Choosing the right sort of worker to fix the problems plaguing your house is sometimes a hassle. What if you don’t quite know the problem yet. How do you know who you should call to diagnose it? If you know the differences between a contractor and a handyman, you can make that decision much easier.
A handyman or a contractor has a specific skill set that is best suited for their respective tasks. That doesn’t mean one is better than the other! Sometimes a handyman can fix a leaky pipe in half the time it would take a contractor, but you wouldn’t want a handyman framing your house.
In general, a contractor will take on larger projects, such as additions or major renovations. On the other hand, a handyman will usually take smaller jobs, such as painting or laminate floor installation. Here, you can learn more about the differences between a handyman and a contractor.
What is a Handyman?
As the name implies, a handyman is someone with general construction skills. Their skills usually vary widely, so some handymen are widely skilled while others are not. The difference in skill level is due to a lack of licensing requirements. Handymen do not need a license to work (though our team is licensed.)
Handymen usually provide their clients with solutions to a wide variety of problems. Some of the most common jobs for a handyman include:
● Gutter cleaning
● Leaf or snow clearing
● Lawn work
● Painting
● Leaky faucet or taps
● Drywall repairs
● Appliance repairs
● Other minor repairs
Since handymen aren’t always licensed, they are legally unable to take on significant projects. Usually, state laws regulate what size the project a handyman can take on.
The other main thing that most handymen lack is insurance. Construction insurance covers the client’s building or property, the workers in case of injury, and the job site’s tools for damage or theft. Without insurance, the handyman doesn’t have any responsibility for your property or their workers, so you could end up bearing that cost. It’s essential to find a company that provides both licensed and insured workers.
What is a Contractor
A contractor is a licensed professional who can perform any building activity. There are multiple types of contractors, two of which are the most common. A general contractor essentially manages all parts of a project. They hire a crew, find architects or engineers, get permits, and supervise all of the work.
The other primary type of contractor is a specialty contractor. Specialty contractors work on smaller projects than general contractors but more extensive than those given to a handyman. They install things like cabinets or house siding and usually have a single area of expertise.
Both sorts of contractors get a license from their state’s regulator. By hiring a licensed professional, you can have peace of mind regarding issues that may arise during work, like wage changes, injuries, lost equipment, or inferior construction methods. You can always report a shoddy contractor to your state’s regulatory board.
The other main benefit you get when you hire a contractor is their insurance. When you hire a contractor, they should include construction in their quote. By hiring a contractor with insurance, you know any problems on the job site won’t be your responsibility as a home or property owner.
The Main Differences Between a Handyman and a Contractor
Hiring a handyman or a contractor are both great ways to finish up those projects you’ve wanted to get to forever but just couldn’t find a way to get started. The differences between the two arise depending on the type of project you want to complete.
A contractor will help you from the very start of your project. They will organize all of the proper permits, so you don’t get a headache from all of the paperwork. They also make sure to do all of their construction to the specifics laid out by the architect or engineer. Contractors are an all-in-one solution to any project you have.
A handyman is best suited for small projects you can describe in detail. Handymen aren’t contractors, so they won’t know all the ins and outs of construction. Most handymen are as educated about building permits or blueprints as you, which means you could find someone better suited for large projects.
If you are interested in taking on smaller projects, you can rest assured that our handymen are both licensed and insured. It’s essential to find a handyman you can trust, and with over 20 years of expertise, you can count on us to get any project done, from carpentry to flooring, to minor electrical issues.
Contact us today for more information on how we can help you.