Use Handyman
Frequently Asked Questions

Use the Estimate request form. Add 2-4 photos, measurements, and one project per request. Most replies go out the same or next business day.

Up to 14 days from the issue date. After that, pricing may change if materials, access, or site conditions differ.

I can review the scope and pricing and offer options on finish level, materials, or phasing so the result matches your standard without unnecessary spend.

• 1 hour minimum for small tasks or assessment-only visits
• Reflects travel, setup, and professional time
• If combined with same-day work, time is applied toward the total
• Jobs outside core areas may include travel time, shown if relevant
• When a minimum applies, it appears on your quote before you approve

Yes. Non-member work is quoted per project, in writing, after photos and scope. Most small work has a 1-hour minimum. Membership is for reserved monthly visits and steadier booking.

Pricing includes labor, materials, and taxes, plus:

• Materials markup (often 5-25%) • purchase • transport • handling
• Overhead (fixed) • coordination • communication • insurance • admin

This keeps quotes complete, reduces surprise line items, and helps keep timing stable.

A 30% deposit secures materials and your start date. Larger projects may use staged payments.

When possible, deadline-driven work (listing prep, move-in refresh, turnovers, urgent repairs) is scheduled earlier. Timing is confirmed after scope review and deposit.

It begins with one paid Membership Fit Visit at the selected plan price. There is no membership commitment before this visit.

If you and Use Handyman agree to continue, the Fit Visit becomes visit one of the three-visit starting term.

• Hammer: $169/month • 90 minutes
• Wrench: $269/month • 2.5 hours
• Toolbox: $419/month • 4 hours

Compare all benefits and limits on the Membership page.

• The paid Fit Visit counts as visit one if membership is approved
• The next two monthly visits complete the three-visit starting term
• After three visits, membership continues month to month
• Unused time does not carry over, and visits do not stack

After the starting term, cancel through the online contact form, email, or text before the next monthly billing date to stop future billing.

Extra time may be added when the schedule allows. It is billed at the selected plan's member rate:

• Hammer: $135/hour
• Wrench: $120/hour
• Toolbox: $110/hour

Materials are billed at cost plus the plan's handling rate:

• Hammer: 15%
• Wrench: 10%
• Toolbox: 5%

Parking, tolls, special material trips, and extra visits are separate and approved before they are charged.

No. The regular trip and overhead are included in the monthly plan price. A separate charge may apply only when an extra trip is requested outside the reserved monthly visit.

Membership is for planned interior upkeep, small repairs, and finish work. Exterior work, large projects, multi-day jobs, renovations, and work requiring a licensed trade are outside the monthly plan and must be reviewed separately.

Many prices are built from your photos and details. If a short visit is needed to confirm conditions, it is scheduled. If conditions differ, numbers may adjust.

Added tasks or changed conditions are confirmed before I proceed. Work outside the written scope is priced separately so you stay in control.

• 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.

Same business day replies Mon-Fri, 8-6. On on-site days, messages are returned at lunch or at day-end.

Small jobs often start in 3-7 business days. Exterior work is weather-dependent.

Give notice as early as possible. Deposits move with the booking. Changes made with short notice may be billed to cover the reserved time. Any charge is stated in writing in your quote or booking messages.

• Lockbox codes or building access notes
• Elevator or concierge notification if needed
• Parking or loading zones • tolls when required

I usually purchase materials to keep timing and compatibility on track. If you supply materials, I confirm fit and specs before the work is booked.

Homeowners are responsible for permits. I can assist with prep or pickup at an hourly rate if requested.

• Small debris removed with the job
• Bulk items or dump runs may have an extra fee

Materials are purchased and allocated for the approved scope. Leftover usable materials are handled as agreed in your quote and may stay on site or be removed with your approval.

• No active smoke environments
• No heavy mold, pest infestations, or biohazards
• If present, I pause and reschedule after remediation

I keep a safe work environment for you and for me.

• Move small items away from work areas
• Share parking or access notes
• Have colors or finishes ready if applicable
• Please secure pets

Exterior work may be rescheduled for rain, high wind, or unsafe temps. I rebook the next suitable slot in approval order.

• Accepted: Zelle • check • cash
• Not accepted: credit cards
• Payment due at the completion review unless staged
• Receipt or invoice available on request

• I take before and after photos to document work
• If you want your photos kept private, tell me in writing before work starts
• I do not show faces, addresses, or personal identifiers
• Progress photos are available on request

Yes, I carry liability insurance. Proof is available on request. Many clients keep a copy on file for future visits.

If something needs attention after completion, send a brief note and a photo. I review it, confirm the next step in writing, and schedule a return visit if needed.

I focus on nearby Chicago suburbs. Details are listed on the Service Areas page.

For concierge, elevator, parking, or HOA rules, share instructions ahead of time so I can arrive prepared.