Photo/Jane Keller Gordon
By Jane Keller Gordon, Contributing Writer
Business name:
Handyman Matters
Address:
40 Mechanic Street, Marlborough
Owner:
Harry Dow
Contact information:
508-481-1715
www.handymanmatters.com/495-Metro-West
Since high school, Harry Dow, whose father owned income properties, has worked on repair crews. Building on his experience growing up, and later in construction, two-and-a-half years ago Dow opened Handyman Matters in the 495/Metrowest region.
Part of a national franchise based in Denver, with 135 locations, Handyman Matters provides prompt, expert service to residential and commercial customers. Dow and his staff of four craftsmen will tackle “to do lists,” replace a faucet, refurbish a bathroom, and tackle most projects.
Dow said, “We’re not ‘Chuck in the truck,’ who doesn’t stand behind his work. There’s a lot of reasons why we’re a solid choice for your repair and home improvement needs.”
According to Dow:
- No job is too small.
- We’re licensed, bonded and insured
- All of our employees are background checked
- Our craftsmen are skilled and experienced
- We answer your calls, and respond to your emails
- We show up when we say we will
- We’re known for our fast turnaround time
- We offer a one-year warranty on all labor
- Our pricing is competitive
- Our reputation is solid
Dow spoke to the Community Advocate about various aspects of his business.
What types of repairs do homeowners typically need after a winter?
“Lots of time there’s rot on siding after the winter. We’ll repair trim, corner boards, and soffits. Some customers ask us to use composite materials, which are more expensive but last much longer.”
How do you help get houses ready for sale?
“We help a lot of people get their house ready for the market. That might include repairing screens, updating a porch, refurbishing decks, replacing rotten fence posts, putting in new doors, and repairing railings and stairs. We replace hardware with the more popular brushed nickel and antique bronze.”
Do you update bathrooms?
“Yes, we do cosmetic makeovers of bathrooms. We might replace a vanity, install a floor, a new medicine cabinet, replace light fixtures, and paint. I try to help my customers with design, and send them to retailers in the area. Recently, we repaired and regrouted a tile floor in a townhouse in Maynard.”
Do you do commercial work?
“Yes, but most of my work is residential. For commercial projects, I might replace ceiling tiles and do some maintenance.”
Can you make a bathroom handicapped accessible?
“I’m very interested in helping families with disabled members, and those aging-in-place. We’ve done some work on adapting existing bathrooms to be more accessible for family members. I find it to be very rewarding to work in this niche market.”
Is there a minimum job that you’ll take?
“Typically we are able to finish jobs in a day or two. Some are as little as an hour long.”
What region do you service?
“My territory goes from Route 2 around Harvard and Boxborough west to Leominster, south to Grafton and back east to Hopkinton. There’s a Handyman Matters Greater Boston inside the Rt. 95 corridor and we refer business to each other when it’s in each other’s territory. I can choose to do work in areas outside both of our territories.”
Where can customers learn more about your services?
“Visit my website at: www.handymanmatters.com/495-Metro-West”
