Pricing

Current pricing for my handyman services as of 1/1/2023 is $70.00 per hour for working hours spent on site or while working on a customer’s personal property at my home workshop. Note that some types of labor is subject to State / County 5.5% personal property sales tax (e.g., landscaping, window covering install, washer / dryer repairs, furniture assembly / repairs, etc.). For these tasks, the hourly rate including tax equals $73.85 per hour. My estimate will note any tasks that are expected to be taxable.

I charge a one-hour minimum rate for any job, plus any additional time including the fraction of the nearest 1/4 hour thereafter. I do not charge for visiting a site to evaluate and estimate a project, or for travel time to or from a job in the immediate Madison area. Note that I may charge an agreed-upon rate for travel outside my service area . Lastly, I will include on the invoice hourly labor for time spent purchasing / delivering materials required to complete a project, and the actual cost of those materials (including sales tax but no other markup).

Insurance

My business is fully insured with property liability, medical, and vehicle insurance. Proof of coverage available upon request.

Operation

Below details the step-by-step process of how I complete a project, from the initial customer contact through invoice and follow-up.

DISCLAIMER: I am a one-man operation, and am not advertising myself to be a 24-hour emergency repair service. Ideally, I prefer “non-emergency” projects which I will try to fit into my schedule within about 2-4 weeks but do also try to fit in more urgent but basic projects like repairing a leaking toilet or faucet within a few days if possible. If a customer is unable to wait for an opening, I would be happy to refer some other reputable services and hope that customers would consider me for any future projects.

• Initial Contact

Contact me via phone, text or email, introducing yourself, your location and the project details, including photos or videos to streamline the evaluation and give me an idea of the project and workspace. If the tasks appear to be within my capabilities, we will then proceed to scheduling an on-site consultation.

• Consultation, Estimate & Prep

After inspecting the details of the project on site and confirming that the job is within my skill set, I will email a written estimate of the labor, materials and total cost for the project. For more basic jobs or added scope to in-progress projects, I will provide a simplified estimate via text message. While still on site, I will survey the property, determining the following:

• Obtaining or hiding a key to ensure that the property remains secure during and after the repair visit (if the owner or tenant will not be present)

• Evaluate working around furniture, plants, pets, children, or any items that may need to be moved prior to the job

• Confirm any parking considerations / hourly restrictions for my work vehicle (midsized pickup truck)

• Verify the locations of power sources, breaker boxes, water shutoff valves, dumpster, property limits, secondary underground power lines, or any other special customer concerns

• Communicate any other notable damage to the property that is beyond the scope of repairs

Upon agreement of the written estimate and approximate service date, the property owner will ideally pre-purchase any required light or plumbing fixtures, paint, shelving, blinds, etc. before the project, which I will help confirm are suitable. If Digger’s Hotline must be called for any landscaping excavation work, I will call in advance of the project to ensure that all underground utilities to the property are marked.

• Service Visit

I will return on the actual repair visit date, providing at least a 12-hour notice with the anticipated arrival time. I would be happy to provide updates throughout the project (texting photos, etc.), especially if unforeseen additional work is encountered mid-project. If the scope of work grows beyond the original estimate, or if the customer adds tasks beyond the original scope, I will provide an updated estimate and schedule before proceeding with the agreed-upon added work.

Repairs to physical personal property (for example, furniture repairs): this work is often better suited to be completed off site at my home workshop. I will similarly provide a cost and schedule estimate, transport the property to my home, and return it upon completion.

I will strive to be respectful of people’s personal space, and promise to treat the property with the respect and care that I treat my own. I will promise to leave the property secure and will strive to leave the space at least as clean as it was found. I will strive to prevent any damage to walls, floors, etc., by using drop cloths for protection, and vacuuming any debris before I complete the project.

• Invoice & Follow-Up

I will email or US Mail an invoice for the actual work performed: labor at the rates noted above, plus the actual cost of any materials. Any receipts for purchased materials will be kept for my records, but copies can be provided upon request. Payment can be made with cash, personal check, or Venmo or Zelle online payment apps via smartphones.

I will follow up with the customer (on site at the time of project completion or by phone/email) to confirm they are satisfied with the service. If there are any issues noted, I will make any corrections / additional repairs as soon as possible. I also welcome any customer feedback, testimonials, etc., to potentially include on my website and further improve my service.