Working With Us? Start Here
What license does a handyman need?
License requirements vary by state and task. In many places, small repairs (often under a certain dollar threshold) don’t require a special license, but larger projects do. For example, some states require a handyman license only if a job exceeds $500 (California) or $10,000 (Alaska). Once work goes beyond those limits, a general contractor’s license is usually required. Always check your local and state regulations. In any case, you’ll want a basic business license and, if needed for larger jobs (plumbing, electrical, major remodeling), the appropriate contractor license.
Can I be my own contractor?
Yes – as long as you meet all licensing and legal requirements, you can operate as the general contractor for your projects. Being “your own contractor” simply means you take full responsibility for the job (permits, subcontractors, etc.). Keep in mind: if you oversee larger projects, most states require a general contractor license. In practice, that means registering your business, obtaining any required licenses, and managing each job yourself. Many independent professionals find this approach rewarding, since it gives you more control over your work and earnings.
Is being an independent contractor worth it?
Working as an independent contractor offers great flexibility and potentially higher income, but it comes with trade-offs. On the plus side, you’re your own boss and can often charge higher rates (clients don’t pay your benefits or taxes). This can mean more money in your pocket for each job. You also decide which projects to take on and when to work. However, you must handle everything yourself: finding clients, managing finances, paying self-employment taxes, health insurance, and retirement savings. There are no paid benefits or guaranteed hours. Many pros find the independence and higher earning potential worthwhile, but it does mean more responsibility (taxes, insurance, equipment, etc.). In short, weigh the flexibility and income upside against the extra overhead and paperwork.
How do I set up a business profile on Dr Home Fixer?
Setting up your profile is fast and free. Simply go to our Join Our Directory page and click Sign Up Today. Fill out the directory submission form with your business details: services offered, areas served, licenses, and portfolio photos. Be sure to write a clear description of your expertise and specialties to help homeowners find you. Dr Home Fixer provides a free listing to showcase your skills and reviews without any upfront cost. Once you submit, we’ll review and activate your profile. If you need help at any point, feel free to Contact Support – our team can guide you through the process.
How are contractors paid?
Contractors are typically paid directly by the customer once a job is completed (or by agreed milestones). Common payment methods include checks, electronic bank (ACH) transfers, credit card payments, or services like PayPal. You should set clear payment terms upfront (for example, a deposit before work begins and the balance on completion). Send an invoice promptly after the work is done. Because you’re an independent contractor, you handle your own taxes and expenses, so keep accurate records of all income. Dr Home Fixer does not collect your payment — we simply help connect you with customers. In case of any payment issues, you can reach out to Dr Home Fixer support for assistance.
What types of jobs get the most requests?
Homeowners often seek help with common maintenance and repair tasks. High-demand jobs include interior/exterior painting and trim work, drywall repair, and minor carpentry. Plumbing tasks like fixing leaks or unclogging drains are also frequent requests. Other popular services include fence and deck repairs, appliance installation, lighting upgrades, and “handyman” jobs like furniture assembly. (According to industry surveys, painting and drywall are consistently top-requested handyman services.) Seasonal or urgent needs – like HVAC tune-ups in summer or gutter cleaning in fall – can also bring in many leads. To capture these requests, be sure to list the full range of services you offer and respond quickly when such jobs pop up.
How do I say no to a job offer?
When you need to decline a job, respond promptly and politely. Thank the customer for the opportunity and give a brief, honest reason for saying no (for example, schedule conflict, job outside your expertise, or safety concerns). Be respectful and friendly – you want to leave the door open for future work. For instance, you might say:
- “Thank you for thinking of me. Unfortunately, I’m fully booked on that date and won’t be able to help this time. I apologize for any inconvenience.”
- “I appreciate the offer, but this project is outside the scope of services I provide. I’m sorry and hope to work with you on something else in the future.”
Being transparent (but concise) keeps relationships positive. If possible, you can also suggest alternative providers. Remember: it’s better to say no than to accept and do a poor job or cancel last minute.
How do I respond to customer complaints?
