Handyman Services in Des Moines, IA (Iowa)

Des Moines Handyman Services

Although Des Moines is Iowa’s capital and offers the accompanying cosmopolitan feel in its bustling downtown, diversity is still king here in occupations, ethnic groups, and neighborhoods. Four true seasons set the scene for plenty of outdoor recreation. Historic homes impart plenty of character, and new construction offers options for families and young professionals.

These homes, coupled with the seasonal extremes, can present unique maintenance requirements. Fortunately, handyman services in Des Moines and its surrounding suburbs often focus on tackling these specialized jobs.

Des Moines Neighborhoods Serviced by Professionals

Des Moines, IA neighborhoods run the gamut from the historical areas on the west side to post-war pockets on the southeast end to newer-construction, lower-cost spots in the north. To meet the unique demands presented by such a variety of structures and the appliances required for seasonal comfort, many handymen are well-versed in the distinctive repair needs of older homes and modern HVAC and furnace systems.

• Beaverdale is a west-side neighborhood brimming with charming older homes. This primarily residential area is a favorite among growing families who enjoy visiting its parks.
• Indianola Hills occupies one of the southernmost spots in Des Moines. A favorite among the younger crowd, this neighborhood is rife with smaller starter homes.
• Douglas Acres supports the city’s community of artists in its blend of mid-century homes and new construction. Yards are larger here, and there’s a high level of cooperative involvement in implementing community programs.
• North of Grand sits just west of the city center. Trendy restaurants and historic homes combine to create an atmosphere preferred by the city’s young professionals.
• Ankeny and Johnston are two major northern suburbs of Des Moines enjoying plenty of new construction. Handymen often provide tailored maintenance services for these homes to ensure the house and its appliances remain in like-new condition.

With average highs of 85 degrees in July and 34 degrees in December, the Des Moines climate experiences very hot, humid summers and freezing, snowy winters. Spring brings frequent thunderstorms. As a result, homes here require extra protection from the elements. Look for handymen that are familiar with HVAC and furnace systems and roofing repairs to ensure comfortable year-round climate control and protection against leaks and water damage.

Many older Des Moines homes feature brick exteriors, which present their own maintenance challenges. Make sure a handyman has experience with masonry repairs when obtaining a project quote.

Local Handyman Costs in Des Moines

Handyman services in Des Moines are either charged by the hour or charged a flat rate. Handymen usually charge an hourly rate to homeowners who have multiple small jobs to complete in one trip, and they charge a flat rate for single, larger projects. The cost of handyman services in rural suburbs such as Indianola Hills ranges from $30 to $50 per hour. Services within areas of the city, such as in Sherman Hill and North of Grand, that have historical architectural or more expensive homes cost $40 to $60 per hour. Handymen also often include a minimum charge per trip.

When determining a flat rate for a job, handymen often estimate the length of time to complete the job and multiply it by their hourly rate. However, if they go over the estimated time, they do not charge for additional time. Some provide services to surrounding areas for an added average trip fee between $10 and $30.

Licensing & Insurance in Des Moines

Iowa requires construction contractors, which include handymen, that earn more than $2,000 per year from their business to hold a contractor's license. These licenses are issued by the Iowa Division of Labor and must be renewed annually. However, licensing in Iowa does not include competency or specialty testing. Licenses ensure compliance with unemployment tax and worker's compensation requirements. Proof of insurance is also not required.

How Handyman Services Add Value to a Des Moines Home

With the influx of people to the Des Moines area and the varied weather experienced, having a handyman to handle home repairs and maintenance is important. Not only do these services extend the life of appliances and systems in the home and reduce the chances for major repairs down the line, but they also increase the value of the home to ensure its marketability to a wider range of buyers. Whether upgrading flooring or repairing a leaky ceiling, handyman services cover a wide scope of projects in the home that homeowners might not have the knowledge or time to complete themselves.