Hiring a Handy Man

[Davit Gharibyan]

I have been managing a property by myself since 2021. I have light rehabbed 17 units and filled them. I have also been maintaining them, addressing any issues/repairs. 

I am looking to bring on more people on board as it gets overwhelming dealing with so may things. For the beginners I am looking to get a handyman to help me out fixing stuff, turning units, etc. 

How would one go about it? Since it's a small property, it does not generate enough revenue to hire a full time handy man person.

Would you contract a person or hire them part time?

What is the best practice?

I have worked with someone in the past, but the job they did, let's just say was not that great. I ended up doing things after a few months in.

[Richard F.]

Aloha,

Develop a fairly brief test to confirm at least basic knowledge and skills of any unlicensed handyman type that you plan to use regularly, and certainly for someone you plan to  hire as staff. Basic tool and power tool safety, including ladder safety; fundamental electrical questions such as what size breaker/fuse should you use on a circuit with 14 gauge wiring; where should GFCI's be installed; how to check for hot conductor; etc. Same for plumbing, how is a leaking faucet repaired? What are the main components of a toilet and how do they function? How is a wax ring properly replaced? and if the flange is damaged or subfloor deteriorated? Do they have at least a small pro-grade motorized drum type drain auger? Have them make a repair to a piece of sheetrock to see if they do it properly and efficiently. Then have them explain their paint prep process. Do they know key general building codes such as when a handrail is needed, and at what height; where and how many smoke detectors are placed... you get the idea. Taylor the questions/demos to fit your typical properties, your needs, local building code, and lawfully allowed tasks for your locale.

For building your own in-house staff, absolutely develop clear procedures/guidelines for each routine process. It is critical to effectively communicate your requirements, in order for the handyperson to consistently produce what you consider "good" results.