Handyman?

[The Annoyed Man]

I'm not that handy. I used to be, but then I got to where I'd just rather pay someone to do things; and in the interim I've gotten crippled up enough that some things are just too hard for me to do.

I have a guy, a friend from my church, who has been doing our handyman work for several years for us, but his business has gotten much busier with more substantial customer projects, and he has less time for my piddling little stuff. I've got a second call in to him (he never followed up on my first call), but if he doesn't call back, I'm going to need to find someone else who can do the work.....happy wife, happy life, and all that.

So these are relatively minor things, but I don't have the skills to do the first, and I can't get to the second.

1. We have an old trash compacter that was already installed under our kitchen counter when we first bought the house. It doesn't work, and we've never used it. What's worse is that the latch that holds it closed is no longer working, so it is always slightly ajar. I would like to have it completely removed, and have that space finished out in a cabinet with door to match the existing cabinetry, to hold a recycling trashcan under that counter.
2. We have a 35.5" wide octagonal window over our cooktop, and it faces east. The rising sun shines right through that window and it is blinding in the morning. I bought a very nice 35.5" Levolor wood blind to hang over this window, but because it is set back from the edge of the counter, my back won't really let me get too it to drill the holes, install the hardware, and hang the thing up.

I have called two alternate handyman sources: HandyMan.com, and HandyManMatters.com. I got an hourly quote from the first, and no answer from the second.

HandyMan.com quoted me $135.00/hour, 1 hour minimum, $22.50/15 minutes after that, we pay for materials. If they pay for materials, they mark them up, and they are on the clock while they go to get them. A half day is $405.00, and a full day was $765.00.

I have no idea of whether or not those rates are par for the course. MY guy seems like he is usually a lot less than that, but then he's usually doing small projects for me, so I have no real idea if it matches up or not.

Anyway, if one of you here in NE Tarrant Country is a handyman, or knows of a good handyman you'd be comfortable referring to me, I'd be willing to talk about it. PM me if your interested or if you've got somebody to refer me to.

[tomtexan]

I'm not that handy. I used to be, but then I got to where I'd just rather pay someone to do things; and in the interim I've gotten crippled up enough that some things are just too hard for me to do.

I have a guy, a friend from my church, who has been doing our handyman work for several years for us, but his business has gotten much busier with more substantial customer projects, and he has less time for my piddling little stuff. I've got a second call in to him (he never followed up on my first call), but if he doesn't call back, I'm going to need to find someone else who can do the work.....happy wife, happy life, and all that.

So these are relatively minor things, but I don't have the skills to do the first, and I can't get to the second.

1. We have an old trash compacter that was already installed under our kitchen counter when we first bought the house. It doesn't work, and we've never used it. What's worse is that the latch that holds it closed is no longer working, so it is always slightly ajar. I would like to have it completely removed, and have that space finished out in a cabinet with door to match the existing cabinetry, to hold a recycling trashcan under that counter.
2. We have a 35.5" wide octagonal window over our cooktop, and it faces east. The rising sun shines right through that window and it is blinding in the morning. I bought a very nice 35.5" Levolor wood blind to hang over this window, but because it is set back from the edge of the counter, my back won't really let me get too it to drill the holes, install the hardware, and hang the thing up.

I have called two alternate handyman sources: HandyMan.com, and HandyManMatters.com. I got an hourly quote from the first, and no answer from the second.

HandyMan.com quoted me $135.00/hour, 1 hour minimum, $22.50/15 minutes after that, we pay for materials. If they pay for materials, they mark them up, and they are on the clock while they go to get them. A half day is $405.00, and a full day was $765.00.

I have no idea of whether or not those rates are par for the course. MY guy seems like he is usually a lot less than that, but then he's usually doing small projects for me, so I have no real idea if it matches up or not.

Anyway, if one of you here in NE Tarrant Country is a handyman, or knows of a good handyman you'd be comfortable referring to me, I'd be willing to talk about it. PM me if your interested or if you've got somebody to refer me to.

Wow! I'm in the wrong business!

[suthdj]

I'm not that handy. I used to be, but then I got to where I'd just rather pay someone to do things; and in the interim I've gotten crippled up enough that some things are just too hard for me to do.

I have a guy, a friend from my church, who has been doing our handyman work for several years for us, but his business has gotten much busier with more substantial customer projects, and he has less time for my piddling little stuff. I've got a second call in to him (he never followed up on my first call), but if he doesn't call back, I'm going to need to find someone else who can do the work.....happy wife, happy life, and all that.

So these are relatively minor things, but I don't have the skills to do the first, and I can't get to the second.

1. We have an old trash compacter that was already installed under our kitchen counter when we first bought the house. It doesn't work, and we've never used it. What's worse is that the latch that holds it closed is no longer working, so it is always slightly ajar. I would like to have it completely removed, and have that space finished out in a cabinet with door to match the existing cabinetry, to hold a recycling trashcan under that counter.
2. We have a 35.5" wide octagonal window over our cooktop, and it faces east. The rising sun shines right through that window and it is blinding in the morning. I bought a very nice 35.5" Levolor wood blind to hang over this window, but because it is set back from the edge of the counter, my back won't really let me get too it to drill the holes, install the hardware, and hang the thing up.

I have called two alternate handyman sources: HandyMan.com, and HandyManMatters.com. I got an hourly quote from the first, and no answer from the second.

