Home projects can blur the line between “call a handyman” and “hire a contractor.” The right choice affects your cost, timeline, permits, and even whether your home insurance stays valid.
This guide walks through how to decide, using project complexity, safety, and warranties as your main filters.
Key takeaways
- Handymen are best for small, simple jobs like minor repairs, fixture swaps, and basic drywall or carpentry that don’t change your home’s structure or systems.
- Contractors are best for bigger, riskier, or permitted work such as remodels, structural changes, major electrical or plumbing, and anything involving gas lines or load‑bearing walls.
- Permits are a major dividing line: if your project needs a permit or inspection, you almost always want a licensed contractor, not a handyman.
- Complexity and risk matter more than project size: a small but risky job (like moving a gas line) calls for a contractor, even if it seems “quick.”
- Warranties and accountability are usually stronger with contractors, especially for larger projects, multi-trade work, or anything that could impact resale or inspections.
- Expect to pay more per job for contractors, but less risk overall on complex projects; handymen can be more affordable for punch lists and one-off fixes.
- The safest rule of thumb: if you’re unsure about safety, code, or long-term impact, lean toward a licensed contractor and confirm what’s required in your area.
Typical costs / fees (if applicable)
Actual prices vary by region and by pro, but here are general ranges in the US:
Handyman cost ranges
- Hourly rates:
- Commonly around $50–$100 per hour
- Some have minimum charges (for example, 1–2 hours minimum)
- Flat-fee jobs:
- Simple tasks like installing a faucet, hanging a door, or patching a small drywall hole might run $75–$300+ depending on complexity and time
- Small “honey-do” lists can sometimes be bundled for a half-day or full-day rate
What drives handyman costs up or down:
- Scope and time: Multiple small tasks in one visit are usually more cost-effective than separate trips.
- Skill level needed: Basic labor (like caulking or assembling furniture) is cheaper than detailed carpentry or troubleshooting.
- Access and conditions: Tight spaces, tall ladders, or working around existing damage can add time.
- Materials: Some handymen supply materials and mark them up; others ask you to purchase them.
Contractor cost ranges
Contractors typically handle larger, multi-step, or permitted projects, so costs are higher:
- Small projects (non-structural, no major systems)
- Example: replacing several interior doors, building a small deck, or retiling a bathroom floor
- Often $1,000–$5,000+ depending on materials and scope
- Medium projects (kitchen/bath updates, wall removal with engineering, larger decks)
- Often $5,000–$30,000+
- Major remodels or additions
- Can easily reach tens of thousands or more
What drives contractor costs up or down:
- Permits and inspections: Application fees, time to coordinate with inspectors, and code requirements.
- Structural or system changes: Moving walls, altering roof lines, or changing electrical/plumbing layouts.
- Number of trades involved: Projects needing carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and HVAC techs cost more to coordinate.
- Finish level and materials: Basic finishes cost far less than custom or premium options.
- Project management and overhead: Contractors factor in insurance, licensing, supervision, and warranty support.
Rule of thumb:
- Under a few hundred dollars and simple? Likely a handyman job.
- Over a thousand dollars, multiple days, or involving structure/systems? Likely a contractor job.
What to expect (process overview)
1. Clarify your project
Start by writing down:
- What you want done (e.g., “replace vanity and faucet,” “repair drywall and repaint corner of living room”)
- Where it’s located in the home
- Any known issues (water damage, past leaks, tripping breakers, etc.)
Then ask yourself:
- Will this change how the house is built or supported? (walls, beams, roof, foundation)
- Will this touch electrical, plumbing, or gas beyond a simple fixture swap?
- Will this likely need a permit?
If you answer “yes” to any of these, lean toward a licensed contractor.
2. Decide: handyman or contractor?
Use these quick filters:
-
Handyman is usually fine for:
- Minor drywall repair and paint
- Installing or replacing light fixtures (non-complex, existing wiring)
- Replacing faucets or toilets where plumbing is already in place and in good shape
- Installing shelves, curtain rods, TV mounts (with proper anchors)
- Small carpentry: trim, baseboards, simple built-ins
- Weatherstripping, caulking, small exterior repairs
-
Contractor is usually needed for:
- Structural work: removing or altering walls, beams, or supports
- Electrical panel work, new circuits, or rewiring
- Plumbing reroutes (moving drains, supply lines, or adding new fixtures)
- Gas lines or fuel-burning appliances
- Roofing, major siding, or window replacements
- Bathroom or kitchen remodels (especially if layouts change)
- Decks, porches, and additions that affect the exterior or structure
When in doubt, you can ask both types of pros for their opinion; reputable handymen will often refer you to a contractor if the job is outside their scope.
3. Get multiple quotes
For both handymen and contractors:
- Collect at least 2–3 quotes so you can compare pricing and scope.
- Provide the same description and photos to each pro so estimates are comparable.
- Ask for written estimates that break down:
- Labor
- Materials
- Permit fees (if applicable)
- Payment schedule
Watch out for:
- Very low bids that skip permits or inspections.
