of the project elements.
Outlining Terms of the Contract
Make sure you read our terms before you book a handyman, any money exchanges hands or work begins. In addition to the legal aspects, a contract summarizes the plans you've been discussing such as your budget, design fees, accountability regarding subcontractors (painters, carpet layers, etc.).
You've selected the handyman – now comes the fun part!
Considering Your Lifestyle
Your home environment should complement and support the way you and your family really live – or really want to live. For example, if you're starting a home-based business, you might turn your cluttered garage into a functional office. If your spouse loves to cook, you might knock down a wall so the under-used formal dining room becomes part of the kitchen. Many families make the mistake of letting the layout of the home dictate their activities vs. reorganizing the space to embrace their lifestyles.
To ensure that your handyman understands how you live now and how you want to live, share as many details with her as you can. Also share your personal tastes so he/she can incorporate them into the designs.
To help you better prepare yourself, answer these questions before you make your first appointment:
Are you a creative person? In what ways does your home limit your creativity or your hobbies?
Do you like the present colour palette? Does it need updating?
Are they any rooms that feel cramped or stuffy? Any rooms that feel empty, cold or unwelcoming?
Is adequate, well-organized storage a problem? Can you find things when you need them?
Are your bathrooms functional, pleasing spaces? Do you or family members have special needs (e.g. grab bars, easy-entrance shower stalls, etc.)?
As you walk through your rooms, jot down your favourite qualities about each. Do you like the proportions? Is there adequate ventilation and lighting throughout your house?
Are there any rooms that you don't use regularly? Could any of these rooms be used for more than one function? Could any of these rooms be used for a completely different function?
Does your home balance open space and private areas?
Does the entryway do its job of setting the stage for the rest of your home by welcoming guests and making a statement about the people who live there? If you normally come into your home through the garage, does that area welcome you?
Focus on Your Challenges
A handyman works best when you share your "wish list," express your ideas, and then keep an open mind. That means communicating how you want to live in the space and then entrusting the handyman to make it happen. After all, you hired this person for her experience, talent and vision!
For example, one homeowner hired a handyman to help her reorganize her tiny office so she could be more productive. Instead, the handyman suggested that she move her entire operation downstairs, into the den she used once every two months to watch movies. She did, tripling her space and doubling her productivity in just three months.
Contrary to TV, where handyman admonish clients for questioning their plans, real-life handyman understand that you're the person who ultimately needs to love the space. They want you to be happy and want you to give your input so you're absolutely thrilled with the results (and so you'll recommend them to your friends)! That's why they do so much probing upfront about your tastes and how you live, then incrementally present their ideas throughout the process.
Hiring a Handyman is like giving a gift to yourself! You made the smart decision to hire an Handyman, you've been smart about the planning process, and now you can rest assured that the time, money and energy you spend returns truly smart, stunning results! ACT NOW our support staff are ready to swing into motion and alleviate your worries any time you find yourself in need of our handyman service.
Jonathon Peel owner of www.envirohandyman.com the author of this article has over 15yrs multi trades
experience a Specialist in domestic maintenance repair & refurbishment