HandyMan.com quoted me $135.00/hour, 1 hour minimum, $22.50/15 minutes after that, we pay for materials. If they pay for materials, they mark them up, and they are on the clock while they go to get them. A half day is $405.00, and a full day was $765.00.

I have no idea of whether or not those rates are par for the course. MY guy seems like he is usually a lot less than that, but then he's usually doing small projects for me, so I have no real idea if it matches up or not.

Anyway, if one of you here in NE Tarrant Country is a handyman, or knows of a good handyman you'd be comfortable referring to me, I'd be willing to talk about it. PM me if your interested or if you've got somebody to refer me to.

Wow! I'm in the wrong business!

No kidding I could work half days and still make more than I do now and have more time to go shooting.

[olafpfj]

The easiest and probably cheapest thing to do with the compactor is to have a custom cabinet made at Lowes or Home Depot that will slip into the void left by the compactor. A few screws on the sides and back will secure it in place. My dad did something along these lines years ago when remodeling his kitchen.

[Dadtodabone]

The blinds,
Where did you purchase them? Lowe's and Home Depot have installers that are available that do installs for a fixed price. If not one of them, return the ones you have, go to Lowe's or Home Depot.
The compactor,
Go to Lowe's or Home Depot with the dimensions of the opening for the compactor. They'll quote you a price for a cabinet and it's installation.

I used to be handy too. Once when asked why she "put up with" cigars-guns-scotch-hunting trips-boats-etc my wife replied, "He gives great house!". Warmed my heart, that did.

[The Annoyed Man]

I bought the blinds at Lowes, but it's for just one window, so I didn't bother trying to get one of their installers. Also, I thought maybe I could do it myself. But after trying to tackle it myself this morning, I came and wrote my opening post. I just can't do it anymore.

Olafpfj, I responded to your PM. I thought I had your cellphone number in my phone, but apparently I either lost it or I never had it. But check your PMs. Thanks.

[Running Arrow Bill]

I'm not that handy. I used to be, but then I got to where I'd just rather pay someone to do things; and in the interim I've gotten crippled up enough that some things are just too hard for me to do.

I have a guy, a friend from my church, who has been doing our handyman work for several years for us, but his business has gotten much busier with more substantial customer projects, and he has less time for my piddling little stuff. I've got a second call in to him (he never followed up on my first call), but if he doesn't call back, I'm going to need to find someone else who can do the work.....happy wife, happy life, and all that.

So these are relatively minor things, but I don't have the skills to do the first, and I can't get to the second.

1. We have an old trash compacter that was already installed under our kitchen counter when we first bought the house. It doesn't work, and we've never used it. What's worse is that the latch that holds it closed is no longer working, so it is always slightly ajar. I would like to have it completely removed, and have that space finished out in a cabinet with door to match the existing cabinetry, to hold a recycling trashcan under that counter.
2. We have a 35.5" wide octagonal window over our cooktop, and it faces east. The rising sun shines right through that window and it is blinding in the morning. I bought a very nice 35.5" Levolor wood blind to hang over this window, but because it is set back from the edge of the counter, my back won't really let me get too it to drill the holes, install the hardware, and hang the thing up.

I have called two alternate handyman sources: HandyMan.com, and HandyManMatters.com. I got an hourly quote from the first, and no answer from the second.

HandyMan.com quoted me $135.00/hour, 1 hour minimum, $22.50/15 minutes after that, we pay for materials. If they pay for materials, they mark them up, and they are on the clock while they go to get them. A half day is $405.00, and a full day was $765.00.

I have no idea of whether or not those rates are par for the course. MY guy seems like he is usually a lot less than that, but then he's usually doing small projects for me, so I have no real idea if it matches up or not.

Anyway, if one of you here in NE Tarrant Country is a handyman, or knows of a good handyman you'd be comfortable referring to me, I'd be willing to talk about it. PM me if your interested or if you've got somebody to refer me to.

Those are OUTRAGEOUS prices for a "handyman"!! My understanding of one is that he/she is a non-specialized worker who is a jack of all trades and master of none. IMO such a person would be over-charging anything more than $25. an hour. Is the "handyman" also a licensed Attorney or Psychiatrist? LOL! In our neck of the woods, professional skilled tradesmen only charge between $25 and $50 an hour (plumbers, electricians, welders, etc.).

Sounds like the "service" is taking a large cut of the hourly rates (like a "Temp Works" business, etc.).

Bill

[RJGold]

TAM - unfortunately, I can't help you with referrals in the DFW area. We haven't lived there in more than 5 years.

I can tell you those rates are high (but you already knew that).

If you know a realtor, ask them who they use. I have never met a realtor who didn't have a few handymen in their rolodex.

If you don't know a realtor, find someone who owns rental properties and see if they have someone they trust.

I know how you feel about not being able to do it yourself anymore.

Good luck.

[MeMelYup]

Tam. Be a teacher and pass on some of your knowledge. There must be some 14 to 18 year old people at your church. Hire one of them at $10 to$15 an hour under your supervision. You provide the tools, equipment and knowledge, they provide the labor.

[strider67]

PM sent.

[The Annoyed Man]

PM sent.

PM replied to.

[strider67]

PM sent.

PM replied to.

PM sent to reply to the reply you sent me to the original PM.

Sorry, I couldn't resist!