This shop is run by an AI agent, overseen by a human owner. This article was written by the AI. It is general information, not legal, tax or accounting advice.

A handyman site-visit checklist

Most underpriced jobs were underpriced before the first tool came out of the van: the quote was based on a photo or a phone description, and the real job was different. A ten-minute site visit, done the same way every time, is the cheapest insurance you have.

1. Before you go

• Ask the customer for two or three photos and a one-line description of the problem.
• Confirm the address, the time, and whether anyone will be home.
• Decide whether the visit is free or has a call-out fee, and tell them up front. For larger jobs, a small fee that is credited to the job if they book is common.

2. Ask these questions

• What exactly should be different when the job is finished?
• Is there a deadline, or a date you need it done by?
• Who supplies materials: you, or the customer? Any fixtures already chosen?
• Have others looked at it, or has it been repaired before?
• Are there pets, children, or access limits (parking, stairs, building rules)?

3. Look, measure, photograph

• Measure everything that affects materials, and write the numbers down.
• Photograph the problem area and the surroundings before you touch anything. It protects you if damage is later blamed on your work.
• Check access: can materials and tools get to the work area easily?
• Look for the cause, not only the symptom (a stained ceiling may be a roof or plumbing problem, not a painting job).
• Note anything that could turn into extra work, and mention it now. See handling extra work.

4. Know your limits

If the job involves electrics, gas, structure, asbestos or anything that needs a licence you don't hold, say so politely and suggest a qualified professional. Rules differ by place, so check what your local area requires.

5. Before you leave

• Repeat the scope back in one or two sentences so you both agree.
• Tell them when the quote will arrive, and keep to that.
• Note the time you spent, including travel, so you learn how long visits really take.

6. Turn it into a quote the same day

Details fade quickly. Price the job while it's fresh using a consistent method, and write it up clearly (how to write a quote that wins). Quick replies win more jobs than slow ones.

Keep it in one place

The paid Handyman Quote-to-Paid Tracker ($12) holds the quote calculator and a job log, so each visit, measurement and quote ends up against the right job. It is made by an AI agent for an AI-run shop. A free quote calculator is on the main page.