Handyman upfront costs

C

caroln

Senior Member
Location
Kentucky
What's your opinion of a handyman, say a plumber or electrician, asking for half the money of the quoted job up front? Would you hire him (or her!) or look for someone else? I'm not talking about construction jobs where the carpenter needs money for materials up front. I'm just referring to odd jobs around the house.
 

A no contract repair by a handyman takes knowing the reputation. Depending on the job not repairing to code could be a problem you don't want. A simple job like a leaking faucet or light switch shouldn't cost very much so checking online the price of the part or parts need should give you a clue about what you are paying for.
 
As a retired home builder turned handyman for the last 20 years I have never had the need to ask for money up front. If it is more money than I want to spend I let them pay for it at the store. If it is a large amount I ask for it on the day it is delivered to the job. If a man can't handle the cost of materials for a $200. job you do not want him in your home. He has ways of getting his money if you try not to pay him. He knows where you live. If you give him money up front and he does not do the job you are stuck with a sad face and the job not done. Half up front is so often a scam that I would be embarrassed to suggest it. Don't pay it and find someone else.
 
IMO, if a contractor, or "handyman" doesn't have the money to buy the supplies for a job, he probably doesn't have a very good reputation. The few times I've hired someone, I paid in full, when the job was done.
 
caroln said:
What's your opinion of a handyman, say a plumber or electrician, asking for half the money of the quoted job up front? Would you hire him (or her!) or look for someone else? I'm not talking about construction jobs where the carpenter needs money for materials up front. I'm just referring to odd jobs around the house.
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I would ask for 3 references. No relatives. I would also google his name, or his business name. Check him on FB. and so forth. By the time I'm done, I can make up my mind whether to hire him/her.
 
Thanks for the replies! I guess it depends on the situation and size of the job. I'm a little old school though, and don't think much of the idea of up front paying.
 
Thanks for the replies! I guess it depends on the situation and size of the job. I'm a little old school though, and don't think much of the idea of up front paying.
 
If you do have to use him because thereā€™s no one else, get a receipt with a full description of the job to be done.

It seems really odd to ask for money ahead of the work being completed.
 
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