I hate the term “handyman” Isn’t that a term for a husband that can supposedly fix a few things around the house because he saw it on HGTV?
I have heard Professional Home Service and Repair Specialist. Anybody else have a better name for it.
Thanks
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Replies
How 'bout handy humanoid
I have a balloon framed house built in 1907 and the first floor was framed and decked with 1x8's diagonally with the all the walls sitting on top of the first floor deck. In my situation jacking up on the floor joist would automatically raise the wall. Maybe yours is framed different, but I would check that out again.
Huh?
Was your house built by a handyman, house wright or some body else?
FYI, jacking up on a floor joist in a platform framed house will also raise the wall.
Methinks you posted in this thread by mistake.
Jim
Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.
The thermostat is on a timer. Typically with seperate settings for week days and weekends. Most split each day up into four time frames so that you can lower the setting during the hours you are most often not at home.
Too large a variation in settings however uses more fuel than a constant, higher, setting.
J. D. ReynoldsHome Improvements
Hey, at least we're staying on topic, this thread.
Forrest
Old growth, quarter sawn.
Got it for a song, thanks!
J. D. ReynoldsHome Improvements
I hear Regan is going to veto the energy bill.
Thanks for adding the reminder about "not too large" difference in settings.
Jim
Never understimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.
Is prospero having a hard time putting posts in the right threads?
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Nah....just me being goofy, by goofing on anothers goof.
(Had myself in stitches though.)
J. D. ReynoldsHome Improvements
Take your medicine and don't forget to have those stitches taken out in a week or so then
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
>> Too large a variation ... uses more fuel than a constant, higher, setting.Can you explain how that works? It doesn't match what I think I know about thermodynamics.
In theory, and as I understand it, maintaining a setting of say 65 degrees will kick the boiler on often for short spans throughout the course of the day, whereas setting the thermostat at 55 during hours when the home is empty, and 70 when the home is full uses more fuel overall as boiler needs to run longer to recover.
This may not be necessarily true when the home is empty for long periods of time....i.e., days/weeks....but on a day in, day out basis I believe it is the case.
J. D. ReynoldsHome Improvements
That would be a good one for myth busters. I have got to think that keeping the house cooler during the day is more efficient, unless you have a heat pump, and it must turn on the auxiliary coils for heat.
Cooler, yes. But the drastic difference in settings is where the efficiency is lost.
Recovering say a 10 degree difference in settings is one thing....but 20 or so and you end up burning more fuel overall.
At least that is how it has been explained to me.
J. D. ReynoldsHome Improvements
JDRHI,
What thread are you guys/gals posting in?? Your posts keep popping up in the thread "Better name for handyman". I know its probably a prospero glitz, but it definitely makes for some entertaining reading.
Just curios.Live by the sword, die by the sword....choose your sword wisely.
I don't think it's a prospero glitz.
I think someone posted off-topic as a joke or by mistake. Someone else posted off-topic to that already off-topic as a joke or the chide them. More of the same may have ensued. At some point, one of these off-topic posts was responded to in a serious manner and so now we have 2 threads in 1.
Also, it's because foam insulation already acts as its own vapor barrior. (you know, it's not so easy to think of something completely irrelevant).
Don's got it.
Started off as a goof, and then took on a life of its own.
J. D. ReynoldsHome Improvements
somebody on here suggested "house wright" or something close to that in the past.
It had an appealing old world feel to it...
That would be a handihubby
Welcome to the
Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
where ...
Excellence is its own reward!
That was my thoughts.
How about
Getter done guy
Do it Dude or Dudette
In my case "Old Man Bob"
but yur still younger than Piffin...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
" honey do"
I agree with you. Also, there have been too many news reports of nefarious deeds by the "handyman".
I have called myself a handyman in this forum because it is the easiest way to describe what I do, but I do not refer to myself that way when talking to customers. I tell them I'm a carpenter/painter and I do general repairs. On my business card and letterhead I list Carpentry, Painting, Repair. My business is an acronym formed from the first letter of each word. I actually was certified in CPR many years ago. Hopefully, no one will call me first if they're having a heart attack since I've forgotten everything I learned.
"I tell them I'm a carpenter/painter and I do general repairs."Well then why not simply call yourself a 'general repairman' ?=0)
Everybody is born a hero.
Stiiiilll thinking "general repairman" sounds as good as any other...
Everybody is born a hero.
I prefer
"Dream Maker"
Forrest - Love taker, don't you mess around with me
Perfect Husband
I tell some of my clients that is what I am not a handy man. As a Perfect Husband I do exactly what they want when they want it and when Iam done I go away. They do have to pay me but I'm still cheaper.
