How to Hire Handyman Contractors Who Don't Ghost Mid-Project

Finding reliable handymen is one of the biggest challenges in the home services industry. You've probably dealt with contractors who quote one price then triple it, ghost you mid-project, or can't actually do half the work they claimed. Here's how to stop wasting time and money on unreliable contractors.

The #1 Red Flag When Hiring Handymen

Before we get into what to look for, here's what to avoid: "I can do anything."

Real handymen know their limits. Someone who claims they can do plumbing, electrical, HVAC, roofing, and finish carpentry at an expert level is lying. Each trade takes years to master.

What you want: "I'm great at general repairs, basic plumbing fixes, painting, and drywall. For electrical beyond changing fixtures, I'll be honest—that's not my specialty."

5 Must-Ask Questions Before Hiring

1. "What tools do you own?"

This tells you everything. A real handyman has:

• Their own truck or van
• Basic power tools (drill, circular saw, sanders)
• Hand tools (level, tape measure, hammers, screwdrivers)
• Ladders and safety equipment

If they say "I can borrow stuff" or expect you to provide tools, run.

2. "Do you have insurance?"

General liability insurance is non-negotiable. If they damage a client's $5,000 countertop or fall off a ladder, you don't want that liability on you.

Ask for proof. A real policy will have:

• Certificate of insurance with your business listed as additional insured
• At least $1 million in coverage
• Current (not expired) dates

Pro tip: Call the insurance company to verify. Fake certificates exist.

3. "What's your specialty?"

Good answer: "I'm really strong with finish carpentry and bathroom repairs. I can do basic electrical like outlets and switches, but I refer out panel work."

Bad answer: "I do everything. I'm basically a one-man construction company."

4. "How do you handle mistakes or callbacks?"

This separates pros from amateurs. You want someone who says: "If something isn't right, I come back and fix it at no charge. My reputation depends on doing it right."

Red flag: "Once the job's done, it's done" or "I don't do warranty work."

5. "Do you have references from other contractors or property managers?"

Homeowner references are nice, but trade references are gold. If other contractors or property managers use them, that's a strong signal.

The Working Interview: How to Test Before Hiring

Don't hire someone for a big project sight unseen. Start with a small test job:

Good Test Projects:

• Repair a fence or gate ($100-200)
• Patch and paint a small room ($150-300)
• Install shelving or towel bars ($50-150)
• Fix a door that won't close properly ($75-150)

What You're Evaluating:

• Do they show up on time? If they're late to a test job, they'll be late to client jobs
• Do they have the right tools? No borrowing from you or stopping at Home Depot mid-job
• Is the work quality good? Clean lines, proper prep, attention to detail
• Do they clean up after? Mess = complaints from clients
• How do they communicate? Do they text you if there's an issue or just disappear?

Pay Structure That Prevents Ghosting

Never pay 100% upfront. Here's what works:

For Small Jobs (Under $500):

• Materials upfront (with receipts)
• Labor upon completion

For Larger Projects:

• 25% to start (covers materials and time commitment)
• 25% at midpoint
• 50% upon completion and client approval

This keeps them motivated to finish without you taking all the risk.

Red Flags That Mean "Don't Hire"

• No insurance - You're liable if they get hurt
• Asks for all cash - No paper trail = no accountability
• Wants full payment upfront - Recipe for ghosting
• Can't provide references - Probably fired from their last gig
• Doesn't have basic tools - Not a real contractor
• Shows up without a truck/van - How will they transport materials?
• Constantly complains about past clients - You'll be next

Where to Find Quality Handymen

Best Sources:

• Trade schools and apprenticeship programs - Young talent learning multiple trades
• Retired tradesmen - Master electricians, plumbers, carpenters looking for part-time work
• Facebook Marketplace Services - Check reviews and past work photos
• Nextdoor - Neighborhood recommendations carry weight
• Other contractors - Ask your plumber who they recommend for drywall

Skip These:

• TaskRabbit (inconsistent quality, high fees)
• Thumbtack (pay-per-lead gets expensive fast)
• Angi/HomeAdvisor (homeowner-focused, not business-to-business)

Common Hiring Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Mistake #1: Hiring Based on Price Alone

The cheapest bid usually means: rushed work, cutting corners, or they'll find ways to upcharge later ("Oh, you wanted that included? That's extra.")

Fix: Get 3 quotes. Throw out the highest and lowest. Hire based on middle price + references.

Mistake #2: Not Checking Insurance

When an uninsured contractor falls off a ladder at your client's house, guess who's liable? You are.

Fix: Require certificate of insurance before first job. Keep a copy on file.

Mistake #3: Paying 100% Upfront

You have zero leverage once they have your money. If work is bad or incomplete, good luck getting them back.

Fix: Use the payment structure above. Final payment only after client approval.

Mistake #4: No Written Agreement

"We had a handshake deal" won't hold up when there's a dispute about scope or price.

Fix: Simple one-page contract with: scope of work, price, timeline, payment terms. Both parties sign.

Mistake #5: Ignoring Communication Red Flags

If they don't return calls during hiring, they won't return calls when there's a problem on the job.

Fix: Respond time during hiring = respond time during work. If it takes 3 days to hear back, don't hire.

Keeping Good Handymen Around

When you find a good one, here's how to keep them:

1. Pay Quickly

Net-30 payment terms kill relationships with contractors. They have bills too. Pay within 3-5 days of job completion.

2. Give Them Consistent Work

"I'll call you when I need you" makes them prioritize other clients. Give them a pipeline: "I have 3 jobs lined up for you next week."

3. Don't Micromanage

If you hired them for their expertise, trust them. Checking in every 30 minutes = they'll find another client.

4. Respect Their Time

Last-minute cancellations or "Can you squeeze this in today?" tells them you don't value their schedule.

5. Provide Clear Specs

Don't say "fix the bathroom." Say: "Replace the toilet flange, re-caulk the tub, and fix the loose towel bar." Clear scope = good work.

Bottom Line

Finding reliable handymen isn't about luck. It's about:

• Asking the right questions upfront
• Testing with small jobs first
• Verifying insurance and references
• Using smart payment terms
• Treating good contractors well so they stick around

Stop hiring based on whoever answers your Craigslist ad first. Screen properly, test small, and build a roster of reliable contractors who actually show up and do quality work.