Hiring a Grand Rapids Handyman

Handyman Service Grand Rapids:  Tips from your friendly neighborhood handyman:  What every homeowner should know before they hire a handyman service or contractor.

“I need a new roof installed in my home and am concerned about the horror stories of homeowners being ripped off by shoddy contractors, what is the best way to protect myself?”
- Jan S. Ann Arbor.

Hi Jan, you are definitely on the right track because it’s all about research. You have the right to be concerned with any home improvement contractor. Currently, contractors are seven out of the top twenty inquiries with the Better Business from January to August 2009.

I’ve being in the contracting world for 17 years and wish more homeowners would begin as you are, by asking questions. Too often I’ve seen homeowners sign a contract with a contractor they found in the Yellow Pages with the largest ad or the first listing in Google. Many of us have made the mistake of contracting with a company because of the “nice salesman”, without further investigating the company and regretted it.

Our homes are typically the largest investment and we need to take time to ensure that we are hiring reputable home improvement contractors. Otherwise we could be making repairs after the job is completed, or overpaying or even worse ending up in court. There are many “good guy” contractors who make an honest living by serving others and they are not difficult to find, but we must take our time do our homework. Below are six tips to help you find the best homeimprovement contractor.

1. Verify insurance. Workers Compensation insurance protects you if a worker is injured on your property. Liability Insurance protects you if any of your property is damaged. Call the insurance company to ensure it is up to date and request to have your name on the certificate. By having your name on the certificate, you will be notified if the contractor cancel’s the policy during your project.

2. Get all estimates and warranties in writing. All warranties and estimates must be detailed in writing. It will help protect you as a consumer and avoid misunderstandings. Also, does the estimate include labor and materials? Does the warrantee include labor and materials? Verify how they handle change orders?

3. Check references. Talk with past customers and ask them if they would use this contractor again? Does the company stand behind their warranties? Do they show up on time? Would you refer them to their friends and neighbors? What would be the one thing they should improve? . . . Don’t hesitate to ask, most people are glad to help.

4. How long has the company been in business? Warranties are as good as the company. If they are out of business, in many cases so is your warranty.

5. Verify license. Check with your state licensing department. If a license is applicable for your project, the state may help protect you in case of faulty workmanship. If a permit is needed, ensure the contractor picks it up, not the homeowner.  

6. Multiple quotes. Get an estimate from multiple contractors to ensure you are comparing apples with apples. Many very low priced estimates do not include the entire project.

By asking these questions, it will help you avoid being ripped off or over charged. Any reputable home improvement company will gladly provide you with the information in the aforementioned list. If the contractor will not provide the information or are irritated by your questions, it will help make your decision easier - Do Not Use Them. Most home improvement contractors are “good guy’s”. Ask the right questions and you will find them.

HandyPro Handyman Services provides home repairs and maintenance in over 1600 categories of service including carpentry, plumbing, electrical, seasonal maintenance, remodeling and additions.  They are also the only handyman service to be certified in senior home modification to provide services like installing wheelchair ramps and stair lifts and remodeling bathrooms and kitchens to improve accessibility and mobility in the home.

Curt Weiss serves residents and business owners in Grand Rapids, Rockford, Kentwood, Ada, Comstock Park and surrounding cities and communities in West Michigan.  No job is too big for the local handyman and no job too small to be handled with respect and attention to detail. 

Visit www.handypro.com/mi_grand-rapids.html to learn more.

Grand Rapids Handyman Suggests Home Improvement tips to Maximize Investment

Spending too much time and money on home renovation is not the way to make a home more competitive in today’s market

Grand Rapids MI -- The Grand Rapids handyman is the one area residents trust when they need to make improvements to sell their home. With the oversaturated market, buyers have many houses to choose from. If one does not meet their needs, they will simply move on to the next on the long list of properties for sale.

While some home improvement is necessary to make the property more sellable, too much can be a loss of money and waste of time. The Grand Rapids handyman agrees with real estate professionals that kitchen and bathroom remodeling and energy efficient upgrades are a wise choice.

