How to Be Building Maintenance Handyman - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Apr 26, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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When it comes to buildings, regular maintenance is essential to keeping them in a good state and ensuring they remain safe to use over an extended period of time. Having a dedicated building maintenance handyman is key to guaranteeing this upkeep is carried out. The handyman can carry out repairs and upkeep of the building, such as fixing broken fixtures and fittings, clearing drains, and cleaning gutters.

As a result, issues such as decay and water damage can be avoided, which can save time and money in the long run. having a handyman on hand to regularly inspect the building can help to identify potential problems in their early stages, allowing for more cost-effective solutions to be implemented. Furthermore, hiring a professional handyman also ensures that all work is done according to industry standards and regulations, thus providing peace of mind to building owners and occupants alike.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Most employers prefer to hire individuals who have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Obtain a certification or degree in a related field. Although not always required, obtaining a certification or degree in an area such as building maintenance, construction management, or engineering can improve job prospects.
Gain experience in the field. Employers often prefer to hire those with prior work experience in the building maintenance and handyman field. Consider working as an apprentice or intern, or taking on odd jobs to gain experience.
Become familiar with relevant equipment and tools. Building maintenance and handyman work often requires the use of various tools and equipment. It is important to become familiar with the various types of equipment and tools used in the field.
Consider earning additional certifications. Earning additional certifications in areas such as electrical work, plumbing, and carpentry can help to expand job opportunities and increase pay.
Pursue continuing education opportunities. Building maintenance and handyman jobs can change over time, so continuing education can help to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field.

The key to having an ideal and qualified maintenance handyman is to hire someone with the right skills, experience and attitude. The first step is to create a job description and list the necessary qualifications, such as experience in building repairs and maintenance, knowledge of plumbing, electrical and carpentry, and a strong customer service attitude. Once the qualifications are established, it is important to thoroughly research potential candidates- checking references and conducting interviews- to ensure the best fit for the role.

When the ideal candidate is found, offering a competitive compensation package can help ensure that they are willing to commit to the job position. If a maintenance handyman is adequately skilled and properly compensated, they will be more likely to provide reliable service and quality workmanship, resulting in a well maintained building that adds to its overall value.

You may want to check Part-Time Handyman, Carpentry Handyman, and Landscaping Handyman for alternative.

Job Description

Clean and maintain interior and exterior premises of buildings
Carry out minor repairs, including painting, carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work
Inspect heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to ensure proper operation
Install and repair locks, door closers, and other hardware
Repair and replace window and door screens
Install and repair drywall and insulation
Assemble furniture
Change lightbulbs
Move furniture and equipment as needed
Perform minor landscaping tasks, such as trimming bushes and trees and mowing lawns
Perform basic maintenance on pool and spa equipment
Perform minor repairs on appliances

Skills and Competencies to Have

Basic carpentry and woodworking skills
Knowledge of electrical systems and wiring
Ability to use basic plumbing tools
Knowledge of HVAC systems and repairs
Painting and drywall installation
Basic knowledge of masonry and concrete
Basic understanding of building codes and regulations
Understanding of safety protocols
Skill in troubleshooting and problem solving
Ability to follow instructions and complete tasks quickly and efficiently
Attention to detail and strong organizational skills
Knowledge of appropriate tools and equipment for the job
Ability to work independently or as part of a team
Excellent customer service skills
Ability to lift heavy objects

The most important skill for a Maintenance Handyman is problem solving. In order to effectively solve any maintenance related issue, the Handyman needs to be able to think quickly, assess the situation, and identify potential solutions. Once the problem is identified, the Handyman must be able to troubleshoot and determine the best course of action.

This requires an understanding of the building systems, tools, and materials required to make the repairs. being able to diagnose and repair electrical, plumbing, and mechanical issues as well as carpentry and painting are important skills for a Maintenance Handyman to have. With these skills, a Handyman can help maintain a building's safety and efficiency.

being able to effectively problem solve is the key to successful building maintenance.

