Handyman on retainer?

musky387 · 03-29-2025, 05:49 PM

Do any of you pay a retainer each month to have a handyman respond quickly if needed? If so, may I ask how much? My space is small and well renovated, and I have skills and tools myself but it would be nice to have a handyman on call. Because getting one to call you back in this city and having them come quickly is really difficult.

sbjnyc · 03-29-2025, 06:05 PM

I just have a trust worthy handyman that can come out immediately at an extra cost to his normal rate.
I’ve never heard of this retainer.. why pay retainer? do you expect things to break often? and not only that, some issues can wait until the next day.

"oh the faucet is a bit leaky".
do you need to fix it right immediately now? probably not.

back2thebay · 03-29-2025, 07:12 PM

You'd be hard pressed not to find anyone in short time if you are willing to pay. You might not like the cost, but I imagine these are few and far in between where you would need this service. I think this would be cheaper than any retainer.
What would require an immediate response? AC/heat, electrical, certain plumbing issues. Those likely are not handyman calls. Relatively short list. Some issues could be addressed with a discount to the guest for the inconvenience. And extreme issues might require you to cancel the reservation or find an alternative accommodation even if you had someone on it right away...