Frequently Asked Questions — SOS Handy Solutions LLC
Madison, Wisconsin's full-service handyman company. We don't make excuses, we have solutions.
About Us
What is SOS Handy Solutions LLC? We're a full-service handyman company based in Madison, Wisconsin. We handle a wide range of residential and commercial repair and maintenance needs — plumbing, carpentry, appliance repair, door installation, and a whole lot more. If it's broken or needs fixing, there's a very good chance we do it.
Why is the company called "SOS"? SOS stands for Steven Owen Stoflet — the initials of the founder. It also happens to fit perfectly with what we do: when something breaks and you need someone who will actually show up and get it done, we're the call you make. The name works on both levels, but it started with the person behind the business.
Are you licensed and insured? Yes. We carry the appropriate licensing and insurance for the work we do. If you'd like documentation before we start a job, just ask — we're happy to provide it.
How long have you been in business? SOS Handy Solutions LLC is locally owned and operated by Steven Stoflet, who brings 38 years of hands-on experience across a wide variety of trades. Steven holds a degree in Carpentry Techniques from Madison College and has spent decades working in plumbing, carpentry, appliance repair, general construction, and more — including years doing repairs and maintenance as a handyman in apartment communities, where you learn fast that no two problems are the same and every fix has to be done right. You're not hiring a franchise or a call center — you're hiring someone who has genuinely seen it all and knows how to handle it.
Services
What services do you offer? Our scope is deliberately broad. Here's a snapshot of what we handle regularly:
- Plumbing — leaky faucets, pipe repairs, fixture installation
- Carpentry — trim work, framing, shelving, custom builds
- Door installatio — interior, exterior, storm doors, hardware
- Appliance repair — refrigerators, washers, dryers, dishwashers, and more
- General repairs — drywall patching, caulking, weatherstripping, tile, and anything in between
- Commercial maintenance — small business and property manager repairs
If you don't see your specific need listed, just call or message us. The honest answer is: there isn't much we won't do.
Do you handle both residential and commercial work? Yes. We work with homeowners, renters, property managers, landlords, and small businesses throughout the Madison area.
Can you help with a long to-do list, or only single jobs? Both. We're just as happy knocking out a punch list of six small repairs in one visit as we are tackling a single bigger project. Either way, we'll give you a clear estimate before we start.
Do you do remodels? Yes — remodels are absolutely in our wheelhouse. Whether you're updating a kitchen, refreshing a bathroom, or tackling a room transformation, we can handle it. We focus on remodels and renovations rather than ground-up new construction, but if you have a project in mind, give us a call and we'll talk through what's possible.
Do you work on rental properties? Absolutely. We work with landlords and property managers regularly. If you manage multiple properties and need a reliable go-to, let's talk about setting up a recurring service relationship.
Service Area
Where do you serve? We serve Madison, Wisconsin and all surrounding communities within approximately a 50-mile radius. That includes Sun Prairie, Middleton, Fitchburg, Verona, DeForest, Waunakee, and many more.
Not sure if you're in our area? Give us a call at (608) 683-1076 or send us a message@ s.o.stoflet@soshandysolutions.com If we can get to you, we will.
Pricing & Estimates
How much does it cost? It depends on the job — and we know that's not a satisfying answer, so here's what we can tell you: we believe in fair, transparent pricing. No surprise fees, no inflated "handyman tax." We'll give you a clear estimate before any work begins so you know exactly what you're committing to.
Do you charge for estimates? We offer free estimates on most standard jobs. For complex projects requiring a detailed site assessment, we'll let you know upfront if there's any cost involved.
Do you charge by the hour or by the project? We use a combination of both depending on the nature of the work. For straightforward jobs, a flat rate is usually simpler and fairer. For larger or more open-ended projects, hourly rates may apply. We'll always tell you which approach makes sense before we start.
Are there any hidden fees? No. What we quote is what you pay, barring any unexpected changes in the scope of work — and we'll always communicate those with you before proceeding.
Do you require a deposit? For larger projects, we may request a partial deposit before scheduling. For most routine repairs, payment is due upon completion. Regardless of job size, materials are always paid for upfront before we purchase them for your project.
What payment methods do you accept? We accept cash, check, and most major credit/debit cards. Contact us if you have questions about a specific payment method.
Scheduling & Availability
How do I schedule a service? Call us at (608) 683-1076 or email@ s.o.stoflet@soshandysolutions.com . We'll get back to you quickly to confirm availability and set up a time that works for you.
How far in advance do I need to book? For non-emergency work, we recommend reaching out as soon as you know you need something done — ideally a few days in advance. We do our best to accommodate tight timelines.
Do you offer same-day service? When our schedule allows, yes. Call us in the morning and we'll let you know if we can fit you in that day.
What are your regular business hours? We're available Monday through Saturday for standard appointments. And for emergencies — see below — we're available 24/7.
Emergency Services
Do you offer emergency services? Yes. We offer 24/7 emergency services because we know problems don't wait for business hours. Burst pipe at midnight? Door that won't close in January? Call us.
What counts as an emergency? Use your judgment — if it feels urgent, call us and let's talk. Common emergency requests include active leaks, broken locks or doors that compromise security, appliance failures that affect food safety, and anything that poses a safety risk.
Is there an extra charge for emergency or after-hours calls? After-hours and emergency work may be subject to an additional fee. We'll be upfront about that when you call — no surprises.
What to Expect
What happens when I book a service?
- You reach out by phone or email.
- We confirm the scope of the job and offer a free estimate (in person or over the phone, depending on the job).
- We schedule a time that works for you.
- We show up, do the work, and don't leave until you're satisfied.
Will the same person show up every time? We aim for consistency, especially for repeat customers or ongoing property management relationships. We'll do our best to send a familiar face.
Do I need to be home during the repair? For most jobs, yes — especially on the first visit. For repeat clients with established trust, we can discuss other arrangements on a case-by-case basis.
What if the job takes longer than expected? We'll let you know as soon as we anticipate a change in scope or timeline. You'll never come home to a surprise invoice — we communicate before, during, and after the job.
Warranties & Guarantees
Do you guarantee your work? Yes. We stand behind the work we do. If something we fixed isn't working right after we leave, call us and we'll make it right. That's the short version of our guarantee.
What about parts and materials? Parts and materials may carry their own manufacturer warranties. We'll let you know what applies to your specific job.
Support & Contact
How do I reach you?
- Phone: (608) 683-1076
- Email: s.o.stoflet@soshandysolutions.com
We're responsive. If we miss your call, we'll get back to you within a few hours during regular business hours, and as quickly as possible after hours.
I had a great experience — how do I leave a review? We'd love that, and we genuinely appreciate it. Reviews help other Madison-area homeowners find us when they need help. Ask us for a link when we wrap up the job, or search for SOS Handy Solutions on Google.
I had an issue — how do I raise a concern? Call or email us directly. We'd much rather hear from you and make it right than have you walk away unhappy. We take every job personally, and your satisfaction matters to us.
Have a question that isn't answered here? Call us at (608) 683-1076 or email s.o.stoflet@soshandysolutions.com — we're real people and we'll give you a real answer