Verified record
Handyman James is a solo, owner-operated handyman based in Newton, working across Greater Boston on renovations, property management, and snow clearance. The website describes him as licensed and insured, though nothing in the record verifies a specific license against a state registry. The written history is thin — two Google reviews, both five stars — but each is detailed. One customer has kept James on a monthly retainer for roughly three years for priority access to a Somerville home, calling him out on short notice for plumbing, heating, and smoke-detector problems; she notes he isn't a licensed plumber or electrician but has the skills to handle what comes up. Another reviewer calls him a 'true craftsman' who shows up on time and takes care with the details of every job. Worth asking before booking: since he isn't licensed in plumbing or electrical work, confirm what he'll handle himself versus when he'd bring in a licensed trade.
Handyman James is a true craftsman! He will always put forth his best effort, detailed to your liking. James is very knowledgeable, and his customers benefit from his attention to detail, taking the utmost care with each job he works on. He is on time and reliable, showing up when he is scheduled; this is very difficult to find in a contractor. You will be happy you hired him!!
We have had Handyman James on a monthly retainer for priority availability at our home in Somerville for the last roughly 3 years. We are not always there to fix an urgent problem but do have someone living in our home. We needed the assurance and peace of mind that if something came up, we would have someone with expertise to immediately address the problem. We are very pleased to have that with James. We have called him out on short notice for plumbing, heating, and smoke detector issues. While he is not a licensed plumber or electrician, he has all the necessary skills to address any immediate issues to prevent further damage and has taken care of such issues as replacing a leaking kitchen faucet. His response time has been impressive, and he has been able to troubleshoot any pressing issues over the phone with our housemate when necessary. We have found his help and expertise indispensable. We highly recommend James!
Typical Greater Boston range for this kind of work, from regional averages — not a quote from Handyman James. Use it to sanity-check bids, then get the real number in writing.
A day rate replaces the task list — usually the better deal once the list gets long.
Estimated range
$220 – $850
Typical handyman visit around $540
Specializes in
Also offers
Languages
Established 3.4 rating
Repair over replace4.8
Old-house specialist4.1
Held to quoted price despite added scope4.5