5 most common handyman jobs and how to prepare for them
When something goes wrong in your home, a handyman is usually your first call. Professional handymen typically have experience working on these common problems, and more than likely, they’ve done the job where the homeowners haven’t done anything to prepare. While it isn’t necessary and isn’t always expected, a little preparation can do a lot to make their job easier and quicker. These are five of the most common handyman jobs and what you can do to prepare for them.
1. Fixing a Leaky Faucet
How to Prepare:
First, you’ll want to clear out everything below your sink. The area should be free of cleaning supplies, bins, and other items so your handyman can easily access your plumbing. Next, make sure you’ve turned off the water source. If you have a leak, no matter how quickly your handyman can get to it, there could be quite a lot of damage done if you leave the source on. Your shut-off valves can be easily located under the sink and turned off to prevent water from damaging the area while you’re waiting for repairs to be made.
2. Unclogging Drains
How to Prepare:
You’ll want to begin by removing any “standing” water. For example, if there’s a clog in your kitchen sink, use a bucket to remove as much water as possible to give your handyman a dry area to work with. Just like with a leaky faucet, if the clog is in the sink, you’ll want to ensure the area under the sink is clear of any obstructions.
3. Repairing Drywall
How to Prepare:
Move any furniture away from the walls. You’ll want to clear a large enough area around the damaged wall to give the handyman plenty of space to work. If that’s something that isn’t possible for you because of the weight of the furniture, don’t panic! Just let them know ahead of time whatever they’re walking into. The second thing is to cover furniture and your floors with old sheets. This will protect your furniture and floors from dust and other debris.
4. Installing Light Fixtures
How to Prepare:
Turn off the electricity. Although your handyman can probably find out which switch is going to the light in question, you know your house best. If you can, locate your home's breaker box and turn off the power to the area where the fixture will be installed. This will ensure the safety of everyone involved. Next, make sure the area around the fixture is free of furniture and other items that could get in the way of the work.
5. Fixing a Running Toilet
How to Prepare:
Make sure the space around the toilet is as clear as possible. Just like a sink, they need space to work. If you can, try to find your toilet's shut-off valve. This is something you can ask your handyman on the phone before they arrive or even look up online. Communicate clearly by providing a description of what’s wrong, and even include what you’ve already done to try to fix it. Nobody loves potty talk, but remember that your handyman has heard it all before. Know where the shut-off valve is: Familiarize yourself with the toilet’s shut-off valve location, usually found on the wall or floor near the toilet.
As a rule of thumb, saving your handyman time will save you money. The quicker a handyman believes they can finish up a project, the lower the estimate you’ll be given.
If you’re unsure about how to prepare or what to expect, don’t hesitate to ask your handyman for advice directly. By taking these simple steps, you can ensure that they get the job done efficiently and effectively, saving time and hassle for everyone involved. To get the ball rolling on your next project, use our convenient scheduling tool to claim your free 15-minute consultation.
