Page 14 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, AugusT 29, 2025 Say nr Sa a y Senior Seni by Jim Miller How to Find a Great Handyman Dear Savvy Senior, What’s the best way to fi nd a good handyman or tradesman that can help with small jobs around the house? Almost 75 Dear Almost, It’s a great question. Finding a good home repair/handyman can be a bit of a crapshoot. How do you fi nd someone who will return your calls or texts, show up on time, do the job right and fi nish it, all at a fair price? Here are a few tips and resources that can help you search. What Kind of Help While it may seem obvious, whom you call on for help will depend on what you need done. If, for example, you have an odd job or small home repair project that doesn’t require a lot of technical expertise, a handyperson may be all you need. But if you have a job that involves electricity, plumbing, or heating or cooling systems, you’re better off going with a licensed tradesman. Bigger jobs like home renovations or remodeling may require a general contractor. Where to Find a Pro Whatever type of work you need, the best way to fi nd it is through referrals from people you trust. If your friends or family don’t have any recommendations turn to professionals in the fi eld like local hardware or home improvement stores, or even real estate agents. If you don’t have any luck here, there are a number of online resources you can turn to that can quickly connect you to a wide variety of skilled workers in your area. If you need someone for a home chore or small job, a popular option is Taskrabbit (taskrabbit.com), which lists thousands of freelance workers (called Taskers) that have undergone background checks. Here you can get help with things like furniture assembly; lifting or moving heavy items; mounting or hanging TVs, shelfs or pictures; minor home repairs; cleaning services; yard work and more. Taskers set their own hourly rates, which are displayed on their website before you book. Some other good options for locating handypeople are fi x-it franchises like Ace Handyman (acehandymanservices.com) and Mr. Handyman (mrhandyman.com). These companies vet and insure their staff , but they may be more expensive than Taskrabbit. Or, if you use social networking sites, you could also post a request for a handyperson in your Facebook group or on Nextdoor (nextdoor.com). If, however, you’re in the market for specialist like a plumber, electrician, painter, roofer or carpenter as well as a handyperson, try Angi (angi. com). They too, vet their independent contractors, and will let you request quotes from several candidates. Thumbtack (thumbtack.com) is another good resource that’s similar to Angi, but they off er more details like average response time, specifics about the work they do, and photos of past projects. Things to Know Once you’ve located a few candidates, here are some steps you can take to protect your money and ensure you’re satisfi ed with the results. First, get a handwritten estimate or digital contract that list the tasks and the hourly rate or project fee. Also, ask to see their proof of insurance, which covers any damages they may cause while working on your home, and ask for several references from past jobs. You should also pay after the work is done, not before. But it’s not unusual to be asked for a small deposit for material costs upfront. And if possible, you should pay with a credit card, because you can dispute the payment if something goes wrong with the job. Checks and electronic payments like PayPal, Venmo and Zelle don’t off er the same level of protection. Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070. nior ior Everett Public Libraries Calendar of Events CLOSED for Labor Day Monday, September 1 Parlin Adult and Teens Yarn Club: Parlin Fresco Room, Tuesday, September 2, at 7 p.m. Come chit-chat and stitch! Bring your crocheting, knitting or any other yarn craft and sit and socialize with other members of the crafting community. Recommended for ages 14-109! Parlin Children’s Storytime and Sing-along with Karen: Parlin Children’s Room, Wednesday, September 3, at 11 a.m. Join us for a fun-filled morning of singing and storytelling with Karen! Suggested ages: newborn to six. Ready, Set, School! Parlin Library Courtyard, Wednesday, September 3, at 3 p.m. Kick off the new school year with an ice cream social at the library. Swap first day stories with friends and check out our new display of staff picks for Grades K-8. Drama Class: Parlin Children’s Room, Wednesday, September 3, at 3 p.m. Do you have a drama queen or king at home? Drama Class in the Parlin Children’s Department is the perfect opportunity for your child to put those acting skills to use with our drama coach! Suggested ages: six to 14. Story Time Adventures with Mrs. McAuliffe: Parlin Craft Room; join us on Thursdays and Fridays at 11 a.m. ANNOUNCES | FROM PAGE 3 struggles of vision loss and off er resources that are available. Pizza will be served following the presentation. Please reserve a spot with Cathi at the Connolly Center by Saturday, Sept. 6. • Art at the Connolly Center: Beginning Tuesday, Sept. 23, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the COA is excited to once again host the Everett Arts Association at the Connolly Center for the fall session. Instructor Ilia will be available to guide participants in the medium of their choice throughout this 12-week course. For more information, Shute Adult and Teens Artisan’s Circle: Shute Meetfor our enchanting Story Time! You will be whisked away on magical adventures through the pages of your favorite books. Bring a friend or make a new one in our circle of friends. Mixed-Media Crafts: Parlin Children’s Room, Saturday, September 6, at 10 a.m. Enjoy learning and develop your imagination! Recommended for ages four to 2. Registration is required; sign up online. This program is funded by the Everett Cultural Council. The Nest — A Space for Moms: Parlin Meeting Room, Saturday, September 6, at 11 a.m. Leave the diaper bags and sippy cups at home, this one is just for the moms. Join fellow mom and children’s librarian Kristin McAuliffe together with other mothers as we discuss the great joys and great challenges of motherhood. Intended for mothers with children under 12. Origami Club: Parlin Children’s Room, Saturday, September 6, at 12 p.m. Learn how to fold paper animals of all kinds! Open to all ages and abilities. Paper and instruction will be provided. please call Anne LoConte at 617-387-7797. • Lunch and Movie: On Thursday, Sept. 18, beginning at 1 p.m., join the COA for the monthly lunch and movie event. Enjoy a delicious lunch that includes a garden salad, spaghetti and meatballs. Following lunch, stick around for a showing of the fi lm “You Gotta Believe.” Based on a true story, an underdog youth baseball team dedicates their season to a teammate’s ailing father and makes it all the way to the 2002 Little League World Series. Reservations are required. Please sign up with Cathi at the Coning Room, Thursday, September 4, at 5:30 p.m. Join Artisan’s Circle, a creative open studio with a relaxing, welcoming space for artists and crafters of all levels to work, connect and get inspired! Open to ages 18 and up, no registration required. Shute Children’s Miss Val’s Storytime Pals: Shute Children’s Room, Mondays at 10 a.m. and Tuesdays at 12 p.m. What’s better than a good story? Sharing it with friends! Join Miss Val at the Shute Library for Fairytale Fun! Cat Tales: Shute Library Meeting Room, Wednesday, September 3, at 10 a.m. Do you want to practice your reading skills? Gandalf the Cat is a very good listener! Take turns petting and reading to Gandalf. Registration is required, as Gandalf likes small groups and a calm atmosphere. Thank you to the Pets & People Foundation for our new Pet Therapy friend. Please visit www.petsandpeoplefoundation.org to learn more about their mission of serving their communities. Master Builders: Lego Freeplay: Shute Children’s Room, Thursdays from 3-5 p.m. Freeplay session with Legos and other building blocks. Bring a buddy, or make a new one, as you explore your imagination brick by brick! We provide the space and the materials to let your vision take shape. What will you create? nolly Center by Friday, Sept. 12. • Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration: On Friday, Sept. 12, beginning at 12:30 p.m. at the Connolly Center, join the COA for an exciting event in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Experience lively entertainment and delicious food. Reservations must be made for this event from Sept. 2 through Sept. 9. Please visit the COA offi ce to register. For more information about any of these events, please call 617-394-2270 to be connected to the Connolly Center or call directly: 617-394-2323 or 617394-2260.
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