A useful handyman booking begins before anyone arrives at the property. The office needs enough information to understand the tasks, and you need to know what is being proposed. These seven questions help turn an informal request into an agreed brief, especially in London buildings with shared access, managed deliveries or limited working hours.
1–2. What is the task, and what information is missing?
Write down the result you want for each item and ask whether the supplied details are sufficient to review it. Include photographs showing the surrounding area as well as the fitting itself. Product links, dimensions and wall information may be relevant. If something cannot be scoped remotely, establish what an initial assessment would cover before assuming a full repair can be quoted.
3. Who supplies products and materials?
Make clear which items you already have, which are on order and which you expect to be included in the proposal. Share exact product references rather than a similar example. Ask how missing parts or unsuitable products would affect the visit. This is particularly useful for brackets, furniture and fittings where the supplied components and instructions form part of the installation review.
4. What does access require?
Explain stairs, lift bookings, loading restrictions and any building-management check-in process. Identify the person who will provide entry and the hours during which the work area is available. In a rented property, establish permission for changes. Good access information should reach the office before an appointment is agreed, rather than becoming a surprise when the team reaches the address.
5–6. What is included, and how are changes approved?
Check preparation, fitting, making-good, packaging and any exclusions in the proposal. Ask how additional findings would be reported and who can authorise further work. A multi-item list may involve different trades or return attendance. Clarify these possibilities without assuming the first price or visit covers every condition that might be discovered once work begins.
7. What will be recorded at handover?
Ask how completed tasks and remaining items will be communicated. Keep relevant instructions and any agreed follow-up with the property record. If a product has specific operating or care requirements, make sure the intended user receives the relevant information. A clear handover gives the next contact a practical record instead of relying on an informal conversation that may later be forgotten.
The CODEEX project brief lets you collect these details before the office reviews the enquiry. Include your postcode and priorities so the discussion can focus on the right tasks and an appropriate next step.
Services and pages mentioned in this guide
