Retired Professionals Offer Low-Cost Handyman Services

When a group of retired professionals formed the Handyman Connection, the phone was ringing off the hook in no time.

Word soon spread to the Westside/South Bay area and recently to the San Fernando Valley that here were experienced craftsmen, most of them retired but all with at least a 10-year work background, who could handle those smaller jobs that most contractors don’t want to bother with--jobs in the $50 to $400 range.

“We do quite a few kitchen remodels,” says founder Fred Weideman, “and a lot of small odd jobs in combination--make a cabinet smaller so the new refrigerator will fit, add an outlet, replace a faucet or hang a new door. We will move an electrical outlet and patch and paint the hole--one call, one trip, simple and low cost.” Make a note that they don’t do roofs or gutters.

There’s a free estimate and/or service call to evaluate the project. They don’t arrive in a fancy truck wearing a slick uniform, and you won’t get a bill in the mail. They don’t send invoices, because they expect to be paid upon completion of the job--just some of the ways they can keep costs down.

The handymen are licensed, fully insured and bonded, and the work is guaranteed for a year. Most others don’t offer any of these assurances.

The company showed me letters sent by satisfied customers. One claimed that he got a bid of $800 for a brick patio; Handyman’s price was $400. Another customer praised the paint and trim work the company did on her windows and doors.

Locations for Handyman Connection: San Fernando Valley (818) 508-8100; San Gabriel Valley, Glendale, Pasadena (626) 744-0402; Westside/South Bay (310) 781-1111.

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Weekend Super Sale

Sales for dollhouses and the miniature furnishings that complete them are few and far between. So when one comes along, it’s a great time to start collecting.

The Doll House Lady has estate-sale items at 70% off retail and 20% off everything else in the store. A group of houses, assembled and with finished interiors, are going for $50. Sale starts Friday and continues through March 7. The Doll House Lady, Clearman’s Village, 8964 Huntington Drive, San Gabriel. (626) 793-7433.