Handyman FAQ
Use Handyman
This FAQ covers the most common handyman pricing questions, estimate details, timing, materials, access, safety, and payments,
plus how a quote becomes scheduled work. If you do not see your question here, send 2-4 photos, describe the project, and add your city,
and I'll reply with next steps.
Clean Work • Clear Estimates • Reliable Scheduling
Tap a section below to open questions, or use "Expand all" to read everything in one view.
Quick view of standard handyman estimate, deposit, and materials policies.
Getting a Price
What's the fastest way to get a price?
Use the Free Estimate form. Add 2-4 photos, measurements, scope, and one project per request. Most estimates go out the same or next business day.
How long is an estimate valid?
14 days from the issue date. After that, pricing may change if material costs or site conditions differ.
What if a price feels high?
We can walk through each line of your handyman estimate and adjust scope or materials together if needed.
What is your minimum visit policy?
- 1 hour minimum for small tasks or assessment-only visits
- Reflects travel, setup, and professional time
- If combined with additional same-day work, time is applied toward the total
- We may waive the minimum; if so, we'll state it in advance
- Jobs outside our core service area may include travel time, shown on the estimate if relevant
- When a minimum applies, it appears on your estimate before you approve
What's in the Price
How is pricing built?
Pricing includes labor, materials, and taxes, plus:
- Markup 20-30% • purchasing • transport • handling
- Overhead (fixed) • coordination • communication • insurance • admin
How do deposits and scheduling work?
A 25% deposit secures materials and your start date. Larger projects may use staged payments.
Do larger jobs get priority?
Time-sensitive work such as preparing homes for sale, rental turnovers, urgent repairs, or major refreshes may be booked first when possible. Smaller jobs are still scheduled into the next suitable slot.
Scope, Changes, Visits
Do you need a site visit?
Most handyman pricing is done from your photos and details. If a short visit is needed to confirm, we'll schedule it. If conditions differ, pricing may adjust.
What if I change the scope after we start?
Added tasks or different conditions are confirmed before we proceed. Work not in the estimate or agreement is priced separately so your quote stays clear.
What don't you do?
- Major electrical panels • gas lines
- Full HVAC installs • unsafe roofs
- Foundation or structural engineering
For these items you will need a licensed specialist rather than a handyman.
Scheduling & Access
What are your response times?
Same business day replies Mon-Fri, 8-6. On on-site days, messages are returned at lunch or at day-end.
What are typical lead times?
Small jobs often start in 3-7 business days. Exterior work is weather-dependent.
How do rescheduling and cancellations work?
Give as much notice as possible. Deposits move with the booking. Very late cancellations may lose the day's slot and can be charged a fee. If a fee applies, it will be stated in your estimate or booking messages.
How do you handle access, parking, and HOA rules?
- Lockbox codes or building access notes
- Elevator or concierge notification if needed
- Parking or loading zones • tolls when required
Materials, Permits, Disposal
Who buys materials?
We usually purchase materials to ensure the right items and timing. If you prefer to supply materials, we'll confirm compatibility before scheduling the handyman work.
Who handles permits?
Homeowners are responsible for permits. We can assist with prep or pickup at an hourly rate if requested.
How do disposal and haul-away work?
- Small debris removed with the job
- Bulk items or dump runs may have an extra fee
What happens to project materials after completion?
Materials are purchased and allocated for the approved scope. Leftover usable materials are handled as agreed in your estimate and may stay on site or be removed with your approval.
On-Site, Safety, Payments
What health and safety conditions apply?
- No active smoke environments
- No heavy mold, pest infestations, or biohazards
- If present, we'll pause and reschedule after remediation
We keep a safe work environment for you and for us.
How should I prepare the space?
- Clear small items from work areas
- Share parking or access notes
- Have colors or finishes ready if applicable
- Please secure pets
What's your weather policy?
Exterior work may be rescheduled for rain, high wind, or unsafe temps. We rebook the next suitable slot in approval order.
What payments do you accept, and how are invoices handled?
- Accepted - Zelle • check • cash
- Not accepted - credit cards
- Payment due at the final walk-through unless staged
- Invoice for amount paid available on request
How do photo updates and consent work?
- We take before and after photos to document work
- Unless you opt out in writing before work starts, you grant permission for us to use project photos in our showcase and marketing
- We do not show faces, addresses, or personal identifiers; we can blur logos or plates on request
- Progress photos of your project are available on request
Policy & Insurance
Are you insured?
Yes, we carry handyman liability insurance. Proof is available on request. Many clients keep a copy on file for future visits.
What's your workmanship policy?
If something needs attention after we finish, tell us within a reasonable time. We stand behind our work and review issues promptly so they can be resolved.
Coverage & Access
Where do you work?
We focus on nearby suburbs. Details are listed on the Service Areas page.
How do you handle buildings and HOAs?
For concierge, elevator, parking, or HOA rules, share instructions ahead of time so we can arrive prepared.
Skilled Pros - Work With Us
We collaborate with verified independent pros who deliver clean work, communicate clearly, and document results with photos. If this fits how you work, reach out and include a few recent examples.
Services & Areas
We handle painting, drywall, repairs and upgrades, seasonal exterior work, and prep for sale or turnover. We focus on Burr Ridge, Hinsdale, Oak Brook, Western Springs, and nearby. Details are on the Service Areas page.
Still Have a Question
If you still do not see your question covered in this handyman FAQ, send a note with photos and your city using the form on the contact page. Clear info leads to clean results.