Hire A Handyman

source: Angie's List

Major home remodeling projects are a good long-term investment. However, in light of today's challenging financial times, they're probably best left for the economic turn-around we're all waiting for.

That doesn't mean, however, that you have to put all of your remodeling projects on hold. Shift your focus to small improvements you can accomplish with the help of a handyman, like installing a new bathroom sink, or upgrading your kitchen's sink and lighting fixtures.

Handymen typically focus on small jobs around the home, and charge substantially less than contractors - one main reason is you're taking care of the logistics. There's no coordination necessary between the different services, such as drywallers and painters.

And most handymen can handle more than one type of job, so instead of hiring several contractors for different jobs, you've got a jack-of-all-trades at the ready.

Some of the more common remodeling tasks handled by handymen include (but are not limited to):

• Plumbing installations
• Electrical work, including installing ceiling fans, light fixtures, and new outlets
• Drywall patching and interior and exterior painting
• Window replacements
• Sink, countertop, and vanity installations
• Insulation upgrades
• Basement and garage finishing
• Flooring installations

Before you begin looking for a handyman, do your homework!

• Get organized. Make sure you know what you want done before contacting a handyman.
• Make a list of the skills involved in your project. If you're dry walling and painting, make sure the handymen you contact have those skills.
• Make sure you do research concerning your budget. Know how much you want to spend and how much your project should cost.
• Get referrals from family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, etc.

Before you make your final decision:

• Meet them in person before talking money.
• Get references from the ones you deem worthy of working on your home.
• Get a written estimate for your project from your top handymen. Make sure the estimate includes price and time to completion.

Once you've decided upon your handyman:

• Get a contract in writing.
• Make sure they have valid liability insurance and get proof.

Find a handyman in your area!

• Service Magic's Handyman Services
• Angie's List
• Handyman-Contractors.com
• Handyman.com
• Natural Handyman Network
• Mr. Handyman
• AskTheHandyman.net
• Handyman Wire