>>Perfect Husband>>I tell some of my clients that is what I am not a handy man. As a Perfect Husband I do exactly what they want when they want it and when Iam done I go away. They do have to pay me but I'm still cheaper.Am I the only one who sees this description in a...let's say...a slightly different way?Whenever I here someone say they have a "rent-a-husband", I just can't help thinking---what a great gig! AND he gets PAID for it? Wow.FTR, my company name is "HomeWright". It's what I do.. It's what I am.
It would be a death sentence for my career to be called a handy man, even when some one calls me to to handy manly stuff, I call it maintenance carpentry.
There is now pasta sauce across my monitor.How can I get rid of that Mr. Dream Maker?Steve - Wishing I had a bad reputation.
Dreams!
Designed to meat the need
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Depending upon what I am doing, I am a professional builder, technician, laboror, electrician, plumber, designer, etc.
When people make comments on me being handy, I tell them I am technically oriented.
They look at me funny, but thats ok.
I spent 5 1/2 years in college and have a civil engineering degree and now rip out old rotted doors, fix leaks,renovate and build houses, etc every day.
It is what I am and handy doesnt work for me either.
p.s. I like the "perfect husband" idea too, but don't think I dont think my wife would appreciate hearing that from a client she runs into.
I have seen a company called rent-a-husband.
their doing great.not just repair work but just about any hunny do the client wants.you could call yourself a light repair specialist, specializing in carpentry ,electrical, and structural repairs..something along those lines.
<a company called rent-a-husband.>
Didn't Richard Gere play in that movie?
Forrest - call me
dont know but I read about them a few years ago. It seem they were quite busy doing everything from home repair to even moving furniture around, fridges and stuff let me open a new window and see if they have a web site. Well I didnt exactly find a website but I found thishttp://www.rentahusband.com/recognition.htm How about for a biz card:
"The Craftsman"
Old World craftsmanship in modern times
Expert Carpenter, Electrical and Painting
No job to small or to large.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
Edited 11/29/2007 11:11 am by Sancho
I liked the craftsman idea. How about General House/Home Craftsman?
same as you I do anything that concerns a property. whether that be lawn care, home repair, pet care, or painting and other stuff. That's like a super handyman.
There's a handy outfit in town called "Superhandyman." Drives around in large box van and truck painted super blue yellow and red...
wouldn't be caught dead in that thing...
When people make comments on me being handy, I tell them I am technically oriented.
I tell them, "No, I am not handy, I know what I'm doing."
I like that one too TomC
My father called it the "PDB."
Poor... dumb... bastard...
Why don't you just describe yourself as a "craftsman"
You could compare yourself to the tool brand.
"CRAFTSMAN: Lower quality, lower price, and good enough for most homeowners" ;-)
But really, to me a craftsman is similar to a handyman just more intelligent and creative.
gk
I like the moniker "Handyman"
"Handywoman"?
I even like "Jack of all Trades"
If you are good at what you do, it doesn't matter what they call you.
I know people who call themselves, Carpenter, Plumber, Electrician, Drywaller, Taper, Engineer, Architect, Roofer, Bricklayer, or even Furnace Repairman, that I wouldn't let within ten miles of a house I was working on.
Maybe you can come up with a politically correct name for them.
I already have one.
Small Project Specialist
"Put your creed in your deed." Emerson
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
I saw a thread mentioning Sonny Lykos. I looked through some old threads somewhere. After his name on his cards he has:
Small jobs professionally executed. Or something like that.
"House Doctor Home Renovationist".
Makes them stop and think and once they ask a question you've got 'em.
be gettin' 'em
Although "Handyman" may not be the most flattering term, PHSRS sounds like some disease they're trying to cure - or some drug they sell on late nigh TV. - lol
The term handyman is a great term in that it says a lot in one word.
If you are doing handyman services and just want to embellish the term a bit, you would do well with a powerful quip. Someone already mentioned Sonny's which also describes his operation in a powerful way.
Housewright, and terms like those are cute, but realistically, from a marketing perspective, it might not appeal to the masses like you want it too. That term might have a regional appeal but if anyone used it here in TX or back in MI, no one would have any clue as to what they do.
FKA Blue (eyeddevil)
I use the phrase:Professional Handyman Services
Rich Beckman
I think that is exellent marketing Rich. FKA Blue (eyeddevil)
I have a builder friend who dreams of scaling back to handtman status - he says his card will read : Chris ##### - Most Jobs Too Big....
Great thread...I don't "hate" the term but I seem to fall into the catergory when asked "what do you charge?"........"What!!! My cousins, ex- husband's nefew is HANDY and charges this $14.00/hr....."
