Yes. James holds an unrestricted Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License (CSL #120385) and is a registered Home Improvement Contractor (HIC #197410) — the state registration that gives clients access to the Guaranty Fund and arbitration program if something goes wrong. He also carries insurance. If a job falls outside his license, he'll say so before starting the work, not after.
Newton, Lexington, Arlington, Waltham, Lincoln, Concord, Wellesley, Belmont, Cambridge, and Boston, Massachusetts. He's based in Newton. If you're just outside these areas, it's still worth asking.
A handyman typically handles smaller repairs and maintenance jobs, while a general contractor manages larger construction projects that require permits and specialty licensing. James holds an unrestricted Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License, which reflects that broader qualification, even though his day-to-day work is handyman and property management.
$50 per month, per property. That covers 24-hour access by phone, text and email, and means there's no emergency callout premium — a 3am call is billed at the same hourly rate as a weekday afternoon. Labour is charged at the standard hourly rate plus materials. More about property management & on-call →
Yes, for property management clients — both homeowners and rental property owners. James offers 24/7 on-call support alongside routine seasonal maintenance.
Snow clearance covers a smaller area than the rest of the work: Newton, Lexington, Arlington, Belmont and Waltham only. A snowblower round has to stay compact to get every property cleared in the hours after a storm. Handyman work and property management cover all ten towns.
No. James clears snow and ice using snow blowers only, for both residential and commercial properties. It's slower than plowing, but it avoids the driveway and lawn damage a plow can cause.
No. James takes on jobs many contractors won't bother with, from hanging a single picture to repairing old machinery. If it's a job that's outside his license or skills, he'll tell you upfront.
Work is billed at a standard hourly rate plus materials, with no callout premium for property management clients. Rates vary by the type of job, so the most accurate answer comes from describing the work — call or email and James will quote it upfront, before starting, rather than after.
Call (508) 306-1552, email info@handyman-james.com, or send a message through the contact form. James responds personally, usually the same day.
