Need work? Need Income? PLEASE go into the handyman business ! ...

[Bog99]

... they charge $40/hour, take 3 weeks to get to your job.

Relatedly, I just hired a guy on Amazon (Roots Family Construction, Lakeland) to clean the gutters on my little house. He shows up with a 3' step ladder and says his ladder is too short to reach the gutters... I asked him to leave.

[dsnrbec]

Unfortunately, it's not just handymen. We moved into a preowned villa that had lots of needs and have spent the last month staying frustrated with service people. I'm not sure if it's because they have more work than they need but their word means nothing. Any flimsy excuse for not showing up is ok by most of them. We have canceled other plans more than once to be here only to have either a no-show or a last minute cancellation. Both my husband and I were self-employed and can't imagine being this blasé about keeping commitments!

[Wiotte]

... they charge $40/hour, take 3 weeks to get to your job.



Relatedly, I just hired a guy on Amazon (Roots Family Construction, Lakeland) to clean the gutters on my little house. He shows up with a 3' step ladder and says his ladder is too short to reach the gutters... I asked him to leave.



Seems you experienced the Florida work ethic


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[Villager Joyce]

... they charge $40/hour, take 3 weeks to get to your job.

Relatedly, I just hired a guy on Amazon (Roots Family Construction, Lakeland) to clean the gutters on my little house. He shows up with a 3' step ladder and says his ladder is too short to reach the gutters... I asked him to leave.

Why would anyone drive 90 minutes to clean gutters? That would be my first hint!

[Wiotte]

Why would anyone drive 90 minutes to clean gutters? That would be my first hint!



The worker was probably local.


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[Bogie Shooter]

... they charge $40/hour, take 3 weeks to get to your job.

Relatedly, I just hired a guy on Amazon (Roots Family Construction, Lakeland) to clean the gutters on my little house. He shows up with a 3' step ladder and says his ladder is too short to reach the gutters... I asked him to leave.

Today's Daily Sun had 19 handyman ads............and you called someon in Lakeland?

[graciegirl]

Don Cunningham is the best handyman that I can think of. BUT a lot of people know that and have him on their speed dial. He is hardworking, smart and honest.

[Pearson14505]

Like my dad said, no wonder they lost the war!

[Wiotte]

Like my dad said, no wonder they lost the war!



The handyman war ?


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[karostay]

Seems you experienced the Florida work ethic


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Fla ! No the whole country
ask for one licenced and references and see how small the list gets

[justjim]

You don't need much to start a handyman business. Hang out your shingle, a pickup would be preferable and some tools and perhaps a ladder. Florida does not require a license so thus no background check or completion of a training program.

That said, I'm sure there are some reliable and skilled workers available in The Villages. Due deligence is necessary!

[maureenod]

Go to youtube, you can learn nearly everything and do it yourself. Usually gutters only need to be cleaned near the downpours. Debris accumulate near downpours. I clean my own

Hubby is a pro and would be insulted to be called a handyman. Taught me everything I know.

Best advice my Dad gave me, "Learn as much as you can, you may have to fall back on it someday" Very true, thanks Dad!

[retiredguy123]

Don Cunningham is the best handyman that I can think of. BUT a lot of people know that and have him on their speed dial. He is hardworking, smart and honest.
Does anyone still use speed dial?

[Wiotte]

Go to youtube, you can learn nearly everything and do it yourself. Usually gutters only need to be cleaned near the downpours. Debris accumulate near downpours. I clean my own

Hubby is a pro and would be insulted to be called a handyman. Taught me everything I know.

Best advice my Dad gave me, "Learn as much as you can, you may have to fall back on it someday" Very true, thanks Dad!



A self reliant dad makes for self reliant children.


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[Bog99]

Fla ! No the whole country
ask for one licenced and references and see how small the list gets

What does "licensed" mean in the handyman context?

[Bog99]

Why would anyone drive 90 minutes to clean gutters? That would be my first hint!
That's what Amazon had and I was trying Amazon in the naive hope that if they're good enough to be on/stay on Amazon, they'll do good work for me.

Also, I thought that HMs closer to the Villages know how to fleece the Villages. The further away the come from, maybe the more grateful, hence honest, they'll be for the business.

[Bog99]

Go to youtube, you can learn nearly everything and do it yourself. Usually gutters only need to be cleaned near the downpours. Debris accumulate near downpours. I clean my own

Hubby is a pro and would be insulted to be called a handyman. Taught me everything I know.

