Group small repairs by room, send two photos of each item, and have access ready. How to plan a visit so the whole list gets done.
To get more done in one visit, make one complete list before you book. Group items by room, send a wide photo and a close-up of each, note the year the house was built, and clear access. A full list lets the handyman plan time, tools and parts for the whole visit.
Build one complete list
Walk through the house or space with your phone and write down everything, including items that seem too small to mention: the sticking door, the loose towel bar, the nail pops, the gap in the trim.
Small items are what a single visit is good for. Our cost guide notes that one visit with several items carries one minimum charge instead of several.
Write each line the same way:
- Room. Kitchen, upstairs hall, rear garage.
- What is wrong. Door rubs at the top corner.
- What you want. Adjust so it closes, or replace the hardware.
- Size. Rough width and height, or count of items.
Group by room and by type
Put items from the same room together, then sort by type. Doors and hardware together, drywall and paint together, mounting and assembly together. Work that needs paint should be flagged so repairs and touch-up happen in the right order.
If a job needs drying time, such as a drywall patch before painting, say so. Some items may need a second step.
Photos to send
For each item, send two photos:
1. A wide shot showing the whole wall, door or fixture and the room around it.
2. A close-up of the problem itself.
Add a tape measure in the photo or write the measurement for anything that has to fit, such as a shelf, a mounted TV, a replacement door or a trim profile. For mounting, photograph the wall and note what is behind it if you know, and send the make and model of the item being mounted.
For anything that looks like water damage, photograph the area and note whether it is active. Active leaks and stains with an unknown source go to a licensed plumber or roofer before any patching. See Handyman vs. licensed contractor in Illinois.
What to have ready
- The year the house was built. In homes built before 1978, painted surfaces may contain lead. The EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting rule applies to paid work that disturbs paint in these homes, so the age affects how a job is done.
- Access. Clear the area around each item. Move furniture, and make sure someone can let the handyman in and reach the garage, basement or attic if needed.
- Parts you already own. If you have a replacement handle, fixture, shelf or paint, set it out near the job. For paint, note the color name and sheen if you know them.
- Pets and children. Tell the handyman about pets, and keep them away from tools and open doors.
- Parking and building rules. In condos and office buildings, check for rules about work hours, elevators and certificates of insurance, and tell the handyman ahead of time.
- Permit questions. If an item may need a permit, ask your town first. See our guide to which repairs need a permit.
What not to put on the list
Plumbing, electrical and roofing work goes to licensed independent contractors. If something on your list touches the water supply or drains, wiring beyond a simple fixture swap, or the roof, mark it as a question and we will tell you whether it needs a licensed trade.
After the visit
Walk through each item with the handyman before they leave. Check that doors close, that paint matches, and that mounted items are level and secure. Write down anything that came up for a next visit and start the next list from it.
FAQ
How many photos should I send?
Two per item: one wide, one close-up. Add a measurement for anything that has to fit.
Can I add items on the day?
Ask first. Extra items can change the time needed, so a complete list sent in advance works better.
Does grouping jobs save money?
Our cost guide notes that one visit with several items carries one minimum charge instead of several. See How much does a handyman cost on the North Shore for published market figures.
What if I do not know what is wrong?
Send photos and a short description. Say what you see and what you hear or feel, and the handyman can tell you what to expect.
To send your list and photos, call or text (847) 877-1877.