According to Curt Weiss, owner of HandyPro of West Michigan (www.handymanservicegrandrapidsmi.com/), homeowners should consider other nearby and make appropriate repairs and improvements. For example, if no one in the neighborhood has a pool, hot tub or gazebo, then this type of upgrade would be most inappropriate and not likely to pay off. In fact, many home buyers are turned off by the in-ground swimming pool because of the high maintenance requirements and liability exposure.

Home repairs like patching holes and replacing old faded trim will show pride of ownership and a well cared for home while converting a garage to a game room will turn the buyer off, especially if he wants a garage! According to the local handyman, fresh paint is worth $20 in the can and $1,000 on the wall, so this is one of the best home improvement efforts a seller can make.

One of the best pieces of advice offered by the handyman is keeping it neutral so buyers can better imagine themselves living in the home. If there is too much color or the home reflects the seller’s personality, then the buyer will not be able to imagine their own furnishings and accessories in the home. If it is clean and neutral, then the buyer has the opportunity to add their own personal touches after they have moved in.

HandyPro of West Michigan announced their grand opening in March, 2013. Owner, Curt Weiss serves clients in Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, Ottawa, Barry and Muskegon Counties in West Michigan. HandyPro offers a wide variety of handyman services in over 1600 categories including carpentry, drywall, painting, seasonal maintenance and much more…just ask! Visit http://www.handypro.com/mi_grand-rapids.html to learn more.

About HandyPro Handyman Services:
What’s on your to-do list? HandyPro Handyman Services offers affordable solutions to a wide variety of Home repairs including home modification for seniors, home improvement and home remodeling, seasonal home maintenance and more. HandyPro specializes in helping the homeowner, business or property manager have building repairs completed professionally, in a timely manner, and guarantees 100% customer satisfaction. HandyPro Handyman Service has been in business since 1996, serving over 20,000 clients with zero complaints from the Better Business Bureau. HandyPro Handyman Services has been featured on Rachel Ray and Fox News.

Grand Rapids Home Remodeling Contractor with HandyPro Posts Web Page about Installing New Windows

Homeowners gain valuable insight from the local handyman website including signs indicating that it is time to replace windows

Grand Rapids MI – The Grand Rapids home remodeling specialist with HandyPro is often asked for solutions to home energy problems like drafty windows. Sometimes, simple weatherizing and caulking will fix the problem, but in many cases the best solution is to install new energy efficient windows.

According to the local home remodeling contractor windows can have a big impact on the value of a home and heating and cooling efficiency. Curt Weill, owner of HandyPro of West Michigan says the three main factors that determine when it is time to order replacement windows are energy efficiency, performance and appearance.

Energy efficiency is the most important part of the window assessment. Drafty windows, frost forming in the winter and furniture fading from the effect of UV rays are signs that the home is losing heat in the winter or gaining heat in the summer.

Extra moisture from frost or condensation buildup can cause damage to wood and trim around windows. Even if there are no visible or obvious signs, an easy trick to determine if there is a draft is to hold a lit candle and move it slowly around windows. If there is a draft, the candle will flicker.

Performance problems are another sign indicating window repair or replacement is necessary. When wood warps or hardware fails they can be difficult to open and close. In many cases, replacing hardware or lubricating the window tracks helps but is often a short term solution.

HandyPro of West Michigan (http://www.handymanservicegrandrapidsmi.com/) will send a licensed handyman and home remodeling specialist to perform a complete assessment to determine if replacement windows are necessary. New energy efficient windows will make a remarkable difference in the home’s appearance and cost of heating and cooling.

The local handyman service offers affordable solutions to a wide variety of home improvement, repairs and remodeling projects. They offer service in over 1600 categories of home repair including carpentry, drywall, painting and so much more. No job is too small to be handled with respect and no job too large for the neighborhood handyman.

HandyPro will send a local handyman to complete most jobs, but they will not overstep their capabilities. Their craftsmen are highly qualified in most home repairs and remodeling, but in the event the job requires higher qualifications, they work with subcontractors who possess the special skills and in-depth licensing to do the job right and please the customer. Visit http://handypro.com/mi_grand-rapids.html to learn more.


