Handyman vs. General Contractor: Which Do You Need?

When determining whether your project requires a handyman or a general contractor, you should know that there are usually advantages to each. However, there are certain projects, situations, etc. that will require greater expertise as well as licensing depending on your local laws. In general, there is not a “one size fits all” formula to make this decision. In this article we will discuss when and if you should hire a handyman or a general contractor.

When Should I Use a Handyman?

A handyman is comparable to being a jack of all trades. They typically have a certain depth of knowledge about everything. In addition, they usually do not need any special licensure and work indepently. Some of the tasks that a handyman performs are:

  • Drywall repair
  • General plumbing to include clogged drains
  • Lock installation and repair
  • Painting
  • Tile installation
  • General appliance repair
  • Repairing simple leaks

This list is in no way exhaustive. There are an innumerable amount of projects that a handyman can take care of. Most all of these undertakings will be on a small scale and should be relatively inexpensive. The usual handyman rates can be anywhere from 30 dollars per hour to 150 dollars per hour. They will usually set their own prices and hours. While hiring a handyman can be advantageous for certain situations, there are other times where a general contractor is better equipped to handle your needs. In fact, there are instances that the State of California demands that you use a general contractor and forbids the hiring of a handyman.

When to Call a General Contractor

A general contractor typically has to be licensed and registered within their state. The process that they endure in order to become and remain a contractor can include testing as well as measures that ensure that they are not only competent but experts. General contractors can oversee and execute many construction efforts to include:

  • Total home remodels
  • Roof installations
  • Kitchen remodels
  • Bathroom remodels
  • Full house painting (inside and out)
  • Solar panel installation

All of these types of projects will require larger insurance coverages, greater expertise and in most cases a large team to help them. In addition, general contractors in California are held to a high professional standard.

Differences Between Handyman and General Contractor

If you have a smaller task that needs to be completed on your home and are budget conscious then a handyman may just do the trick. However, if your project goes well beyond a simple leak, clogged pipe, window replacement, etc. then you will most certainly want to reach out to a more specialized and experienced general contractor. Due to California State laws, any construction project that cost in excess of 500 dollars will need a General Contractor. These laws are meant to protect the consumer as well as the general population. When hiring a general contractor in Los Angeles you can be assured that you are working with an individual or company that is knowledgeable as well as appropriately insured to handle projects of a large or small scope.