OT Non DIY

Although you will probably find a local independent heating engineer who will do a better job when needed for less money if you ask around.

Again local tradesmen by personal recommendation is probably the way to go if you have a job that is beyond the scope of DIY. You can even go and take a look at some of their work locally first (or keep your eyes peeled for anyone doing a good job on neighbouring properties).

Any chance of getting some kid in to do it? No experience, but willing and capable of learning?

When I was in my very early teens, I started doing DIY for others. I was paid, of course a lot less than a professional -- but I felt very well paid. And the people paying would sometimes be able to tell me exactly what they wanted and how to do it, so I gained in experience with time (and bought more tools). With experience came speed, and a better understanding of what I could do, and what jobs I'd turn down. I enjoyed having a steady supply of money, and I still have most of the tools i bought then...

Thomas Prufer

I don't think you'll get a prepaid handyman to work on jobs as they come up. With your boiler the workman defines what's needed but for handywork you would and potentially that could be open ended.

I also have difficulty doing even simple physical tasks and have a cleaner who is paid by the hour and arranged for him to visit more than is strictly necessary. As maintenance jobs come up, he does them. He uses our tools, equipment and materials and we order in any items he needs which we don't have. It works reasonably well.

There are 'property maintenance' companies as used by remote landlords - especially where they need someone to do a first assessment before sending for a specialist (does tenant reporting 'no heating' mean a broken boiler or they don't know how to use the timer?)

But I have no idea if they're in general any good, or interested in dealing with a single property.

Theo

Where are you? There are various handyman schemes for the elderly in Norfolk, for example.

You could probably find something similar in your neck of the woods.

What happened to Other Dave, the Medway Handyman?

I think he occasionally lurks, but generally finds the OT: politics too much, though in the past he used to drag OT: cyclists arguments here ...

There are plenty of property maintenance companies about that are used by landlords, etc. You just need to find one that you can a££ord.

see if you have a

What maintenance are you referring to ?. Not much these days is user-accessible anyway.

Open Facebook and search for place names near where you live. There might be a local group you can join. That's a good way to find out which local tradesmen are any good.

Bill