Home

[SXMGirl]

@pattiewaddle,I agree with those who recommend Nextdoor.com.  That is a great way to find out who your neighbors used and liked.  I also suggest contacting your senior center.  If you don't belong, you might want to think about joining.  Most have a monthly newsletter with advertising that includes handyman servies, along with other services.

[pattiewaddle]

Thank you for asking.   Right now its been general repairs furnace some pluming but will need a roof before long.really not knowing the price is so hard to know if too high or what...Trees are also in near future.  Its so true about something everyday and makes me miss and apreciate my husband......I don't like this new job at all. sometimes feel like walking out the door and never look back but would have to come back and close the door, so many of you are with me and thank you so much for your suggestions. My neighbor worked on my furnace so Im set for cold weather the rest will come later.

[VaBelle35]

@pattiewaddle  Nextdoor is actually perfect for finding out the general price of your roof.

We had a big wind storm here in Northern Virginia on March 2 and many of us still had our original roof from 25 years ago.  Finding a quality roofing company and knowing the general cost everyone paid was very helpful in deciding who to go with.  We also had a good, informative discussion about using architectural shingles vs standard shingles.

[homedecor1]

I like Nextdoor site also.  I sell & buy many things from "my neighbors" and I'm always glad others post good and bad reviews when they've use contractors.

I met my handyman (or shall I say "jack of all trades") at a estate house sale in my community.   He was there giving estimate to new owners!  

He turned out to be a great find!  He's trustworthy and fairly reasonable.  I've given his name to anyone who asks me.  

Even though I have a spouse he has no handy skills -- so I have my "handyman" on speed dial😉

[jannabelle1]

@pattiewaddle, you're in a situation that many of us will deal with at some point. I was divorced for 5 years before I remarried, so I have some experience trying to deal with home repairs on my own. That said, if you have neighbors that you know, please ask them if they have recommendations. If you have a Homeowners Association, you can also turn to them for recommendations. Talk with your friends or your pastor if you're a member of a church. And please also talk to your family and see if they can help you out. Please don't fret about this - there is an answer and there are many good people out there who can be hired to help you out. Bless you.

[speedy girl]

Another vote here to call your Senior Center. They usually have a service that will help seniors and I think they would be trust worthy. If they can't help you, I bet they could give you a referral. I hope you can find someone to help. 

[CAcableGirl2]

@pattiewaddle  I also recommend the nextdoor website.  It's a lot of lost cats/dogs (happily most are found by other neighbors), items for sale, announcements and security concerns, but is a good resource for recommendations of businesses and things going on around town.  You can choose which neighborhoods your want to include....just yours, or surrounding neighborhoods.

I do recommend that if and when you sign up, be sure to update your profile to only include your street name and not your full address.  You can never be too safe.

If you have someone come and work at your home, I would try to have another person there so you would feel more comfortable and to always get the price quote up front and multiple bids.  And, as someone told me once, always keep your purse and valuables out of sight.

I tend to go with companies that have been around for a long time.  Thinking I had a leak in the roof, I called a local roofer that had been in business over 40 years, and the man who arrived climbed on the roof, removed some tiles to double check, and explained that my roof was fine - all at no charge.  I will be sure to use them if I ever need a roof repair in the future.   When I needed tile work, the tile store recommended a contractor, and he was excellent.   Don't be afraid to ask others for recommendations.  I think if people have had a great or a horrible experience, they will happy to share with you.  

You will find someone - don't be discouraged, there are plenty of good honest people out there. 

[AngelPuppy1]

---

@pattiewaddle wrote:

I live alone now and need some repairs inside the home. Husband always handled this and now that he is gone I have to.I feel so lost making these decisions as can,t really afford some of the ones we used before...having repair men in and being alone bothers me.....family lives out of town so its just me.....neighbors all work and only at home at night....I know I need your advise .Thanks so much.....

---

@pattiewaddle

I understand how you feel!  It is a lonely and scary feeling.  My DH is not well and can no longer do so many things he did before.  In fact, he is trying to show me how to do a lot of things he used to do.  Some of the things I am able to handle and others I cannot.  Too hard, too heavy, I am not strong enough, I am not well enough myself, etc.  I have no family near to help me either and neighbors --- they are not friendly or even want to speak to you.  We had one young man who was really kind and did help us occasionally but he recently moved.

I have similar suggestions as the other posters --- which I feel are excellent ideas.  Calling Senior Center and asking people from church are very good and seem safe, too.

Also, this may have been suggested and I may have missed it.  We have called a local well known hardware store and asked for suggestions of people to do this or that and they have been very helpful.  

I wish you much luck.  Blessings! 

[shaggygirl]

And awhile ago I went to take my reheated coffee out of my over the stove microwave and the door handle broke loose. It's no longer attached to the door at the bottom and the top where it's attached is now cracked and about ready to break loose as well. Wonder what's next? And there will be SOMETHING.

I did manage to get my coffee out, wasn't easy prying that door open but I wasn't about to let it defeat me.

[Elom]

I just in July moved into my house alone and yes my husband handled all of that. I have used Home advisors and I also asked my realtor who they use or if they could recommend. It definitely is a challenge and if you get a good repair person they are golden if you are alone. Another challenge I am having is lawn people and trees planted etc. I took all of this for granted. Good luck to you and sorry for your loss this part of it is hard.