Great !!! Call him!!!...and when he injures himself or others, burns down your house, floods your neighbour's basment with sewage, don't be suprised with his look of total bewilderment when you ask "and your liability insurance carrier is ??????", "of course you have workers compensation", "you are licenced, right???"
Yes I'am handy and can repair/construct/renovate/create etc....but how dare you charge that!!!
Gripe done!
TN
I struggle with the same 'handyman' naming dilema. I don't like the term but it's easy to use & everyone knows what it means. There's alot 'handyman' competition working out of a ratty pick up with broken down tools and charging just enough for beer money - it's a tough group to get lumped into.
I'm upfront with new customers who call looking for handyman repairs; I don't quote an hourly rate, all of my work is priced 'by the job' and my fee structure is competitive with other trade professionals - i.e. if they need a electrical or plumbing fixture swapped out I charge electrician or plumbers rates. The difference is that I will do smaller projects like that whereas trade specific guys typically won't. My professionalism, demeanor (on the phone & in person) and other intangibles seperates me out from the typical 'handyman' pretty quickly.
On my business cards I don't have a title, just:
(My name)Build - Renovate - Remodel - Repair"The Small Project Professional"Licensed - Insured(contact info)
-Norm
Your System looks good to me. I also have a problem with "handyman". I work under the business name The HomeOwners Handyman. I am licensed and insured. I also do sub work for a large restoration company. I get many calls for basic handyman stuff I don't due (ie: wash windows, walls, yardwork etc). I also do not do free estimates. I chare $30.00 for basic estimate and deduct if from the final bill if I do the work. I charge more for design and detailed estimates. This helps weed out the homeowners looking for insurance estimates and looker. I do loose a percentage of customers but thats ok because I keep plenty busy.
Russell, Allegan Michigan
I like your approach, Norm.I can think of a bunch
<your first name, assuming it's not Jack> of all Trades
Building Repair Specialist
Maintenance Technician
Building Mechanic
Odd Jobs Artisan
Fix It <your first name>There used to be a company around here called "Rent-a-Husband", "Husband for Hire," or something like that. Once in a while they had to explain it was a handyman service not an escort service. I also think there's a franchised service called "Mr. Handyman."
How about Jack of all Trades!
I've decided to settle on "Handychick". I just wouldn't feel right getting my customers' hopes up, LOL....
Naw, I dont do Jack.
hombre mañoso or Handwerker.
Im not really sure what the connatation is, but I really really dislike being called a handyman. Had a realtor that I did work for that kept calling me a handyman, used to drive me nuts. Dont know why, there's nothing wrong with being a handyman, or handyma'am.
I like the House/home maintanance specialist. Or how about Punchlist specialist?? When I was doing a bunch of punchlist work there was no difference between me and a handyman ( little landscapeing, little elecrical, little plumbing, some painting, hand some pictures, blah, blah, blah).
How about "The Fixer"
Domestic Technician
Matt- Woods favorite carpenter.
I understand why many of us don't want to be known as a handyman. Anyone can call himself a handyman so it's demeaning to a person who has acquired advanced knowledge and skills over many years of hard work.
Secondly, I believe that the general perception of handymen is that they don't charge full journeyman rates. The funny thing is that if you hired me, a skilled carpenter with basic knowledge of other trades, to do a plumbing repair it might cost you more because it's probably going to take me two or three times as long to complete it successfully.
Nonetheless, many people will feel better hiring a handyman to fix the plumbing just because they can't get their head around the idea of paying a plumber $80+ /hr.
My suggestion: On the card in descending order; "Your Name", Builder, Specializing in Home Repairs and Remodeling, phone number. Around the border of the card in a different font, name all the types of work that you're able to do, repeating if necessary.
Another point worth mentioning; Using a card like that, there's no reason why you can't take larger, specialized jobs like roofing and sub them out. If you have a pleasant, professional demeanor and enjoy meeting people you can easily sell reroofing and make good money, without spending any time on the roof.
Already mentioned.....Craftsman, and Small Job Specialists seem a little more professional. I also like Tradesmen.
The $14/hour nephew reference, and the Handyman stigma are easily avoided by looking, dressing, and acting very professionally. A presentable, properly stocked vehicle, with pro graphics, a good website, uniforms, formal proposals, etc. will distinguish you from the "in-between-jobs" type.
How about "small job contractor"?
"Doubt is not a pleasant condition, but certainty is absurd."
~ Voltaire
Rent-a-Husband sounds so demeaning, what am I a piece of Meat?
Of course if you could show up to a job sit on the couch watching TV and drinking beer while yelling "I'll get to it in a minute" and get paid at the same time it might be worth it.
ya left out take a nap..
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Wasn't it implied?
