Frequently Asked Questions

Rates typically range from $75 to $125 per hour depending on the scope of work and materials needed. Smaller tasks on the lower end, more involved repairs toward the higher end. Every job is different, so I provide free estimates so you know exactly what to expect before any work begins.

Yes, there is a minimum charge for small jobs. This covers travel time, setup, and cleanup — all the behind-the-scenes work that goes into even a quick repair. Most clients find it's well worth it since I handle the job right the first time, and you can always bundle a few small tasks together to get the most value from a visit.

Absolutely. For most jobs I can provide a ballpark estimate over the phone or by email if you send a few photos. For larger or more complex projects, I'll schedule a quick on-site visit at no charge. Either way, you'll have a clear idea of cost before any work starts.

No. Estimates are free for the vast majority of jobs. If a project requires significant research or an extended on-site evaluation, I'll let you know upfront. But for standard repairs and improvements, there's never a charge just to find out what it'll cost.

Bundling several repairs into one visit is the most cost-effective approach. Since I'm already on-site with tools and materials, each additional task costs less than it would as a standalone appointment. I'll give you a single estimate that covers everything so there are no surprises.

There's no surcharge for older homes. That said, repairs in pre-war homes, brownstones, and triple-deckers sometimes take longer due to plaster walls, non-standard framing, or layers of old paint. I'll factor that into the estimate upfront so you know what to expect.

I accept cash, personal checks, all major credit and debit cards, and Venmo. Payment is due upon completion of the work. For larger projects, we can discuss a deposit arrangement if needed.

No. Saturday appointments are available at the same rate as weekday jobs. I know Boston schedules are busy, and weekend availability shouldn't come with a penalty. Saturday hours are 8 AM to 2 PM.

Most jobs can be scheduled within a week. During the busiest times — late summer for back-to-school apartment turnovers and spring for exterior work — it's smart to book two weeks out. For routine repairs, a few days' notice usually works fine.

Regular hours are Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 6 PM, and Saturday 8 AM to 2 PM. I try to accommodate scheduling needs when possible, especially for condo buildings that restrict work to certain hours.

No, I don't schedule work on Sundays. In dense Boston neighborhoods, weekend noise can be a real issue for neighbors, and everyone deserves a quiet day. Saturday morning slots are available if weekdays don't work for you.

It depends on the scope. A simple fix like tightening a loose railing or patching a small hole might take 30 minutes. Hanging a door, repairing plaster, or assembling furniture could take one to three hours. I'll give you a time estimate along with the price estimate so you can plan your day.

Yes, many clients leave a key or provide building access so I can complete the work while they're at their office. After 20-plus years in this business, trust is everything, and I'm happy to provide references. I'll send you photos of the completed work and lock up when I'm done.

If rain or severe weather makes exterior work impractical, I'll reach out to reschedule at no extra charge. New England weather is unpredictable, and there's no sense doing a job that won't hold up because of wet conditions. We'll find the next available dry day.

I do my best to accommodate same-day requests when my schedule allows, especially for urgent issues like a broken lock or a water-damaged ceiling that needs immediate attention. Call directly for the fastest response — I'll let you know right away if I can make it out that day.

For most jobs, I can get on the schedule within a few days. If it's urgent or my calendar has an opening, sometimes sooner. Give me a call and I'll let you know my earliest availability.

I don't do licensed plumbing, electrical panel work, or roofing. Those require specialized licenses in Massachusetts, and I believe in staying in my lane. I do have trusted tradespeople I refer clients to for those jobs, so I can point you in the right direction.

Yes, and I encourage it. A punch list of five or six small tasks is one of the most common jobs I do. It's more efficient for both of us — you get everything done at once, and the per-item cost is lower than booking separate visits.

I handle touch-ups, trim painting, accent walls, and small areas like a bathroom or hallway. For full-room or whole-house painting, I'd recommend a dedicated painter who can do it faster and more economically. I'm happy to provide a referral.

Yes. From IKEA bookshelves to standing desks to bed frames, furniture assembly is a common request. I'll get it put together correctly, anchored to the wall if needed, and clean up the packaging when I'm done.

Yes, squeaky floors are one of the most common issues in older Boston homes. The fix depends on whether it's a loose subfloor, dried-out hardwood, or shifting joists. I'll diagnose the cause and use the least invasive repair method to quiet things down.

Absolutely. I install floating shelves, TV mounts, heavy mirrors, and coat racks regularly. Many Boston homes have plaster-and-lath walls, which need different anchoring techniques than standard drywall. I'll make sure whatever goes up stays up.

