2018-03-31- At $20.00 A Good Handyman is Rare
| By:
Jeff Taylor
At $20.00 A Good Handyman is RareBy Mr. LandlordI know rates can vary across the country. However, what I found intriguing about the discussion was the consensus of how there are two basic levels of handyman; and how no matter where in the country you have rentals, you most likely need to pay more for the "second" level of handyman. For example, the first level handyman you may pay $20 or $25 bucks an hour. However, the first level is usually not insured, licensed, and often does not have the ability to front the cost of supplies. This level of handyman's honesty and work ethic is not always the highest, and their skill set is limited. On the other hand, the second level landlord is insured, licensed, able to pay cost of supplies up front, and more likely has a good work ethic, is a self-starter, and has their own truck, complete set of tools, and a higher set of skills. I bring up this distinction between the two levels of handymen to help reduce the frustration of many landlords who have been pounding their heads thinking that their frustrations are unique when they run into problems with the first level handyman. In listening to landlords nationwide, I can assure you that landlords everywhere have the same challenges in finding a good handyman, especially when you are only willing to pay 20 bucks (more or less an hour). My point is, stop being frustrated, because what you are looking for is a rare breed (the mythical unicorn if you will). Instead of staying frustrated, either work the best you can understanding what you have, or be willing to pay more. Most landlords (including myself) are frugal and only willing to pay so much. However, that can be a blessing or a curse to how much you are ultimately able to grow your portfolio. Of course, you have to be aware that working with uninsured and unlicensed handymen also come with additional risks on top of frustrations. So how do landlords effectively deal with the challenges which come with the first level handyman? How much more are landlords willing to pay for the second level handyman? Click to read the discussion to compare notes with fellow landlords facing the same big challenge we all face - how do we get good handymen and at what cost?? By the way, if you are blessed to have found one of the rare breed, do not take that person for granted and do something extra or special for them. :)