When it comes to home repairs, some jobs are easy enough for you to manage by yourself. Others, however, may require a professional.
You can probably change a blown light bulb on your own, but if it requires more heavy-duty or specialised work, then you need someone more qualified.
For large-scale jobs that require a long time and involve heavy equipment or specialisation, a renovation contractor might be needed. If it can be done within a day and for a cheaper rate, hiring a handyman is the way to go.
Here is a price estimate on some of the most common handyman services.
Wall works
• Leakage repair, including waterproofing – RM1,500-2,500
• Sealing cracks – RM150-300
• Water damage repair, including painting – RM250-400
• Shelving – RM120-250
• TV mounting – RM250
• Hard-to-reach lighting fixes – RM200-300
• Painting per 1,000 sq ft – RM600
Door works
• Knob repair – RM30
• Door repair – RM150
• Hinge repair/replacement – RM100
• Foldable door repair – RM250
• Glass door installation/repair – RM30 per sq ft
Bathroom works
• Tap and pipe repair/replacement – RM50 each
• Water heater repair – RM180
• Tiling – RM3 per sq ft
• Resealing – RM1 per ft
Ask the right questions
Communicating with the person you hire is key for hassle-free service. Here are some questions you should ask.
1. What type of work can you do?
Although the general assumption is that they are skilled in most repair work, ask if they are able to perform the services you require and how experienced they are with that particular task.
2. How much will it cost?
Request for a cost breakdown to avoid unexpected surprises in your final bill. Always run through each pricing and find out if your handyman charges a flat or hourly rate.
3. Do you have references?
It is reassuring to know that the person you have hired is experienced and has a list of satisfied customers. If your handyman has worked in your neighbourhood or building, ask your neighbours for feedback.
4. How long will it take?
Make sure your handyman gives you a confirmed period to get the job done. If there are any delays, ensure that you are notified earlier and given a good reason as some workers might use delays as a reason to charge extra.
This article originally appeared on Recommend.my.
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