About HandyPro Handyman Services:
What’s on your to-do list? HandyPro Handyman Services offers affordable solutions to a wide variety of home repairs including home modification for seniors, home improvement and home remodeling, seasonal home maintenance and more. HandyPro specializes in helping the homeowner, business or property manager have building repairs completed professionally, in a timely manner, and guarantees 100% customer satisfaction. HandyPro Handyman Service has been in business since 1996, serving over 20,000 clients with zero complaints from the Better Business Bureau. HandyPro Handyman Services has been featured on Rachel Ray and Fox News.

HandyPro of West Michigan Provides Deck Repair and Maintenance Tips to Grand Rapids Homeowners

Many deaths and injuries are due to poorly maintained decks or improper deck installation

Grand Rapids MI – The local handyman is often called during the spring and summer season to address problems with an old deck. In today’s world of slip-n-fall lawsuits no one wants to be held liable for an injury sustained on their property. According to deck repair and installation specialists, anyone with a deck over 10 years old should have it inspected and evaluated for safety.

Curt Weiss, owner of HandyPro of West Michigan has posted a page to his Handyman Service Grand Rapids website dedicated to deck repair and maintenance tips. With an estimated 20 million decks in the US, homeowners need to be aware of the potential hazards associated with neglected deck maintenance or improper deck installation.

Though a deck may appear to be safe and sturdy, the local handyman service provides a list of 5 warning signs to be aware of:

Missing Connections: Improperly built or maintained decks could have missing connection pieces and still appear stable

Loose Connections: Over time, fasteners such as screws bolts and nails can work their way loose from the hangers or brackets which support the deck

Corrosion: Mother Nature can be tough on most metals. Ensure all connections and fasteners are not in the state of deterioration

Rot: Elements such as rain and snow can also play havoc on the wood used for the deck. Look for areas that are discolored or spongy and replace as necessary

Cracks: The boards used to construct a deck will become worn overtime due to water freezing in the cracks which causes expansion which then widens the crack and the problem worsens leaving the boards to be unsafe. If the ledger board becomes detached from the house the deck can become unstable

Deck repair contractors with the Grand Rapids handyman service (http://www.handymanservicegrandrapidsmi.com/) recommend annual deck inspections to be sure they are safe for families and visitors. Deck staining and sealing helps prevent warping, cupping and cracking. Keeping the deck clean will also help prevent mold and mildew from creating a slippery surface.

HandyPro Handyman Service has been in business since 1996 providing commercial and residential building maintenance and home repair. Each technician has been through HandyPro’s certification process which includes a background check to ensure customers receive the most trusted technician to handle their needs. Whether the need is for simple home repair or major home improvement, remodeling and additions, the full service handyman will get the job done right the first time.

HandyPro of West Michigan announced their grand opening in March, 2013. Owner, Curt Weiss serves clients in Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, Ottawa, Barry and Muskegon Counties in West Michigan. HandyPro offers a wide variety of handyman services in over 1600 categories including carpentry, drywall, painting, seasonal maintenance and much more…just ask! Visit http://handypro.com/mi_grand-rapids.html to learn more.


About HandyPro Handyman Services:
What’s on your to-do list? HandyPro Handyman Services offers affordable solutions to a wide variety of home repairs including home modification for seniors, home improvement and home remodeling, seasonal home maintenance and more. HandyPro specializes in helping the homeowner, business or property manager have building repairs completed professionally, in a timely manner, and guarantees 100% customer satisfaction. HandyPro Handyman Service has been in business since 1996, serving over 20,000 clients with zero complaints from the Better Business Bureau. HandyPro Handyman Services has been featured on Rachel Ray and Fox News.

HandyPro Grand Rapids Handyman Partners with Aging in Place Community

HandyPro a full service home modification company that distributes accessibility and mobility products to residential and commercial facilities

Grand Rapids MI -- HandyPro of West Michigan is a proud partner of the Aging in Place Community, offering home modification service for area seniors and disabled homeowners. HandyPro is a full service home modification handyman that distributes accessibility and mobility products to both residential and commercial facilities.

The local handyman is providing individuals and families the convenience of complete accessibility and mobility within their homes. HandyPro of West Michigan offers affordable solutions for independent living. Home modification is about bringing freedom to people who are disabled or physically challenged.