Best advice my Dad gave me, "Learn as much as you can, you may have to fall back on it someday" Very true, thanks Dad!

I'm absentee -- I can't do any of this myself. I would if I could.

[Bog99]

Don Cunningham is the best handyman that I can think of. BUT a lot of people know that and have him on their speed dial. He is hardworking, smart and honest.

Thanks for the recommendation.

[Bogie Shooter]

That's what Amazon had and I was trying Amazon in the naive hope that if they're good enough to be on/stay on Amazon, they'll do good work for me.

Also, I thought that HMs closer to the Villages know how to fleece the Villages. The further away the come from, maybe the more grateful, hence honest, they'll be for the business.

If a local handyman was dishonest, how long do you think he would last after it was posted on TOTV.
Or for that matter just ask for a recommendation right here.

[Villager Joyce]

That's what Amazon had and I was trying Amazon in the naive hope that if they're good enough to be on/stay on Amazon, they'll do good work for me.

Also, I thought that HMs closer to the Villages know how to fleece the Villages. The further away the come from, maybe the more grateful, hence honest, they'll be for the business.

We tried and tried to have one of the highly praised, walk on water villages handymen do work for us. Cancelled four appointments before he finally showed up. Gave an estimate, which we accepted immediately. Never showed up again or returned calls. Bottom line, you had a 50/50 chance.

[Villageswimmer]

What does "licensed" mean in the handyman context?


Does anyone understand what businesses need to be licensed? For example, do home watchers need a license of some kind? How about people who mow your lawn?

[NoMoSno]

You don't need much to start a handyman business. Hang out your shingle, a pickup would be preferable and some tools and perhaps a ladder. Florida does not require a license so thus no background check or completion of a training program.

That said, I'm sure there are some reliable and skilled workers available in The Villages. Due deligence is necessary!
Apparently Lake County requires a license.

Story in the **************: (the other on-line news source)

Villages handyman arrested in Silver Lake
"A Villages handyman was arrested Saturday afternoon in the Village of Silver Lake for contracting without a license.

Michael Paul Shoffstall, 63, who lives on Bay Meadows Lane in the Village of Country Club Hills, was arrested at Tarrson Boulevard and Shay Boulevard by Lady Lake police.

He also refused to sign a citation issued by a code enforcement officer.

He was booked at the Lake County Jail and released after posting $1,500 bond."

[Bog99]

We tried and tried to have one of the highly praised, walk on water villages handymen do work for us. Cancelled four appointments before he finally showed up. Gave an estimate, which we accepted immediately. Never showed up again or returned calls. Bottom line, you had a 50/50 chance.

Yes, that was my experience with 2 handymen: well known/good-at-first/excellent manipulators.

[Bog99]

Apparently Lake County requires a license.

Story in the **************: (the other on-line news source)

Villages handyman arrested in Silver Lake
"A Villages handyman was arrested Saturday afternoon in the Village of Silver Lake for contracting without a license.

Michael Paul Shoffstall, 63, who lives on Bay Meadows Lane in the Village of Country Club Hills, was arrested at Tarrson Boulevard and Shay Boulevard by Lady Lake police.

He also refused to sign a citation issued by a code enforcement officer.

He was booked at the Lake County Jail and released after posting $1,500 bond."


"Good going" -- your tax dollars at work...

Licensing isn't the answer; they always end up screwing the consumer: re: doctors, lawyers, dentists, plumbers, electricians, denturists, beauticians, etc.

[Bog99]

Point well taken.

I went with Amazon because I naively thought if they were good enough for Amazon they'd do a good job for me.

I made the same mistake with Home Depot -- I contracted with them to replace my carpet with vinyl planking -- the job took 11 months, cost $1000 over estimate, and the living room had to be done 3 times to get it right.

Is the world turning to sh*t or is it just me?

[HimandMe]

Unfortunately, it's not just handymen. We moved into a preowned villa that had lots of needs and have spent the last month staying frustrated with service people. I'm not sure if it's because they have more work than they need but their word means nothing. Any flimsy excuse for not showing up is ok by most of them. We have canceled other plans more than once to be here only to have either a no-show or a last minute cancellation. Both my husband and I were self-employed and can't imagine being this blasé about keeping commitments!

Our experience as well. The area is glutted with self proclaimed handymen who have minimal skills, ridiculous prices and bad work ethic. TG for Talk of the Villages and neighborhood groups to weed them out to find the good ones.

