Random first time homeowner questions

[WhoseHouse]

Since this is the first time I've owned a home, I kind of feel lost in the whole process of getting things done. Say I have a list of these things I need done:

new toilet
new closet doors installed
ceiling fans installed
old small metal shed to be hauled off
minor work on wood floors
fireplace remodeling

Is there one "guy" I can call and just tell him my list of things and have him get to work- do whatever he needs to do to get the jobs done? Or is this a stupid and expensive way to do things? I've called a couple of people trying to get things done and everyone seems kind of flaky and like they may or may not show up- and that was just for an under-sink leak that was becoming a problem. So I can't imagine how long it would take to get my list of things finished if most repairmen/handymen are like that. I also want to do some bathroom remodeling and, as mentioned in another thread, build a patio. But those seem like larger jobs that it might be easier to get someone to come out and do. Should I lump in the small tasks with the large ones?

 

[IRC]

Use the small tasks to find someone you like and trust with the big jobs.

Just a thought.

 

[TexasEd]

The first three are pretty easy if you decide to do them yourself.

You might have better luck with the others if you had them done all together.

I think Fox Service company as well as some others have the general handyman services.

 

[accuratehorn]

There are some "jack-of-all-trades" handymen, but this seems to be a dying breed. You might ask around your neighborhood, or if there is a neighborhood association they may have a website to post recommendations for someone that has worked in their homes.
Some of those things require a fair amount of skill, like wood floors. Might have to go with more than one repair person.

 

[alden]

In reply to:

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[Texas Horn fan]

Why not learn to do it yourself?

Sure somethings are to difficult or require expertise you may not have, so maybe you hire someone for those. I was a first time homeowner about 6 years ago and one of the best things I did was jump in and start learning to do these things myself. Sure not everything turned out perfect at first, but I began to gain confidence and experience and now consider myself to be fairly handy. Over this time I have acquired a decent workshop full of tools and saved money on alot of jobs. I still call a plumber if things get too dicey, and I consult experts before doing anything to big.

Toilet will be easy, but messy and dirty
Ceiling fans are simple just get the brace they sell at home depot or lowes to make sure it doesn't wobble.
Closet door might be simple or may be complex depending on what is wrong. Doors can be tricky.
I might pay someone to do your floors and the fireplace work. Bathroom remodel is something you need to be skilled at before tackling, but it depends on how much you want to change. I installed a new tile floor, replaced the toilet and a new countertop and sink pretty easily, but I wouldn't dream of changing the wall structure or messing with the tub without a pro.

Do you have a truck? demolition is a great stress reliever, call a couple buddies and go to town. Find out if there is a dump nearby as that will make things alot simpler.

 

[taco]

ask about a handyman at you local Ace hardware store.

 

[jmatt]

What Texas Horn fan and alden said.

The first three aren't THAT hard, and you can save a shitload of money doing it yourself.

As far as getting the shed hauled off, unless it's falling apart, the craigslist idea is a good one. See if someone will come and get it for free if you just want to get rid of it. Otherwise, you'll probably have to get some buddies to help you take it apart and haul it off to the dump or (preferably) someone that will buy it for the scrap value (which won't be much, but pocketing a few bucks is always nice). The scrap guy might even be willing to pick it up, you never know. Check the phone book for that.

As for the floor, I would leave that to someone that knows what they're doing. Unless it's something simple, like replacing one piece. Even then, I'd tend to defer to someone that knows what they're doing.

The fireplace sounds like it could be a DIY project, but that would depend on your skillset and what exactly you want/need done.

 

[halsteadfrost]

I have a handyman I can recomend if you're interested. He's in Austin, so if you aren't I guess that won't work. I found him through our real-estate agent, so if you are in another city, you can probably ask your agent (or the sellers agent) for a rec. I know our agent said that when she sells a house there are always little things that need to be fixed before its presentable, and thats why she needed a reliable and inexpensive guy who could do a lot of different things. I assume your agent probably knows a similar guy for the same reason.