"Tarty" wrote in :

I realize rates are different throughout the country, but I was
wondering about what rates are in your area.

I recently got a flyer in my paper box. This person advertises, HVAC,
electrical, & plumbing, among a host of other services. Some of the
things missing in their flyer are key words such as licensed &
insured.

In my city, one can get a general license for contracting, you must
provide proof of insurance. I know this because some years ago, I used
to be a licensed/insured GC. My insurance company used to mail to the
different cities, a copy of my $500K liability policy, b/4 the cities
would issue a license.

Licensing for electrical, HVAC, and plumbing are totally different
from a GC license and are State issued, but these services must be
registered with the cities around here. They also must carry
additional licenses with the cities in these parts.

Anyways, this person advertises painting, leaf raking etc.

Their rate: $50.00 per hr.

Seems a bit steep for a handyman, even if they were licensed &
insured. And surely not enough for a licensed professional.

What's the going rate for a handyman in your area?



I know pretty much zip about heating systems. I've always had a bad
feeling about anyone who does heating work and it's not their advertised
and licensed profession. Stories of CO2 deaths occurring because of
oddball ventilation things. I guess insisting on an inspection upon work
completion would minimize risk...providing the area even has an
inspector...a competent one.