About
While I am new to HomeGuide, with few reviews on this profile. I have reviews on: Thumbtack (220+), Angie's List( 80+), ProReferral (30+), Google Business Page (120+), HOUZZ (15+) my BBB page, and a few other places.
I am currently specializing in about four handyman areas: furniture & equipment assembly, picture and mirror hanging, installing handles and knobs on new construction kitchens & bathrooms, some furniture repair (low end, not high value antiques).
I like what I do. My ideal customers are intelligent thoughtful people who plan ahead.
I just did a job for a collections attorney. She was impressed that I have one single deadbeat customer after being in business for over 10 years.
Photos and videos
Reviews
Cathy D.
Cathy D.
Lois G.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Assembly jobs are by the project, and not an hourly rate. I ask potential clients to give a link, or a detailed brand name and model number. This lets me track down the assembly instructions, once I have those, I can deliver a quote that I can stand by. It is not practise to low-ball bid to get a job, and then demand more money after starting.
Picture & Mirror hanging jobs start at a 1/2 day minimum.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I've been doing this 10+ years. For the picture hanging portion of my business. I have repeat work from 11 different Interior Designers.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your services? If so, please share the details here.
Most jobs are a 1/2 day minimum. I had to move my business away from tiny jobs. However, I do one small job per month, and the fee for that is donated to a local food pantry [over 70 jobs, and $7,000 in donations since I started doing that].
How did you get started in this business?
I saw something on a network news show about people earning money doing IKEA assembly, back in the fall of 2011. I started working in 2012, and just kept putting my earnings back in the business.
What types of customers have you worked with?
I work with all types. My preferred clients are intelligent, thoughtful people who plan ahead. I am usually booked 5 to 10 days out. Most of the time, same day emergency work is not possible. There is an exception: People hire me to assemble a product the day after the scheduled delivery. If the product arrives damaged, my appointment is cancelled or rescheduled. This happens 2 -3 times a month. So, once in while, I can do same day requests.
I offer a quality, premium service. I use good tools, and I have good handyman insurance. If all you care about is price, I am probably not your guy.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I did a lot of white-collar office work from the late 80's to 2011. Now, working as a handyman, and being my own boss. I am happier almost all of the time.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a pro in your area of expertise?
For assembly, download the directions and look them over before you hire someone.
For any type of repair, photographs of the repair work needed will go a long way in helping someone find the right professional to do the repair.
What questions should customers think through before talking to pros about their needs?
As I mentioned earlier; photos for repairs. For picture hanging, newly painted walls should be allowed to cure for one to two months before hanging pictures.
Also, for furniture assembly: Measuring the space where the purchased, but un-assembled item will go. I have a few clients who fail to do this, and then there is a last minute furniture re-arrangement project, to make everything fit.