Handle complaints calmly and professionally. First, listen carefully and let the customer explain the issue fully. Show empathy by acknowledging their frustration and apologizing sincerely (even if the problem wasn’t your fault, empathy builds trust). Next, ask questions if needed to understand exactly what went wrong. Then propose a fair solution: offer to redo the work, provide a refund for part of the job, or whatever remedy makes sense. Make sure to document any agreements. Finally, thank the customer for their feedback – it helps you improve. For example, you could say: “I’m sorry this happened. Let’s figure out how to fix it – perhaps we can schedule a time for me to come back and make it right?” Stay polite and focused on resolution. If the issue goes beyond what you can handle, don’t hesitate to Contact Support for assistance.
What are some examples of how to respond to customer complaints?
- Apology and solution: “Dear [Name], we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused by [specific issue]. At [Your Company] we take your satisfaction seriously. We will [proposed fix or solution] immediately to make this right.”
- Responsibility and follow-up: “Hello [Name], I’m very sorry we made a mistake on your project. It was entirely our oversight, and we take full responsibility. Please let me know if there’s anything else you need, and we will correct this. Thank you for your patience.”
- Appreciation and commitment: “Hi [Name], thank you for telling us about this. I apologize that [issue]. We appreciate your feedback and will [action] to prevent it from happening again. Your satisfaction matters to us.”
Each response should thank the customer, apologize in clear terms, and explain how you’ll fix the problem. Keep the tone genuine and solution-focused to rebuild trust.
How do I get more jobs as a contractor?
To land more jobs, make your profile work for you and stay proactive. Fully complete your Dr Home Fixer profile with all services, areas served, experience, and clear photos of your work. Use relevant keywords (e.g. “licensed plumber Boston”) so customers can find you easily in searches. Encourage happy clients to leave reviews; good ratings and testimonials build trust and boost your visibility. Be quick to respond to lead notifications – the first pro to reply often gets the job. Keep your calendar updated so you can accept new requests promptly. Our directory is designed to put your business “in front of homeowners actively looking for your services” and generate more leads. In short: join our network, stay active, and prioritize customer service. Over time, quick responses, fair pricing, and positive reviews will lead to more jobs through the platform. (If you haven’t yet, Sign up now to claim your free listing and start connecting with customers.)
Are there any fees or costs to join Dr Home Fixer?
No – joining Dr Home Fixer is free for service pros. We offer free directory listings so you can showcase your business without any upfront cost. Our goal is to help you get leads, not charge you per lead. In fact, as our site notes, you can create a free listing “to increase visibility and grow your business with zero upfront cost”. There are no subscription fees or commissions – you keep what you earn from each job. (Just pay the standard taxes on your income as you would for any self-employed work.)
Do I need to be insured to work on Dr Home Fixer?
Dr Home Fixer does not mandate insurance, but having liability insurance is strongly recommended. Many homeowners expect contractors to carry insurance for their protection. Insurance also protects you from potential claims on the job. In practice, carrying general liability (and any trade-specific insurance) will help you win more clients and avoid costly problems. If you do have insurance, mention it on your profile – it builds trust with potential customers.
What should I include in my Dr Home Fixer profile?
A great profile highlights your services, credentials, and work quality. Be sure to list all your key services (for example, “Drywall repair,” “Carpentry,” “Electrical repairs,” etc.), along with any licenses or certifications you hold. Write a clear description of your experience and specialties. Add several high-quality photos of past projects, and encourage satisfied customers to post reviews. (Profiles with photos and positive feedback tend to attract more leads.) Also include your service area and typical response time. The more complete and professional your profile, the more likely homeowners will choose you.
How important are reviews on Dr Home Fixer?
Very important. Positive reviews and high ratings significantly boost your credibility and visibility. Our platform helps “build trust quickly” by showcasing your reviews to homeowners. Customers are more likely to contact pros with good feedback. Encourage every happy client to leave a review. Respond politely to all feedback. Over time, a strong review history will set you apart and lead to more jobs.
How do I contact Dr Home Fixer support?
If you have any questions or issues, we’re here to help 24/7. You can call us at (800) 875‑0705 or email info@drhomefixer.com. Our support team can assist with account questions, technical issues, or any disputes that arise. You can also use the Live Chatbot on our site for immediate answers. We want to make sure you succeed on the platform, so don’t hesitate to reach out whenever you need assistance.
