"Are you insured for liability and property damage?"

Why it matters: A handyman without insurance is a personal liability risk. If they break a window, damage your floor, or injure themselves on your property, you may be the one paying for it.

"Do you have a contractor license or handyman registration in this state?"

Why it matters: Licensing requirements for handymen vary widely. Some states require a contractor license for any job over a dollar threshold ($500-$1,000 in many states).

"Do you charge hourly or flat-rate for this job?"

Why it matters: Hourly billing works well for undefined or exploratory work. Flat-rate works well for defined tasks.

"Can you give me a written estimate before starting?"

Why it matters: Verbal estimates turn into disputes. A written estimate does not need to be a formal contract, but it should describe the scope, the rate, the estimated cost, and what happens if something unexpected comes up.

"What materials are included, and how do you handle material costs?"

Why it matters: Some handymen supply all materials and mark them up. Others expect you to supply everything.

"Will this job require a permit?"

Why it matters: Handymen are often vague about permits because pulling them slows the job down and requires contractor licensing. But unpermitted work can come back to bite you when you sell the home or file an insurance claim.

"What is your minimum charge?"

Why it matters: Most handymen have a minimum charge (typically 1-2 hours), even if the job takes 20 minutes. Knowing this upfront prevents surprises when the invoice arrives.

"Do you do the work yourself or send crew?"

Why it matters: Some handyman businesses are one person. Others send different workers depending on availability.

"What happens if something breaks or does not work correctly after you leave?"

Why it matters: This question tells you a lot about how a handyman operates. Good ones have a clear policy.

"Can you share references or show me photos of similar work?"

Why it matters: A handyman with a good reputation will have homeowners happy to talk to you. A phone portfolio of past work is also a reasonable ask.

"What is in scope and what is not?"

Why it matters: Scope creep is the top complaint with handyman work. The job expands from "fix the door" to "while you are here, can you also.

"What is the payment schedule?"

Why it matters: For small jobs (under $500), payment on completion is standard. For larger multi-day jobs, a deposit at start and the balance on completion is reasonable.