HandyPro provides handyman services with many accessibility products including elevators, automatic door openers, ceiling lifts, safety bars, bathroom transfer systems, personal lifts, stair lifts, specialized tubs and showers to make life easier for aging and disabled residents.

Curt Weiss, owner of HandyPro of West Michigan (http://www.handymanservicegrandrapidsmi.com/) provides the home modifications needed to allow people the freedom and independence to live in their homes rather than an assisted living facility. Home modifications make it easier and safer for people to carryout daily activities.

Modifications include door widening, electrical wiring, super strong grab bars and handrails, fire safety adaptations, cabinet adjustments, ramps, plumbing and bathroom modifications and more.

Curt Weiss and fellow HandyPro franchise owners are proud to be part of this very important service. HandyPro Handyman Services specializes in home repairs and remodeling, home maintenance projects and home modifications for the physically challenged. Visit http://handypro.com/mi_grand-rapids.html to learn more.




About HandyPro Handyman Services:
What’s on your to-do list? HandyPro Handyman Services offers affordable solutions to a wide variety of home repairs including home modification for seniors, home improvement and home remodeling, seasonal home maintenance and more. HandyPro specializes in helping the homeowner, business or property manager have building repairs completed professionally, in a timely manner, and guarantees 100% customer satisfaction. HandyPro Handyman Service has been in business since 1996, serving over 20,000 clients with zero complaints from the Better Business Bureau. HandyPro Handyman Services has been featured on Rachel Ray and Fox News.

Grand Rapids Handyman: Safety Tips with Home Service Providers

So you've called a home service provider who will be arriving soon to repair some drywall or paint a room.  Though he comes highly recommended by a friend or family member, the person coming to your home is still a stranger.  Sometimes the company will send a different contractor rather than the one who did such a great job for your friend.   In most cases, there is no threat in allowing the contractor into your home, but older, single homeowners may feel uncomfortable.  Here are some safety tips that will provide some assurance:

• Ask for the repairman's physical description.  If the handyman is employed by a large company, ask the service representative for a physical description of the contractor.

• Ask to see the handyman's photo identification.  Sometimes the handyman arrives in his own pick-up truck or panel van with no logo or lettering.  Ask to see photo ID or credentials proving he is indeed the home service provider you are expecting.

• Keep an eye on the repairman.   A handyman should not roam around your house without your supervision.  Show him the job you need done and watch him as much as possible while he works.

• Let a neighbor know that a repairman is coming to your home.  If your neighbor is aware that you are expecting someone, then he or she can keep an eye out or stop by while the service man is there.

• Do not valuable items like expensive jewelry, laptop computers, and cash laying around.

• Let the company know about any issues you have with the repairman.  Report any suspicious or unprofessional behavior to the company.  Perhaps they have record of other complaints so they will take action to eliminate the problem and preserve their reputation.

• Make sure the handyman picks up all his tools.  As he is leaving, make sure he hasn’t left any tools behind to give him reason to return unexpectedly later.

• Ask for a written or printed receipt.  Once the work is complete, get a written receipt and keep it in your file. 

Most home service providers can show that they are qualified, licensed, insured and have a good reputation.  Physical attacks and robberies by home repair contractors who were called to your home are rare.  The danger is most present with the handyman who comes knocking at your door to sell his service.  A good handyman will not go door to door looking for work.

The above tips may be critical to safety in some circumstances, but they are also a good way to provide your own reassurance.  Being aware of who is entering your home and using good common sense is necessary.

About HandyPro Handyman Services: 

What’s on your to-do list?  HandyPro Handyman Services offers affordable solutions to a wide variety of home repairs including home modification for seniors, home improvement and home remodeling, seasonal home maintenance and more.  HandyPro specializes in helping the homeowner, business or property manager have building repairs completed professionally, in a timely manner, and guarantees 100% customer satisfaction. HandyPro Handyman Service has been in business since 1996, serving over 20,000 clients with zero complaints from the Better Business Bureau.  HandyPro Handyman Services has been featured on Rachel Ray and Fox News.