Going through a divorce is hard, even if it’s something you wanted. Buying a new house or trying to maintain the one you have, solo, is scary. So many things can go wrong — but you already know that! And the last thing you want to do is call your ex for help.

Make finding a reliable, trusted, creative handyman a priority. Don’t wait for the first thing to go wrong. Having him “in your pocket” will give you great peace of mind. My handyman’s motto is “When things go wrong, call Don.” And I do. He’s on speed dial.

Word of mouth is the best way to find your new guy. Ask your realtor, neighbors, co-workers, senior citizens, single women and inept men who they use. Name drop when you call your prospects — tell them who referred you and you’ll probably get a faster response.

Interview a few handymen. Look for experience, creativity and integrity. Do you feel comfortable leaving this man your key? Start small, and trust your instincts. Ask him to hang some towel bars, replace a cracked tile and fix that leaky faucet. If that goes well, you may be on to something!

Keep an ongoing “honey do” list on the fridge, and add to it when you see things that need fixing. Just writing it down takes a load off your mind. After you’re settled, have your handyman go through the house with you and create a maintenance manual so that you learn to do routine things yourself.

In the meantime, relax with the knowledge that when a squirrel comes crashing through your window and is running around your house, you know who to call. And he’s on speed dial!

SHARON MCCORMICK

Sharon McCormick is the principal of Sharon McCormick Design, LLC, a custom residential interior design firm with locations in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont. Additions, renovations and new construction are a strong focus of Sharon’s work.

Sharon translates her clients’ dreams into gracious homes designed to reflect their personal styles. Interior architecture, lighting, color, finishes, furniture, window treatments, artwork and accessories — all are considered to create a one-of-a-kind design experience.

Sharon is an Allied Member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), for which she is a National Spokesperson. She has completed the National Leadership program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Sharon McCormick Design, LLC is a member of the International Furnishings and Design Association.

Sharon has a BA in psychology from Williams College, an MBA from Western New England College, and a Certificate in Interior Design from Paier College of Art, where she won the Outstanding Achievement in Design Award. Prior to changing careers, Sharon was a certified public accountant.

Sharon’s work is featured in the 2007 book Spectacular Homes of New England, and has been published in many national and regional magazines and newspapers. She is the author of the chapter “How to Work with an Interior Designer” in The Business of Faux: A Creative Evolution.

Sharon is a member of the design team for “Room for Improvement”, a recurring design segment on The Channel 7 (NBC) News in Boston, Massachusetts.

For more information visit www.sharonmccormickdesign.com.