How to find a handyman How to find a handyman (October 11, 2002)

Homeowners often need help - here's how to find it
by Sharael Feist

It's Saturday night, you are preparing to have a special evening alone with your loved one. The candles are lit. The pot roast is cooking in the oven. The aroma of fresh baked bread fills the room. Soft music plays on the stereo.

Just as you go to the faucet to fill the water glasses - WHOOSH! The faucet handle breaks off and water sprays everywhere.

You're drenched. The floor is soaked. You suddenly have a fountain in your kitchen.

Who you gonna call? A handyman.

Whether it's plumbing, electrical or carpentry work that needs doing, a handyman is a jack-of-all-trades.

So how do you find a handyman in Pleasanton?

Typically, people look for a handyman by calling hardware stores, looking in the classifieds or on the Internet, by calling the Better Business Bureau or Chamber of Commerce, or by personal reference.

But what's the best way to find someone reliable to do the work?
Hardware Stores

It used to be that hardware stores would have bulletin boards where you could find a business card for a local handyman. These days, that's not the case.

"We don't have a bulletin board because we don't want to be liable," said Gary Ferris, manager of Kolln Hardware on Main. "However, we will recommend people we know."

Most hardware stores also offer advice to customers on how to do things themselves.

"A lot of times they can fix it themselves," said Dave Elkins, manager of Workbench True Value Hardware. "I can coach them through it."

The Home Depot in Pleasanton gives classes every Saturday and Sunday, with topics ranging from laying tile to hanging wallpaper. It also has several "How-To" books. And it offers "At-Home Services" for installation and maintenance needs, such as roofing, windows or heating systems. The work is done by licensed and insured professionals, which might cost more than hiring a handyman.
Classifieds/Internet

Check out the www.pleasanton.com Web site, which has a "Home Improvement" section that lists several contractors in the area, including those that specialize in electrical, fencing, painting and roofing.

Also, there is no shortage of handyman ads in the local newspapers, but be cautious. "With an ad or the Yellow Pages, you don't know what you're getting," said Elkins.
Better Business Bureau/Chamber of Commerce

The Better Business Bureau warns consumers that recourse is limited with hiring a handyman that is unlicensed. Therefore, it might be worth paying more for someone who is licensed. Consumers need to weigh the risk involved. In California, a handyman must hold a contractor's license if he is charging more than $500 per job.

When hiring a handyman, the BBB recommends soliciting at least two to three bids and finding out how long the handyman has been in business. If possible, ask to see some work he has done. Also, check to see if the handyman is a member of the Better Business Bureau or if any complaints have been filed against him. You can check the BBB Web site at www.bbb.org or call (510) 238-1000.

The local Chamber of Commerce doesn't seem to be the best way to find a handyman. You can contact them at 846-5858 or visit their Web site at www.pleasanton.org to see if any members work as a handyman.
Personal Reference

Most people seem to agree that the best way to find a handyman is through a personal reference. Ask your family, friends, neighbors or anyone who's recently had home improvement work done.
Additional Resources

Although a handyman may charge less than a contractor who is licensed by the Contractors State License Board, make sure you know what you're getting. If you do decide to go with a contractor rather than a handyman, visit the Contractors State License Board Web site (www.cslb.ca.gov) to make sure the contractor is licensed. The Web site also has a "Homeowners Bill of Rights," which lists information consumers should know before hiring a contractor. It includes things like license, payment, work, insurance, experience, qualifications, contract, estimate and bond.

For more information about hiring contractors, visit the Federal Trade Commission Web site (www.ftc.gov). There you'll find a "tip-offs to potential rip-offs" document that lists things to look out for.

You might also want to find out if the handyman has a business license, which is required by the city of Pleasanton. Call 931-5440.