We’ve all heard the horror stories; and before ProActiv Prevention,
I lived through them myself. The handyman who didn’t show up.
The “contractor” who ghosted mid-job. The project that went way over budget because the quote was vague…Or worse, the work had to be redone.
At ProActiv Prevention, we’ve made it our mission to end that cycle of frustration for Chicago homeowners and condo owners. We know that for people who love their homes and value their investment the right handyman can be the difference between peace of mind and weeks of stress.
That’s why we’ve put together this month’s featured “Tips from ProActiv” a simple, powerful guide with 9 ways to avoid the most common handyman hiring mistakes and start enjoying real peace of mind at home. Whether you’re searching for a handyman near me, local handyman near me, or the best handyman near me, these tips will help you hire right the first time.
Why This Matters
Your home is more than an investment; it’s your safe space. It’s where you relax at the end of a busy day, where you host family and friends, and where you create memories. You shouldn’t have to chase contractors, guess at pricing, or clean up after poor-quality work.
Whether you’re preparing for guests, making updates to a new property, or maintaining the value of your million-dollar home, hiring the right handyman is one of the smartest decisions you can make. And it all starts with knowing the right questions to ask before the work begins. Whether for a handyman near me small jobs request or a larger home improvement project.
9 ProActiv Tips for Choosing the Right Handyman
1. Ask About Experience
“How long have you been doing this kind of work?” Experience matters, it helps avoid costly mistakes and ensures jobs get done right the first time.
Here are some important questions to ask:
- How long have you been in business?
- What qualifications and/or accreditations do you have?
- Have you done projects like this before? (You don’t want to be the test case.)
- Where can I see pictures of your work?
These questions are just as important when looking up hiring a handyman services near me as they are for big renovations.
2. Check Qualifications & Insurance
Make sure they have General Liability Insurance and the necessary skills. This protects you and ensures they’re serious about their business.
3. Look for a Proven Portfolio
A true professional is proud to show their work. Ask for before-and-after photos and read through real customer reviews to see consistency in quality.
4. Schedule a Real Consultation
If someone gives you a price without understanding your project, that’s a red flag. At ProActiv Prevention, we set aside time for consultation calls so we can understand your goals and expectations from the start.
Why? To give you clear pricing, timelines, and scope so you always know what to expect and get it. You deserve someone who listens carefully, reviews your project in detail, and understands what you want to accomplish.
5. Watch How They Communicate
Are they proactive with updates? Do they listen to your concerns? The best results come from a professional who values your input and keeps you informed.
Most homeowners know the end result they want but aren’t always sure how to get there. That’s why at ProActiv Prevention, listening is built into our process. For example, one client moving into a new home wanted several valuable art pieces hung with precision. We took the time to understand her exact vision, and she was thrilled with the result. (Read her full story here.)
6. Ask for Written Estimates
Vague pricing leads to unpleasant surprises. Review the estimate line by line to see what’s included and what’s not.
Be careful just looking at the cost without paying attention to what’s on the estimate.
Why? Some homeowners take the lowest bid without realizing the risks:
- Inexperience — you get what you pay for.
- No-shows — low bids sometimes lead contractors to skip your job for better paying work.
You deserve a handyman who listens, reviews your goals, and understands exactly what you want to achieve giving you a worry-free experience. This is what we do at ProActiv Prevention, every time.
7. Read Reviews Carefully
Look for patterns in professionalism: punctuality, quality, and follow-through after the job is done. Your home is your castle; you deserve consistent respect and craftsmanship.
Our goal is to make your home look, feel, and function better with craftsmanship you can show off.
8. Referrals Are Gold
Ask your neighbors, your realtor, or even your building’s maintenance team. Personal recommendations are often the most reliable way to find trustworthy professionals
9. Trust Your Instincts
If they seem rushed, vague, or dismissive, trust your gut. True professionals respect both your time and your home.
And once you find your professional handyman build a go-to relationship with them so when the next project comes up you know who to call.
The ProActiv Prevention Difference
We don’t just “do handyman work”; we provide Efficient ProActiv Solutions. Our job is to protect your home’s comfort, safety, and long-term value, with a service experience that makes you say, “Finally, someone I can count on.” From clear estimates to punctual arrival, to follow-up calls after your job is done; we believe in craftsmanship with care and building trust that lasts.
Ready to Experience the ProActiv Standard?
When you need a handyman, you don’t need additional frustrations. You need comfort and safety from highly recommended trusted professionals that will protect and value your home and give you peace of mind and emotional relief!
If you’re new to ProActiv Prevention:
🛠️ Try us with a small project
📞 Book your consultation — we’ll listen first, and work second.
If you’re already part of the ProActiv family:
🙌 Thank you!
💬 Please share us with someone you trust; so, your friends and loved ones can skip the handyman horror stories.