10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Handyman

Picture this: The door squeaks, a cabinet gate has come loose, the fence needs tightening, and you want it all fixed right. But who are you really letting into your home? We at TrustDALE wholeheartedly believe that asking the right questions up front saves consumers time, money, and peace of mind. 

We sat down with TrustDALE certified partner HouseDoctors to get the scoop on what you need to ask before you let a handyman through your door.

1. “How long have you been servicing homes in my area?”

Local experience means familiar with neighborhood styles, building codes, and materials. For example, HouseDoctors has been helping homeowners across the region since 2001. That familiarity helps get things done right the first time.

2. “Can you share references or recent projects?”

You deserve to see the work. Any company with a reputation worth keeping would agree with you, and should be more than happy to provide you with trustworthy references. These should include real homeowner feedback and before-and-after photos that reflect not just quality but also reliability.

3. “Are you licensed, insured, bonded?”

Mistakes happen. Proper coverage means you’re not on the hook if the unexpected occurs. That’s why all TrustDALE certified partners, including HouseDoctors, are fully licensed and covered for your safety.

4. “What’s your usual process for diagnosing an issue?”

A fast guess isn’t good enough. A reputable handyman company will walk through the problem with you, explain potential fixes, and invite you into the decision process. That’s what expertise is all about.

5. “Can you give me a detailed quote, with a breakdown of costs for both labor and materials?”

Clarity matters. No surprises, no hidden fees. HouseDoctors believes in transparent breakdowns that help homeowners feel confident moving forward.

6. “How do you handle additional issues discovered during the job?”

Surprises are part of the job. The difference is in how those surprises are handled. Whether it’s a rotten board or hidden leak, your handyman should always communicate with you first, and only act with your go-ahead.

7. “Do you guarantee your work, and for how long?”

Every handyman can perform work. The mark of an expert is standing behind it. For example, HouseDoctors backs its repairs with a solid workmanship guarantee so your peace of mind lasts beyond the job.

8. “Who will be doing the work – yourself or subcontractors?”

You deserve to know who’s in your home. For that reason, HouseDoctors has a vetted team perform all the work themselves, and no subcontractors are brought in unless you know them firsthand.

9. “What’s your availability, and how do you handle scheduling changes?”

Life happens. Your handyman company should be upfront about when they can be there, and should remain flexible when your schedule shifts. HouseDoctors aims for predictability, not guesswork.

10. “How do you ensure cleanliness and safety on the job?”

A handyman shouldn't leave your home in a chaotic and potentially unsafe environment. A truly respectable handyman company will end each visit with a clean-up, a walk-through, and your nod of complete satisfaction.

Why HouseDoctors Sets the Standard

Here’s the deal: every homeowner deserves a handyman who’s skilled, reliable, and clear. HouseDoctors doesn’t just tick boxes. You’ll feel the difference from the first question to the final cleanup. Their blend of old-school craftsmanship and modern communication makes all the difference.

If you’re ready to bring solutions (not surprises) to your home repair needs, HouseDoctors is the name that stands for confidence, quality, and care.

Ready to connect? Reach out to HouseDoctors today for an honest conversation, and see what expert-level service really looks like.