10 Things to Check Before Hiring a Handyman in Miami

Miami has no shortage of people offering handyman services. A quick search online returns hundreds of results — from large platforms like Thumbtack and TaskRabbit to individual contractors advertising on social media. But not all handymen are created equal, and making the wrong choice can cost you time, money, and damage to your home.

Here are 10 things you should check before hiring any handyman in Miami.

1. Verify They Have Insurance

This is the single most important thing to check. If a handyman damages your property or gets injured on the job without insurance, you could be liable. Ask for proof of general liability insurance — a reputable handyman will have no problem showing you their certificate of insurance.

In Florida, handyman services do not require a contractor license for jobs under $1,000 (with some exceptions). But insurance is something any professional should carry regardless of the job size.

2. Check Online Reviews

Look at their reviews on Google, Yelp, Thumbtack, and the Better Business Bureau. Pay attention to patterns — one bad review is normal, but repeated complaints about the same issues (showing up late, hidden charges, poor quality) are red flags. Look for reviews from Miami neighborhoods similar to yours.

3. Ask About Background Checks

You are letting someone into your home. Ask whether the company runs background checks on its technicians. Reputable companies screen their workers before sending them to your house. This is especially important if you have valuables, children, or elderly family members at home.

4. Get a Written Estimate Before Work Starts

Never agree to "we will figure out the price as we go." A professional handyman should give you a clear, written estimate before starting any work. The estimate should break down labor and materials separately. If the scope changes during the job, they should discuss additional costs with you before proceeding.

5. Ask for References or a Portfolio

Experienced handymen will have photos of previous work or happy customers willing to vouch for them. Ask to see examples of similar work they have done. If they are mounting TVs, ask to see photos of past installations. If they are painting, ask for before-and-after shots.

6. Confirm They Specialize in Your Type of Job

Some handymen are great at carpentry but terrible at electrical work. Others excel at painting but struggle with plumbing. Ask specifically about their experience with the type of work you need done. A good handyman will be honest about what they can and cannot do.

7. Check Their Response Time

How quickly do they respond to your initial inquiry? If it takes them three days to return a call or text, imagine how they will handle issues that come up during or after the job. Professional companies typically respond within a few hours. In Miami, where schedules can be tight, this matters.

8. Ask About Warranties and Guarantees

What happens if something goes wrong after the job is done? Does the handyman offer a satisfaction guarantee? Will they come back and fix an issue at no extra charge? Get this in writing. Companies that stand behind their work will have a clear guarantee policy.

9. Understand Their Pricing Structure

Handymen typically charge one of two ways: flat rate per job or hourly rate. In Miami, the average hourly rate ranges from $60 to $100 per hour, often with a 2-hour minimum. Some tasks like TV mounting or light fixture installation are usually flat-rate. Make sure you understand how you will be billed before they start.

10. Trust Your Gut

If something feels off during your initial conversation — they are evasive about pricing, they pressure you to commit immediately, they cannot provide proof of insurance — trust that instinct and keep looking. Miami has plenty of great handymen. You do not need to settle.

The Bottom Line

Taking 15 minutes to verify these 10 points can save you hundreds of dollars and a lot of frustration. The best handymen in Miami are transparent, responsive, insured, and happy to answer your questions. If they check all these boxes, you are in good hands.