How paid test days work — what’s included, what you bring, and the ground rules so everything stays clear, fair, and professional.
Yes, you get paid. Yes, it’s fair.
Every candidate completes one or more paid test days. We observe, film, and photograph your work—and you’re paid the agreed daily cash rate for each day the project reasonably requires. For example, a 7′×8′ shed slab might be a one-day turn for a fully tooled pro (truck, trailer, compact loader), while a 10′×12′ slab on a sloped yard done with basic hand tools may take 4–5 days—still paid daily. Harder sites often attract higher-budget clients. Either way, you leave with portfolio-ready proof of your craft—not just “labor.”
🧾 Client-Funded Test
If the job is close enough for Keith to visit briefly, you work for your own paying client while we observe and document. The client funds your time; we capture clean media without slowing you down.
Best when you already have a live job🏡 Founder-Funded Test
If your skills fit a project that makes sense on Keith’s acre-plus property (e.g., shed pads, assembly, pressure washing) — and budget allows — Keith personally funds your paid test. It’s ideal for filming, drone coverage, and focused evaluation.
Best for skill-specific showcasesQuick Summary
- 💵 Daily cash rate is agreed in writing before you start.
- 🚗 You bring transportation and the basic tools for the skills you claim.
- 🎥 We provide the test scope, filming, and mentoring (materials handled per written plan).
- ✅ Same-day pay once the work is complete and the site is photo-clean.
1) Paid Test Day — What’s Included
✅ Included
- Agreed daily cash rate for an ~8-hour test day (plus reasonable clean-up).
- Filming & photos of your work for portfolio/feature consideration.
- Mentoring on planning, communication, and client walk-throughs.
- Light consumables we supply on site (marking paint, layout string, etc.) when needed.
🧰 What You Cover
- Your transportation, fuel, meals.
- Your basic tools (drill/driver, saw, levels, hand tools, PPE).
- Major materials (concrete, lumber, shed kits) unless stated in writing beforehand.
- Overtime beyond the agreed scope/time (see Section 3).
2) Breaks, Lunch & Conduct
- Two short breaks (~10–15 min) and a lunch break (~30 min) are fine; please communicate timing.
- Smokeless, no-substance, professional conduct on site. Respect neighbors and property.
- PPE as appropriate (gloves, glasses, hearing protection, respirator, etc.).
- Phones are okay for scope checks/photos — keep calls minimal during active work.
3) Hours, Overtime & Scope Creep
- Test day targets ~8 hours of productive work plus clean-up.
- If we must exceed the day due to delays on our side, we’ll extend or reschedule — with pay.
- If time runs long due to tool readiness/skill gaps, we may stop at 8 hours and note re-test needs.
- Any overtime or scope additions must be approved before work continues.
4) Cleanup & Closeout (Required)
- Daily jobsite cleanup: trash consolidated, tools picked up, surfaces swept/wiped.
- Before/after photos and a quick client-style walk-through.
- Payment is issued once the site is photo-clean and walk-through is complete.
5) Materials, Tools & Sketches
- Tools: You bring the tools for the work you claim. We don’t lend power tools.
- Materials: If the test requires concrete/lumber/shed kits, we’ll note who purchases them (us or you) in writing beforehand.
- Permanent work (slabs, pergolas, patios, etc.): You must produce a legible sketch (hand-drawn is fine) confirming location, size, slope/drainage, thickness, finish, and any utilities. Skipping this step is an automatic fail.
The image below shows 30 of his hand-drawn 11×17 roof plans (part of a collection of 1,000+). Detailed drawings were revered by customers — especially compared to “no-sketch, no-plan” estimates. Clients notice, and they remember.
6) Cancellations, Weather & Reschedules
- Weather: We don’t pour concrete or run exterior electrical in unsafe conditions. We’ll reschedule promptly.
- Our cancellation: If we cancel inside 12 hours for non-weather reasons, we’ll pay a half-day courtesy fee.
- Your cancellation/no-show: Inside 12 hours without a bona-fide emergency may prevent re-testing.
- Late arrivals: Please text an ETA. Chronic lateness is a fail criterion.
7) Re-Tests
If you miss on a single skill (e.g., leveling, edge finish, communication), we may invite a re-test. Re-tests are paid test days with a narrower scope. Great attitude + improvement = a fast path to “Tested & Approved.”
8) Payment Method & Tax Status
- Same-day payment (cash or agreed electronic) after clean-up and walk-through.
- You are an independent worker for test days. You are responsible for your own taxes, licensing, and insurance.
9) Media Use & Privacy
- We film/photograph test days. By participating, you grant permission to use media on OC Handyman Services and the mini-site we may create for you.
- We do not publish your personal contact info without your consent; we link to your chosen business contact.
10) Liability & Disclaimer
OC Handyman Services is not a contractor and does not monetize this site. We do not take a percentage or fee. All paid client work happens directly between the client and the tradesperson. Test-day participation is covered by our Terms of Participation & Liability Waiver.
