a handyman for 2 hours

Vibrant

I do some handyman work, when the gardening is quiet. Two hours isn't very long, especially for decorating.
I carry a general toolkit and some common fittings, but it is much easier if I know what the jobs are. I generally insist on using my own screws, plugs etc, as the cheap ones most people get are not much good.
I find I get the most done, where the customer is organised and knows exactly what they want. Where shelves are to be positioned, damage repaired etc. A list is useful.

Some customers are vague and gabble, which can be confusing and the time just trickles away. Also bad, are customers who follow you around, talking constantly, stopping you concentrating on the job. I usually ask them to be quiet

SailorSam

When we have our own homes unless money isn't a problem we've really all got to learn to do as many of the general run-of-the-mill jobs as possible ourselves.
Get a couple of Diy books from the library or look on the web how to fo things.
You may surprise yourself, and practise makes perfect.

AdmiralX

I have the same problem. Usually, I bargain the rate or I get a quote from 2 handymen locally.

One way carrying out small jobs is by hourly rate: asking a handyman to work for a fixed time at a fixed rate, and you bargain the rate.
Another way is by piece: describe the jobs bundle them and ask the quote from 2 peoplle. You can provide materials yourself . A third way is to bundle the cost with another bigger job and get the smaller one done cheaper . I have done all there and worked OK.

Usually, I ask people I know if they know a good cheap handyman. It takes time but you will find sthg.

Do not forget to ask the handymen how they are going to fix the problem - they vary how they do it.

AdmiralX

ColinFishwick wrote: »

If you can do some of the prep yourself it could save you money either strip walls, clean skirting, doors etc prior to painting, filling in any holes in plaster. You might have trouble getting someone for 2 hours

I think so. There are Youtube clips as well to show how to do things; I also contact companies that sell materials and describe what I need to do etc and ask suggestions.