We've all been in a situation where we need a small job completed but maybe it is too small for most contractors to do it or, when one does show interest in the project, the price is astronomical. In this case you can attempt to do it yourself or hire a handyman. In many cases it is probably faster and less frustrating to get someone to do it.

What is a Handyman?

There a few definitions of a handyman but here is a standard one: a man skilled in various trades and other small tasks. In other words he - or she – has the ability to do small installations, repairs and various carpentry jobs.

However, many handymen are not the"Jacks-of-all trades" like the definition would have you believe. They come from many backgrounds. Many come from a traditional carpentry trade with primary skills in the construction trades. Some can be electricians or plumbers but these skills are usually in high demand and they are better off working where the money is better. And others are floor installers, roofers or masonry people who fill in with handy work when income in their own trades is scarce. But a good many just have the knack of picking up skills and have worked hard to perfect the smaller jobs. For the most part all these types are adept at many of the household skills but their main advantage is cost and speed.

For example, to replace a standard door a windows and door company usually has to make allowances for the window, the installer, the company van and the overhead for the office and warehouse. The handyman usually charges by the hour or has a flat rate to remove an old door, put in a new one and take away the refuse. The door can either be purchased at a discount building supply by the handyman or you can purchased yourself and have it installed. In this case the final bill is usually much lower.

How to Hire A Handyman

1. Be clear about the work you want done: If you want a bathroom vanity replaced make a list about what you want replaced: vanity, sink, taps, tile floor, painting.

2. Can the Handyman do it? If there are plumbing, electrical or structural changes most building codes require licensed tradespeople to do this work. Bring your project information to your local permit department and see what work will need a licensed tradesperson.

3. Build your List of Prospects: Go to the newspapers, Yellow Pages, the internet and your friends. Many good handymen work mainly on referrals.

4. Telephone Interview: Sometimes you can tell by speaking to a person on the phone whether or not you want him or her working for you.

5. Ask for References: Before you make an appointment ask the handyman to bring letters of reference and phone numbers of satisfied clients.

6. Walk the Job: During the appointment make sure you walk over the job and get the Handyman's comments. Ask direct questions as to the jobs that require licenses.

7. Payment: Does he charge by the hour, the job? For small jobs that do not require ripping out a lot of old structure this should be easy for the Handyman. However, in a bathroom there may be water damage underneath and the Handyman might stipulate that excess damages are not included in his initial price. This is where a few estimates is necessary. Another Handyman may know exactly what is required because they've done this exact job before.

8. Timing: Can the handyman start and finish a job within a certain timeframe?

9. Liability Insurance: Make sure the handyman has liability insurance against damages to your property and injuries him or herself while on your property.

10. Better Business Bureau: Check the BBB just to be safe. The Handyman may have everything else in order but there may be unresolved cases. This is a red flag and a reason to error on the side of caution: http://welcome.bbb.org

11. Get it in Writing: Write down your whole list and get the successful bidder to sign it.

Handymen usually rely on repeat business because assembling a tool shed, painting a fence and installing a window may be just three of five or six jobs required by one home within a year. So when a homeowner becomes comfortable with someone who can solve his or her problems that person will usually get the call for the next job. So it is in the handyman's best interest to have all the ducks-in-a-row.