When you need small repairs or improvements around the house, a handyman can be the perfect solution. But not all handyman services are created equal. Whether you live in Vancouver, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, or Burnaby, it’s important to know what to look for before letting someone into your home.

Here are 10 key things to consider before hiring a handyman in the Lower Mainland.

1. Confirm They’re Licensed and Registered

In most municipalities, handymen are required to have a valid business license. This ensures they’re operating legally and are accountable for the work they perform. You can check licensing requirements on the City of Vancouver’s website or in your local jurisdiction.

2. Ask About WorkSafeBC Coverage

If a handyman is injured on your property and they don’t have WorkSafeBC coverage, you could be held liable. Always ask if they’re covered – any professional will have no problem showing proof. If you’d like, you can get your own clearance letter from the WorkSafeBc website for free in about 30 seconds by clicking this link: https://www.worksafebc.com/en/insurance/why-clearance-letter/get-clearance-letter

3. Verify Liability Insurance

Mistakes can happen. Liability insurance protects both you and the handyman if something goes wrong. Without it, you’re taking a big financial risk. Simply ask your handyman for this information and they should be able to provide it immediately. Microworks carries 5mil of liability insurance with Aviva for Business

4. Look for a Warranty or Guarantee

A professional handyman should stand behind their work. At Microworks, we always offer a one year all inclusive warranty to give you peace of mind. If a service provider doesn’t back up their work, that’s a red flag.

5. Read Reviews and Testimonials

Online reviews on Google, Yelp, or even local Facebook groups in North Vancouver or Burnaby can give you a clear picture of what to expect. Don’t just look at the star rating – read the feedback carefully and check through the lowest star reviews.

6. Specialization in Small Jobs

Not every handyman focuses on the smaller projects. Some prefer larger renovations. That can be a bit tricky because you don’t want your contractor to suddenly tell you they can’t do your job for 3 months because they just landed that big kitchen reno! At Microworks, we specialize exclusively in small handyman jobs, so we can help with tasks many contractors won’t take on.

7. Get a Clear Estimate Up Front

A professional should provide a transparent estimate, not a vague ballpark. The estimate should be clear, concise, and should include everything you need done at your home.

8. Ask About Scheduling and Availability

In busy areas like Vancouver or the North Shore, good handymen can book up quickly. Make sure their timeline matches your needs, especially if you’re coordinating multiple tasks.

9. Check Their Experience

Ask how long they’ve been in business and what type of projects they usually handle. Someone with years of experience in Burnaby condos may be different from someone who works mostly on West Vancouver houses. At Microworks, our focus is on small projects and we’ve on everything from small condos, office buildings, commercial real estate, all the way up to 10,000 sq ft homes and industrial buildings.

10. Communication Matters

Your handyman should be easy to reach and clear in their communication. At Microworks, we prioritize fast responses and transparent scheduling so you’re never left wondering.

The Bottom Line: Hire Smart

Before hiring a handyman in Vancouver, Burnaby, or the North Shore, make sure you check the following:

• They have WorkSafeBC coverage

• They hold a valid business license

• They carry liability insurance

• They provide a warranty on their work

These four factors are non-negotiable if you want to protect your home and ensure quality service.

Need a Professional Handyman?

At Microworks, we focus on small jobs done right. Whether you’re in Vancouver, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, or Burnaby, our team is fully licensed, insured, covered by WorkSafeBC, and we back our work with a warranty.

Get in touch today through our contact page, or give us a call at 604-836-4178 to schedule your project