any task just ask

[Zeke]

As I approach old age by the definition, my work skillset is changing. No longer can I lift a 4 foot wide sliding door panel out and back in. No longer do I want to scale a 30' ladder. Over the years I've seen that folks need lots of minor things around the house and fewer are able to do it either for lack of time or knowledge.

OK, I can help. Just call me ODD JOB, any task, just ask.

Now, if I wanted to be clever and say something along the lines of "from a to z", what would "a" and "z" be? Actually, I don't think a to z is all that clever.

But, you know who I am, carpenter, fabricator, welder, locksmith, wrench, painter, plasterer, door and window specialist, small appliance repair, and now even a juke box repairman. I mean it doesn't take a genius to do a lot of things around the home, just some tools, common sense and experience.

How best to convey that?

[Hydrocket]

Jack of all trades? Tinkerer? Handyman? Odd Job Man? Factotum?

[crustychief]

Handy Man

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by crustychief

Handy Man

Nah, never liked the term. There are few real handymen around. Most are looking to get remodeling jobs anyway. I'm moving away from construction.

You want to know what got me started on welding? 10 years ago I needed a bracket welded on my Jeep and the car was not drive-able. I called a number of outfits and they told me $85/hr, 2 hr min. I said fine. I think they were just trying to scare me off and when I said come on down, they wouldn't call me back with a time. So I bought a buzz box for $50 and did it myself (I knew how from before).

There are a lot of things at home like that. Sure, a plumber will stop by for 15 minutes and charge you for a service call and an hour's time. (You notice I didn't list plumbing.) But of lot guys won't do the really small stuff. The last window I fixed took 3 minutes. I got an hour's worth mainly for the drive time. I would have gladly stayed the rest of the hour and done a few other things.

I think I'll write out a check list like a grocery list.

[Rick V]

House Master?

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by Rick V

House Master?

Hmmmm....

Thing is, I will work at an office or a store. I hate to tie myself to houses, but I guess I have. Might have to think about that too.

Thanks.

Home Wrecker?

[Outback Porsche]

'Jack of all Trades'

[74-911]

Originally Posted by Outback Porsche

'Jack of all Trades'

that always leaves open the "but master of none" moniker

[VINMAN]

Milt, that's how I advertise my home improvement business. I just run down a list of the services I offer.

[Evans, Marv]

Something incorporating something like, "Vintage Craftsman."

[dipso]

Construction Serviceman. Skilled Property Maintenance Man. Skilled Property Serviceman.
I used the online Thesaurus for Handyman, not much to choose from.

My card says 'A Complete Home Restoration Service'. It works, at least it allows people to ask questions about other things besides Painting.

[dan88911]

Skilled Craftsman or maybe Skilled Tradesman

MasterTradesMan

MasterSkilledTradesMan

[NutmegCarrera]

"Facilities maintenance specialist"

[dan88911]

You might want to check out a book titled "Selling the Invisible" for an approach.
For marketing your multiple skills.

[Steve Carlton]

You sound like Middle-Aged Man...

[Rick V]

I fix chit

[70SATMan]

Residential Repair Consultant

[dipso]

Master TradesMan, skilled in property maintenance, upgrades and repairs.
Residential/Commercial

There, that is not redundant, keeps the work load light, is specific in what you want to do and leaves the door open for questions.

[Zeke]

It seems that the focus is on trades and master or skilled. Really, is the guy you call to hang a light fixture a master electrician?

I was called by one of my customers to measure and hang some window screens. I was cheaper than some, but more expensive that what my screen source would have installed them for. Why me then? Because NO one was home at either unit on the bay. Lots of really expensive antiques and other fine furnishings. They trust me to do this stuff while they and their tenant are at work.

Lessee here, what else have I done lately? Oh, got a call about some deadbolts that were just spinning freely. I know the symptom. Went out and the bolts weren't lining up with the strikes. They were over torquing them and bent the circlip inside holding the torque shaft. Shaft disengages. Open them up, put the clip on and then realign the strikes. 2 doors, $40 cash. You know what the locksmith charges.

Downspout ripped off. I think I charged closer to 80 for that. Free standing air conditioners with the exhaust run through the wall with a weather cap on the outside. 150 each for 2 different jobs. Who does that?

Lots of bleached historic stained wood window muntins needed restaining and a coat of clear. $35 an hour for a perfect match of old stain color not sold any more (too much red which is the most expensive and hard to get pigment. I just use a eyedropper full of red paint in some oak color stain for a match).

Lots of dryrot repair and some furniture. Fixed a squeaky freezer drawer that the appliance guy wanted a 130 dollar service call to lube up with automotive grade silicone. Installed a dog door in a sliding glass door (inactive side which is the cool way to do that). 85 bucks. The freezer drawer was free since that was the dead bolt house and the dog door people.

I could go on all night.

[dipso]

Master means you have been doing it a long time, Skilled means your not a hack.
If you are trying to advertise your existing customers, they don't need your advertising. They are already customers.
If you are trying to attract new customers, your experience and skill level are important in them deciding to trust you or even call you.