Frequently asked questions

Most small-to-medium repairs (holes up to 12 inches) take 1–3 hours for the patch work. However, joint compound requires drying time between coats — typically 24 hours per coat — so a fully finished, paint-ready repair usually spans 2–3 visits or 2–3 days depending on humidity conditions in your Bay Area home.

Yes — texture matching is one of our specialties. We carry equipment for orange peel, knockdown, and skip trowel finishes and will test the match on a small area before applying to the repair. Smooth finishes are the easiest to match; highly decorative or custom textures may take additional time.

We leave the repaired area primed and paint-ready as a standard finish. We can also apply paint to the repaired area or the full wall — just let Robert know when you book so we can bring the right materials.

We serve Mountain View, Palo Alto, Sunnyvale, Menlo Park, Los Altos, Atherton, Santa Clara, Saratoga, Campbell, Cupertino, Portola Valley, Woodside, Los Altos Hills, Redwood City, and East Palo Alto.

Yes — we offer same-day assessments and initial patch work, available 7 days a week from 8 AM to 8 PM across the Bay Area Peninsula. Call (650) 224-8460 to check availability for your area.

Either works. We can source materials and include them in the estimate, or you can supply materials yourself and we'll provide labor only. Let Robert know your preference when you book.

In most cases yes. We work with standard profile trim available at local suppliers, and can often source matching profiles for older homes. Highly custom or vintage profiles may require special ordering.

We can leave work primed and paint-ready, or we can paint and stain as part of the job. Just let us know your preference when booking so we can plan accordingly.

For most carpentry projects, 3–5 days notice is typical. Same-day or next-day availability is possible depending on our schedule — call (650) 224-8460 to check.

Both options work. We can provide a materials estimate and source tile from local suppliers, or you can purchase tile yourself and we'll handle installation. If you're sourcing tile, let us know and we'll give you the exact quantity needed.

A standard kitchen backsplash takes 1–2 days. A bathroom floor or shower surround typically takes 2–4 days including mortar cure time. Larger jobs are scoped individually.

Yes — tile repair is one of our most common calls. We can often source matching tile from the same manufacturer, or work with what you have on hand if you kept extras from the original install.

We serve Mountain View, Palo Alto, Sunnyvale, Menlo Park, Los Altos, Atherton, Santa Clara, Saratoga, and surrounding Bay Area communities.

A typical room takes 2–3 days: one day for sanding, one for staining and first coat, and one for final coats and cure time. Larger areas or complex stain work may take longer. We'll give you a specific timeline in the estimate.

Yes — the room needs to be completely cleared before we start. Sanding creates dust and finish fumes require ventilation, so the area should be vacate for the duration of the project. We seal off doorways to contain dust.

We can get very close in most cases. We'll test stain samples on a small inconspicuous area and get your approval before doing the full floor. Exact matching depends on wood species and how much the existing color has been affected by UV exposure.

Yes — board replacement is something we can handle as part of the project. If you need boards that match exactly, we may need to source material ahead of time, so let us know during the estimate.

We can disconnect and move your old appliance to a designated spot (garage, curb) as part of the job. Haul-away and recycling can be arranged — ask Robert when you book.

We can handle minor modifications — trimming cabinet openings, adjusting mounting brackets, extending supply lines. Major structural changes are scoped separately. Let us know the appliance specs when you book so we can plan ahead.

Yes — smart home device installation is one of our most common requests. We install and configure Nest, Ecobee, Ring, Arlo, and most major brands. We'll make sure everything is connected and working before we leave.

Yes — we offer same-day installation in many cases, 7 days a week from 8 AM to 8 PM across the Bay Area Peninsula. Call (650) 224-8460 to check availability.

Yes — we assemble furniture from any brand or retailer: IKEA, Wayfair, Amazon, West Elm, Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, and more. If it has instructions, we can assemble it.

We'll need access to the space, but you don't need to supervise. Many clients are working from home or handling other tasks while we handle the assembly.

Yes — TV mounting is one of our most common assembly calls. We mount to studs, handle cable management (in-wall routing available), and make sure everything is level and secure.

A single large piece (bed frame, wardrobe, desk) typically takes 1–2 hours. Full-room setups with multiple pieces are scoped by the hour. We'll give you an estimate before we start.