Facilities Maintenance Handyman, Janitorial Handyman, and Multi-Skilled Handyman are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in building maintenance?
What tools are necessary for building maintenance?
Describe a difficult maintenance issue you've resolved in the past.
How would you prioritize tasks when faced with multiple building maintenance requests?
What steps do you take to ensure safety when performing maintenance tasks?
How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and regulations?
How do you troubleshoot an electrical issue in a building?
What strategies do you use to ensure that all maintenance tasks are completed in a timely manner?
How do you handle customer complaints related to building maintenance?
How do you maintain accurate records of building maintenance activities?

Common Tools in Industry

Hammer. a tool with a heavy metal head used for hitting nails into wood. (eg: hammering nails to hang a picture)
Drill. a power tool used for drilling holes in wood, metal, or other materials. (eg: drilling holes to hang shelves)
Pliers. a tool with two handles and two jaws used for gripping, bending, cutting and turning objects. (eg: gripping a nut to loosen a bolt)
Screwdriver. a tool used for turning screws. (eg: tightening screws to secure a cabinet door)
Wrench. a tool used for turning nuts and bolts. (eg: tightening a pipe fitting)
Saw. a tool used for cutting wood, metal, or other materials. (eg: cutting a piece of wood to fit a window frame)
Tape Measure. a tool used for measuring length. (eg: measuring the length of a wall before hanging wallpaper)
Level. a tool used for determining if a surface is horizontal or vertical. (eg: checking if a shelf is level before mounting it to the wall)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Facility Management Association (IFMA)
Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA)
Professional Maintenance and Management Association (PMMA)
Association of Physical Plant Administrators (APPA)
Building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI)
National Apartment Association (NAA)
National Maintenance Agreements Policy Committee (NMAPC)
National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI)
National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)

We also have Outdoor Handyman, Plumbing Handyman, and Mobile Handyman jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Plumbing. The process of installing, maintaining, and repairing pipes, fixtures, and other apparatus for the distribution of water and disposal of wastewater in a building.
Electrical. The process of installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems in a building.
Carpentry. The process of installing, maintaining, and repairing wood fixtures and furniture in a building.
Painting. The process of applying paint or other protective coatings to walls, ceilings, and other surfaces in a building.
Drywall. The process of installing, maintaining, and repairing gypsum board in a building.
Flooring. The process of installing, maintaining, and repairing flooring systems such as tile, carpet, and hardwood in a building.
Roofing. The process of installing, maintaining, and repairing roofing systems in a building.
HVAC. The process of installing, maintaining, and repairing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in a building.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of tasks can a Building Maintenance Handyman perform?

Building Maintenance Handyman can complete a wide variety of tasks, including basic repairs, painting, light construction, carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and more.

How often should I hire a Building Maintenance Handyman?

The frequency of hiring a Building Maintenance Handyman will depend on the needs of the property. Generally, it is recommended to hire a professional once or twice a year to take care of any minor repairs that may have been overlooked.

What qualifications should I look for when hiring a Building Maintenance Handyman?

When hiring a Building Maintenance Handyman, it is important to look for someone with experience and the appropriate certifications in the areas they are working in, such as plumbing or electrical work. Additionally, it is beneficial to look for someone who is insured and bonded to provide additional protection.

How much does it cost to hire a Building Maintenance Handyman?

The cost of hiring a Building Maintenance Handyman will depend on the complexity of the job and the hourly rate of the professional. Generally, rates can range from $50 to $80 per hour.

What safety procedures should be followed when working with a Building Maintenance Handyman?

When working with a Building Maintenance Handyman it is important to follow all safety protocols, such as wearing protective gear, keeping tools away from children and pets, and following any safety instructions that the professional provides. Additionally, it is important to make sure that all electrical and gas lines have been properly disconnected before any work begins.

Web Resources

Building Maintenance - Career Training - Orleans Technical College orleanstech.edu
Building Maintenance | Facilities | University of Denver www.du.edu
Building Maintenance - Center for Employment Training cetweb.edu