In your home, you may have a large and small repair project. For instance, you might decide to renovate your kitchen, or you need additional shelves in your study room. To complete the projects, you need to hire a contractor or a handyman.

However, you might not be sure which among the two specialists is good for the project. Even though the skills of a handyman and of the contractor at times overlap, it is essential to understand their work and how they differ from each other. You do not want to pay more than required or put your home project at risk.

Handyman VS. Contractor: What is a Handyman & What Can They Do?

As the name suggests, a handyman is a person who can perform numerous tasks around the house. He has no formal qualifications, certificates or licenses for the jobs. However, he is skilled and experienced to manage any work around the house. From changing a hard-to-reach bulb to painting a room, no job is too small or too big for a handyman.

Most tasks that can be done by a handyman are DIY projects. This means you can handle them as well. But due to time or lack of required tools, you can choose to hire him. Some of the tasks for handyman include:

• Repairing appliances
• Removing outdoor mold
• Handling minor HV/AC repairs
• Removing brush
• Painting your room
• Fixing your fence
• Handling minor plumbing repairs
• Repairing kitchen or bathroom tiles
• Repairing drywall
• Changing hand-to reach bulb
• Hanging curtains and pictures

A handyman can work alone, have an assistant, or work in a handyman company. Happily, a handyman is inexpensive compared to a contractor. He can handle large and small projects. So, for a small task that you feel you might not be able to accomplish on time, the best option is to hire a handyman.

What is a Contractor & What Do They Do?

A contractor can be referred to as the general manager of a given project. He can manage a home project differently than a handyman. Besides, he has formal qualifications, certificates or licenses for the jobs. A contractor is licensed by the state and has to maintain the registration and licensing requirements as long he is on duty. Apart from being licensed and qualified, most contractors have a background to complete home projects per the state guidelines.

A contractor works on large or more complex projects. If you are planning to renovate your kitchen, remodel your bathroom, or refinish your basement, then you need to hire a licensed contractor.

Even though a contractor is slightly expensive than a handyman, he ensures the projects are run correctly and ensures all deadlines are met. Also, there are different types of contractor who have licenses for specific needs. They include:

• General contractor – who oversees a building project from the beginning to the end.
• Electrician – their work includes wiring, repairing or handling big electrical projects.
• Plumber – he is responsible for water systems in a new or an old building.
• Carpenter – liable for the woodwork projects.
• Painter – works on drywall and applying finish coats to suit your taste.
• Other contractors – based on the nature of your work, other contractors include roofers, pool builders, landscapers, masons, interior designers, and many others.

Unlike a handyman, a contractor needs to follow the licensing requirement. But even though he is more qualified than a handyman, he might not be in practice. Therefore, when picking one, you need to go through reviews, references, and license credentials.

The Bottom-line

A handyman can help you overcome general household issues. But for large projects, you need to engage a contractor. Thus, for small tasks that you might not be able to accomplish for various reasons, hiring a handyman is the best choice. On the other hand, a contractor will give you a detailed project plan. Also, a licensed contractor is more expensive than a handyman.

Keep in mind that most insurance companies might not cover a small project should a contractor make a mistake. So, when you have a quick job, hire a handyman. However, if the project is large, involve a contractor. Nevertheless, a handyman does not equal a contractor. Therefore, always ensure you choose the right one for a specific task.