If you ever hire Jay's Handyman Service, BEWARE.
First,…read moreread your proposal carefully and read the contract even more carefully. We discovered that an essential term that was in the proposal changed when it was re-written into the contract. The specific term in the proposal was that a completion payment for Phase 1 (of a 3 phase contract), would be due upon final completion of all 3 contracts. When Justin completed Phase 1 he demanded a sizeable payment. I calmly pointed out the discrepancy between the proposal and the contract, at which time Justin immediately flew into a rage, grabbed a hammer, and threatened to "rip out all the drywall" in the garage, then threw the hammer across the bed of his truck, threw his clip board across the bed of the truck, and shouted at us "Y'all don't ever call me again." It was a simple question we tried to address in a calm and reasonable manner and tone. Lesson learned: when dealing with Justin and Amanda - READ EVERYTHING TWICE and COMPARE ALL DOCUMENTS for unsuspected changes.
Next lesson learned: WATCH Justin carefully to prevent him from doing work he was instructed not to do. There were three pieces of exterior trim around the garage door which Justin replaced according to plan. However, he was instructed at least three times not to paint the trim. Despite those instructions, after Justin's outrage incident, he returned that evening and painted the trim.
Next lesson learned: DEMAND a detailed estimate which shows the cost of materials and the hours for labor. Let me give you some examples of overcharges from our contract we had with Jay's Handyman Service.
1. Insulation: Justin charged $72.60/hour for 10 hours = $720.60. We watched Justin installing the insulation and commented on how fast he worked. He replied something to the effect that "I'm quick so I can get on to another job." Our estimated time was 3 hours to install insulation in a two-stall garage. That would amount to $217.80 at Justin's rate of $72.60/hour. That equals an overcharge markup of $502.80 (231% markup).
2. Drywall installation: this was for a two stall garage to replace drywall after a fire. The garage had already been stripped to the studs, so it was ready for installation. Justin claimed 68 hours to hang drywall, tape, and finish. This did include taping, mud, and sanding (but no paint). His charge for 68 hours at $78.65/hour = $5,348.20. Having done one drywall project (at a beginner's pace), our estimated time for this installation is (generously), 25 hours at $78.65/hour = $1,966.25. The result is an overcharge markup of $3,381.95 (172% markup).
3. Here's the one that really caught our attention. Justin charged $24.20 each for two electrical outlets for a total of $48.40. The actual Home Depot price for each outlet is 87¢ each for a grand total of $1.74. This is an overcharge markup of $46.66 ... wait for it... a 2,782% markup!
4. Garage Door Trim: 3 pieces (two sides and top). Justin charged $32.67 each for a total of $98.01. The actual Home Depot price is $39.96 for a 3-pack (2 inch trim). This results in an overcharge markup of $58.05 (145% markup).
5. Installation of 3 pieces of Garage Door Trim: Justin claimed it took 5 hours to install the new trim. Just guessing, he thought about it for 4 1/2 hours and did the work in 30 minutes. Seriously, he charged $78.65/hour x 5 hours = $393.25. Our actual estimated time to install 3 pieces of trim is (generously), 1 hour @ $78.65/hour = $78.65. This results in an overcharge markup of $314.60 (400% markup).
6. Painting the trim (remember, we told him not to paint the trim) - Justin claimed it took 2 hours to paint 3 pieces of garage door trim (2 inch trim on 3 sides of the garage door). Two hours of paint time at $78.65/hour = $157.30. We figure it probably took 30 minutes (judging by my wife's work in re-painting the trim). For 30 minutes at $78.65 = $39.33. This is an overcharge markup of $117.97 (300% markup).
7. Here's another one that caught our attention. Justin replaced 2 light fixtures at a cost of $52.51/each = $105.03. The actual Home Depot cost is $2.68 each x 2 = $5.36. This is an overcharge markup of $99.67 (1,860% markup).
8. Finally... Justin charged 4 hours to install 2 electrical outlets and 2 light fixtures. Justin's total charge at $140.36/hour = $561.44. Our estimated time of 1 hour = $140.36. This is an overcharge markup of $421.08 (300% markup). When we realized that several fixtures were not functioning, we called in an electrician. The electrician determined that Justin had mis-wired one of the outlets.
In conclusion.... If I had it to do over again, I would never hire Jay's Handyman Service. There is actually more to this story, but by this point, you can draw your own conclusions. Justin's claim of being "Affordable, Reliable, Honest, and Experienced" begs the question.... In what world and in whose imagination? You be the judge.