Photo/ Nancy Brumback
Business name: Mr. Handyman Central MetroWest
Address: 210 Kuniholm Drive, Holliston
Owner: Michael Campbell
Contact Information: 1-800-701-HNDY(4639)
By Nancy Brumback, Contributing Writer
What services does Mr. Handyman provide?
“We provide a wide variety of services including carpentry, painting, masonry, power washing, deck building and repair, windows, siding, interior and exterior remodeling plus odd jobs,” said Michael Campbell, owner of the central Massachusetts and Metrowest franchise for Mr. Handyman.
What size projects do you take on?
“We’re happy to help in any way we can. We respond promptly to jobs as small as one hour and can tackle larger jobs as long as several weeks, usually without long delays. We are registered, licensed and carry full insurance.”
What geographic area do you serve?
“My office covers the Mass. Pike and Interstate 495 area from Weston to Worcester and south to Easton/Attleboro,” he said. “The Mr. Handyman franchise has five offices in Massachusetts providing service from Boston to Worcester and New Hampshire to the South Shore.”
What projects are particularly good to tackle during the winter months?
“We are big proponents of simple, preventive maintenance. Changing filters in furnaces and batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are a must.
“And do I need to mention ice dams? Ice dams build up as the snow on the roof melts and re-freezes at the overhang. They are easily preventable at reasonable cost. Professional gutter cleaning, roof raking, proper attic insulation and roof ventilation are very important. Gutters need to be clear to drain melting snow. We distribute a quality gutter guard to virtually eliminate gutter worry. While we are cleaning gutters, we always check for proper pitch and drainage. We also check fascia boards for rot and soffits for proper ventilation.
“It is a good idea to have your roof raked even after a light snow. We can install heating cables along the roof edge as a last resort.”
Can you provide emergency winter services such as ice dam damage repair?
“We have always done our best to get to people promptly and based on need. We do give priority to our existing customers. We have never increased our rates based on emergency demand.”
How much experience do your workers have?
“Our employees average twenty-plus years in the trades. Typically, they are formerly self-employed carpenters and handymen who enjoy the benefits we offer and want to focus on the work they do best, not the other aspects of running a business.”
How should someone get started with you?
“We always recommend our customers make a list. It is less expensive to have four or eight hours of work done on a single visit than to have us come back several times. Many customers just have us come once a month to take care of regular maintenance issues.”
How are you different from other home contractors?
“We are professionals. We have full-time staff and respond promptly the next day to after-hours calls and emails. We call to make sure customers are aware of the appointment and follow up to make sure they are satisfied. Our technicians are thoroughly background-checked and bonded employees, not subcontractors. They are safe to be in homes and around children which puts people at ease. They wear uniforms, carry identification and travel in well-marked vehicles.”
