Is Hiring Handymen Off Craigslist a Recipe for Disaster?
We all need the help of a handyman at some point in time. However, where you source your help from is important. Many people opt for platforms like Craigslist to get the work done for a bargain rate, but this can often be a recipe for disaster. So, before you give that Craigslist handyman a call, consider these eight things.
1. Lack of Licensing Can Mean Lack of Accountability
More often than not, handymen that you find on Craigslist aren’t licensed (and they’re likely not insured either). If something winds up going wrong with the repairs, it can be difficult to hold them accountable. Not to mention, someone who isn’t licensed may not pull permits or follow regulations, which can put you in hot water.
2. No Background Checks Means You’re Taking a Personal Risk
When you hire through Craigslist, you’re likely inviting a complete stranger into your home without knowing anything about them. Unlike vetted professionals from established platforms, Craigslist offers no background checks or customer review systems. This creates a major safety risk, especially if you’re alone or the job takes several days. While many handymen may be honest workers, there’s no way to know who you’re really dealing with. One bad choice could result in theft, harassment, or worse.
3. Cash Payments Make It Harder To Prove Anything Went Wrong
Many Craigslist handyman jobs are handled under the table, with cash-only transactions and no written contracts. That means no invoices, no receipts, and no paper trail. If the handyman does shoddy work—or ghosts you halfway through—you have little to no legal recourse. A legitimate contractor will usually provide a clear scope of work, deadlines, and pricing in writing. Without that, it’s your word against theirs, and that rarely works out in your favor.
4. Shady Pricing Tactics Can Leave You With a Bigger Bill
A Craigslist handyman may quote you a low price upfront, but then increase costs mid-project. Suddenly, they “find” additional issues or materials that weren’t included, forcing you to pay more or risk leaving the job unfinished. This bait-and-switch tactic is common and preys on homeowners who feel pressured to get things done quickly. Without a contract or written estimate, you’re vulnerable to price gouging. That $100 job can turn into a $500 headache before you know it.
5. Poor Workmanship Could Cost You More in the Long Run
A skilled handyman knows how to fix things properly the first time, but Craigslist workers vary widely in ability. Some may be self-taught with no formal training, which can lead to dangerous or sloppy repairs. Faulty electrical work or structural issues aren’t just inconvenient—they’re safety hazards. Worse, you may have to pay someone else to redo everything, effectively doubling your costs. Poor workmanship also hurts your home’s value if you’re planning to sell in the future.
6. No Insurance Means You Could Be Held Liable
If a Craigslist handyman gets injured on your property, and they’re not insured, guess who’s responsible? You are. Homeowners can be held legally and financially liable for medical expenses or lawsuits resulting from injuries. Professional contractors carry liability insurance for this very reason—it protects both parties. Skipping this protection to save a few bucks is not worth the potential risk. One fall off a ladder could lead to thousands in damages.
7. You May Be Violating HOA or Local Rules Without Knowing It
If you live in a community with a Homeowners Association (HOA), there may be strict guidelines about who can perform repairs. Some municipalities also require licensed professionals for specific work like plumbing or wiring. Hiring a Craigslist handyman could violate these rules, leaving you subject to fines or penalties. Not only could this delay your project, but it might even get you in legal trouble. Always check your local regulations before hiring anyone off Craigslist.
8. There Are Better Alternatives That Offer Protection
Instead of hiring a Craigslist handyman, consider apps like TaskRabbit, Angi, or Thumbtack. These platforms offer user reviews, background checks, and sometimes even insurance coverage. You’ll also have recourse if something goes wrong, and the work often comes with a guarantee. While the price might be slightly higher, the peace of mind is well worth it. In today’s digital world, there’s no excuse for hiring blindly.
Your Home Deserves Better Than a Gamble
When it comes down to it, hiring a Craigslist handyman can be hit or miss. You could potentially get lucky and find someone who will do a good job for a good price. Unfortunately, many people have had nightmare stories when they hire people from Craigslist. You might wind up with a half-finished project and an empty wallet. So, always do your research and hire a licensed professional. No “good deal” is worth the trouble you’ll go through.
Have you ever hired someone off Craigslist for home repairs? Did it go smoothly—or turn into a disaster? Share your experience in the comments!
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Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.