Keeping your house in tip-top shape isn’t always cheap. But it is necessary. Untreated minor damages can worsen into costly problems down the line if overlooked.
Finding the right help for your repair job comes down to the type and scope of the project. These two criteria mean the difference between hiring a contractor or a handyman.
Here’s what you need to know about hiring professional help and a list of home improvement projects to consider.
I | The Difference Between a Handyman vs. a Contractor
What is a handyman?
A handyman (fixer, handyperson, handyworker) is skilled at many everyday tasks performed around the house. These tasks or “odd jobs” include minor repairs, carpentry, and general maintenance, for the interior or exterior of your home.
Handyman license requirements vary by state. There are no licensing requirements for small casual jobs and minor repairs below the threshold budget mentioned under state law. In California, for example, a handyworker who works on a project worth more than $500 must have a general contractor license. If the job isn’t a fixed part of the house’s structure, the $500 rule doesn’t apply.
Specialty and high-budget projects usually veer into the contractor lane as a general rule.
Although a handyworker doesn’t need a license, try working with one with handyman insurance. Handyman general liability insurance covers third-party bodily injury and accidental property damages. Ask for proof of insurance.
What is a contractor?
Contractors fall into two broad categories—general contractors and subcontractors. Both of which require a different license.
A general contractor manages a building or renovation project. They sign the contract to complete your building project, organize the work, and ensure the project’s completed on time. This position comes with specific contractor license requirements.
A subcontractor offers specialized services. Subcontractors receive specialized training and licenses for specific types of services, like heating and air-conditioning (HVAC), electrical, excavator, concrete specialist, etc.
The contractor you hire is responsible for hiring subcontractors to complete a construction project. If anything goes wrong, the contractor will face most of the consequences as they sign the contract with you.
Always ask for proof of licensing and insurance.
II | How do I know if I need a handyman or a contractor?
To determine if you need a handyman or a contractor, answer two questions about your project.
1. What’s the scope of the desired projects?
As I mentioned, the project’s size and cost are necessary considerations. Hiring a contractor is recommended if your building or construction project moves beyond minor repair and maintenance.
Handyworkers are generalists. A contractor is ideal if you require specialized skills like the complete rewiring of a circuit breaker or replacing your flooring.
A handyman is less expensive than a contractor, so you might be tempted to go this route because of your budget. But your safety and the integrity of your home take higher priority. Choose someone with the right qualifications, licensing, and insurance for big projects that affect the soundness of your home’s structure.
2. Do you require a building permit?
For large construction projects, you’ll require a building permit. You can only obtain this permit by hiring a licensed contractor.
Projects that require a permit alter your home’s physical structure or support system. For example, adding a new room, deck, garage, load-bearing walls, balconies, etc. Other projects that require permits include:
- Fences over a stipulated height;
- Ventilation system changes;
- Overhauling of electrical and plumbing systems;
- Cutting a hole for a new window;
- Renovations totaling more than $5000.
City regulations for building codes and permit requirements vary. Check your local planning or building department about what permits you require before starting renovations. Violating even one code will compromise your entire project and incur penalties.
III | 10 Types of Handyman Services
Maintaining the “health” of your home keeps it in prime condition and protects you and your family. The improvements you make also increase the value of your home, which is an advantage if you ever plan on refinancing your mortgage or selling.
Let’s look at some handyman services for your next home improvement projects.
1. Drywall Installation and Repair
Drywall installation and repair are standard professional handyman services homeowners use. If you have children running around, dings, dents, elbow-shaped holes, and random scratches are inevitable.
You may also need to replace water-damaged drywall to prevent mold growth. Or want to split a room into two without permanently altering your home’s layout.
2. Tile Installation
Another staple on the list of handyman services is tile installation. Tiling takes a certain amount of finesse, as it’s not always a straightforward task. It takes serious skills to do the job right.
The shape of a room, corners, and edges where walls meet doorframes or where the toilet and bathroom sink meet the floor can make it a jigsaw project.
A handyman professional with the right tools and skills can prevent crooked layouts and the waste of tiling materials. Single tile replacement is also a cinch with a handyworker who can expertly remove and replace the broken tile without damaging the surrounding area.
3. HVAC Maintenance
A broken HVAC system is a special kind of torture, whether in the dead of winter or a mid-summer heatwave.