Yes — this is one of our strengths. Robert and the team are set up to work through a list of varied tasks in a single visit, which saves time and cost compared to booking separate specialists for each job.

Write down everything you want addressed, even small things. The more we know in advance, the better prepared we'll be. Send Robert the list before booking and he'll confirm what can be handled in one visit.

We bring a full set of tools. Standard hardware, fasteners, and basic supplies are usually on the truck. For specific items we'll let you know in advance so you can have them ready or we can source them.

We typically book in 2-hour minimums. Most maintenance visits run 2–4 hours depending on list length.

We handle faucet replacements, supply line swaps, drain work, toilet hardware, and fixture installs. Main line work, water heater replacement, and anything requiring permits needs a plumber — we'll tell you honestly if that's what your job requires.

Outlet and switch replacements, GFCI installs, light fixture swaps, ceiling fan wiring, and doorbell work. Panel work, new circuits, and anything requiring permits needs an electrician.

No — we handle shut-offs as part of the job. Just know where your main water valve and electrical panel are located.

Yes — if both tasks are within handyman scope, we can handle them in a single visit.

We install mounts you've purchased. If you haven't bought one yet, Robert can advise on the right mount type for your TV size and wall position before you book.

Yes — we carry masonry drill bits and concrete anchors for hard wall surfaces. These installs take a little longer but are done properly.

Yes — in-wall cable concealment is available. We run cables through the wall cavity between the TV and the nearest outlet, finishing with two clean wall plates.

All sizes from small bedroom TVs to large 85"+ screens. We confirm the mount is rated for your TV before installing.

Twice a year is standard — once in late autumn after leaves fall, and once in early spring. Homes under large trees may need it more frequently.

Yes — we work on single and two-story homes. For very steep or high rooflines we'll assess on-site and let you know if specialized equipment is needed.

Minor repairs — loose brackets, end caps, small leaks — handled on the same visit. Significant replacement or re-pitching quoted separately.

Yes — we clear roof surface debris as part of the visit. We don't do structural roof repairs but will flag anything that needs a roofer.

Most common causes: dead opener battery or power issue, broken spring, derailed track, or a tripped safety sensor. We diagnose on-site and give you a clear answer before starting any work.

Yes — we install and configure Chamberlain, LiftMaster, Genie, and other brands including app setup.

Torsion springs are under significant tension and can cause serious injury if handled incorrectly. We handle spring replacement with proper safety procedures — it's not a DIY job.

Most repairs take 1–2 hours. Spring replacement and panel work may take longer depending on parts availability.

Yes — if there's existing wiring at the location, we can replace a light fixture with a fan. If you want separate fan and light controls, we may need to install a remote control kit.

Wobble is almost always caused by an unbalanced blade, a mounting bracket that isn't flush, or a box that isn't fan-rated. We diagnose and fix the root cause.

Yes — smart fans installed and configured including app setup and smart home integration.

A standard replacement takes about an hour. A new installation where a rated box needs to be added takes 1.5–2 hours.

Yes — as long as there's existing wiring at the location. Heavy fixtures over 35 lbs may need additional blocking in the ceiling.

Yes — standard and smart dimmers installed. We confirm your bulbs are dimmable and wiring is compatible before installing.

Yes — porch lights, pathway lights, garage lights, and motion-sensor security lights all in scope.

A standard ceiling or wall fixture swap takes 30–45 minutes. Chandeliers and multi-fixture rooms take longer.

Yes — prehung and slab doors both in scope. We'll assess which is appropriate for your situation.

Most standard doors yes — we confirm the backset and bore hole dimensions match before ordering. We install Schlage Encode, Kwikset Halo, Yale Assure, and similar.

Usually not. Sticky doors are almost always a frame or wood-swelling issue, not the lock.

A standard deadbolt replacement takes 30–45 minutes. Smart lock installation with configuration takes about an hour.

Yes — we install faucets you've purchased. If you need help choosing, Robert is happy to advise on what will fit your sink and plumbing configuration.

Yes — dripping faucets are usually a worn cartridge or O-ring. We diagnose and replace the faulty component.

Yes — and we recommend it. We include supply line replacement as standard.

A standard kitchen or bathroom faucet replacement takes about an hour.

