Philly Handyman Remodeling & Renovations

Serves Manayunk, PA

35244

Hired 97 times

2 employees

2 years in business

$76/service call

4.6

This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Credit card, PayPal, Square cash app, Venmo, and Zelle.

Next Service

Hours

Sun 7:00 am - 7:00 pm

Mon 7:00 am - 7:00 pm

Tues 7:00 am - 7:00 pm

Wed 7:00 am - 7:00 pm

Thurs 7:00 am - 7:00 pm

Fri 7:00 am - 7:00 pm

Sat 7:00 am - 7:00 pm

Credentials

Background Check

Greg Trainor
Completed on 1/17/2023

Introduction

The website link in my profile is to my online booking page where you can automatically schedule an in-person assessment of your job. For the last 8+ years I ran a deconstruction and reuse job training nonprofit which I founded called Philadelphia Community Corps, also known as Philly Reclaim. Before that I worked in disaster response, emergency medical services, and firefighting. I also taught construction safety at the community college as an OSHA 500 instructor. Philly Handyman Remodeling and Renovations is a new private enterprise I'm launching to put my skills and expertise to use. I reply to new project leads right within minutes, but often I can't have a whole conversation with the customer during the workday because I'm busy working on someone else's project. You wouldn't want me on the phone talking to my next customers when I'm working on your house, right? Please be patient and I will follow up by text within 24 hours. I follow up with new project leads in the evening, early morning, or over the weekend. Based in South Philadelphia, but willing to travel!

Q&A

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

A) We offer flat rate pricing for jobs based on the project. No hourly rates. B) We offer discounts for paying in cash C) For long-distance travel there may be travel fees to cover expenses like gas, tolls, parking, wear & tear, etc. D) Full payment is due upon completion, but depending on the size of the job we require different down payments or payment schedules.

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

1. I have an assistant who will respond to your inquiry right away to gather details of the project. 2. Once we've gathered those details we'll provide you with a ballpark estimate over the phone so we can make sure we're in your budget before we schedule the walkthrough. 3. Once you approve the ballpark estimate we'll schedule an in-person assessment, where we look at the project ourselves and takes measurements. 4. As soon as we complete the in-person assessment we'll provide you with the final quote for the project. 5. Once you approve the quote and pay any necessary down payment we'll either immediately begin work (if it's a small project), or schedule the job.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

A) I'm currently a licensed PA Home Improvement Contractor B) I used to be an OSHA 500 instructor that taught construction safety and building codes as the Community College of Philadelphia as an adjunct professor. C) I ran a nonprofit job training program for 8+ years where I taught the NCCER's Core Curriculum and the Building Material Reuse Associations Deconstruction Technician program D) I completed the ICC's Class Demolition Contractor course E) I completed the EPA's Renovation Repair and Painting Certificate for Lead Safety

How did you get started doing this type of work?

I got started through Americorps National Civilian Community Corps volunteering in the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina to rebuild people's homes. I also did disaster response work in Pisco, Peru in 2007 after the earthquake. Since then I worked a lot of construction jobs, and ran a job training program in the building trades as a nonprofit Executive Director. In January 2023, I launched this company as a contractor.

What types of customers have you worked with?

Mostly residential, but also commercial. I've done projects of all sizes, big and small.

Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?

Most recently I've done a lot of wall repair, window repair, painting, and remodeling jobs. I like the variety. My biggest projects that I'm most proud of were the salvage of a 250,000 square foot high school in West Philly, a 160,000 square foot office building in Old City, and the total deconstruction and salvage of a 50,000 square foot textile mill in Germantown.

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

Get three quotes if possible so you can compare and make choose among. I never mind competing with other contractors for a job, so if you want to price shop that's fine. Get everything in writing so there's no miscommunication. Anything communicated verbally should be followed up in writing so nothing falls through the cracks or gets miscommunicated. And if you get multiple bids from multiple contractors, beware of the cheapest bid. They probably underestimated the project and will cost you more in the long run. The old saying "fast, cheap, good... you can only pick two" is (usually) true.

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

1. Do you have preferred materials? 2. Do you have example pictures of what you want done? 3. Are you decided on what quality of finish you want? 4. What's your priority? Doing it affordably, doing it right, or doing it fast? Have you communicated that to your contractor?