Regular check-ups and maintenance by a handyman service company will keep your system up and running throughout the seasons.
They cost less than hiring an HVAC company for simple repairs and cleaning.
4. Power Washing
Power or pressure washing your exterior walls, deck, garage floor, and driveway removes caked-up dirt and debris. The darkening gunk is unsightly and, if left unattended, damages the surface of your walls and deck flooring.
If you’re planning to paint the exterior of your home, prepare the surface by power washing the walls. Paint goes on smoothly and bonds better with clean walls.
Power wash the exterior of your house at least once a year. The process can damage your home if done improperly, so make sure you hire someone who knows what they’re doing.
Power washing isn’t a standard service offering. It requires expensive tools that need frequent maintenance.
5. Interior and Exterior Painting
Not everyone has the time to paint themselves. It can also be a lot of work. Hire a handyworker to spruce up your home with a fresh coat of paint.
There are wall painting techniques that give exterior and interior walls personality. Do a quick internet search of wall painting techniques. Some of the results will be nothing short of sheer artistry. Discuss the look you’re going for with your painter and see how best they can replicate it.
Hiring a painting service can increase the curb appeal of your home. You’ll want an advantage if you plan on selling. A fresh coat of paint can help you sell faster and for more money.
6. Furniture Assembly
Deciphering assembly instructions for a piece of furniture is a superpower by itself. There is always a missing bolt or screw, and the manual pictures are up there with treasure maps in a foreign language.
Let someone else assemble your flat pack furniture for you. Check the directory for a handyman who provides this service if you ever find yourself sitting in your living room surrounded by a sea of random furniture parts and screws.
7. Leaky Plumbing
A leaky pipe wastes water and hikes up your water bill. It can also lead to severe water damage and costly remedial repairs. Don’t ignore the problem.
Fixing the leak might be beyond your current skills. A handyman repair company is an ideal professional solution.
If your entire piping system needs changing, hire a plumbing service contractor.
8. Light Fixture Installation
Changing out your lighting fixture can make a dramatic difference to your home’s decor. New lighting fixtures add style and brighten a room.
Customizing them based on each room’s lighting needs, installing dimmers, and changing to energy-saving bulbs can help you conserve and save on your energy bill.
Changing your lighting fixtures requires a basic understanding of electrical work. It might not be something you can tackle independently. A handyworker can do it for you.
9. Deck Repairs and Outdoor Living Space Maintenance
More Americans are building outdoor living spaces, like porches, patios, and decks, for recreational purposes.
Decks offer the perfect place to entertain friends and family and enjoy the outdoors from the comfort of your private property. They add to the aesthetics of your home and its value.
Outdoor living spaces face the elements of the changing seasons. They remain durable if you maintain them. You can choose to do so yourself or hire a professional service.
10. Door and Window Repairs
You’d be surprised how much energy seeps out of our homes from poor insulation around our doors and windows. Replacing the caulking is an easy DIY job. If there is damage to the door, window, or adjoining frame, you need professional help.
Many handyman services offer door and window repairs. They can:
- Replace broken windows and the frame;
- Replace door hinges and hardware;
- Rehang sagging doors and windows.
Conclusion
Handyman services are perfect for home improvement jobs. Check your social circle for recommendations. Customer reviews also help you weed out the services you can trust.
- Drywall repair and installation: drywall is one of the most popular tasks handyworkers provide for remodeling and repairs.
- Tile installation: hire a skilled professional to produce clean, aesthetic results.
- HVAC maintenance: keep your heating and cooling system in tip-top shape with routine maintenance and minor repairs.
- Power washing: not all handyman services have the equipment for power washing. Ask around until you find one, and give the exterior of your property a thorough cleaning.
- Interior and exterior painting: complete your home improvement project with a fresh coat of paint and a little help.
- Furniture assembly: let someone else decipher the code and enjoy the finished product without the hassle of assembly.
- Leaky plumbing: a quick fix prevents lasting damage.
- Light fixture installation: this task requires some electrical experience and might be challenging to handle independently. Hire out the job to a professional handyman.
- Deck repairs and other outdoor living space maintenance: outdoor living spaces add beauty and function. They’ll last longer with proper care and maintenance.
- Door and window repairs: repairing your windows will keep the draft out and safeguard your home from unwelcome guests.
