Handy Andy

My awning was hanging and damaging my house. He did an excellent repair job, and on top of that he ended up having to shovel snow and prune a tree to do the work. The price was well within reason.

Tom began work on framing fairly quickly after the total price was agreed and a contract written and presented by Handy Andy. Tom did initiate some additional cleaning of the space which was appreciated but not requested as my husband and I both work full-time and are expecting our first child in mid-January. Tom's work initially appeared acceptable, following my husband's request that all studs were to be secured with screws. Tom agreed to use the structural screws provided to complete all of the framing. After approximately 25% of the framing was complete, Tom apparently decided screws were too cumbersome or simply not needed and took it upon himself to break open our brand new, still in the box, nail gun and start using it to complete the task. This was certainly not appreciated but we decided to let it go for the sake of seeing work proceed. Ultimately, it was actually beneficial that Tom chose to avail himself of our tools and materials as he did not use the structural screws provided to him, but instead chose to fling the box under the stairway, spilling screws over a large area. The screws were discovered while my husband was completing the wiring. After a more careful inspection, we realized that Tom had decided, on his own, that drywall screws were preferable for attaching studs - drywall screwss are, in fact, not structural and violate building code. In addition, Tom seemed to have difficulties understanding that studs are to be placed 16 inches on center - not 14, not 18, but 16. Other framing problems cropped up such as door frames secured only at the top and studs that were installed out of plumb. Tom attempted to blame "bad lumber" that was twisted or warped for the problem but when a stud under a window is less than 2 feet long, it seems rather odd that the difference between 2 studs could vary more than an inch from top to bottom. As work progressed, there always seemed to be other "issues" that would crop up with Tom - a problem with transportation causing a delay of a few days, a trip to traffic court consuming yet another day. Tom did come in over a weekend to work on the window installation but the finish work, i.e. framing around the windows for drywall installation, was never completed. We ended up completing that portion of the work ourselves in order to facilitate some of the drywall installation. We had also completed the wiring and, concurrently, I completed the full insulation of the space despite being nearly 8 months pregnant at the onset of the job. The drywall installation was subcontracted by Tom - this was appreciated as the workers were polite and efficient while they were actually on-site although they only did a total of about 6 hours worth of work. However, while the drywallers were working, Tom managed to not ever be on-site longer than about an hour. This meant that there was still work for which he had been paid that was not complete such as framing the new windows and finishing the last of the stud walls and pocket door installation which had a "missing" bracket that disappeared after Tom had opened the packaging. In addition, the drywall subcontractors left without finishing the job - we can only presume this was because Tom was not on-site to provide guidance and supervision. On the second day of drywall, Tom?s subs left after about two hours, leaving ceiling sheets attached with only edge nails and without all the electrical boxes cut out; including an electrical box that was identified as hidden under drywall they had hung the previous day. While never seen by anyone in our home, Tom managed to reacquire his ladder which he had left behind at the worksite and still performing no work to finish framing and window installation. Tom was paid $3,700 - up-front in several installments at his request because he was "counting on the speed of this job" for framing, drywall, and window installation labor. He finished nothing. We chose to sever the relationship with Handy Andy on December 23 without completion of the work since Tom seemed to have abandoned the job including the work he had already been paid to do. At this time, we are seeking a refund for work not completed, around $1,400. I find it utterly appalling that any contractor would think it appropriate to abandon work on a project when your client is 8 1/2 months pregnant and desperately trying to finish said project before the birth of a baby Tom seemed to lack the ability and concentration to handle this job. While other reviews here are positive, we feel that he took on more than he was capable of completing and rather than admit the job was beyond his skill-set, he chose to abandon the work without fully completing any task he was contracted and paid to do. Hire at your own risk. As this contractor has currently taken money for work not complete and refuses to even acknowledge that he has been fired from a job, I would absolutely recommend that any person stay away and never hire. Why waste your time on an irresposible thief or fraud of a contractor who can't finish a job - save yourself the hassle and look elsewhere for assistance.

The materials were delivered late so the work got delayed. Tom stayed on top of the job and coordinated everything very well. To catch up on the job and beat the coming colder weather, his workers worked an entire weekend to get caught up because of the material delay from the vendor (not their responsibility.) When they hit a snag around the windows caused by the original installation, they found a way to work around the problem, I now have new exterior window mouldings which make the house look much better, His workers were extremely knowledgeable about replacing siding. Very experienced and professional work was done. Also very trustworthy guys. I left the house open while I was at work so they could use the bathroom. Tom also suggested that I side the large shed which is close to the house with the left over material. Good advice. It looks great.

