Spotting Cowboys: How to Hire the Right Maintenance Company

Many homeowners need someone to perform tasks on and around their house. These jobs range from seasonal chores such as lawn and garden upkeep to home maintenance like roofing, plumbing and electrical work. Some may not have the skill or experience to successfully do the job while others find their time must be spent on other pursuits. So how should someone find the right worker for their situation?

There is a difference between a mere “handyman” and a professional service maintenance company. A handyman is typically a “jack-of-all-trades” who, as the saying goes, may be a master of none. A professional service maintenance service employs those who specialize in trades; electricians, carpenters, plumbers and HVAC technicians are all examples of skilled labor who are licensed in their particular trade by government agencies or trade unions. A professional maintenance company is bonded and insured, providing the customer peace of mind as well as legal liability protection should something go awry with the job.

Also, an individual handyman may base his livelihood from a cellular phone and his work vehicle while professional service maintenance companies are “brick and mortar” businesses with a physical presence in the community. Most service maintenance companies have a website advertising their services; the individual handyman might not be able to monitor his email on a regular basis. Professionally run, a service maintenance company usually operates a motor pool with the name of their business and the services provided prominently featured across their vehicles. 

On a larger scale, a fully integrated service maintenance company can assume the role of a project manager, providing ownership professional and skilled expertise to assume the many burdens that arise from operating a large real estate venture. Property management, structural engineering and architectural drafting are some of the services that may be provided.

Of course, as the client, you should do your due diligence. Shop around. Do web research; for smaller jobs, websites such as trademe.co.nz can be a useful resource to find a maintenance company. Contact the Better Business Bureau to see if a company is registered or if any complaints have been filed against your candidate. Any reputable service maintenance company will guarantee their work – make sure you have a signed contract with the provider and know the details of the agreement.

Service maintenance businesses have a reputation to uphold. Find the right company for you and begin a mutually beneficial relationship that can last for years to come.

 

Wiltek Property Maintenance is an Auckland-based company providing high quality handyman, electrical, mechanical and plumbing services and supplies.