Observer Online | Senior Focus

Posted May 21, 2004

Hiring a Handyman Doesn't Have to Be Hard

The venetian blinds won't open, the draperies don't close, the handrail is loose, the closet door is too tight. Annoying.

You keep tripping over the uneven tiles in the hall and really need grab bars in the bathroom. Dangerous.

But many seniors, especially women living alone, have difficulty finding someone reliable to do the repairs. Family members are too busy, too young, too old, or live too far away. There's no "honey" to do the "honey do" list.

We hesitate to invite strangers into our home, having heard reports of scams, inferior work, inflated prices, intimidation, and even robberies. Most of us know to avoid the person who comes to the door, claiming to have some extra time after doing work for an unidentified neighbor. Or says the neighbor who hired him isn't home and asks whether you have anything that needs to be done?

But where do you find qualified, safe and reliable help?

Fairfax County homeowners who qualify under income and asset maximums and who can wait a couple of months may receive free repairs under the Home Repair for the Elderly Program, available at 703-246-5154. Last year 99 residents received services under this program. The current wait is two to three months, except for "life safety" emergencies.

Volunteer programs are another source of free services. Hearts and Hammers is a repair program that serves low-income homeowners, especially the elderly and those with disabilities, in Washington D.C., Arlington, Fairfax and a portion of Prince Georges County. For Fairfax, income maximums are $30,450 for a single person; $34,800 for a couple.

Projects range from small repairs completed by two or three volunteers to large projects requiring a team of 15 to 20. Most of these are not really handyman services, but preventive maintenance that if unmet would lead to more costly repairs, code violations, and safety, health and security concerns. Applications are available by calling 703-528-5606, ext. 10.

The Fairfax Area Agency on Aging's Volunteer Home Services for Seniors, at 703-324-5438, has 10 volunteers for minor jobs such as changing light bulbs, replacing smoke alarm batteries, caulking windows, and certain yard work.

The Shepherd's Center of Oakton-Vienna, at 703-281-0538, a not-for-profit interfaith organization, has "handy helper" volunteers who provide minor home repairs and is looking into expanding its services into the Reston area. Some local churches and synagogues also have occasional "fix-up" projects or members who volunteer as needed.

Reston's Useful Services Exchange, at 703-742-8164, gets frequent requests for handyman services, but at present has only one person offering this type of service.

If you don't meet the income qualifiers or can't wait for a volunteer, you're probably going to have to hire. If you live in a condo or apartment, a member of the maintenance crew may "freelance" small jobs. Ask friends and neighbors for recommendations, but recognize that jobs and standards vary. Even the most inept repair person probably did something right sometime.

If you employ home care services, ask if the agency can send a caregiver who can change an alarm battery, hang some pictures, or similar tasks, advises Toni Reinhart of Comfort Keepers. If they can't, the agency may be able to recommend a service. Frail seniors may want to schedule the repair person when the caregiver will be there. In fact, any single person scheduling a new repair person might want to ask a friend or relative to visit at the same time. The presence of a witness sharpens some people's principles.

Even if you find a reliable handyman, there are concerns about insurance, liability, Social Security taxes, licensing, permits, and a host of other complications. Which is why many people prefer to deal with repair firms whose charges include these services.

Because firms often have a minimum or "service charge" in addition to an hourly fee, it's a good idea to make a list of everything that needs to be done. Having a group of small repairs done at once will cost less than paying to have them done individually. Discuss the list in advance with any handyman, woman, or service you call, to be sure none of the tasks require a specialist.

Companies owned or operated by women seem especially sensitive to the needs of seniors. For example, Debra Weeks-Alexander, whose firm is "woman owned & operated" says she does a lot of work for seniors, and adds that having her 83-year old father living with her keeps her aware of their special needs. Her firm, D. Weeks-Alexander & Associates, Inc., at 703-264-7711, not only advertises "no job too small" but offers electrical work supervised by a licensed master electrician. Rates are $60 to $65 an hour, and higher for electrical work at $75 to $125.

She offers a checklist of what to ask a general contractor before they start work in your home, covering such issues as licenses, bonding and insurance, how employees are screened, getting customer feedback, photos and references. As indicators of the type of service a client can expect, Weeks-Alexander suggests asking yourself these questions:

• How long does it take to get an estimate?

• Are telephone calls returned promptly?

• Do they answer your questions?

• Do they show up on time?

Linda Bunamo is a certified aging-in-place specialist whose firm, Repair Solutions at 703-569-5431, specializes in home modifications for changing abilities. While her firm doesn't do many small repairs (there's a $250 minimum), she cautions that those planning safety modifications such as stair lifts, ramps, and lowered counters need to be aware of the regulations and requirements involved. A handyman who can build a wheelchair ramp may not be able to calculate the correct slope or length of runout.

National companies that have local offices, franchises, or contractor referral services are another source. Although they charge more than a neighbor handyman, these services can take care of many not-so-small repairs that might otherwise become expensive major repairs.

House Doctors is a franchise handyman service that handles a wide range of home repair, maintenance and remodeling jobs. Robert Meck of Chantilly, at 703-542-6111, had been a contractor and avid woodworker who built his own home before he opened a House Doctor franchise. He offers free estimates with no travel charge to the Reston area. He says the typical job runs between $300 and $400. Employees are insured and bonded and all labor is guaranteed for one year.

Case Design/Remodeling, Inc., whose cards and trucks you've probably seen, also offers a wide range of handyman services. All jobs are scheduled through the national office, at 1-800-512-2250. The company has a two-hour minimum at $85 per hour, plus a $30 trip charge. Personnel are licensed, bonded, insured and "security-cleared."

ServiceMagic, at servicemagic.com, isn't a handyman service, but it's supposed to be able to find you one by using "proprietary technology" to match your requests with a local service. After completing an online request form and answering a few questions, you are provided information on up to four prescreened handyman service professionals. The website also offers an extensive online library that includes handyman services tips, guides, and "expert advice on hundreds of home improvement topics."