Your kitchen faucet is dripping. A door won’t close properly. The fence needs fixing before winter. You need help — but how do you find someone you can actually trust? Hiring the wrong handyman can cost you more money, more time, and a whole lot of stress. The right one? He shows up on time, does the job properly, and charges you a fair price. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what to look for — so you can make the right call the first time.
What Does a Handyman Do? (And What They Don’t)
Before you hire, it helps to understand what handyman do day-to-day.
A handyman handles small-to-medium home repairs and maintenance tasks that don’t require a licensed specialist. Think of them as your go-to person for the jobs that pile up around the house.
Common handyman services include:
- General home repair (doors, trim, weatherstripping)
- Drywall repair and painting
- Furniture assembly
- Window repairs and replacements
- Minor plumbing and electrical work
- Deck and fence maintenance
What a handyman typically does not do: full electrical rewiring, major plumbing overhauls, or structural construction. For those, you need a licensed contractor.
See the full list of services Matthew Handyman offers →
Step 1 — Check If They’re Licensed and Insured (Non-Negotiable)
This is the single most important thing. A licensed and insured handyman means:
- Your home is protected if something goes wrong
- They meet state standards for the work they do
- You won’t be held liable for accidents on your property
Always ask directly: “Are you licensed, bonded, and insured in South Dakota?”
If they hesitate — walk away.
Step 2 — Look at Reviews From Local Homeowners
Anyone can say they do great work. What do their customers say?
Search for reviews on Google, Facebook, and Nextdoor. Look for:
- Consistent 4.5+ star ratings
- Mentions of punctuality and cleanliness
- Specific details (not just “great job!”)
- How they respond to negative reviews
Local reviews from Sioux Falls neighbors matter more than anything else. Someone in Brandon or Harrisburg who had a great experience is more relevant to you than a review from another state.
See what Matthew Handyman customers are saying →
Step 3 — Ask About Pricing Upfront
Hidden fees are one of the biggest complaints homeowners have about contractors. A trustworthy handyman will give you a clear, upfront estimate — before any work begins.
Ask these questions before you agree to anything:
- Is this a flat rate or hourly?
- What’s included in the quote?
- Are there any extra charges for materials?
- What happens if the job takes longer than expected?
At Matthew Handyman Sioux Falls, we believe in transparent pricing with zero hidden surprises. You know the cost before we touch a single tool.
Ready to get your free estimate? →
Step 4 — Make Sure They Have Experience With Your Specific Job
Not every handyman is equally skilled at every task. Someone great at furniture assembly might not be the best choice for drywall repair.
Ask: “Have you done this type of job before? Can you show me examples?”
A confident professional will have no problem answering this. Bonus points if they arrive with a fully stocked vehicle — it shows they’re prepared and experienced.
Step 5 — Test Their Communication and Reliability
A handyman who doesn’t respond to calls or shows up late is a red flag — even if their work is decent. Reliability is everything when you’re dealing with your home.
Watch for these green flags:
- They respond quickly (same day or next day)
- They confirm appointments in advance
- They show up on time
- They explain what they’re doing and why
Bad communication before the job almost always means problems during the job.
Step 6 — Hire Local When Possible
There’s a real advantage to hiring a handyman who’s based right here in Sioux Falls.
A local handyman:
- Knows Sioux Falls weather and common home issues in the area
- Has a reputation to protect in the community
- Can respond fast for urgent repairs
- Is familiar with local codes and standards
Matthew Handyman has been serving Sioux Falls, Brandon, Harrisburg, Tea, Hartford, and surrounding areas since 2014. We’re your neighbors — and we treat your home like our own.
Quick Checklist: How to Choose the Right Handyman
Before you hire anyone, run through this list:
- Licensed, bonded, and insured
- Strong local reviews (4.5+ stars)
- Gives upfront, transparent pricing
- Experience with your specific job
- Communicates clearly and shows up on time
- Based locally in Sioux Falls
Ready to Hire a Handyman You Can Actually Trust?
You don’t have to spend hours searching and second-guessing. Matthew Handyman Sioux Falls checks every box — licensed, insured, 4.9-star rated, and fully transparent on pricing.
Whether you need a door fixed, furniture assembled, or a full honey-do list handled — we’re one call away.
Call us: (605) 799-2955 Or book a free estimate online: Contact Us
Matthew Handyman Sioux Falls — Honest work, fair prices, no surprises. Serving Sioux Falls, SD and surrounding communities since 2014.