[HimandMe]

Does anyone understand what businesses need to be licensed? For example, do home watchers need a license of some kind? How about people who mow your lawn?

Sone of the licensed ones are the worst. Ask around before you get some stranger in to do work. We. Had two instances with even hanging blinds! What a mess!

[fw102807]

Things are very different in the south but it doesn't snow so I can get used to it.

[retiredguy123]

Does anyone understand what businesses need to be licensed? For example, do home watchers need a license of some kind? How about people who mow your lawn?
I think that anyone doing business is required to have a license. But, people doing certain skilled work also need a special contractor license, and if they do electrical or plumbing work, they need additional licenses. A handyman may have a regular business license, but not a contractor, electrical, or plumbing license. They make money by doing plumbing and electrical work illegally, at a lower cost than people who actually have the proper training and license for those trades.

[Bog99]

I think that anyone doing business is required to have a license. But, people doing certain skilled work also need a special contractor license, and if they do electrical or plumbing work, they need additional licenses. A handyman may have a regular business license, but not a contractor, electrical, or plumbing license. They make money by doing plumbing and electrical work illegally, at a lower cost than people who actually have the proper training and license for those trades.
Licensing for Plumbers, Electricians, and carpenters are rackets to limit competition, force up prices, and screw consumers, especially for doctors, lawyers, and dentists, and Professional Engineers, who write their own rules for competition.

[Bog99]

If a local handyman was dishonest, how long do you think he would last after it was posted on TOTV.
Or for that matter just ask for a recommendation right here.
Yes, I'll take that under advisement -- do the research on TOTV.

Meanwhile Munn's charged me $314 to change an AC capacitor. Work order attached.

[photo1902]

Does anyone understand what businesses need to be licensed? For example, do home watchers need a license of some kind? How about people who mow your lawn?

No. Neither of those services require a license.

[bbbbbb]

... they charge $40/hour, take 3 weeks to get to your job.

Relatedly, I just hired a guy on Amazon (Roots Family Construction, Lakeland) to clean the gutters on my little house. He shows up with a 3' step ladder and says his ladder is too short to reach the gutters... I asked him to leave.

OK so let us look at this. What is the problem?? It is very severe here, getting someone to do a good job, it boils down to the principle of KEEPING OUR WORDS OR A PROMISE. One firm drove our nice neighborhood lady nuts. We see all sorts of jobs, started, then abandoned. So what is this? Want an opinion? We do not have a good check and balance on this item. If we did not have traffic cops and speed limits, hot rodders would be doing 75 on main street, Well, they do on Old Mill Road. So. we do not have a village or city or state control board so we need rigid control regarding performance and the license control etc. We had a real jerk, jerk us around on a painting job. He had a business card saying he was licensed and insured to work in the villages, a lie. Would any one agency do anything about it? NO absolutely not and these guys know it. Unfortunately, grown men now need to be treated like a 3 year old.
Thanks for listening.

[Villager Joyce]

I hear lots of people say to check first with Seniors verses Crime to see if anyone has filed a complaint against the person or company. THAT is one way we can speak loud and clear. If we report issues and ask first, we can get a little ahead of the odds.

[Barefoot]

I hear lots of people say to check first with Seniors verses Crime to see if anyone has filed a complaint against the person or company.

Good suggestion.

[spring_chicken]

I think that anyone doing business is required to have a license. But, people doing certain skilled work also need a special contractor license, and if they do electrical or plumbing work, they need additional licenses. A handyman may have a regular business license, but not a contractor, electrical, or plumbing license. They make money by doing plumbing and electrical work illegally, at a lower cost than people who actually have the proper training and license for those trades.

Not in Sumter county.

[HimandMe]

Licensing for Plumbers, Electricians, and carpenters are rackets to limit competition, force up prices, and screw consumers, especially for doctors, lawyers, and dentists, and Professional Engineers, who write their own rules for competition.

This is true of many organizations. They write their own rules and protect their members before an outside authority will do it. In Florida, we are licensed to death. It is in many cases not assurance of good work but l wouldn't have a handyman I didn't know do big electrical or plumbing work for instance. A good handyman is a treasure. It's so sad there are so many here unskilled. TV must look like a captive audience to exploit. We need to protect not only ourselves but the many elderly without the capacity to handle these guys by watching and reporting by name those who are not competent or ripping us off with exhoribant prices. It's not only handymen either, one house cleaner quoted me $300 for a half day house cleaning saying she didn't do this, that and the other. The next two quoted $80 and $60 and even offered to wash the inside windows one room at a time when they came. I wondered how many get taken - usually the most vulnerable or inexperienced.

