How do you charge for your work?
I charge by the hour—normally $40 per hour, with a two-hour
minimum. Since no project is too small, I usually suggest that customers find
another small job or two around the house to use up the minimum time left on
really quick jobs. My charges are due and payable upon completion of the
project. However, longer-term projects may require a phased payment
arrangement. If I have to travel more than a half-hour each way to the job, I
include the travel time in the job total. I don’t charge a “truck fee” or
mileage, and I don’t charge for my tools unless I have to rent special tools
for your project.
Can I get an estimate before you
begin?
Yes. I’ll be happy to provide my best time estimate once I
have a complete understanding of the work involved. Occasionally, there may be
unanticipated challenges that come up during the job or customer changes to the
scope of work that may require a re-estimate. Projects such as wallpaper
stripping or repairs to old work are fraught with unknowns and may not be
“estimatable” until the job is well underway, but I may be able to provide a
cost “range” in such cases.
How do you charge for materials?
There are two ways to handle the cost of materials. Based
upon my specifications, you may purchase the materials in advance and have them
delivered to the work site, or I can select and purchase the materials for you
and either bring them or have them delivered to the site. My time spent
shopping and delivering materials would be billed at my regular rate. Any
materials I purchase would be billed at cost plus 10%. Any contractor discounts I receive are
passed on to the customer, and I would provide copies of the receipts. Large
purchases of materials may require an advance payment.
Do you take away construction
trash?
I clean up the work site at the end of each day. The trash
resulting from most Handyman Services projects can easily be bagged and put out
for your regular trash pickup. For jobs with large amounts of demolition or
construction trash, I recommend that the customer rent a small disposal bin for
the duration of the project. I cannot dispose of hazardous waste, but I may be able
to find appropriate resources for you.
What kind of guarantee do you
offer?
I provide a full customer satisfaction guarantee. That means
I will immediately address any concerns you may have with my work until the
issue is resolved to your complete satisfaction.
Who will come to my house?
Most Handyman Services projects require only one person to
complete the job, and that person will be Steve Mills. In the rare cases where
four or six hands are needed, I may require a laborer or two to assist me.
These are young men I have employed in the past and have my complete trust. I
take full responsibility for the quality of their work and their
professionalism.
How small a project will you take
on?
Since I have a two-hour minimum, I can take on the smallest
project. Customers always get exactly what they pay for, because there are
always at least two hours worth of projects worth doing in any home. On the
other hand, if I think a project is too large, or not up my alley, I will tell
you immediately—probably when you first call.
How far will you travel?
My service area includes all of the South Shore of
Massachusetts extending north to Cambridge, west to Framingham, and south to
Cape Cod, as necessary. I am a small independent contractor, so I can make any
travel arrangement for any job that serves the customer and makes sense for me
to take on. The following is a listing of the cities and towns in Massachusetts
served by Steve Mills Handyman Services, but please call if your town is not
listed or if you think you might live outside my primary service area.
