Straight Answers. No Surprises.
Good Questions Deserve Honest Answers
Pricing, scheduling, the work we take on, who we are, and how payment works. If you don't see your question here, reach out through our website or call (734) 730-6143, and we'll get back to you the following day.
01
Pricing & Estimates
Do you charge by the hour?
No. NestEgg Handyman charges based on the entire scope of work. We look at the whole project, including the materials needed, the level of complexity, the level of difficulty, and everything that goes into finishing it to your satisfaction and to the high level of workmanship we strive for.
Is the estimate free? Can I just send you photos?
Yes, estimates are free. And yes, please send photos! That's preferred, because it gets your estimate to you faster and you don't have to wait for a site visit. Sometimes we'll still ask to come out and get eyes on it ourselves, because seeing things in person helps us understand everything that goes into the project. Our goal is little to no change between your estimate and your final invoice. We don't want any surprises, for you or for us.
Can you just give me a price over the phone?
Sometimes, yes. If it's a standard service we do regularly, we're happy to give you a quick price by phone, text, or email. Some jobs need more eyes on and some investigative work to find the underlying issue and the best fix. Some also involve materials or design options you'll want a say in. In those cases, we'd rather be diligent than send you a number that isn't well researched.
Is my job too small for you?
We don't believe any job to maintain your home is too small. We do have a minimum service charge of $150.
Why aren't you the cheapest handyman around?
We probably won't be the cheapest option in Ann Arbor. Our prices reflect the professionalism, attention to detail, and quality you'd expect from a company that treats your home the way we treat our own. We use premium products because inferior products lead to inferior results. We know which products work and which don't, and we don't bring the ones that don't work to our job sites. Your home is your biggest asset, and by investing in it, you build your nest egg.
What if you find another problem once you start?
We'll always let you know, and we'll walk you through your options for fixing it. Sometimes that means additional work or materials added to the scope and the price. We'll present every option available and always do our best to keep your cost down.
02
Scheduling & the Day of Service
Can someone come out today or tomorrow?
Generally, no. We're a small company, so we don't take same-day calls or do emergency services. We set aside one day a week for estimates around town and aim to send estimates within 1 to 3 days of the visit. We try to keep our schedule no more than 2 weeks out, though busy season can stretch that, so book as far ahead as you can.
What are your hours? Do you work evenings or weekends?
Our hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5 PM. We don't work evenings or weekends. You're welcome to reach out anytime through our website or business phone line, and we'll get back to you the following day.
Do I need to be home while you work?
Nope, as long as we can get to every area needed for the job. Many homeowners give us a contractor access code for their digital lock. We'll send your invoice when the work is done, and if you're out of town, we can send before and after photos or videos so you can see the finished work.
Can I add a few things while you're already here?
If time allows and it's within reason, yes. Anything outside your approved estimate will be added to your final invoice. There's no guarantee we can fit extras in that day, since it depends on the time set aside for your project. If it doesn't fit, we'll schedule another appointment.
What if I need to reschedule or cancel?
Life happens, and we get it. Just give us as much notice as you can. We'll reach out about 24 hours before your appointment to confirm.
Rescheduling with at least 48 hours' notice is always free, and your deposit moves to the new date. If something comes up inside 48 hours, we'll work with you the first time. A second late reschedule is treated as a cancellation.
If you cancel at least 72 hours before your appointment, we'll refund your deposit, minus any special-order materials we've already purchased. Cancellations within 72 hours, and appointments where we can't get into the home, forfeit the deposit. That's the day we set aside for you and turned other work away for.
If we ever have to reschedule on our end, there's no penalty to you, and your deposit is refundable on request.
03
What We Do
I have a long honey-do list. Can you knock it all out in one visit?
Yes, we do that very often. We'll take your list, make a plan of action, and get it done in a timely manner, sometimes in just one day. You'll get one price for the entire list rather than a line-item price for every single thing.
Can you do electrical and plumbing work?
Some. We change fixtures like lights, faucets, shower heads, switches, and outlets, repair leaks, and troubleshoot things like a light that stopped working or a leaky shower. What we can't do by law is "behind the wall" plumbing, electrical, or mechanical work, because that requires a specialty trade license.
Can you remodel my kitchen or bathroom?
Spencer is a licensed Michigan residential builder and has done entire home remodels, but NestEgg Handyman keeps to smaller repairs, maintenance, and home improvements that improve your quality of life or safety in your home. We try to keep projects to 3 days or less. If another company that specializes in your type of project would be a better fit, we'll be open and honest with you about that.
Do you work on older homes?
Yes, we have extensive experience with older homes in our community. In 2021, Spencer completed an entire remodel of an 1893 home in Ypsilanti, and we still maintain that home today as part of our rental property program.
Can you help get my house ready to sell?
Yes, and it's one of the most important things we offer. Together with our sister company, NestEgg Properties, we'll make a list of everything your home needs before going on the market and give you one price for all of it. If you agree, we do the work, and we don't take any money up front. We don't get paid until your home sells. No other company can do that.
Do you offer a home maintenance plan?
Yes, it's called NestCare. You sit down with us to design a custom maintenance package for your home, so that recurring maintenance comes off your to-do list and your nest egg stays well cared for for years to come. Visit our NestCare page to set up a consultation.
Do you come to my town?
We primarily serve Ann Arbor, plus Ypsilanti, Dexter, Saline, Chelsea, Pinckney, and Whitmore Lake. If your town isn't listed, we likely don't service your area, but feel free to call if you're unsure.
04
About Us
Who's behind NestEgg Handyman?
NestEgg Handyman was started in 2023 by Spencer Roberts and is co-owned by his wife, Evelyn Roberts, who also owns NestEgg Properties, a boutique real estate agency in Ann Arbor. That makes us locally owned, family-owned, veteran-owned, and partially women-owned. We named the company NestEgg because your home is most likely the largest asset you'll ever own, and it deserves to be treated the way we treat our own.
Who's actually coming to my house? Are you licensed and insured?
In most cases, Spencer, the owner, will be the one at your door. If a technician is coming without him, you'll be told ahead of time, and you'll always know when someone is on the way. We're a licensed Michigan residential builder and carry general liability insurance.
05
Payment, Deposits & Guarantee
4 questions
Do you require a deposit?
For jobs of $500 or more, or jobs that need special-order materials, yes. We collect a deposit of 25% of the job total, or the cost of the special-order materials if that's higher, to secure your spot on our calendar. Your deposit goes toward your final invoice, so it's not an extra charge. Smaller jobs don't need a deposit.
How do I pay, and when is payment due?
We accept cash, check, credit card, and PayPal. Payment is due when the job is complete, preferably before our technician leaves. If you can't pay at the time, or we're working in a vacant home, we'll send an electronic invoice that's due on receipt.
Do you guarantee your work?
Yes. All workmanship is guaranteed for one year. If something isn't right, call or message us and we'll get you on the schedule to fix it. We don't offer warranties beyond the standard manufacturer warranties.
Can I tip my technician?
Absolutely, and they'll appreciate it. Even better: our technicians get a small bonus when a 5-star review mentions them by name. So leave us a review, tell us who helped you and what you liked, and they'll get rewarded on the back end.