How should a handyman respond when a client asks for advice outside their expertise?

Q: How should a handyman respond when a client asks for advice outside their expertise?

Direct answer: Give general guidance, then clearly say where your responsibility ends and point them to the right licensed pro or source. Practical steps Answer at your level: Share general principles without diagnosing or promising outcomes. Define your limit: Say what you can't advise on and why (code, structural, medical, etc.). Redirect properly: Point them to the right trade, inspector, manufacturer, or documentation. Next step: Create a polite script for "outside my scope" so you can use it without hesitation.

Question

Accepted Answer

Direct answer: Give general guidance, then clearly say where your responsibility ends and point them to the right licensed pro or source.

Practical steps

Answer at your level: Share general principles without diagnosing or promising outcomes.
Define your limit: Say what you can't advise on and why (code, structural, medical, etc.).
Redirect properly: Point them to the right trade, inspector, manufacturer, or documentation.

Next step: Create a polite script for "outside my scope" so you can use it without hesitation.