How to Pay Contractors/Handyman

[Peyton Millirons]

Starting as a Sub-Contractor and now becoming a Contractor I have experience in getting paid and paying out! 

If you are hiring any type of “Contractor” for your residential project please read the following : 

Residential construction is the Wild West of Contracting. Most handyman companies have no idea what a contract looks like, are unlicensed, and ask for way to much money up front. In construction we are supposed to use AIA Contract documents. 

However, you really only ever see those on Commercial Projects. I have tried creating my own contracts for sub contractors at the Residential level but nothing really ever sticks because they are unlicensed. They may say “Licensed and Insured” on their ads but that doesn’t mean they are a Licensed Contractor. A Certified Contractor WILL BE held accountable for everything that the Contract states because if they do not complete the contract you can lien them and put a complaint on their license. 

A residential handyman is pretty much untouchable, meaning they can walk away from any job they want and you have no recourse to get your money back or hold them accountable. They will move on and go to the next job. The most you can do is leave a bad review on google. Doesn’t help your pockets very much though does it? 

This is what I would recommend to anyone needing to hire a Handyman : 

- Ask them for 3 references 

- Ask them if you can come check out any of their local jobs that they are working on at the moment

- Tell them that you will pay for material and would like to work out a “Draw Schedule”

- They do not get the “First Draw” until they show up and begin work. 

If they have an issue with any of that then chances are they are going to scam you. 

Why it’s important to Hire a Licensed Contractor : 

- The Contractor is responsible for negotiating with Subs, getting the best bid possible, and completing contracts. Let a Contractor do their job! If they are an honest and reliable Contractor they will do everything they can to help you and get the contract complete. Yes you will have to pay a fee for the Contractor but this at least gives you satisfaction that the risk is now on the Contractor not you. 

- If you can find a handyman that is also a Certified Contractor you have hit the jackpot. This type of Contractor probably is a true master of their craft and cares about quality of work more than running a Construction Company. This will be most expensive option though . 

Hope you got something out of this post. If you have any more recommendations on how you find and pay the best quality Contractors please comment!