How did you find your go to handyperson?

[Garrett Brown]

I have some solid ones in my current market, but I'm moving into a new market soon. What are some tips you used to find your favorite handy person? How did you know they were the right one? What are some red flags to avoid? 

[James R.]

Garrett, go to your local lumber, doors, windows, etc. supply store (not a HD or Lowe's, of course) and ask at the front desk if they can recommend someone.  They will.  Why?  Because when that person does work for you, they will come there to buy the supplies, plumbing, or water heater etc.  I did this and my handyman has been solid the last 10 years.  He doesn't charge an arm and a leg either.  In Milwaukee, the local lumber store is called Bliffert.  They have 3 locations throughout the city.  Extremely helpful.  You can open an account and they will bill you monthly too, so something similar to that in your area is what I recommend.