Fixitguy Dayton's Best Handyman Service

10/05/2023

Everyday I read about folks getting ripped off in home repair scams. I'd like to offer some advice on hiring a contractor. From a contractor.

First ask friends, relatives and associates for referrals. Ask further if they have actually used the person, Let's call him John Doe

Contact John and ask for an estimate, or for standard service call rates for small jobs.

Ask John about insurance, bonding and licensing where applicable. Check with the BBB and Chamber of Commerce for any complaints. John should also have a business card.

Ask John for references, further ask if any are relatives. Actually call the references and ask questions. Did John show up when scheduled? Did John provide you with a written estimate? Where you happy with the work? Would they mind if you took a look?

On major jobs ask for a certificate of insurance, with your name added as covered. Get the estimate in writing with specifics laid out, like material specifications, start dates and times. Standard boilerplate nomenclature should also be on the estimate covering Acts of God, Weather delays, material shortages and insurance specified

If a down payment is require pay by check or card. Any legitimate contractor takes credit cards and uses pay services like Vemo. Document all your spending. If they insist on cash you should be very, very suspicious.

Finally, always trust your gut, if you are suspicious in anyway move on.

08/18/2023

I installed a handrail on a handicap ramp, added a mid rail for anyone in wheel chair

07/07/2023

I never know if I'm being tested, either by YHWH, the customer,or 60minutes.
I did a job today, told the man it would be $100. He counted out his money and folded it and gave it to me. I usually just slide it in my pocket and say thank you. Today I counted it out and he had given me four $20 bills and a $100 dollar bill.
I said , "wow sir, you gave me too much" and showed him. Traded him the $100 for a $20.

06/30/2023

04/10/2021

Bizarre call. One year old water heater, 2 control valves burners and pilots replaced. I was called out to replace the third set of parts under warranty. I could not get this unit to burn right. Called Vectern, they ran pressure up and down and still couldn't get it to burn right. After chatting with Pickrel and Rheem I got a new water heater. We speculate that somehow an Indiana water heater was put in the wrong box.

01/20/2021

I Installed a wi-fi security camera system in November. Nothing but trouble, cameras drop. you have to reload or worse yet get ladder out and reset cameras. It's like Windows 95. I finally had my fill of it and raised hell with amazon and returned the junk. Bought a good old fashioned hard wired system,
2 take aways. Never buy wi-fi security cameras and NEVER buy the HISEEU brand. horrible customer service HORRIBLE.

01/19/2021

The latest trend in kitchen flooring. The quilted floor. Dog tested and approved.

01/19/2021

Odd day, got a txt for an estimate for a handicap ramp. Guy said he just bought house and wife was in accident, he's out of state on business. Went to look, vacant abandoned house, Garage door torn off. Thinking to myself, Why would you buy and 80 year old 2 story house for a disabled person? Called the realtor, house still on market, no offers. I think I was being set up for something.

01/03/2021

A lot of you got Alexa for Christmas. or some other home automation system. Most of us have been trained to turn the lights off when we leave the room, flip that switch. Well for the system to operate you need to leave the switch on. Dimple solution from our Jewish friends. The Mitzvah switch cover. a magnetic cover that prevents accidently flipping switch during Shabbat. Models for standard toggle switch. Decora paddle switch and one for dimmers.

12/30/2020

I have been using the referral service company Thumbtack. I have dropped out of their service after they publicly endorsed Black Lives Matters. a terrorist organization. I will NOT have my business associated with terrorists.