Press a screwdriver into the board. If it sinks in easily, the wood is soft and rotted — replacement needed. If it's hard and just faded, cleaning and staining may be sufficient.

For common wood species and standard composite brands, usually yes. Older or unusual materials may not have an exact match.

Any movement in a railing is a safety issue and should be addressed promptly.

Yes — surface cracks, spalling, and settled sections can all be addressed.

Either works. We can supply paint at cost, or you can supply the paint you've chosen.

Two coats as standard on walls. Trim and doors often require two to three coats.

Yes — painting after patching is the natural completion of a drywall repair. We prime first, then paint to match.

An average bedroom takes a full day including prep and two coats.

We try — bring us a spare tile or photo. Common sizes and colors can often be matched. Discontinued tile may not have an exact match and we'll be upfront about that.

Yes — if the tile is intact but grout is crumbling or stained, we can remove and replace just the grout.

Yes — cracked tiles in wet areas should be addressed promptly. Water infiltrates through cracks and can damage the substrate and framing.

Individual tile replacement takes 2–3 hours. Wet area repairs need 24 hours before getting wet.

We install systems you've purchased. Robert can recommend options for your garage size and storage needs before you buy.

Yes — concrete walls require masonry anchors. Drywall walls need studs located and used for heavy shelving.

Properly anchored into studs, standard systems hold 200–400 lbs per shelf. We confirm load ratings before installing.

A basic shelving system takes 2–3 hours. Full garage transformations take a full day.

Heavy mirrors need to be anchored into studs or with heavy-duty wall anchors rated for the weight. We locate studs, select the right hardware, and confirm anchor points before hanging.

Yes — plaster requires different hardware than drywall. We use appropriate plaster anchors and take care not to crack the surrounding plaster.

Yes — send us a photo of the pieces and wall space beforehand and we'll come prepared with a layout.

57 inches from the floor to the center of the piece — average eye level. We'll confirm your preferred height before hanging.

Yes — including heavy chandeliers. Fixtures over 35 lbs require a fan-rated or chandelier-rated box. We install the correct box if one isn't already there.

Yes — one of our most common requests. We confirm existing wiring locations and install at the right drop height.

Yes — dimmers can be installed alongside any fixture. We confirm the fixture and bulbs are dimmable before installing.

A single fixture swap takes 45–60 minutes. Chandeliers and multi-fixture installs take longer.

Yes — we bring common molding profiles and can source custom profiles if needed. Bring us a sample or photo and we'll find the closest match.

A single room typically takes 2–4 hours depending on ceiling height and number of corners.

We leave trim primed and paint-ready as standard. Painting is available as an add-on — just let Robert know when booking.

Yes — old trim removal is included. We patch any wall damage before installing new trim.

No — battery-powered doorbells work without wiring. Wired doorbells provide continuous power and are more reliable. We'll recommend the right option for your setup.

Yes — Ring and Nest provide pro-power kits that resolve most chime compatibility problems. We install these as part of the setup.

Straight-on is ideal for face recognition. If your door is recessed, a wedge kit angled toward the walkway gives better coverage.

Yes — smart doorbell and smart lock installation can be combined in one visit.

Low-voltage lighting is handyman scope. Line-voltage floodlight replacements are also within our scope. New circuit runs require an electrician.

Yes — installed, wired, and fully configured including app setup and motion zones.

Yes — we install string lights with proper weatherproof anchoring and run them to a smart outdoor outlet or timer.

A single floodlight replacement takes about an hour. Full pathway or string light systems take a half to full day.

Yes — we work in any room including garages, basements, and upstairs spaces.

Yes — all major brands including NordicTrack, Peloton, Bowflex, Rogue, Titan, Life Fitness, and others.

Yes — if equipment was disassembled for a move, we re-assemble and test it at the new location.

A standard treadmill takes 1.5–2 hours. Complex multi-station gym systems can take 3–5 hours.

Most standard forced-air systems are compatible. Multi-stage systems and heat pumps have compatibility nuances — we check before purchasing if you're unsure.

We install a C-wire adapter at the air handler — this solves the problem without rewiring.

About 45–60 minutes including app setup. If a C-wire adapter is needed, add another 30 minutes.

Yes — we can install and configure multiple units in a single visit.