Checklist to ask a prospective handyman:

1. Is the handyman a licensed contractor?

In Singapore, electricians and plumbers must be qualified and have a license in order to carry out their work. Some of the standard licenses are plumbing and electrical licenses:

• https://www.pub.gov.sg/compliance/plumbingworks/licensedplumbers
• https://www.ema.gov.sg/Licensees_Licensed_Workers_Installation_Licences.aspx

Ensure you find licensed handyman services to prevent many accidents and headaches that may arise (which they often do) during your home project. Paying a little more for a licensed handyman here can save you time and energy. Meanwhile, it will ensure your home project is properly and safely delivered.

2. Is the handyman insured?

Check with the handyman to see if all his/her work has proper insurance coverage. Handymen who are BCA-registered contractors are covered by public liability insurance.

Handymen who don’t have a BCA registration may have other private insurance coverage.

Check also whether you have insurance that covers the repair/replacement of the lost or damaged property.

3. Who provides the materials? Can I choose the colours and manufacturers?

Clients may choose to buy their own materials or rely on the handyman to handle the entire project. However, some jobs may be more complicated and require specific materials. As such, it is helpful to first discuss with your handyman whether you’d like to buy your own materials (or have any preference for your materials) or have them do everything for you.

4. How does the handyman charge for his services?

Most handymen provide a fixed-fee quote after assessing the problem. Quoted prices should never change unless the scope of work changes. You should make your expectations clear from the start to avoid miscommunication.

5. What are my payment options?

It depends on the work, but most handymen take the final payment only upon completion and client inspection of the job. Most handymen accept cash only, but some may accept cheques or credit/debit cards.

6. What if I am not satisfied?

Confirm your handyman’s guarantee before work begins and keep it in writing if he promises a money-back or satisfaction guarantee.

7. Does the handyman guarantee materials & labour?

Most handymen offer a few months, sometimes up to a year, warranty on their work. It is useful to clarify this from the start before the work proceeds and have it in writing with your handyman.

8. Is the estimation free?

Keep in mind that the handyman must do a thorough check before you agree to the prices. You do not want to face a situation in which the handyman continues to add additional charges as he progresses with his work.

It is best to get a free quote from the handyman right at your house to view the project before agreeing to anything.

9. What if the handyman can’t do the job?

Handymen receive payments after they complete a task. If they cannot do the work, they will not accept it at the assessment stage. Confirm your professional’s understanding of this before work starts. A call-out fee may apply in some cases.

More questions to ask before engaging a handyman

• How long have you been in business?
• Have you completed projects similar to mine?
• Can you provide me with references?
• Do you work on weekends? Do you offer a 24-hour service?
• What types of services do you offer?
• Which areas of Singapore do you cover?
• Do you charge extra for parking and congestion charges?
• Can you give me a written estimate?
• What is the project timeline like?
• What are the possible obstacles to the completion of the project?
• Are there any important considerations or concerns you foresee with this project?