Every so often, something happens during a workday that really sticks with you — not because of the job itself, but because of what it teaches you.
Today was one of those moments.
We were called out for what was supposed to be a simple free consultation. Nothing fancy — just one of those visits where we come out, take a look, and share professional insight. Our goal during these visits is to educate first, estimate second. We try to help homeowners understand where their money will go the furthest, which repairs are worth prioritizing, and how to avoid getting burned by the wrong kind of “help.”
But this one didn’t go quite as planned.
The homeowner, a genuinely kind person with a beautiful home, mentioned right away that she’d had “bad experiences with contractors” in the past. She said things like, “They never explain anything,” and “They just rush through it.”
I nodded — I hear that often. But here’s the twist: while she was explaining her frustration, she was also talking over me every other sentence. Every time I tried to provide guidance or explain why something was done a certain way, she’d interrupt with, “Oh, I already know that,” or, “That’s not how the last guy did it.”
And it hit me: this is exactly how those “bad experiences” start.
You can’t learn from someone if you don’t let them finish a sentence.
Imagine calling a mechanic, then standing next to them telling them which wrench to use. Or hiring a plumber, but insisting you know how the pipes should be connected because you saw a video online.
You’d never do that — because you know they’re trained for it. Yet when it comes to our homes, emotion gets involved. People want to protect their space, and I understand that completely. But sometimes, that desire to stay in control actually blocks the value the professional is trying to give.
At Unstoppable Handyman Services, our approach is simple: we serve before we sell. We don’t just show up with tools — we show up with experience, context, and care.
When we walk through your home, we’re not just diagnosing a problem; we’re looking at how to make your home safer, more functional, and more enjoyable. We take pride in explaining our reasoning and teaching you what to look for next time.
That’s free value — the kind that saves you money before you ever spend it. But you only receive it if you’re open to hearing it.
In today’s case, the visit ended politely, but it was clear we weren’t the right fit. And that’s okay — not every job is meant to happen.
Still, it was a reminder that great projects don’t begin when a hammer hits a nail. They start long before that — in the first five minutes of conversation. The best results come when both sides listen, communicate, and respect each other’s expertise.
This homeowner could have had an amazing experience and likely saved herself future headaches. Unfortunately, she missed out — not because of cost or skill, but because of communication.
If you ever invite a contractor, handyman, or service professional into your home — whether it’s us or anyone else — let them talk. Listen to what they’re saying, even if it challenges your assumptions.
You might discover new, smarter ways to get work done. You might save hundreds of dollars by learning what really matters. Or you might simply gain peace of mind knowing the person you hired cares about doing the job right.
At Unstoppable Handyman Services, we’ve built our reputation in San Diego on honesty, respect, and craftsmanship. We believe in empowering homeowners — not just fixing their homes, but helping them understand them.
Because when both sides communicate, everyone wins.
So next time you’re sitting across from a contractor offering free advice, take a breath, listen, and ask questions after they finish. You might be surprised by how much value you walk away with — even before the work begins.
And if you’re looking for a team that believes in doing “Real Work. Done Right.” — that’s exactly what we stand for here at Unstoppable Handyman Services.