Handyman Vs. Contractor—Who Should You Call?

Posted on

Taking care of a home can be overwhelming. Many homeowners don't have the knowledge or skill required to complete some of the repairs that come up within their homes over the course of time. 

When help is needed, you may find yourself wondering whether you should call a handyman or a contractor. Here are three questions that you can ask yourself to help you determine which type of professional will best meet your repair needs.

1. How Extensive is the Repair?

You should first consider the type of repair that you need when deciding to call a handyman or a contractor.

Any simple home repairs or routine maintenance tasks that need to be completed can easily be handled by a handyman. Some of these tasks include draining a water heater, fixing a garbage disposal, or patching a hole in your drywall.

If you have repairs that are larger in scope, a contractor is the better option. Contractors are able to handle any repairs that deal with the structural design of your home, the electrical system that services your home, or projects that could take several days to complete.

2. Will Permits Be Needed?

Some types of home repairs are so extensive that they require a permit to complete. Permits are issued by your municipal government and are designed to ensure the safety of any major construction project.

If you have to alter your electrical system, move some plumbing, or want to change the landscape of your yard, you probably need a permit. Licensed contractors are the only ones who are able to obtain the right permits for these projects.

A handyman can generally complete any project that doesn't require a permit, even if the project is larger in scale. For example, you don't need a permit to install new light fixtures, change out the tile in your bathroom, or paint the interior or exterior of your home. Having a handyman complete these tasks can help save you some money.

3. Is Specialty Work Involved?

There are times when a permit isn't needed, but the project you need to be completed involves specialty work. It's always best to have a contractor that specializes in that particular aspect of construction complete these jobs.

Common examples of specialty work include laying concrete or asphalt, wiring a new appliance, or installing new carpet.

A handyman is a great choice for all general projects. Handymen charge much less than contractors, and they can provide quality work to keep your home in good condition.


Share