Skilled handyman services can tackle that honey-do list—and more.
Story by Tracy Dickinson
Featured in Spring 2025
As the days get longer each spring, that honey-do list has a tendency to grow, too. Projects postponed over the winter combine with ongoing spring maintenance, and suddenly, you’re faced with much more than a Saturday morning’s work.
“When it comes to whether to DIY or hire someone else, it isn’t necessarily about your skill set,” says KC Handyman owner Devan Kaufman. “We have a tendency to think that if it’s something we can do, then it’s something we should do. But really it’s about how you want to spend your time.”
And most handyman services will help you with little nagging tasks as well as the big projects. “One of the services we offer is an exterior inspection, where we come out and take pictures of any potential issues,” Kaufman says. “We make a list of repair and maintenance items and prioritize those for you. And we even provide an estimate of what it would cost to have KC Handyman do the work for you.”
He says some homeowners opt to have KC Handyman take care of everything, but others take on some of those tasks themselves and hire KC Handyman for others.
If you’re unsure about how to identify repair and maintenance issues, Kaufman offers these suggestions.
Seasonally
Spring is a great time to do a walk-around to see if the winter left its mark on your home. “Any areas where walls intersect with the roof or the ground or where siding intersects with stone, those are places where issues will show up first,” Kaufman says. “If paint is chipping or you see evidence of water damage, catching it early can be the difference between minor repair and major problems.”
Gutters and downspouts often suffer by the close of winter. To avoid drainage issues, check for loose or damaged gutters and disconnected downspouts before spring rains hit hard.
“You want to make sure everything is in good shape, draining properly, and the downspouts extend away from the house,” says Kaufman. “It’s not unusual for the ground to settle near the house over the winter, so checking the grade is important, too.”
Windows and doors should also be examined, especially the lower frame portion, where problems typically begin. “A lot of times, people don’t realize they have an issue until they have trouble opening or closing a door or window. By then, you could be looking at a much bigger repair or even a replacement,” Kaufman says.
“If you can do a job and you enjoy doing it, go ahead. But if it’s just going to make your life more stressful, why not call in a handyman? They can probably do it faster, and you can do something else you’d enjoy more.”
Devan Kaufman, KC Handyman
Annually
Inside the home, Kaufman suggests several annual tasks to prevent larger repairs later.
“Cleaning and sealing tile grout is a simple way to protect your tile work and extend its life,” he says. He also advises cleaning out dryer vents and exhaust systems once a year to prevent buildup that can become a fire hazard.
“Another thing we’ve been doing more of is fixing bathroom exhaust fan vents,” Kaufman says. “In older homes, it’s not uncommon for those to vent into the attic, so we’ll redirect that and vent it outside to prevent humidity buildup in the attic.”
Routinely
“There are a few projects that maybe don’t need to be done every year, but they should be done routinely to avoid bigger problems later,” says Kaufman.
He says cleaning gutters regularly ensures that they drain properly so water doesn’t get behind them and damage fascia boards or siding. This also reduces the likelihood of ice dams in winter, which can allow water to get under the roof and damage the interior of the home.
“Power washing not only cleans up mildew and dirt, but it can help your paint and siding last longer. Power washing and restaining the deck or stained wood trim protects the wood so your deck lasts longer, too,” he says.
A handyman service can be the perfect partner for these ongoing projects, providing the skill and expertise to address both maintenance and repair concerns around your home.
What might surprise you is that most handyman services also can tackle those nagging little tasks that seem to pile up before you know it. “We do everything from changing lightbulbs and smoke alarm batteries to hanging pictures, adjusting hinges on doors or cupboards, and touching up paint,” Kaufman says. “Those are the perfect tasks to just keep on a list. Then give us a call when you have several things that need to be done.”
As Kaufman says, it’s not about whether you can complete that honey-do list. It’s more about enjoying your time.
“If you can do a job and you enjoy doing it, go ahead,” says Kaufman. “But if it’s just going to make your life more stressful, why not call in a handyman? They can probably do it faster, and you can do something else you’d enjoy more.”
Best of all, a handyman service can make that honey-do list disappear, at least for a while. •
Resources
- Handyman services KC Handyman
