The Unrecognized Challenges of Commercial Handyman Work – What Facility Managers Need to Know
Facility managers rely on commercial handymen to keep their buildings running smoothly, but the job comes with challenges that impact efficiency and costs. Understanding these issues can help facility managers set realistic expectations and improve collaboration.
Martin Hunsinger
2/1/20251 min read
1. Balancing a Wide Skill Set
Challenge: Commercial handymen must handle everything from plumbing and electrical repairs to carpentry and HVAC maintenance. Each trade has specific tools, techniques, and legal restrictions.
Solution: Facility managers should clarify project scopes early and provide access to specialists for tasks that require licensed professionals.
2. Staying Up-to-Date with Regulations
Challenge: Building codes, OSHA standards, and ADA compliance rules frequently change, making it difficult to stay current. Mistakes can lead to fines or liability issues.
Solution: Work with handymen who stay informed through trade associations and ongoing training.
3. Managing Tools & Equipment
Challenge: A commercial handyman needs a variety of tools, but carrying everything is impractical. Missing the right tool can delay repairs.
Solution: Provide on-site storage for essential tools or coordinate material needs before work begins.
4. Time Management & Workflow Efficiency
Challenge: Switching between different types of tasks in a single day can slow efficiency and increase mistakes.
Solution: Schedule similar tasks together and communicate job details in advance to prevent unnecessary delays.
5. Pricing & Quoting Challenges
Challenge: Facility managers expect fair pricing, but handyman work varies widely, making accurate estimates difficult.
Solution: Request clear, detailed quotes that outline labor, materials, and contingencies to prevent cost surprises.
6. Physical & Mental Fatigue
Challenge: Handymen perform physically demanding work while also troubleshooting complex issues, leading to exhaustion.
Solution: Ensure realistic workloads and allow sufficient time for breaks to maintain quality work.
How Facility Managers Can Improve Collaboration
By understanding these challenges, facility managers can create better working relationships with handymen. Setting clear expectations, communicating job details in advance, and recognizing skill limitations can lead to smoother operations and fewer disruptions.
What challenges have you faced when working with handymen? Share your thoughts in the comments!