Almaden Resident | 0503 | January 20, 2005

January 20, 2005 San Jose, California Since 2003

Photograph by Vicki Thompson

Doing It Himself: Jim Kabel, who is opening the first California branch of Case Handyman Services, stands outside his new Almaden Oaks Plaza storefront. Kabel, who spent 25 years running business units for Hewlett-Packard and Agilent Technologies, is now going to do it for himself.

When home improvement projects grow beyond owner's skill, Case is on the case

By Anne Ward Ernst

Homeownership has its share of hassles, as trying to keep up with maintenance and repairs can give those us who are less handy a real headache. For Almaden residents who have to reach for the aspirin when trying to tell the difference between a standard and Phillips screwdriver, there is a new pain reliever in the valley, now that Case Handyman Services has opened.

Case Handyman Services is a national franchise company with roots in the construction industry, branching out into the handyman service in 1992. Almaden's Jim Kabel is the trailblazer for the home-improvement corporation, opening the company's first of five California branches. Kabel decided to keep his workplace close to his Almaden home, and based his new business in an office in Almaden Oaks Plaza on Meridian and Redmond avenues.

Kabel began a search for a business that could meet his criteria for utilizing his strengths in running a business—which included operating a $100 million profit-and-loss statement, plus skills in sales and marketing—and offer traditional working hours so that he could still spend time with his wife and two children.

"Case Handyman also aligned with my values and my ethics," Kabel said. Explaining that there is plenty of local competition in the handyman marketplace, he said what Case Handyman sets itself apart from the others is its level of professionalism, a two-year guarantee on work performed and the confidence in knowing that the handyman who steps into a home comes with a full background check. Each of Kabel's employees will carry identification, drive a marked van, is licensed, bonded and insured, and has at least 10 years of experience.

Oftentimes, Kabel says, handymen are one-man shops, carrying their "office" phone in their pockets, taking calls for other jobs while already on one. Case's business plan is different, utilizing a full-time office manager that allows the handyman in the field to concentrate on the task at hand, Kabel says.

Another advantage Case has over others is the ability, in most cases, to provide on-site estimates, thanks to a pricing program carried on a laptop by the estimator, he said.

"We also will schedule on-time appointments. There won't be any four-hour or eight-hour windows," he said.

Even in the age of big-box hardware outlets and positive do-it-yourself attitudes, Kabel said some people might not have the skills, tools or time it takes to get something done around the house.

The burgeoning home improvement industry is expected to outpace new home growth in the next two years, he said, positioning Case Handyman well for the boon. A profusion of decorating shows such as Trading Spaces and other shows on the DIY Network plant the seeds of remodeling in homeowners heads.

Appointments can be set up either online at www.casehandyman.com/sanjose, or by calling 408.323.5300.