State Specific Question About: ARIZONA (AZ)

Any great advise on finding good, reliable and reasonably priced handymen, trades people in general and particularly in Avondale, AZ?

I am from out of state which makes word of mouth difficult.

Thanks,

2 tips:

1. Call a local hardware store (not big box but local) and ask who they recommend. That's always a good way to do it, plus they don't recommend deadbeats who don't pay their bills.

The local REIA in my area has monthly meetings and a private Facebook page where people can talk and get recommendations for skilled workers, GC's, Handyman, etc.

Since entering widowhood 3 years ago, I have had uncountable good and bad experiences. Finally, I had 1 last 1 1/2 years and he did quite well, even maintaining all my tractors and helping with my wind turbine. Against my better judgement, in June 2014 I hired his girlfriend and she seemed a hard worker. In September, I started a new job and my mother was very ill one day. They were very kind and attentive to her so I could work. I was impressed until we found how many pills she was missing. I live in the middle of 70 acres with a very long gated drive, so I know who is on the farm. Fired them both. Now I am working with 3 part timers and doing more myself.

Gilbert,

My newspaper (remember those!?) runs small ads for local businesses. Lots of construction, excavating, drain cleaners, housekeepers, painters there.

Menards, Lowes, HD, Sherwin Williams, Tractor Supply... usually have a bulletin board of business cards.

From my friend who hires for 10 WalMarts: she averages 100 applications to hire 10. ONE sticks.

I find similar. About one out of ten handymen stick.

But only for a while. It's a passing parade so I'm ALWAYS looking.

Tip: do not share tools, ladders, chain saws with workers.

-The tools walk away

-the IRS says they are now an employee