A little preparation makes a huge difference in how much you get out of a handyman visit. The clearer the scope and the more accessible the work, the more we can accomplish in the time we're there. Here's a complete FAQ on how to prepare.
Should I make a list? Absolutely. The single most valuable thing you can do is write down every item you want addressed, room by room. A clear punch list means we can sequence the work efficiently and nothing gets forgotten. Walk through your home the day before and jot down every small annoyance — that's your list.
Should I clear the work areas? Yes, as much as you reasonably can. Move furniture away from walls where we'll paint or patch. Clear items from under sinks where we'll work on plumbing. Remove everything from shelves we'll mount or adjust. The less time we spend moving your belongings, the more time we spend on the actual work.
Should I have materials ready? It depends. If you've already purchased fixtures, tile, hardware, or materials, have them on site and unboxed if possible. If you'd like us to source materials, let us know in advance so we can pick them up — that keeps the visit focused on installation, not shopping.
Should I be home? For most interior work, yes — someone should be available to confirm choices, answer questions, and approve the work as it progresses. For outdoor projects like assembly or junk removal, we can often work independently as long as items are accessible.
Should I point out the less obvious issues? Please do. The drip you've learned to ignore, the door that only sticks in summer, the outlet that's a little loose — these are exactly the things a handyman should know about. Don't filter your list to only the obvious problems; the subtle ones often matter most.
Should I ask about the order of work? It's a great question. We'll usually tackle the messiest or most disruptive work first (painting, drywall, demolition) so it doesn't dirty finished work, then move to cleaner tasks (mounting, assembly, hardware). If you have a priority order, tell us upfront.
Should I plan for any downtime? Some work requires cure time — paint, thinset, grout, adhesives. We'll tell you what needs to set and for how long, so you can plan around it (for example, not using a shower for 24 hours after grouting). Knowing this in advance prevents surprises.
Should I ask questions during the visit? Always. A good handyman wants you to understand what's being done and why. If you're curious about a method, a material, or a recommendation, ask. The visit is also a chance to learn what to watch for in the future.
The bottom line: a prepared home and a clear list turn a handyman visit from a single repair into a whole-house win. The more you've thought through the scope and cleared the way, the more value you get per hour. If you're ready to build your list, we're ready to work through it.
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