Tom (=Handy Andy) arrived at the house about two minutes late and immediately apologized for his tardiness. We spoke about the dryer issue and Tom understood immediately since he had done similar work within my the complex. I then picked his brain about other pending repair issues I had around the house. Tom seemed very knowledgeable. Regarding the dryer repair. Tom disassembled and cleaned the entire clothes dryer system, from the back of the dryer to the duct which ran behind the wall, through the ceiling and out the front facade (about 25 feet of duct). Afterward, he put everything back together and cleaned up, even in areas he did not work.  <br /> UPDATE:  Approximately one year later, we had the clothes dryer vent cleaned again because we noticed that the bathroom (in which the stacked washer/dryer) was stifling hot.  This time we called another contractor from Angie's List.  As he was cleaning the lint venting tube he noticed that there was a knot in the flex tube.  (The flex tube runs from the clothes dryer, behind the wall and up into the ceiling to an exhaust in the outside wall.)  Therefore, no lint was exhausting.  Worse yet, the hot air was trapped behind the wall and into the bathroom.  CAN ANYONE SAY "FIRE HAZARD!!"   <br /> Needless to say, never, never, never hire HANDY ANDY.   <br />

I called him on a Thursday and told him what I planned to do, and he told me that he had time on Friday to do the project. He gave me a price of $500. and he did the work. It cost me an extra $95 in additional parts that I need to install the water softener. I was very pleased with his work and his ability to get the job done quickly and his hard work ethic.I had a few quotes from some plumbers to install a water softener and they would supply the softener and all the necessary stuff and I was quoted $1500 to $2500. I spent $1095 and also had the electrical outlets put in. I am very happy. I will be buying a dishwasher next week and he will install it for me. I do not have a wish washer now, so he will have to run electric and water supply to the area as well as cut out a kitchen cabinet to place the machine.

Excellent job!

This is the second time I have used this handyman. This time, we called him to help us install a new cook top in my grandmothers house. As he did the last time, he was very thorough and did a good job. He provided extremely quick service on this occasion and saved us a week compared to having the store install the unit we purchased. We called him and he came the next day and did the job. We were very happy. I submitted 1 report earlier this year and I'd say we were more pleased this time than last time. Both times Tom went out of his way and did more than he had to do. I highly recommend him.

Handy Andy installed a new window air conditioner unit in my grandmothers house. She lives far from me so I was not able to do or supervise this work myself. I called and Tom came out and gave me an estimate. He also attempted to help me get the new air conditioner purchased at a local store so I would not have to pay shipping. This did not work out so I had to order the unit and he came back to install it. Overall things went a little slower than I would have liked but he got the job done. He would get an A except for his professionalism. He talked to much about his personal problems with my grandmother (which she did not like). I think he was just making small talk, but this was not necessary. Also, it would be better if he would be able to accept credit cards so that the transaction would go smoother.

Put in a vent hole for the dryer, but actually just vented dryer into a closet. Not great attention to detail. Bumped and scratched all around work area.

Tom estimated the project and arrived on time. When replacing the window sill, Tom noticed that some of the wood molding had rotted and as a result determined it had to be replaced. Tom ordered the necessary materials and as soon as they arrived installed them. While working on the project Tom was courteous and professional from beginning to end.

The job went great. Tom told me what would be needed for the job and the approximate price. HE would get the materials and if he thought it was more than he had quoted he would call and get your okay before he bought it. I liked that he gave me an estimate based on what he thought his hours would be but if it turned out to be less that's what I paid. Honest Guy.

The original agreement was for $1,660. I paid him a check for $1000 to start and then a day later he told me it would be $2010 total because he miscalculated causing me to to pay an extra $350. There is a discrepancy because the balasters are not in code and he said he wasn't going to fix them even though they are out of code.

Overall very well. I was very happy with the service. Tom was very prompt and courteous. He was also very experienced (He even purchased some of the mounting hardware such as the wax ring, etc separately because they were of better quality than the one that came with my cheapo toilet) which gave me an added level of reassurance.

I found a Handy Andy flyer in my mail box, and I knew what I wanted to do I just did'nt know who to call, and it was a cute little flyer, so I called, and this gentlemen comes over to my house his name is Tom. I showed him where I wanted to put the bathroom. He,talk to me for about and hour took measurments, look at where the plumbing would come from and the electric, where he could tie the drainage into. He walk outside a few times, then he came back we sat down and he wrote me and estimate, right there, which was nice I did'nt have to wait, which was good, I really wanted to start this and get it done. He told me it was going to cost $6000 and that he could do all the shopping for me even the fixtures if I would tell him what I wanted, and he did. He got started the very next day and did'nt stop until it was done. The other thing he did that I did'nt have to was he got me the permit from the town I lived in. Everything went smoothhly, I did'nt worry about a thing.