HandyMike – Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do you price your handyman work?
HandyMike prices most projects based on the time required and the materials needed. Smaller tasks may fall under a half-day or full-day rate, while larger repairs, multi-room tasks, or specialty work are estimated individually. Before any work begins, we provide a clear written estimate so you know exactly what to expect.
2. Do you send one technician or a team?
It depends on the job. Many repairs can be safely completed by one technician, while tasks involving heavy lifting, ladders, electrical work, or jobs over 10 feet high require a two-man crew for efficiency and safety. Your estimate will always state the crew size.
3. Do I need to supply my own materials?
No. While we don’t mind if homeowners choose to supply their own materials, we strongly prefer to purchase them ourselves. When we source materials, we know exactly what is needed and can guarantee the correct size, type, and quality the job requires. Like any professional service, we apply a standard markup to materials to cover the time, expertise, and travel involved in selecting and purchasing them. If a homeowner-supplied item turns out to be incorrect or incompatible, we’ll have to make additional trips to exchange or purchase the proper materials, and the extra time will be billed accordingly.
4. How soon can you schedule my project?
Scheduling depends on the type of work and our current workload. Smaller maintenance tasks can often be scheduled quickly, while larger repairs or multi-day jobs may require more lead time. We always try to accommodate urgent needs when possible.
5. What if the job turns out to be bigger than expected?
Sometimes opening a wall, removing trim, or inspecting an old system reveals hidden issues. If we discover anything that changes the scope, we’ll stop, explain what we found, provide updated options and pricing, and get your approval before moving forward. We never proceed without your consent.
6. Do you work on older homes?
Yes. Older homes often require special care because components may be brittle, outdated, or installed under older building standards. We handle repairs carefully, explain any limitations up front, and help you make informed decisions about repair vs. replacement.
7. Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
Yes. HandyMike is fully licensed, insured, and bonded. This means we meet Virginia’s legal requirements for contracting and carry the proper protections for both our customers and our employees. You can feel confident that your project is being handled by a qualified and accountable team.
8. Will I need to be home during the work?
Not always. Many customers provide access through a door code or lockbox. For interior work, we recommend being available at the beginning to review the scope and at the end for a walkthrough and approval.
9. Why aren’t you the cheapest handyman service in town?
HandyMike is not the cheapest option — and that’s intentional. Our pricing reflects the professionalism, skill, reliability, and trustworthiness you receive when you hire us. We operate a fully equipped shop for repairs and fabrication, a staffed office to support scheduling and communication, and a team of skilled technicians who receive excellent wages and benefits. We maintain six service vehicles on the road each day and hire only experienced, vetted professionals. Our goal isn’t to compete on being the cheapest — it’s to deliver consistent, high-quality work backed by a stable, reputable company that stands behind every job.
10. Why do you call yourself “HandyMike”?
Because “Mike the Carpenter–SWAT–Narcotics–Traffic–Sergeant Who Can Fix Anything” wouldn’t fit on the side of the van.
In reality, Mike is a formally trained carpenter with years of experience in the trades. After retiring from his career as a police sergeant, where he served in patrol, narcotics, traffic, and SWAT, he realized that amongst his strongest skills were helping people and fixing things. He always felt the word “handyman” didn’t get the respect it deserved, so in a simple play on words, he called the company HandyMike… and it stuck. To satisfy his deeper carpentry and construction interests, he later founded GenesisContracting.com — look us up!
11. Understanding your warranty:
New Installations – One-Year Workmanship Warranty
Any time we install something new — such as a faucet, outlet, trim, door, or lighting fixture — the workmanship is covered for one year. The product itself is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, not HandyMike.
Repairs & Maintenance – Ninety-Day Workmanship Warranty
Repairs are different from new installs. When we work on older or existing components, the underlying item may already be worn, unstable, or near the end of its service life.
- Our workmanship is covered for 90 days,
- But we do not warranty the remaining life or performance of the existing item.
Why Repairs Have a Shorter Warranty
Many clients choose repair instead of replacement. We’ll repair it to the best condition the existing material reasonably allows, but age, wear, and prior damage limit what any repair can guarantee. The warranty applies only to our workmanship — not the original component.
Materials & Products
Any product or material we install is covered by the manufacturer, not by HandyMike. Our warranty covers the labor to install it.
How to Make a Warranty Claim
- Contact us in writing within the applicable warranty period.
- We will schedule an inspection.
- If it falls within our workmanship warranty, we will address it promptly.