When to Hire a Contractor or a Handyman

When it comes time for home renovations, many people aren’t sure whether to hire a contractor or a handyman. Both have advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice for your particular job may depend on the scale and difficulty of the work that needs to be done. Here is some information to help you decide which route is best for you.

Things to consider when choosing between a contractor or a handyman:

Project Scope

A handyman is required if the project involves simple home repairs or maintenance tasks. If it’s a complex multi-day project requiring licenses and permits, you’ll need a general contractor—at least one, and possibly another with a specific specialty, such as electrical work.

Permit

Consult with your city or town hall to see if the job you want to do requires a special permit. If it needs one, you will need the services of a contractor. In many places, even erecting a backyard fence necessitates a permit. You can hire a handyman if none are required. But make sure your job is in that person’s wheelhouse.

Budget

If you have a large, complicated job, you should budget ahead of time to ensure that you can afford it. You should collaborate with a contractor that you trust and have experience working with to help you develop an appropriate budget. Unless you have extensive experience with the type of work to be done, we do not recommend creating your budget.

Kind of work involved

Suppose your project requires specialized work beyond installing an electrical outlet or a faucet (both of which a handyman can do). In that case, you or your general contractor will need to hire someone who is licensed in that specialty.

Hire a contractor when you need a major renovation or construction project done

Toronto Handyman

A general contractor is a licensed business that can hire subcontractors to complete a large project. He may have completed an apprenticeship in some of the trades, but this is not required because he should be hiring qualified tradespeople. The contractor’s responsibility is to ensure that everything is done according to code, including permits and inspections.

Contractors are best suited for larger projects that may necessitate the use of several different specialty trades. Also, you will need to hire a contractor if you have a large-scale project that will require extensive changes and planning, such as an addition to a room or remodelling of an entire existing room. Furthermore, different jurisdictions impose different restrictions on the size of jobs that a handyman can perform.

Read also: Remodeling Your Kitchen, Bathroom, And Living Room: Which Room Should You Remodel First in 2021?

Hire a handyman for smaller projects

If you only need minor repairs or modifications to a property that can be completed in a day or two, hiring a handyman by the hour may be sufficient, and it will undoubtedly be the most cost-effective option.

Handymen have the advantage of being flexible. If your home requires paint touch-ups, minor plumbing repairs, and door replacement, a good handyman can handle all three tasks, saving you the time and effort of hiring and coordinating three separate contractors. Since a handyman has less overhead, his hourly rate will be much lower.

Get multiple estimates before deciding on which contractor or handyman to hire

Choose three to four contractors and handymen to meet with for estimates and further discussion. A contractor or handyman should be able to give satisfying answers to your questions and put you at ease. You two must communicate effectively because this person will be in your home for several hours at a time. 

Don’t, on the other hand, let your personality fool you. Before hiring a contractor or handyman, check with your state’s consumer protection agency to ensure they don’t have a history of disputes with clients or subcontractors.

Need a contractor or a handyman? We got you covered.

So, whether you need a contractor for a major renovation or construction project or a handyman for a small repair job, we can help. Give us a call today and let us help you take care of all your home improvement needs! We offer free consultations so call us today at (416)871–5788, email us at info@servusconstruction.ca, or contact us through our website here to get started now! 

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