I am searching for. new handyman. I hav a concrete outside step repair that needs to be done. Historically i have gathered a long list of phoe numbers and started calling to arrange estimates. I need about 10 folks to say they will give me an estimate to get at least one estimate.

Today I began texting and sending a picture. i think this is faster and better responses. How do folks arrange to get estimates?

I am getting quotes for the same job. Everyone is working off the same picture and description. So far the quotes have been from $4230. to $260. Pretty typical of my experience with quotes...even when i show folks th job in person.

I've had similar issue getting responses. I called 22 masons to get some brick repairs done and only one called me back...and he never followed up. I still have not had the work done, considering doing it myself. Ugh

Laura, without seeing the steps, I’d suggest you higher a mason to do the work. I think a majority of injuries is falling down stairs and I wouldn’t take a chance on that.

As for getting a new handyman, I’d suggest finding someone you like who has insurance and is ok with being paid on a 1099 (you probably will be paying him more than $600). Don’t get a quote, just let him do a small job and see how the quality of his work is and the price. If you are good with it, nurture the relationship with good communication on exactly what the task is, making sure he has skill to do it, pay him asap, let him know how much you appreciated the work he has done.

Laura,

I REALLY like your photo idea!

Maybe post the photo on Facebook and ask for help.

The free govt money is making it HARDER to find help.

BRAD

Www.mrlandlord.com Lucky to get 3,and two to take the time to come look at the job. Sometimes I can speed things up by speaking their language, and say it's so many squares of roofing, etc and then they can give you a ballpark est over the phone. Then you have an idea of who to follow up with. So a picture sounds like a step in the right direction, so are measurements.

Update..... I signed a contract with a company that does lots of things including masonry. I am paying $990 to have the bottom step of a 4 step concrete stair replaced. I am getting the bottom (cracked, with block of concrete missing) replaced rather than repaired.

I had quotes from $270 to $4000+. The $4000+ was to replace entire stair set, seemed like overkill to me. One contractor did offer $260 and would do it the next day, when I told him his quote was high ($700+). I thought that was slimy behavior and would never work with him. I got a $360 & $500+ quote also. They were for repair step, not replace.

My decision process was:

- I actually had this stair repaired (you can see the patch) 15+ years ago

-prefer replace over repair because I don't want to touch it again

- went with a large insured company because I trusted their expertise...even though i strongly suspect they will subcontract it out

-most importantly I need it done, the current step is a hazard and I didn't want to spend more time finding someone

-equally important I wanted liability protection if someone gets hurt. It look good if I have a reputable company that will stand behind the work.

- I know I overpaid because of the company I hired, but because of the urgency and liability that is OK

Thoughts? Would you have handled it differently?