No drama. No duct-tape disasters. Just smart, clear steps.
Whether you’re updating your own home or helping a buyer tackle post-close improvements, one thing becomes clear real quick:
👉 A good handyman is gold.
👉 A bad one? Costs more than money—it’ll cost you your sanity.
We’ve seen horror stories…
Unfinished jobs. Shady payment demands. Work so poor even duct tape looks offended.
Yes, there are great ones out there. But they aren’t all created equal.
So how do you help your clients—or yourself—avoid getting scammed, ghosted, or left with a wonky cabinet door and no one to call?
You’re about to find out.👇🏻
📖 Reading Time: 2.5 minutes
🧾 Need the quick version? Scroll down for the one-minute checklist!
📝 1. Put It in Writing
Even for “just a few things.”
Outline every detail:
- Tasks to complete
- Materials needed
- What’s not included
- Any photo references (Pinterest counts!)
Clarity = no loopholes.
📦 2. Define the Deliverables
Be specific.
If you’re providing the materials, state it.
If the handyman is purchasing anything:
- Set a budget cap
- Require receipts
- Approve the list beforehand
Surprises belong in birthday parties, not in billing.
🗓️ 3. Protect the Timeline
Include:
- Start and end dates
- Working hours (e.g., 9 AM–4 PM)
- A clause for delays (e.g., $50/day off final payment after 2-day grace)
It shows you’re serious and keeps your project from falling behind others.
💳 4. Set a Smart Payment Plan
No 100% upfront. Ever.
Use this plan:
- 50% to start
- 50% when everything is done right
Pay with a method that allows dispute protection—like a credit card or bank transfer. Not Venmo.
🔎 5. Quality Control Clause
Add this to your agreement:
“All work must meet the standards outlined in the brief. If any work is not completed correctly, contractor agrees to redo it within (X) business days at no extra cost.”
If they refuse? You’re not obligated to pay the remaining balance.
🛒 6. Materials: Who’s Buying What?
Clarify this early.
If you’re supplying items, have them ready.
If they are, agree on:
- A clear budget cap
- No surprise markups
- Receipts for every purchase
🔐 7. Protect Your Home & Info
After the work’s done:
- Change your keypad codes
- Never share app or cloud passwords
- Save all texts, receipts, and photos in one folder
If something goes sideways, this paper trail becomes your best friend.
📥 Download the Free Handyman Contract Template
🖨️ Print it out.
🔖 Bookmark it.
📤 Share it.
💬 Need a Trusted Contractor?
We’re happy to try to help you find someone in our service areas! Call us or use our contact form above!
Inspired by tips originally shared in The Assist, a newsletter we love for its smart, practical life and work hacks.
