6 Safety Checks Before Letting a Handyman Into Your Home

1. Check That the Reviews Are Real

Fake reviews are unfortunately common on some platforms. Look for signs of authenticity: varied writing styles, specific details about the job done, reviews spread over months or years. On Fixters, reviews are only possible after a completed booking -- which makes them far more trustworthy than reviews on generic directories.

• check_circleAvoid profiles where all reviews look similar or were posted the same week
• check_circleLook for reviews that mention specific jobs, locations, or issues resolved
• check_circleA profile with 30 genuine reviews at 4.7 stars is better than 3 reviews at 5.0

2. Look for a Complete, Credible Profile

A professional handyman should have a complete profile: a real photo, a clear description of their skills and experience, listed services, and visible reviews. An incomplete or vague profile -- no photo, no description, no history -- is a warning sign. It either means the person is new and untested, or they're not serious about their work.

3. Ask for Proof of Insurance

Any professional tradeesperson working in private homes in Germany should hold Betriebshaftpflichtversicherung (business liability insurance). This protects you if they accidentally damage your property. Ask directly -- via message before the booking, or at the door when they arrive. A professional will have no hesitation in showing you their insurance certificate.

4. Always Book Through the Platform

It can be tempting to arrange things directly with a handyman to save the platform fee. Resist this. When you book through Fixters, your payment is protected, there's a formal record of the agreement, and you have clear recourse if something goes wrong. Off-platform arrangements give you none of that -- and in case of a dispute, you'll have little to fall back on.

5. How to Handle the First Visit

For longer or more complex jobs, it's worth thinking about the first visit before the work starts.

• check_circleIf you live alone and feel uncertain, have someone else home for the initial assessment
• check_circleDon't leave valuables in plain sight in rooms not being worked on
• check_circleMake sure someone knows where you are and who you're meeting
• check_circleA professional handyman will focus on the task, answer your questions, and not probe into unrelated areas of your home

6. Leave a Review When the Job is Done

Your review matters more than you might think. It helps other Berliners -- many of whom are expats navigating an unfamiliar system -- make safer, better-informed decisions. If the work was great, say so and say why. If something went wrong, a calm, factual review is more useful than no review at all. A community of honest reviews makes the whole market safer for everyone.