Yes, I handle deck repairs, exterior trim work, storm door installation, small stair repairs, and general exterior maintenance. For major structural work or full roof replacements, I'll refer you to a specialist. Boston weather is hard on exteriors, so staying on top of small repairs prevents bigger problems.

Yes, whether it's drywall or plaster. Small holes from doorknobs or anchors are a quick fix. Larger holes from water damage or accidents take a bit more work but I can patch and blend the repair to match the surrounding wall. Plaster repair is a specialty — many Boston homes still have original plaster walls.

Yes, I handle small to mid-size fence repairs — replacing broken pickets, resetting leaning posts, fixing gates, and re-securing loose sections. For full fence installations or replacements, I can recommend a fencing contractor.

Yes, condo work makes up a significant part of my business. I'm familiar with the logistics of working in multi-unit buildings throughout Boston, from Back Bay to the Seaport. I understand building access procedures, elevator reservations, and noise restrictions.

Absolutely. Most Boston condo buildings have rules about work hours, elevator usage, noise levels, and contractor insurance requirements. I'm used to all of it — booking freight elevators, providing certificates of insurance, and keeping work within approved hours. Just let me know your building's requirements.

Yes. I work with individual unit owners and condo associations alike. If your association has identified repairs that need to be made to your unit, I can review the request, give you an estimate, and complete the work to meet their specifications.

The most frequent condo requests I get are drywall and plaster repair, bathroom caulking, cabinet hardware replacement, door adjustments, closet organization installs, and picture or TV mounting. Pre-sale touch-ups are also common — tightening up a unit before listing it.

Yes. I've worked in high-rise buildings across downtown Boston, the Seaport, and Cambridge. I'm comfortable navigating building security, freight elevators, and the logistics of getting tools and materials to upper floors.

Yes, when needed. Some buildings require advance notice, proof of insurance, or direct communication with the property manager. I'm happy to handle that coordination so the process is smooth for everyone involved.

Yes, I carry full liability insurance and can provide a certificate of insurance to your condo management or HOA upon request. Most Boston condo buildings require this before any contractor enters the building, and I'm set up to provide it quickly.

Yes, and September 1 turnovers are a specialty. Boston's lease cycle is unlike anywhere else, and I've been handling the late-August rush for over 20 years. I know what needs to get done and how to do it quickly so units are ready for new tenants on time.

Yes. I regularly work with landlords who need several units turned over in the same building within a tight window. I'll create a schedule to move through them efficiently. Booking early — ideally by mid-July — is the best way to guarantee availability during the September 1 rush.

A typical turnover includes patching nail holes and wall damage, touch-up painting, door and lock adjustments, tightening loose fixtures, recaulking kitchens and bathrooms, and general cleanup repairs. Every unit is different, so I'll walk through and give you a complete list before starting.

Yes, a good portion of my work comes from repeat landlord clients who own rental properties in and around Boston. I understand the urgency of keeping units in good shape between tenants and responding promptly when issues come up during a lease.

Absolutely. I work with property managers and individual landlords who need a reliable handyman on call for their rental units. Whether it's a one-time fix or ongoing maintenance across multiple properties, I can handle it.

Yes. I provide detailed receipts for every job that include a description of work performed, materials used, and total cost. Landlords and property managers can use these for tax deductions, expense tracking, or documentation for their records.

Professionally and with minimal disruption. I coordinate arrival times, keep the workspace clean, and communicate clearly with tenants about what I'm doing and how long it will take. The goal is to get in, do the job right, and get out without turning the tenant's day upside down.

I don't do formal contracts, but I do have informal ongoing arrangements with several landlords and property managers. We set up regular check-ins — quarterly or seasonal — and they call me first when something comes up. It works well for keeping properties in consistent shape.

Yes, extensive experience. I've worked on Victorians in Jamaica Plain, Federal-era homes in Beacon Hill, brownstones in the South End, and colonial homes across the suburbs. Each style has its quirks, and after 20-plus years I've learned how to work with them rather than against them.

Yes. Matching plaster texture is part art, part experience. I use appropriate techniques to blend repairs with the surrounding original plaster so the patch doesn't stand out. It takes more time than slapping on joint compound, but the result is worth it in an older home.

Yes, brownstones are one of my most common client types, especially in the South End, Back Bay, and Bay Village. I'm familiar with their particular challenges — plaster walls, pocket doors, old-growth wood trim, and the narrow layouts that make moving materials interesting.

