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

Feb 5, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The demand for Facilities Maintenance Handyman is ever increasing; as businesses grow, so does the need for them to maintain their facilities. This demand creates a cascade of effects, such as requiring more time, money and resources devoted to facility maintenance, as well as hiring people with the skills and experience to perform these tasks. Additionally, a Facilities Maintenance Handyman must be knowledgeable in plumbing, carpentry, electrical and HVAC systems, as well as other areas of maintenance. By having a Facilities Maintenance Handyman on staff, businesses can ensure that their facilities are up to code and running properly, enabling them to continue providing the highest level of service and products to their customers.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. A high school diploma or equivalent is typically the minimum education requirement for a Facilities Maintenance Handyman.
Consider taking some courses in building maintenance, plumbing, electrical wiring, HVAC systems and carpentry. These courses will help you gain the skills needed to be a successful Facilities Maintenance Handyman.
Get on-the-job experience. Many employers require that applicants for Facilities Maintenance Handyman positions have some prior experience. Look for entry-level jobs such as maintenance assistants or custodial workers in order to gain experience.
Get certified. Some employers may require that you have certain certifications. Examples of certifications that might be needed include HVAC, plumbing and electrical certifications.
Find an employer. Look for job postings in newspapers or online job boards. You can also contact local businesses and ask if they are hiring for a Facilities Maintenance Handyman position.
Apply for the position. When you submit your application, make sure to include details about your experience, certifications and skills.
Interview for the position. During the interview, be sure to highlight your experience and skills that make you a good fit for the job.
Get hired and begin working as a Facilities Maintenance Handyman. Once you have been hired, you will begin working in the facilities maintenance department of the business or organization.

Staying ahead and efficient in facilities maintenance and handyman work is essential to ensure the smooth running of any business or home. To accomplish this, it is important to prioritize tasks, create a plan, stay organized, and utilize the right tools and materials. Prioritizing tasks can be done by considering the urgency and importance of each task and allocating resources accordingly.

Creating a plan involves breaking down each task into smaller steps and then mapping out the order in which these steps should be completed. Staying organized is essential for staying ahead and efficient as it helps to ensure all tasks are completed in an efficient and timely manner. Lastly, utilizing the right tools and materials is necessary for any job to be done properly and quickly, and will help to avoid costly mistakes and unnecessary expenditure.

By following these steps, staying ahead and efficient in facilities maintenance and handyman work can be achieved.

You may want to check Heavy Duty Handyman, Painting Handyman, and Maintenance Handyman for alternative.

Job Description

Plumbing: Unclogging drains, replacing fixtures, fixing leaky pipes and valves, repairing toilets and showers, installing water heaters and other components.
Electrical: Installing outlets, switches, and fixtures, correcting wiring issues, troubleshooting problems with appliances and electronics, and replacing light bulbs.
Carpentry: Repairing and replacing doors and windows, repairing furniture and trim, building new furniture and cabinetry, assembling flat-packed furniture.
Painting: Preparing surfaces for painting, painting walls and ceilings, staining and varnishing woodwork, and touch-ups.
Flooring: Installing tile, hardwood, laminate, and vinyl flooring, repairing carpet, and refinishing floors.
HVAC: Installing/repairing heating and cooling systems, checking thermostats, changing filters and cleaning ducts.
Appliance Repair: Diagnose and repair problems with appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, washers, and dryers.
Landscaping: Maintaining lawns and gardens, pruning trees and shrubs, planting flowers and other plants, installing irrigation systems.
Maintenance: Performing routine maintenance checks on equipment and systems, performing minor repairs on building structures such as walls and roofs, cleaning gutters and drains.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Basic carpentry skills
Basic plumbing skills
Basic electrical skills
Basic HVAC maintenance
Painting/wall repair
Drywall repair
Flooring installation/repair
Minor appliance installation/repair
Window/door installation/repair
Furniture assembly/repair
Ability to safely use basic hand tools and power tools
Knowledge of building codes and regulations
Knowledge of safety practices
Ability to work with minimal supervision
Excellent customer service skills
Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose problems
Ability to prioritize tasks and efficiently manage time
Good organizational skills

Having a Facilities Maintenance Handyman is essential for any business, as they can handle a wide range of tasks that help keep the business running smoothly. An effective handyman should possess a variety of different skills, including strong problem-solving skills and a keen eye for detail. They should also be able to work quickly and efficiently, as well as think on their feet when presented with unexpected challenges.

