Consumer Traps & Tips #24 - When a Handyman isn’t so handy

For immediate release: May 11, 2009
Contact: Dennis Moore PBC Consumer Affairs Division, (561) 712-6600

Trap

Enid, an elderly woman living on a fixed income needed to have some minor painting done in her condominium. She saw an ad in her community newsletter for a handyman offering, “No job too small.” She called, and the man came and gave her an estimate. She agreed to the price and paid the handyman for materials. After the painting was complete Enid paid the balance in cash. The next day she noticed the overall job was quite sloppy. She tried to contact the handyman but he never returned any of her calls.

Tips

Take the time to protect your home and pocketbook.  Follow these helpful tips:

• The Construction Industry Licensing Board of Palm Beach County requires a Certificate of Competency for 48 different trades. Before contacting your handyman, verify if the work to be done requires certification by calling 561-233-5525 or go to: www.pbcgov.com/pzb/Contractors.
• Check with your local building department to see if you need a permit, and be cautious if you are asked by the business to apply for one yourself.  
• Get at least three written estimates. The final contract should disclose the total price. Read it carefully before signing. Does it have the full name of the business, address (no P.O. Boxes) and telephone (not just a cell phone number)? Be sure the nature of the work and materials are written out so there is no misunderstanding.
• Get a commencement and completion date and include a progression of payments. 
• Be careful if you are asked to pay in cash, or make a large down payment for “materials” and if possible, pay by check or credit card. 

For more information, call Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs at 561-712-6600 (Boca/Delray 888-852-7362 toll free) or visit www.pbcgov.com/consumer to see if other consumers had complaints against the handyman or contractor you are considering.