Yes, and I always prefer repair over replacement when it comes to original trim. The wood in older Boston homes is often old-growth lumber that you simply can't buy anymore. I'll patch, fill, and restore trim to keep as much of the original character as possible.

For any home built before 1978, I follow EPA-recommended safe work practices to minimize dust and debris when disturbing painted surfaces. This includes proper containment, wet methods, and thorough cleanup. If a project involves significant paint disturbance, I'll discuss the best approach with you before starting.

Yes. Triple-deckers are a Boston staple, and I've worked on plenty across Dorchester, Somerville, South Boston, and beyond. Whether it's a single unit or all three floors, I'm comfortable with the layout and the typical issues that come with these buildings — from porch repairs to plaster cracks.

Yes. I repair sash cords, replace broken hardware, fix stuck sashes, and install weatherstripping on older double-hung windows. Restoring original windows is almost always more cost-effective — and more historically appropriate — than full replacement. I'll help you keep them working smoothly.

Yes, I carry a well-stocked van with common materials like screws, anchors, caulk, wood filler, sandpaper, and patching compound. For specialty items — specific hardware finishes, matching paint, or custom-size materials — I may need to source them beforehand or ask you to have them on hand.

I use quality, professional-grade materials — not the cheapest option on the shelf. For paint I typically use Benjamin Moore, for caulk and adhesives I go with DAP or GE, and for hardware I choose reliable brands that hold up over time. If you have a preference, I'm happy to accommodate it.

Always. I clean up as I go and do a thorough cleanup when the job is done. You shouldn't have to sweep up sawdust or pick up packaging after I leave. The workspace will look as good or better than when I arrived.

Yes, for small to medium items I'll move furniture out of the way to access the work area and put it back when I'm done. For very heavy or large pieces, I may ask for a hand or suggest clearing the area beforehand to save time.

I use drop cloths on floors and surfaces in the work area, and I wear shoe covers when working inside. If the job involves dust or debris, I'll take additional precautions like taping off adjacent areas. Protecting your home is part of the job.

I stand behind my work. If something isn't right, let me know and I'll come back to make it right at no additional charge. My business runs on referrals and repeat clients, so your satisfaction matters more than any single job.

Yes. I warranty my workmanship for a reasonable period after completion. If a repair I made fails under normal use, I'll come back and fix it. I don't cut corners, so callbacks are rare — but the guarantee is there for your peace of mind.

I'll stop and let you know before doing any additional work. In older homes especially, opening up a wall or pulling off trim can reveal surprises. I'll explain what I found, give you options and costs, and only proceed with your approval. No surprises on the invoice.

I serve Boston and the surrounding communities including Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline, Newton, Watertown, Arlington, and Medford. The core of my work is within about a 10-mile radius of downtown Boston, which covers most of the inner metro area.

On a limited basis, yes. I'll occasionally take jobs in Needham, Waltham, Dedham, or other nearby towns if the project scope makes the trip worthwhile. Give me a call with the details and I'll let you know if I can accommodate it.

No, there's no separate travel charge for jobs within my regular service area. Travel time is factored into how I schedule my day, not billed to individual clients. For locations outside my usual coverage area, I'll let you know upfront if there's any additional cost.

Yes. I work across every Boston neighborhood — Back Bay, South End, Beacon Hill, South Boston, Dorchester, Jamaica Plain, Charlestown, Allston-Brighton, Fenway, Roxbury, Roslindale, West Roxbury, Hyde Park, Mattapan, and East Boston. No neighborhood is outside my coverage.

Yes, Somerville and Cambridge are well within my service area and I work there regularly. From Harvard Square to Davis Square to East Cambridge, I know these neighborhoods and their housing stock well.

Yes. I carry full liability insurance and meet all Massachusetts requirements for the work I perform. I can provide proof of insurance upon request, which many condo buildings and property managers require before work begins.

Over 20 years. I've been doing handyman work in the Boston area since the early 2000s. That experience means I've seen just about every type of repair situation and I know the housing stock in this area inside and out.

I work primarily on my own, which keeps overhead low and quality consistent. For larger jobs that benefit from an extra set of hands — like a full apartment turnover or a big furniture assembly day — I bring a trusted assistant.

For the quickest response, call me directly. I answer when I can and return calls the same day. If you have a detailed list of repairs or want to include photos, the contact form on this website or an email works well. Either way, I'll get back to you promptly.

Yes. Check out the projects page on this site for photos of completed work. I'm also happy to provide references from past clients in your area. After 20-plus years, I've built up a solid track record that speaks for itself.