Good communication and interpersonal skills are also key, as the handyman may need to interact with customers and other staff members. A Facilities Maintenance Handyman should also be knowledgeable in basic electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and HVAC systems and have the ability to identify and fix problems quickly. having a Facilities Maintenance Handyman on staff can help prevent costly and time-consuming repairs and ensure that the business is running smoothly.

Plumbing Handyman, Outdoor Handyman, and Garage Door Handyman are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in facilities maintenance handyman work?
What tools and equipment are you familiar with using?
How do you troubleshoot problems related to facilities maintenance?
Describe a time when you had to handle multiple tasks at once in a facilities maintenance role.
What safety precautions do you take when working on a maintenance project?
How would you prioritize tasks in a facilities maintenance role?
What challenges have you faced when working on a maintenance project?
How do you keep up with changes in technology related to facilities maintenance?
Describe your experience with preventative maintenance of facilities.
How do you ensure that all necessary supplies are available for maintenance projects?

Common Tools in Industry

Screwdriver. A manual tool used to drive screws into materials such as wood, metal and plastic. (eg: Phillips head screwdriver)
Hammer. A tool with a head made of metal that is used to drive in nails or break apart objects. (eg: Claw Hammer)
Wrench. A tool used to grip and turn nuts and bolts. (eg: Adjustable wrench)
Pliers. A tool used to grip and twist objects, or to hold objects in place. (eg: Needle nose pliers)
Tape Measure. A tool used to measure length or distance. (eg: 25-foot retractable tape measure)
Level. A tool used to check if a surface is horizontally or vertically aligned. (eg: Magnetic torpedo level)
Drill. A power tool used to make holes in materials such as wood, metal, and plastic. (eg: Cordless drill)
Saw. A tool used to cut through materials such as wood, metal, and plastic. (eg: Circular saw)
Sander. A power tool used to sand down surfaces smooth. (eg: Orbital sander)
Paintbrush. A tool used to apply paint, varnish, or other coatings to surfaces. (eg: Angled paintbrush)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI)
National Organization of Remodeling Industry (NORI)
Building Performance Institute (BPI)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
American Institute of Architects (AIA)
National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)
Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC)
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE)

We also have Electrical Handyman, Part-Time Handyman, and Mobile Handyman jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Building Maintenance. The upkeep and repair of a building, typically including plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems.
Preventative Maintenance. A strategy for maintaining a building or system that focuses on preventing failure, rather than reacting to breakdowns after they occur.
Plumbing. The installation, repair, and maintenance of pipes, fixtures, and other plumbing systems.
Electrical. The installation, repair, and maintenance of electrical wiring and systems, such as outlets, switches, and circuit breakers.
HVAC. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems that provide temperature control, air circulation, and indoor air quality.
Painting. The preparation and application of paint to walls, ceilings, and other surfaces in order to protect them from the elements and maintain aesthetics.
Carpentry. The construction and repair of wooden structures, such as cabinets, doors, windows, and stairs.
Drywall. The installation and repair of gypsum wallboard used to create interior walls and ceilings.
Tile Work. The installation and repair of tiles used for flooring, countertops, backsplashes, and other surfaces.
Masonry. The laying of bricks and blocks for walls, walkways, and other structures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What services does a Facilities Maintenance Handyman provide?

A Facilities Maintenance Handyman typically provides a range of services, such as basic repairs, painting, carpentry, minor plumbing, and electrical work.

How much experience does a Facilities Maintenance Handyman need?

A Facilities Maintenance Handyman should have at least three to five years of experience in performing general maintenance and repair tasks.

What tools and materials are typically required for Facilities Maintenance Handyman work?

Common tools and materials that a Facilities Maintenance Handyman needs include screwdrivers, hammers, wrenches, saws, drills, ladders, measuring tools, electrical supplies, plumbing supplies, and painting supplies.

Is there a certification process for Facilities Maintenance Handyman?

Yes, there is a certification process for Facilities Maintenance Handyman. The certification is provided by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) and requires the completion of an 8-hour course and the passing of an exam.

Who should hire a Facilities Maintenance Handyman?

Any business or organization with facilities that need regular upkeep and maintenance should consider hiring a Facilities Maintenance Handyman. This could include office buildings, warehouses, retail stores, and manufacturing plants.