How to get ready for a handyman visit

A little preparation helps any handyman visit go smoothly. It means the right tools and parts arrive with your handyman, and more of the visit goes into the work itself. Here’s what helps most, from the first message to the end of the visit.

When you ask for a quote

• Describe each job in a sentence or two. “The bathroom door sticks at the top and won’t latch” is more useful than “fix door”.
• Add photos. One wide photo showing where the job is, and one close-up of the problem, answer most questions before anyone arrives.
• Include measurements and model numbers where they matter, such as the size of a TV and the wall it’s going on, the width of a window for blinds, or the brand of a faucet that’s dripping.
• List everything at once. If you have several small jobs, put them all in one request so they can be planned for a single visit.
• Say what you’ve already bought. If you’ve already chosen a faucet, a TV mount or a paint colour, mention it, so you can talk through materials when we get back to you.

If you live in a condo or apartment

• Book the service elevator if your building requires one for contractors or for carrying tools and materials.
• Arrange visitor parking or tell us where to park, especially downtown, where street parking can be scarce.
• Let the concierge or property management know about the visit if your building asks for that.
• Check your building’s rules, such as the hours when work is allowed and whether you need permission to drill into certain walls or the balcony.

If you rent

Check your lease and ask your landlord before arranging work that changes the unit, such as mounting a TV, putting up shelves or painting. Some landlords ask to approve the work first.

Before the visit

• Unbox flat-pack furniture if you can, and check that every part and the hardware bag are there.
• Have products and parts in the room where the work will happen, with their instructions.
• Clear the work area and a path to it. Move fragile items, furniture and valuables out of the way, and empty cabinets or vanities if the work is underneath them.
• Know where your water shut-off valves are for plumbing jobs, both the one under the fixture and the main valve.
• Keep pets in another room while the work is being done, with the door closed.
• Leave the driveway clear if there’s room for the van.

On the day

Walk your handyman through each job when they arrive, especially anything that has changed since you sent your request. When the work is done, take a look at it and ask any questions before the visit wraps up.

Ready when you are

Once you know what needs doing, send a quote request with the details and photos. We’ll get back to you to arrange a time. If you’re planning a TV mounting, furniture assembly or a visit for several small jobs, those pages have tips specific to each job.