
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Do you have insurance? Yes. We have a General liability policy up to $1 million with Leonard Insurance,
Canton, Ohio.
- Are you licensed? The state of Ohio does not require licensing for our handyman services. Even as a
builder of homes licensing is not required, though each city does require registration for builder. On larger
remodeling jobs we will use licensed electricians, plumbers and HVAC techs when required.
- Are you bonded? This is one of those areas where some handyman services and home remodeling
companies will advertise "Licensed, Bonded, Insured". Be wary of any service that uses this in their
advertisement because it is misleading to the consumer. Here is a good explanation by a law firm that
talks about the subject.
- What should I consider when deciding my budget? That is a good question. The best thing a home
owner or commercial property owner can do is to first take care of things that can only get worse, such as
leaks of any sort. Whether from the roof, sinks, shower or wherever water leaks are never good. Especially
here in northeast Ohio where carpenter ants, hornets, and termites love wet woody lumber. We have been
on many jobs where the exterminator had to be called because the leak was not addressed sooner.
Secondly, take care to remove any electrical hazards; update wet areas (bathrooms, kitchens) with GFI's,
for example. Not too many years ago people died in the bathtub when the radio they were listening to fell
into the bathwater--ugh! It can still happen and you don't want to be a member of the "1000 Ways to Die" tv
show. Beyond that look for loose railings, hand rails and loose steps. Falling down steps is leading
cause of senior accidents. We will come out and give you a free analysis if you have any concerns in
these areas.
- What should I consider when hiring a contractor? When considering a handyman or remodeling service
it is best to rely on experience and someone you could trust. Sometimes you get a handyman who knows
his craft but he is late to arrive, burps and farts a lot and forgets to remove his or her shoes. Or you get the
handy person who is prompt but takes forever and spends more time texting on his mobile. Probably the
best thing is not the BBB, or Angie's List but plain old-fashioned word-of-mouth. If you wonder why we
don't endorse the former send us an email and we will show you why.
- If most of Housecalls business is word-of mouth then why advertise? A customer asked this one time
and we had to take a moment to answer. It is a good question. It is imperative for any business to keep
their name out there. It is why Super Bowl ad spots for 30 seconds cost $3 million. We all know Coke and
Pepsi but their combined ad spending can feed a small country for a year. The reason for advertising is
because established customers move away, new home owners don't know the neighborhood. Very often
a customer doesn't realize all the services we offer -advertising reaches them with the whole package.
- What should I ask of contractors that give me an estimate? The best questions to ask- when can you
start? What are the hidden charges, if any? How long will the job take? Who are the workers that will be in
my home?