Testing & Evaluation Guide

Testing & Evaluation Guide

How we test, film, and approve handypeople for the OC Handyman Services network.

How We Evaluate on Test Day

Every candidate completes a paid test day on simple, repeatable projects. For the more desirable multi-day work (e.g., She Sheds, full Shed Assemblies, or Concrete Slabs for Sheds), we look for the essentials:

  • Show up prepared & on time (confirmations, ETA, materials/tools ready).
  • Present a clear sketch with measurements, slope/drainage, finish notes, and any utilities.
  • Communicate well—ask smart questions, give brief updates, and align on expectations.
  • Work clean—protect surfaces, manage debris, and tidy as you go.
  • Finish professionally—solid craft, photo-ready results, and a quick walk-through with the client.
Daily cash pay Pro photos & video Mentor feedback Potential “Tested & Approved” badge

What you’ll be asked to do

  • Form, pour, and finish a shed-size concrete slab
  • Assemble & anchor a shed kit (Costco / Sam’s / Home Depot / Lowe’s)
  • TV mounting / Ring or Nest doorbell install, or a similar low-risk task
  • Pressure cleaning (driveway, walk, patio) where appropriate

What we provide

  • Daily cash pay (agreed in advance)
  • Materials when applicable (concrete, forms, hardware, etc.)
  • Filming & photography for your portfolio
  • Mentor feedback with practical ways to improve

What you bring

  • Reliable transportation (no Uber/drop-offs)
  • Basic tools for the skills you claim
  • Pro mindset: punctual, communicative, respectful
Permanent Home Improvements (concrete slabs, pergolas, fire pits, patios, etc.)
  • Bring measuring tools, marking tape, marking paint, and graph paper.
  • Spend at least 30 minutes listening to the customer’s needs.
  • Create a plan/sketch (neat hand-drawn is fine) confirming location, shape, size, height, slope/drainage, thickness, and finish.
  • Review and agree on the plan with the client before work begins.

We will not feature anyone who skips this documentation step.

1

Bring your own tools & transportation

Show up ready. No Uber rides — you’ll need reliable transport and the tools of your trade.

2

Complete a paid test project

Either on Keith’s property (La Habra Heights) or at one of your active gigs — we’ll watch you work on real tasks.

3

Be filmed & evaluated

We’ll document your craft, communication, and professionalism.

4

Build your digital presence

Basic track: a one-page mini-site. High-demand track (e.g., concrete slabs): a simple multi-page site with photos, contact info, and a short intro video — plus GBP/Yelp guidance.

5

If you pass, you’ll earn a spot as a “Tested & Approved” pro on OC Handyman Services — trusted and visible.

How you’ll be evaluated (pass / fail)

Communication

  • Confirm start time & text ETA
  • Ask smart questions

Planning

  • Materials & tools list
  • Layout, measurements, utilities considered

Craftsmanship

  • Plumb / level / square
  • Neat, durable finishes; correct anchoring

Cleanup & Professionalism

  • Daily cleanup, waste handled
  • Respectful, safety-minded, owns outcomes

Important: OC Handyman Services is not a contractor and does not monetize this site. We never take referral fees or a percentage, and we don’t charge tradespeople to be featured. All agreements are strictly between you and the client. Our role is to mentor, test, film, and amplify.

Pro tip: Keith previously ran several companies (Concrete & Hardscapes, Whole House Makeover, a Trane HVAC dealership, and a Tile Roofing Company) and built his reputation on one discipline: take the extra 30 minutes to measure, plan, and sketch. The image below shows 30 of his hand-drawn 11×17 roof plans—part of an archive of 1,000+ entire-home roofing plans. Detailed drawings were revered by customers, especially compared to “no-sketch, no-plan” estimates. A clear sketch earns trust fast, simplifies material runs, and prevents misunderstandings. Clients notice, and they remember.

Thirty hand-drawn 11×17 roof plans with a visible stack of 1,000+ more archived.
1,000+ roofs archived →
Example: 30 hand-drawn roof plans (with a stack of 1,000+ more). Clear, measured sketches eliminated disputes, simplified material orders, and earned lasting respect from clients.
See Featured Directory →