Verified record
Joseph Downey Small Jobs Specialist is a Somerville, MA-based handyman operation working out of 519 Somerville Ave, with HomeAdvisor listing 41 years of experience in the trade. The reviews on file describe a wide range of small, oddly-shaped jobs other contractors turn away: a 2022 job replacing several old single-pane windows and installing a mismatched under-cabinet microwave; a 2020 repair that fixed a shower valve without tearing down the surrounding tile, done in about two hours at a quarter of a competing plumber's price; a 2020 bathroom job re-grouting tile and installing a tub surround; and a 2019 job caulking and sealing hardwood floors and installing quarter-round trim. A 2023 reviewer summed the business up as a "godsend for those annoying jobs that are too random for a general contractor but too big to DIY." Several reviewers specifically praised responsiveness and follow-through — being listened to, not upsold, and reassured that any issue after the job would be handled with a call. More than one reviewer mentioned hiring Joseph for multiple jobs over time. HomeAdvisor shows a 5.0-star average across 138 ratings (100% five-star) and a 2016 Super Service Award. Worth noting: the detailed, quoted reviews on file run from 2019 through March 2023, so nothing in the written record documents the last few years of work — worth confirming current availability and scheduling directly. This looks like a good fit for a small, specific fix — a stuck valve, a stubborn tile job, an odd-sized window, a piece of furniture that needs assembling — rather than a full renovation, and the safest next step is a direct call to confirm the job's scope and timing.
Typical Greater Boston range for this kind of work, from regional averages — not a quote from JOSEPH DOWNEY SMALL JOBS SPECIALIST. 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
A godsend for those annoying jobs that are too random for a general contractor but too big to DIY (or you just aren't getting around to it!!). Joseph's team can solve a lot of problems. Not every problem, but I have yet to think of one they can't solve.
We hired Joseph to install a new under-cabinet microwave that did not match the footprint of the old one, requiring some tile work. He did a great job and you can't tell that some serious rejiggering was required. He also did a great job replacing several old, single pane, oddly sized windows. Clearly the previous owners couldn't have been bothered to find non-factory size windows, but he sourced great replacements, did a beautiful job installing them promptly, dealt with supply chain issues with grace, and even included finishing touches we hadn't thought of, like installing a curtain rod and curtain for a shower window. The windows and microwave have been there a couple years now and are doing great!
The grout around the old 4-inch tiles in our little bathroom could not handle the use from 5 people. It was always so hard to clean—beyond help. I couldn't stand it but I didn't want a big extensive job because we hope to do a bigger renovation someday. Joe was responsive and listened to what I wanted: nothing fancy—just a solution for now that will be functional and easy to maintain. I don't like when people try to upsell and there was none of that with Joe. Treating the tiles and installing the tub surround was the right solution for us and he came within a few days. I called him because he was recommended on my community Facebook page so I feel confident. Nice guy and I would definitely call him again. Price was good and I really appreciate that he listened to what I wanted. He told us everything is guaranteed and if we have any issues to call him right away and not try to take care of it ourselves. I doubt there will be issues but it feels good to know that I don't have to hesitate to call. He also told me how to take care of the surround (no scrubbing! Yay!) and thanked me for the opportunity to work on our bathroom. :)
Fantastic! Joseph was able to fix valve in shower wall without taking down tile wall after a previous plumber was unable to do it. Job cost 1/4 what it would have and was done in 2 hours rather than multiple days. Very experienced, honest and responsive.
I've hired Joe a number of times for a variety of jobs. Most recently I hired Joe and his assistant to caulk and seal the hardwood floors and baseboards then install quarter rounds on all of the hardwood floors. They did a great job. Cleaned up after themselves. Joe was also very accommodating and agreed to do a last minute job while he was here. He removed speakers that were installed in the living room walls, patched and plastered the walls. I am sure I will see Joe soon as he is my go to handyman.
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1 change recorded — last scanned Sep 8, 2026.
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