[Villager Joyce]

You can verify licenses on the State of Florida Department of Business and Professional Rehulations.

[maureenod]

Yes, I'll take that under advisement -- do the research on TOTV.

Meanwhile Munn's charged me $314 to change an AC capacitor. Work order attached.

Looks like you paid a service charge to diagnose the problem, then had to order part and make another trip back for installation.

You could watch the video on YouTube , with simple detailed instructions and installed it yourself for less than $20 and screwdriver.

You also should have asked for an estimate first.

[Bog99]

I hear lots of people say to check first with Seniors verses Crime to see if anyone has filed a complaint against the person or company. THAT is one way we can speak loud and clear. If we report issues and ask first, we can get a little ahead of the odds.

Thank you Joyce.

What is "Seniors versus Crime" and do you have a link for that?

[Villager Joyce]

Thank you Joyce.

What is "Seniors versus Crime" and do you have a link for that?

Seniors Vs Crime in The Villages (http://www.svcinthevillages.org/)
Svc in the Villages dot org

the offices are in the sheriffs offices, I think. There is an annex office in Brownwood next to the theater. You file complaints or inform them of scams or flimflam artists. The website explains it. It's too early for me. I'm going to get some coffee now.

[Barefoot]

Seniors Vs Crime in The Villages (http://www.svcinthevillages.org/)
It's too early for me. I'm going to get some coffee now.
Here Joyce :mornincoffee: have a coffee.

[Bog99]

Seniors Vs Crime in The Villages (http://www.svcinthevillages.org/)
Svc in the Villages dot org

the offices are in the sheriffs offices, I think. There is an annex office in Brownwood next to the theater. You file complaints or inform them of scams or flimflam artists. The website explains it. It's too early for me. I'm going to get some coffee now.

Thank you Joyce. I'll have to do my homework on this.

In general, the more I learn about this, the more the Villages looks like "open season on fleecing old ladies-ville".

This site -- Talk Of The Villages -- could be easier to use so more people could get direct feedback on who's good and who isn't in the contracting biz.

[graciegirl]

Thank you Joyce. I'll have to do my homework on this.

In general, the more I learn about this, the more the Villages looks like "open season on fleecing old ladies-ville".

This site -- Talk Of The Villages -- could be easier to use so more people could get direct feedback on who's good and who isn't in the contracting biz.

I think they do a good job. You do know it is privately owned and not associated with The Villages.com?

[Bog99]

I think they do a good job. You do know it is privately owned and not associated with The Villages.com?

Yes I know it's not associated with The Villages.

Yes, they do a good job, but not good enough in the User Friendliness department.

I've had a tough time learning my way around this "all things to all people" website -- so how useful is it going to be to befuddled old ladies who always getting fleeced by rip-off contractors ????

For starters, this site could use a section called How To Improve This Site for getting feedback on this.

It has to be useful to befuddled old ladies if their vulnerability is going to get reduced with "forewarned is forearmed" knowledge of who the shysters are, so they can push back and the shysters start cleaning up their act or go out of business.

[Investment Painting Contractors]

Yes I know it's not associated with The Villages.

Yes, they do a good job, but not good enough in the User Friendliness department.

I've had a tough time learning my way around this "all things to all people" website -- so how useful is it going to be to befuddled old ladies who always getting fleeced by rip-off contractors ????

For starters, this site could use a section called How To Improve This Site for getting feedback on this.

It has to be useful to befuddled old ladies if their vulnerability is going to get reduced with "forewarned is forearmed" knowledge of who the shysters are, so they can push back and the shysters start cleaning up their act or go out of business.
I went to the search section typed in HANDYMAN and got 300 Threads surely can find one there. I hope this helps Len the retired half of IPC

[jimmer]

Call Joe 352-350-4664, He was the delivery driver for Neerlee New Furnishing who recently closed its business. He is going handyman work.
"Great honest Guy"

[RedBaron]

Call Joe 352-350-4664, He was the delivery driver for Neerlee New Furnishing who recently closed its business. He is going handyman work.
"Great honest Guy"

Joe does a great job, I've hired him to help me. He shows up on time, quotes a fair price and I would definitely hire him again.

[Bog99]

Call Joe 352-350-4664, He was the delivery driver for Neerlee New Furnishing who recently closed its business. He is going handyman work.
"Great honest Guy"

Thanks for the reco. Will make a note of.