I have had my fair share of unfinished projects lurking around my house. I have made lists, updated lists, edited lists, lost lists, and created new lists. I recently came across a list from over ten years ago, for a house that I no longer own. I almost mailed the list to the current homeowners, with a big “Did this ever get done?” scrawled across the top in red Sharpie!

 Some folks call it the “honey-do” list. For many, though, there may not be a “honey” to take out the trash let alone change a light bulb. During my single days, that was one of the most frustrating things I came across. I had no idea how to balance a noisy ceiling fan or install light switches that had dimmers on them. Truth be told, when I first started dating my current live-in handyman, I sent him a series of texts with questions relating to whether or not he was the type to fix things around the house. I know he will laugh when he reads this, but on one of our very first dates, he found himself fixing my garbage disposal. A true story!

 Maybe you have a well-meaning “honey” who just hasn't had the time or knowledge to fix your garage door opener, repaint the baseboards, or figure out why the light goes off in the kitchen while your blow drying your hair in the bedroom. Either way, little projects tend to add up and the next thing you know, there is a long list of things that are driving you nuts, that just simply need to get done.

 Finding a trustworthy handyman can feel like a daunting task. You know you need someone for your list of little projects, but not necessarily a big general contractor complete with bulldozers showing up at your door. You find yourself asking around, checking the phone book, making a bunch of calls and then waiting around for people to show up. Then you are overwhelmed with the differences in what these guys are saying – some make it seem like no big deal while others have your ripping out the dining room for a problem on the opposite side of the house!

How do you really know when someone has as much knowledge and experience as they say? You never want to find yourself with a handyman who has gotten themselves in over their head. Some guys claim they can do everything from replacing a broken window sill to building a second story onto your house! Actually, though, some can! You need to ascertain the truth from fiction, and it is better to do that before you invite them into your home with power tools.

Let’s make this easy. First of all, spend some time on the Internet reviewing websites. Reputable companies will be proud of their services and happy to educate. With today’s Internet referral sites, and the ability to see company reviews, you can find many companies to contact. Be careful what you read, however, the anonymous nature can sometimes attract a few nasty writers with an ax to grind. I suggest that you give companies the benefit of the doubt when reading over the top reviews, either good or bad.

Once you have done some online research, you are sure to come up with some possible contractors in your area. Read testimonials. Call them and ask for referrals. Now is not the time to be shy! Don’t be afraid to call the names they give you and ask some serious questions. Next, after you have narrowed down to field to a few, ask for verification that the handyman or company has a business license. Ask specifics, have they done this same scope of work before? Do they have photographs of similar projects completed? If you know you need electrical work, do they have an electrical contractor’s license? Also, make sure that the contractor has liability insurance to protect you from damages that result from the work being completed.

 Most importantly, get a written and signed proposal from each person or business that lists all costs and details of the proposed project. Even for the smallest projects! This will not only be helpful for comparing quotes, “apples to apples” but unfortunately, gone are the days of the handshake deal. Get what they propose in writing! If there are chances for costs to vary, it is helpful to at least know there is a chance up front. Be understanding, however, sometimes it is difficult to ascertain certain cost prior to getting involved in the project. If you have done your homework, and contracted with a reputable company, chances are they are not tacking on variable costs for the sake of it.

As far as contracting with a  licensed company versus “a schmuck with a truck”, I am definitely one of those people who believe “you get what you pay for”. I have had friends refer me to a “guy” on more than one occasion, and ended up with a headache. I have had “guys” not know what they are doing, not show up or botch the job. I remember one time “a friend of a friend” sat around watching soccer in Spanish on my TV instead of working. I have learned my lesson on trying to find cheap work. It doesn’t pay in the long run.

 It is important to remember that life has its priorities. If you and yours have a list that keeps growing, it is easier than ever to find a reputable handyman to clean up that “honey-do” list that keeps you from enjoying your weekends guilt free!