Question 1

How do you charge — hourly or by the job?

Accepted Answer

Both, depending on what fits. Small tasks and mixed punch lists are usually hourly, so you're only paying for actual time. Defined projects — a deck repair, a room of drywall, a fence section — get a flat quote so you know the total before we start. Either way, you approve the price first.

Question 2

Do you offer free estimates?

Accepted Answer

Yes — most estimates are free based on your description and photos. Larger or more complex projects may need a short on-site visit; if that visit ever carries a cost, we'll tell you before scheduling it, not after.

Question 3

Is there a minimum job size?

Accepted Answer

We have a modest service minimum that covers travel and setup — which is exactly why we encourage you to batch your list. Three or four small tasks in one visit is the most cost-effective way to use a handyman.

Question 4

Will there be surprise charges?

Accepted Answer

No. If we open up a repair and find more than expected — common in older Santa Barbara homes, where a "small" wood rot spot can run deeper — we stop, show you what we found, and get your approval before any added cost.

Question 5

Are you licensed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We operate as a licensed business, and under California law handymen may perform projects under the state contractor threshold. Work above that threshold, or specialized trades like re-roofing, major electrical panels, or structural changes, goes to a licensed specialty contractor — and we'll tell you honestly when a job crosses that line.

Question 6

Are you insured?

Accepted Answer

Fully. We carry liability insurance and can provide certificates of insurance on request — something property managers, HOAs, and commercial landlords routinely ask for, and should.

Question 7

Who actually shows up at my door?

Accepted Answer

A background-checked professional from our team — not an anonymous subcontractor. We confirm who's coming and when, and we show up in that window.

Question 8

How quickly can you get to me?

Accepted Answer

Small jobs are typically scheduled within a few days. Urgent items — a door that won't lock, a rental turnover with a move-in date, a hazard — get bumped to the front. Tell us your deadline and we'll work with it.

Question 9

Do you do emergency work?

Accepted Answer

We're not a 24/7 dispatch service, but we handle urgent repairs fast during business hours, and existing property management and vacation rental clients have after-hours access for genuine emergencies.

Question 10

What areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

Santa Barbara (all neighborhoods, from the Mesa to the Riviera), Montecito, Carpinteria, Summerland, Hope Ranch, and Isla Vista.

Question 11

What jobs do you take on?

Accepted Answer

Most repairs and improvements around a home or small business: carpentry, drywall, painting, stucco patching, doors and windows, decks and fences, tile and grout, minor plumbing and electrical, fixture installation, TV mounting, furniture assembly, pressure washing, gutters, wood rot repair, smart home devices, senior safety modifications, and full punch lists.

Question 12

What jobs do you NOT do?

Accepted Answer

Major structural work, full re-roofs, electrical panel upgrades, gas line work, large room additions, and anything requiring a specialty contractor's license or significant permitting. When your project needs one of those, we'll say so and can refer trusted local contractors.

Question 13

Do handyman jobs need permits?

Accepted Answer

Most don't — like-for-like repairs, painting, patching, and fixture swaps generally fall outside permit requirements. Work that alters structure, electrical circuits, or plumbing configurations can require permits through the City of Santa Barbara or County. If your project crosses into permit territory, we'll flag it upfront rather than work around it.

Question 14

Who buys the materials?

Accepted Answer

Either works. Many clients have us pick up materials — we know what holds up in coastal conditions, from stainless exterior hardware that resists salt air to the right primer for old stucco. Materials are billed at cost with receipts, or you can supply your own.

Question 15

Do you warranty your work?

Accepted Answer

Yes — our workmanship is guaranteed. If something we repaired or installed fails because of our work, we come back and make it right at no charge. Manufacturer warranties cover the products themselves.

Question 16

How does billing work for landlords and property managers?

Accepted Answer

We make it easy to run a portfolio: consolidated invoicing, per-unit job documentation, before-and-after photos on request, and direct billing to your management office. Many South Coast property managers use us as their standing maintenance vendor for exactly this reason.

Question 17

Can you work while I'm not home?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with arrangements you're comfortable with — lockbox codes, smart locks, or coordination with your tenant or property manager. We document the work and secure the property when we leave. It's how we serve most of our vacation rental clients between guest stays.

Question 18

What if I just have "one little thing"?

Accepted Answer

Bring it. And then walk through the house first — there's almost always a second and third little thing, and one combined visit is the best value.

Santa Barbara Handyman FAQ: Straight Answers to Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have a question?