J. D. ReynoldsHome Improvements
Napoleonic house doctor
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
What was he doing with his hand in his shirt, anyway? Looking for his carp pencil?
"Doubt is not a pleasant condition, but certainty is absurd."
~ Voltaire
adjusting volumn on his Ipodorscratching fleas.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Artful Abode Alterations
You hit close to home for me Basswood as my company's name is "ART Construction".
It was an acronym for Andy Rodney Terry but Rodney and Terry have long since fallen out of the picture.
So I would like to come up with a new acronym for ART that reflects my company which is basically exterior repairs ,arbors decks and fences, and helping H.O. with larger remodels they pull permits and pay all subs .I guide ,do deconstruct and reconstruct and have a list of subs that are extremely competant or they can use their own or mix of the two.
I am out of business cards and about to make new ones so the need for a new acronym has arised.
This post has become very relevent to me so any ideas out there would be appreciated.
ANDYSZ2WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
If you're country, it could be All Righty Then (ART) Construction
If you wanted to add a word, and focus on the exterior, it could be All 'Round The (ART) Outside Construction
ART... A Round Tuit...
remember those? little wooden coins?
"I wanna be a race car passenger. You know, the guy that bugs the driver. Say, man, can I stick my feet out the window? Do we have to keep going in circles? Mind if I turn on the radio? Boy, you really like Tide."
That sounds so ghey. A few more years, though, and you could be an Artful Codger.
ROFLMAO!
Outstanding!
Although, I'm really not sure why anyone is so hung up on titles.
I answer to several, depending upon the client. To many homeowners, I'm their "contractor", even though I stopped contracting several years ago.
To a few of the local contractors in town, I'm their "punch list" guy.
To another, I'm his "deck guy".
To a few elderly couples who just don't know who else to call (that they feel comfortable with), I am their "handyman".
I honestly don't care what they call me....so long as they continue to call.
J. D. ReynoldsHome Improvements
Barely Average Residential Fabricators...B.A.R.F.
I prefer "Immaculate Erection" (G)Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"If you want something you've never had, do something you've never done"
I've seen your work. More like...Beautiful Angles and Refined Features
Handyman
And proud of it!
Like an earlier post said, to set yourself apart from the jerk with a truck and ladder, dress and act professionally. I had nice pique polo shirts embroidered with my company name on them. Business cards from the store, not printed on my pc. Clean jeans (unless painting that day) with no rips. Show up on time, wipe your feet.
I'm actually amazed at the calls I get where people should be calling someone OTHER than an Handyman. Had a archy call me this weekend, wanted me to do two dormers in his son's attic. Hmm, I've never done that before, but I'm thinking demo, roofing, ext. siding, structural framing, windows, int. drywall, painting, trim, and maybe some electrical. Seems a bit much for a one-man Handyman outfit. I told him thanks, but no thanks, I do the jobs that can be done in a couple of days.
The other bit I get is people calling me and asking if I do "side jobs." I tell them, no, this is what I do for a living. They are not "side jobs" to me, and I do not treat them as such.
My 1" ad in the Yellow Pages, in addition to all the referrals from customers, keeps me in plenty of work. My $65-$75/rate (2 hr min) usually doesn't raise an eybrow with customers. And once they meet me and let me into their home, they generally become repeat customers, because they know I'm not some jerk with a truck and a ladder.
There are people out there at $50/hr, and the franchises cost about $89/hr. I think there is enough work for everybody. If you have a house, you have a list of things that need fixing. The people who balk at my price are the ones I don't want to deal with anyway. Let them call the $50/hr guy. That frees me up for more and better customers.
I agree that there may be a stigma attached to the word Handyman, but that actually helps set me apart from the pack, because once people get a good, reliable handyman, they like to keep him. Ranks right up there with getting a good, honest mechanic, I think.Pete Duffy, Handyman
"they know I'm not some jerk with a truck and a ladder."I think I've seen that guy toolin around... with the couch cushion for the ladder rack. I always think to myself.... here comes the low bidder.
Wistful Old Man Building And Tinkering......WOMBAT. ;o)
or....
Woman Of Menopause Building A Temple....ooooo, i like it!
.
.
.
.
be a crone!
" Hubby's Handy Helper ?"
Gives me an idea for a company name in a few years.Obviously Lovely Designs and Finewoodworking by Residential TechnicianMy logo would be O.L.D.F.A.R.T.Gotta admit, they'd remember the name.
House doctor
My card reads General Home Repair and Maintenance
MJC Woodworks
"Gentle to the touch, exquisite to contemplate, tractable in creative hands, stronger by weight than iron, wood was, as William Penn had said,"a substance with a soul.'"
Eric Sloane