Hiring and estimates

How to Get an Accurate Handyman Estimate

Clear photos, a detailed scope and the right questions help any handyman give you an estimate that matches the real job.

A handyman estimate is only as good as the information behind it. When a handyman has to guess at the size of a hole, the type of faucet or how far rot has spread, the number can change once work starts. A little prep on your end goes a long way toward an estimate you can trust.

Describe the job clearly

Start with plain details. Instead of "fix the bathroom," try:

• "Replace the kitchen faucet. I already bought the new one."
• "Patch two doorknob-size holes in the hallway and paint to match."
• "Replace about three soft deck boards near the back steps."

Say what you want the end result to be. Do you want the patch invisible, or is "good enough before we repaint" fine? Do you want old materials hauled off? These choices change the work.

Send good photos

Photos save time for everyone. For each job, take:

• A wide shot that shows the room or area
• A close-up of the problem
• Something for scale, like a tape measure or a dollar bill in the frame
• Labels and model numbers for fixtures, fans and toilets
• What's around it, like the space under a sink or the attic above a ceiling fan location

Natural daylight helps. If it's a leak or stain, a photo of any damage below or around it helps too.

Give measurements

Rough numbers are fine. Length and width of a wall to be painted, the size of a drywall hole, the number of deck boards, the height of a ceiling where a fan is going. If you're not sure how to measure something, just say so.

Be upfront about history

If you know about an old leak, a past repair or a problem that keeps coming back, say so. It's not a mark against you. It helps the person estimating plan for what's really going on.

For older homes, mention the age of the house. Homes built before 1978 may have lead paint, which changes how some jobs should be done. Our guide on older home repairs explains why.

Ask what's included

A good written estimate should spell out:

• Scope. What exactly will be done, and where.
• Materials. Who buys them and whether they're in the total.
• Prep and cleanup. Drop cloths, protecting floors, hauling away old parts.
• Paint and finish. Whether patches will be primed and painted, and who supplies paint.
• Timing. About how long the job takes and when it can start.
• Payment terms. When payment is due.

If something you care about isn't on the estimate, ask before you agree.

Plan for hidden damage

Some jobs can't be fully known until they're opened up. Soft floors, rotten trim and water-stained drywall often hide more damage behind them. That's not anyone being sneaky. It's just the nature of repair work.

Ask how surprises will be handled. A fair answer sounds like: "If we find more rot, we'll stop, show you, and give you options before going further." Get that understanding in writing if you can.

Compare estimates fairly

If you get more than one estimate, line them up side by side. Check:

• Is the scope the same?
• Are materials included in both?
• Does one include cleanup and haul-off and the other not?
• Is one person insured and the other not?

The lowest number isn't always the lowest cost if it leaves things out. And an estimate that seems high may simply include work the other one skipped. Our list of questions to ask a handyman can help you fill in the gaps.

Know when it's not a handyman job

If the estimate involves new wiring, gas, plumbing inside walls, roofing or HVAC, you need a licensed pro for that part. A trustworthy handyman will say so and point you in the right direction.

Get a free estimate from us

We give free estimates on general home repairs, drywall repair and lawn work across our service area. Text a few photos and a short description to (706) 594-5049, or fill out our free estimate form. We'll tell you plainly what the job involves.