Handyman vs. Contractor: Which one do I need?

Let me start with transparency; I am a contractor and not a handyman. However, I fully support the need for handymen, as they are talented men and women with a great set of skills and have a valuable place in the trades.

To better understand what each one is, let’s look at what each one is individually:

What Is a Handyman?

A handyman typically has experience in a variety of home repairs. People often hire them to take care of things around the house that they cannot do themselves or do not have time to complete.

Types of Jobs

Not all handymen provide the same services, but most of them have some experience in standard maintenance and minor home repairs, including plumbing, electrical, and carpentry work.

Examples of handyman jobs are:

· Installing shelving, blinds, curtain rods, television mounts, thermostat, kitchen and bathroom fixtures, and appliances

· Repairing drywall, a leaking toilet or faucet, wall trim, doors, minor non-structural deck repair, and minor electrical issues with an outlet or light switch

· Checking standard home maintenance, such as replacing air filters, pressure washing, and cleaning dryer vents

When any task is too complex for handymen, they should refer you to a specialty contractor or general contractor.

What Is a Contractor?

There are three types of contractors with many sub-categories, but we will just go over the basics.

General contractors oversee or complete home improvement and building projects from start to finish. If you have already designed and created your home improvement plans, you need a traditional contractor to execute those plans. They communicate all updates to the property owner and manage all vendors and subcontractors. Other duties include:

· Securing all the proper permits and documents to keep the site in compliance with code regulations

· Ensuring that all work is completed without voiding any product warranties

· Keeping the workplace and supplies secure

· Supervising the workers to ensure that everyone is using best safety practices

Design-build contractors will do all the above, as well as work with you to develop a concept and design before acting as the project overseer.

Specialty contractors are of several specialties in the construction industry, including electric, plumbing, roofing, landscaping, carpentry, and heating and air-conditioning (HVAC). The most used contractors for a home improvement project are electrical and plumbing contractors.

If your project requires any major electrical work, you will want to hire a professional electrical contractor or general contractor that typically has trusted ones in place. Proper wiring is often enforced by code, and improper installation could result in an unsafe home. The same is true for a plumbing contractor.

Licensing and Insurance Requirements

Licensing requirements vary from state to state. With Missouri and Kansas, a general contractor needs a high school diploma and he or she can then take the exam for licensing.

Additional requirements, include:

· A business tax ID number

· Proof of a business address

· Proof of insurance, typically liability and worker’s compensation

General contractors also must carry large insurance policies to protect your property and their employees.

A handyman does not require any licensing, educational requirements, and is not required to carry insurance.

How Do You Decide Which One to Use?

· If your home improvement project entails mostly electrical or plumbing construction, hiring the respective contractor is the sensible choice. They have more expertise and professional experience in their field, not to mention the licensing.

· Minor repairs and installations are probably best left to a handyman, who often has a diverse set of skills. Comparing the cost of a handyman vs. contractor and weighing that against the needs for your project is the best way to determine what you should do.

· Investing in home improvements can be a costly venture. Ensuring that your project is completed correctly the first time around saves time and money.

Comparing the cost of a handyman vs. a contractor works best in the specific context of your particular construction needs. In short, a handyman is often cheaper and more appropriate for minor residential projects, and a contractor is best suited for more specialized projects that require major work or repairs.

Is a Handyman Cheaper Than a Contractor?

In most cases, a handyman is cheaper than a general contractor and this is due to the size and type of the project they are each allowed to take on. A handyman is limited to small-budget projects with limited scopes and skillsets. A contractor should be used to take on larger and more skilled projects, such as remodel or renovations.

Comparing the costs of a handyman vs a contractor is in some ways an apples and oranges comparison since they don’t always do the same type of work. To get an accurate depiction of costs, you must consider the scope of your project. If you need several minor repairs, a handyman will be the cheaper choice. If you have a combination of minor and major repairs or projects, you may need to do a little math to determine the best option. For major construction projects, a licensed contractor is the best choice. Basically, a handyman can replace some deteriorated deck boards or changing out a garbage disposal, but a contractor is needed to rebuild you deck or replace kitchen cabinets.

Most contractors will refer you to a handman if the job is too small for what they are set up for. So, if you are unsure, it is always best to start with a contractor, than encounter the possibility of a handyman taking on a job they are not equipped for or capable of. In the end, when you need a quick job done, hire a handyman. When you need a large project, consider hiring a contractor.

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