Home Repair Services: Do You Need a Handyman or Contractor?

If your list of home repairs seems to be growing, you may be ready to hire some help. However, you may be unsure of what type of help you need: handyman vs contractor. Generally speaking, you will need a contractor for big projects or jobs requiring a license, while a handyman can tackle simpler jobs for a more reasonable price.

Handyman vs Contractor

There are two main differences between a handyman and a contractor: licensure and deep trade-specific skills.

Contractors have trade-specific skills or can hire subcontractors that do. They have the know-how and the manpower to take on large projects, such as a kitchen remodel or home addition, which would be beyond the scope of a handyman. Contractors also have the licenses and accreditations necessary to do work that requires bonding, permits and/or inspections, such as major plumbing and electrical work.

Handymen often have a wide range of skills, but may not hold a license in any of them. They are the perfect solution for a series of smaller tasks that do not require licensing, and if small jobs keep piling up around your homes—such as leaky faucets or sticky windows—hiring a handyman could save you both time and money.

The Advantages Of a Handyman

Hiring a handyman can provide many advantages to the homeowner. Some of these advantages include:

Saving Money

Handymen typically charge by the day or hour, regardless of what they are doing or how many tasks they have on their list. Contractors charge by the job. This pricing structure difference means that handymen are often cheaper than a contractor, especially for the average homeowner’s list of small jobs.

Handymen also don’t typically have a lot of overhead costs. Licensing, heavy trucks and tools, and subcontractor fees add up and can make the costs of hiring a contractor skyrocket.

Saving Time

Contractors handle large jobs with many moving parts, like subcontracted work, permitting and inspections. These jobs take a lot of time to schedule and because of the number of people involved, often take longer than initially anticipated.

Handymen who handle smaller tasks have none of the moving parts of a project which makes scheduling difficult. Not only do their jobs run on time, but they typically have a shorter lead time before beginning new projects.

Easier Communication

Contractors who have people who work for them, job leads and subcontractors, can create a communication nightmare. The general contractor that you initially discuss your project with may not run the job on-site, or may leave key parts of your project to subcontractors who work unsupervised. This leaves a lot of room for miscommunication.

On the other hand, handymen often work alone or with one helper. They are on the job site throughout the project and are the point person for discussion as well. Having a direct line of communication with the person doing the work eliminates many misunderstandings and makes the job much smoother.

Finding an Ottawa Handyman

Once you determine that you need a handyman for your job, you may be asking yourself, “How do I find a handyman near me?” The experts at Handyman Connection have assembled a team of experts ready to tackle your home projects. Reach out to them with any questions you have, including:

• Are you insured?

• Do you provide written cost estimates?

• Have you done similar projects recently?

• Do you have references?

• How long will my project take?

• When would you be able to start?

Choosing the correct professional can make your home improvement projects run smoothly, increase the value of your home and help you enjoy it more. To get started with a qualified handyman professional near you, contact the experts at Ottawa’s Handyman Connection today.