When To Hire a Handyman vs a General Contractor

Home improvement projects are a common part of homeownership. Whether it's a leaky faucet, a cracked tile, or a full-scale kitchen remodel, you'll likely need professional help at some point. However, knowing what kind of help you need may be challenging at times.

Both handymen and contractors are skilled professionals who can help keep your home in pristine condition, but their differing skill sets make them better suited for different projects.

Read on to better understand when to hire a handyman or a general contractor for your project. 

How are handymen and general contractors different?

With deciding when to hire a handyman or a contractor, it’s important to acknowledge the differences between the two.

A skilled handyman is often seen as a jack of all trades. These experts have extensive expertise and experience across a wide range of home maintenance, improvement, and repair tasks. 

It’s important to note that in Indiana there are no mandatory licensing prerequisites for handymen. However, a significant number of them have substantial experience—alongside being bonded and fully insured for added peace of mind.

A general contractor, in contrast, is a specialized professional who works on specific, often larger-scale projects. All contractors are required to have a license. However, the type of license a contractor has may vary depending on the work they focus on and what the state requires. Regardless, this license requires them to have a mandatory amount of experience in their field. 

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Who should you hire for your project?

With their different skills and licensing, handymen and contractors are well-suited for different types of projects.

Handymen are perfect for tackling smaller-scale projects and routine maintenance duties, such as making small kitchen updates and installing lighting fixtures. More often than not, a handyman is a more affordable and faster option when compared to general contractors—making them ideal for smaller home improvement and maintenance projects.

The projects a contractor is best suited for will depend on their specific licensing. However, they are generally used for bigger projects—such as building a home or completely remodeling a room. Contractors have the experience to navigate the permits and building codes these large-scale projects require. They work with subcontractors and the city to build or recreate the space.

Overall, deciding when to hire a handyman or a contractor usually comes down to the size of the project at hand and understanding what each professional is capable of. By choosing the right professional for the job, you can ensure that your home is in good hands and that your projects are completed efficiently and effectively.

Home Care & Repair’s professional handyman services keep you in control of your small home improvements and repair projects and provide a worry-free experience when it comes to quality workmanship, fair pricing, and your safety. To learn more, please visit our website or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.