I get your point, but honestly, I've had pretty good luck with handyman installs. The key is vetting them carefully and making sure they're comfortable with plumbing work—not all handymen are created equal. I usually quiz them a bit beforehand on specifics like sealing methods or torque specs. Sure, plumbers are safer bets, but if you're thorough upfront, you can still save money without sacrificing quality...just gotta do your homework first.
"The key is vetting them carefully and making sure they're comfortable with plumbing work—not all handymen are created equal."
Gotta say, you hit the nail on the head with that one. I've seen some handyman installs go super smooth, but I've also been called in to fix a few "budget-friendly" jobs gone sideways. 😅 Vetting definitely helps, but even then, it's a bit of a gamble sometimes.
A quick tip from my experience: when you're quizzing them, ask specifically about how they handle drain connections and if they're familiar with local plumbing codes. You'd be surprised how many folks overlook code compliance until an inspector comes knocking—or worse, there's a leak behind the cabinet that goes unnoticed for months.
Also curious—how much money are you actually saving by going the handyman route? I get that plumbers can seem pricey upfront, but sometimes those savings vanish pretty quickly if something goes wrong later on. Not saying it always does, but it's worth thinking about the long-term picture.
One thing I've learned as an apprentice is that plumbing isn't rocket science...but it does have its quirks and subtleties. Sometimes it's those little details—like properly seating a gasket or knowing exactly how tight is too tight—that make all the difference between a solid install and an eventual headache.
Anyway, sounds like you've got your method down pretty well. I'd just add that if you ever feel even slightly uncertain about someone's answers during your quiz, trust your gut. Better to spend a bit more upfront than to pay twice later on...trust me, I've seen it happen more than once!
That's a solid point about vetting carefully, but honestly, even after doing my homework, I've had mixed results. Last year, I went the handyman route to save some cash—ended up spending around $150 initially, but then had to call in a plumber later to fix a slow leak. Total ended up closer to $400. Curious if anyone else has had better luck keeping costs down without sacrificing quality?
"ended up spending around $150 initially, but then had to call in a plumber later to fix a slow leak."
Yeah, that's a pretty common scenario unfortunately. I've seen it a lot—folks trying to save a bit upfront, then paying double later. Honestly, your best bet is usually buying quality fixtures yourself (check for sales online or clearance at local stores), then hiring someone reliable just for installation. Saves headaches and cash in the long run.
Haha, been there myself... thought I was saving money until the drip-drip-drip started. Did you end up going with a plumber recommendation or just pick someone randomly online?
