Routine maintenance by handyman service?

I'm currently reviewing responses to our annual homeowner survey and note several people have given our management company low marks. We haven't heard too many specific complaints about the mangement company, but I suspect a lot of it has to do with routine maintenance - surveyors noted delays in getting the workers out and poor quality of work.

This year I suggested that the board meet with the maintenance director to clarify who does what and when, and how problems can be addressed - everyone agreed it was a good idea, but there was no follow-up. I will bring this up again (maybe we can have him show up at February's annual meeting - that could get more people to come out).

I would like to give the property manager to straighten up and fly right, but if they don't I'm wondering if perhaps we should consider hiring a handyman service to do the work - it might save money, since it always costs more if the property manager does it, and if we hire a good one, we may get some ideas on things that will need to be addressed sooner rather than later. There are 156 units in the community, all townhomes (some two story, some ranch)

Has anyone else had experience with hiring a handyman service company to handle routine work like gutter cleaning, power washing of siding, etc? If so, how did it work out and what tips would you give? Thanks for any and all responses.

Perhaps Anna is referring to one of the national handyman franchise businesses? While we have no experience with them, we found a local (e.g. greater Atlanta, GA) version of a handyman company that isn't a franchise, but seems to have many of the desirable aspects of "the big guys" such as marked trucks, bonded employees in uniform, and guarantees on all work performed for a year.

They have done excellent work for our community, they give free estimates, show up when promised, and stand behind their work. While they do have a minimum charge, they have often asked if there were additional tasks to be done when what we're asking them for is comparatively small/simple and beneath their minimum fee.

Needless to say we've been very pleased.

Good luck in finding something or someone similar.

Shelia,

Maybe we have been lucky. One of our homeowners was using a handyman to update his kitchen. He had the qualifications and appropriate licenses and insurance. We gave him several small repair jobs in our common areas.

Now, after 15 months, we are thrilled to 'have' him. We call or email him a list of things to be done every few weeks. He comes and goes on his own schedule. He does great work and the Board is not saddled with making arrangements.

Maybe you can find an independent repair person - then treat him as though he has a stake in the game!

We have not and would never hire a national handyman service - too expensive and poor quality control.