Hang & Patch Handyman Service · DC, MD & VA
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about our services, older homes and plaster, pricing and booking. Don't see your question? Call or text (202) 438-6197, any time, 24/7.
About our services
What does Hang & Patch Handyman Service do?
We handle the small and medium jobs around your home: TV mounting, picture, shelf and mirror hanging, drywall and plaster patching, painting, furniture assembly, smart home setup, caulking, light fixtures and ceiling fans, plus masonry repair, cleaning and landscaping care. Some specialty work is done through trusted subcontractors.
Do you do big remodels or full door installs?
No. We focus on repairs, installs and upkeep. If a job is bigger than we do, we'll tell you up front.
Can you set up smart home devices?
Yes. That includes smart thermostats, video doorbells, cameras, smart locks and garage door openers. We also install smart lighting, including bulbs, switches and dimmers, and set it up to work with Alexa. We set up the app on your phone before we leave.
Older homes and plaster
How can I tell if my walls are plaster or drywall?
Here are some quick checks:
- Knock on the wall. Plaster usually sounds solid and dense. Drywall sounds lighter and a bit hollow.
- Look at the surface. Plaster is often a little uneven or wavy, and may have fine hairline cracks. Drywall is usually flat, and the seams may show faintly.
- Check the thickness at an outlet opening, a door edge or a closet. Plaster tends to be thicker than standard drywall.
- Homes from before the mid-1900s are more likely to have plaster, but many older homes have both after renovations.
If you can't tell, send us a photo and we'll help.
Why does it matter whether I have plaster or drywall?
They need different repair methods. Regular drywall methods can crack or crumble plaster. Anchors, patching materials and paint all need to match the wall. Using the wrong approach can make a small problem bigger.
What should I ask before hiring someone to work on an older home?
- Do you check what the walls are made of before starting?
- How will you patch or mount into plaster or masonry?
- How do you handle paint in a house built before 1978?
- How will you protect my floors, trim and original finishes?
- Who will actually do the work, and is the quote in writing?
My home was built before 1978. Is there a lead paint concern?
It can be. Older paint may contain lead. We'll point out surfaces that may be a concern and recommend proper testing before anything that disturbs the paint. We don't do lead abatement.
Pricing and booking
How do you price jobs?
We use a mix of hourly and flat-rate pricing, depending on the job. Straightforward jobs like a TV mount or a drywall patch are usually a flat price. Larger or less predictable work may be hourly. Either way, no work starts until the price is agreed.
Is the quote free?
Yes, quotes are free. The quickest way is the quote form on our site. Include the job address and a photo or two.
How do I book, and how fast can you come?
Fill out the quote form or call (202) 438-6197. We offer 24/7 same-day service for urgent jobs, depending on availability.
Where do you work?
We serve DC, Maryland and Virginia, including Bethesda, Potomac, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Kensington, Olney, Clarksburg, Silver Spring, Great Falls, McLean, Arlington and Fairfax. Not sure we cover you? Ask and we'll tell you.
Do you bring your own tools?
Yes. We bring all our own tools.
Is your work guaranteed?
Yes. We offer a satisfaction guarantee when the job is complete. We want you to be satisfied and very happy with the work, and if something isn't right, we'll make it right.