Veggie Powered Handyman
Company Overview
Certified Eco-Friendly Handyman services.
I operate as a vegetarian handyman, utilizing biodiesel (from vegetable oil) for my vehicle.
My expertise includes small plumbing, electrical jobs, drywall, carpentry, locksmithing, masonry, flooring, and furniture assembly.
I am not a licensed contractor, so I avoid major construction or remodeling, but I can likely wrap up your small tasks in just one day.
I charge $75 an hour, plus $1 per mile, with a minimum fee of $300.
I prefer email communication over phone calls.
For further information, please see my website.
I've always enjoyed fixing things.
After finishing college, while I was exploring career options, I posted an ad on Craigslist stating I had a biodiesel truck and was open for hire to earn some quick cash.
Now, eighteen years later, I realize this is my true career.
I have received independent certification as a Green Business.
I have a loyal client base, love what I do, and aim to continue this journey.
I started ""Veggie Powered Handyman"" in 2006, previously operating as ""Biodiesel Hauling.""
As a child, I was always fascinated with tinkering.
I would take things apart just to understand how they functioned and then attempt to reassemble them.
I studied environmental science, ecology, and biology, aiming to become a park ranger or marine scientist for the US Coast Guard.
Life took an unexpected turn when I got a job, but before training began, funding cuts eliminated the position.
Needing to pay rent, I posted an ad on Craigslist offering to move items with my truck or fix minor household problems.
Nearly twenty years later, I continue this work.
Since purchasing my vehicle, I have run it on biodiesel (modified recycled vegetable oil), years before launching my business.
I have been a vegetarian and dedicated to reducing my environmental impact my entire life.
Business Services
- Appliance installation
- Appliance repair
- Handyman assembly
- Bathtub repair
- Handyman caulking
- Door installation
- Door repair
- Doorbell installation
- Doorbell repair
- Drywall repair
- Electric inspection
- Electric installation or replacement
- Electric repair
- Faucet installation
- Faucet repair
- Floor installation
- Furniture assembly
- Garbage disposal installation
- Window repair
- Handyman installation
- Light fixture installation
- Light fixture repair
- Outlet installation
- Outlet repair
- Plumbing inspection
- Plumbing installation or replacement
- Plumbing repair
- Handyman repair
- Shower repair
- Sink installation
- Sink repair
- Toilet installation
- Toilet repair
Business Location & Hours
Mon: | 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM |
Tue: | 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM |
Wed: | Closed |
Thu: | 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM |
Fri: | 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM |
Sat: | Closed |
Sun: | Closed |
Recommended Customer Reviews

I almost feel like we've found a unicorn. We've been searching for a reliable and competent handyperson for a while and have tried a number of folks before finding Bakari. He installed a ceiling fan, did some interior work on a new skylight, and more. In all of this he was competent, principled, and great to work with. We will definitely be calling on his services again.

Bakari just resolved years of issues around my place in a matter of 3 hours!! Every single random thing I threw at him, he figured it out in a matter of minutes. Seriously, it was amazing, he is amazing! He even stayed late although he had dinner plans to finish everything. If I ever have a fix-it problem again, I know who to call! Reasonable prices, friendly and quality service - you just can't go wrong!!

Bakari helped us dispose of an old sofa, ottoman, and garage door opener rails. The sofa and ottoman were easy enough, but Bakari really got after it with the rails. They were probably 12-15 ft long, so he needed to bend the metal rails to better get them in his struck. It was quite the sight to see him ""supermanning"" this long piece of metal between the truck bed and our driveway. But he got it done. Quick, efficient, and on time. We will use Bakari again should we need similar services.

Bakari first moved me out of a loft in Jack London Square in 2006. Since then, he's been my go-to guy for all sorts of domestic projects. He has installed ceiling fans, fixed fences, re-belted and re-programmed a broken treadmill, fixed a jammed and bent garage door - and that's for starters. He has also hauled away stuff I didn't want/need anymore and has either sold it, donated it, or recycled it; making a trip to the landfill is *always* the dreaded last option for him.
Bonus points that Bakari is a nice trustworthy guy who knows a lot of interesting stuff :)
Above all else, I just never worry when I call him over because I am confident he can figure out whatever I throw at him and that's why he deserves FIVE BIG FAT STARS.

Bakari is so, so friendly and a pleasure to work with. I hired him to help me transport some furniture that I bought, and I was happy to find that not only was he super professional, he was also chatty in the best of ways. Talk about a wonderful welcome to Emeryville!
Bakari charges $30 (soon to be $40 as of Jan. 2015) an hour + $1/mile for moving help. If you're low-income, he's willing to work with you and reduce the cost by $10. Even without the discount, though, BioDiesel Hauling is EASILY the least expensive moving truck in the area. He was also able to help me out on super short-notice, which was really lovely.
I will be happy to hire him again for future work.
I will note that his biodiesel truck, while green, is a serious clunker. Seriously, it's the noisiest, most rattly vehicle I've ever had the honor of riding in. Not gonna lie, I kinda loved it, so no complaints here!

Bakari is honest, hard-working, calm and trustworthy. He always gets the job done. I've recommended him to my mother, friends, etc. Plus he uses biodiesel and gives a discount to bicycle riders!

Bakari is excellent at what he does. Honest, efficient, discounts for bike riders - what more could you want? I highly recommend him - and not just on Yelp, but to friends, family, and random people on the street.

Bakari did some handyman duties at my home today. He was calm, friendly, and organized. He went over my list with me to make sure he understood what I was looking for and to confirm I had all the needed supplies, which made everything super efficient. He was diligent in making sure each task was done the way I wanted and, if that wasn't possible, he worked with me to find a solution. Also, his biodiesel truck is awesome! I highly recommend him.

Awesome help. The company charges cheaper than the typical disposal hauling services. Help him out, the job gets done quicker and he charges less.
He charges honest rates too cheap, to the point I wonder how he is still in business in a high cost of living area.

Thanks for your awesome service, this was the most stress free move ever...and that's saying a lot for someone who's moved 24 times in the past 10 years.