- Vague descriptions like “bathroom remodel – $8,000” with no detail.
4. Check credentials and insurance
-
For handymen:
- Requirements vary by location and project type. Some areas limit what unlicensed handymen can do.
- At minimum, ask for proof of insurance and references.
- Confirm they stay within non-permitted, non-structural work.
-
For contractors:
- Verify license status with your local or state authority.
- Ask for general liability and, if they have employees, workers’ compensation coverage.
- Check recent similar projects and reviews.
5. Understand the contract and warranties
For larger jobs, especially with contractors, you should have a written contract that covers:
- Scope of work and materials
- Start and estimated completion dates
- Payment schedule (avoid paying most of the cost upfront)
- Who pulls permits and handles inspections
- Warranty terms on labor and materials
Handymen may use simpler agreements or work orders, but you should still know:
- What’s included
- Total cost or hourly rate and estimated hours
- Any guarantee on their work (for example, 30–90 days on repairs)
6. During the work
- Confirm daily start/end times and access arrangements.
- Keep a running list of questions or changes and discuss them before work continues.
- For permitted work, make sure inspections are scheduled and passed before walls or ceilings are closed up.
Watch out for:
- Scope creep: extra tasks added without updated pricing. Get change orders in writing.
- Skipping inspections: this can cause problems when selling your home or filing insurance claims.
7. Final walk-through and payment
Before final payment:
- Do a walk-through and make a punch list of any issues.
- Test everything: doors, drawers, outlets, lights, faucets, drains, etc.
- Confirm you receive:
- Receipts for major materials or appliances
- Permit and inspection sign-offs (if applicable)
- Written warranty details
Only pay the final amount once you’re satisfied that the agreed scope is complete.
DIY vs. hire a pro (or self-serve vs. professional)
When DIY can make sense
If you’re reasonably handy and comfortable with tools, DIY can work for:
- Cosmetic fixes: painting, caulking, touch-ups
- Simple hardware swaps: door knobs, cabinet pulls, basic shelving
- Very minor drywall repairs: small nail holes or tiny dings
- Basic maintenance: cleaning gutters from safe ground-level tools, replacing furnace filters, etc.
Even then:
- Use proper safety gear (gloves, goggles, masks as needed).
- Follow manufacturer instructions for any products or fixtures.
When you should hire a handyman
Consider a handyman if:
- You don’t have time, tools, or interest in DIY.
- The job is small but beyond your comfort level, like patching larger drywall holes or installing a ceiling fan on existing wiring.
- You have a list of small tasks that could be done in one visit.
- You want someone with experience troubleshooting small issues (sticky doors, minor leaks, loose railings).
When you should hire a contractor
For safety and compliance, hire a licensed contractor for:
- Electrical work beyond swapping fixtures (new circuits, outlets, panels, or any work in wet areas)
- Plumbing beyond simple swaps (moving lines, fixing hidden leaks, working inside walls or floors)
- Gas lines or fuel-burning appliances (stoves, furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces)
- Roofing and structural repairs (including load-bearing walls and framing)
- Projects requiring permits: additions, major remodels, decks above a certain height, and many exterior changes
These jobs can:
- Void insurance or warranties if done incorrectly or without permits
- Create fire, flood, or structural hazards
- Cause failed inspections when you sell or refinance
Conservative rule
If you’re wondering, “Could this go really wrong if I mess it up?” or “Would an inspector care about this?” the safe answer is:
- Hire a licensed contractor, and verify they’ll pull any required permits.
Questions to ask before you commit
Use these questions with both handymen and contractors:
- What type of work do you typically handle? (Listen for projects similar to yours.)
- Do you handle permits and inspections if they’re needed? If not, who does?
- Are you licensed and insured for this type of work? Can I see proof?
- Can you walk me through what you’ll actually do, step by step?
- What could make the price go up, and how would you handle that?
- What is included in your estimate, and what is not? (Materials, cleanup, haul-away, etc.)
- Who will be doing the work— you, your employees, or subcontractors?
- How long do you expect the job to take, and when can you start?
- What kind of warranty or guarantee do you offer on your work?
- How do you handle changes or surprises once the project has started?
- Can you share photos or references from similar recent projects?
- How do you protect my home during the work? (Dust control, covering floors, securing pets, etc.)
Quick FAQ
How do I know if my project needs a permit?
Common triggers include structural changes, major electrical or plumbing work, new decks or additions, and significant exterior changes. Requirements vary by area, so it’s best to check with your local building department or ask a licensed contractor. If a pro insists no permit is needed but you’re unsure, verify independently.
Can a handyman do electrical or plumbing work?
In many places, handymen can only do very limited, minor electrical or plumbing tasks (like swapping fixtures) and may be restricted from more complex work without a license. Anything involving new wiring, circuits, panels, moving plumbing lines, or working inside walls should go to a properly licensed contractor.
Is it cheaper to hire a handyman instead of a contractor?
For small, simple jobs, a handyman is often more affordable and more willing to take on short projects. For larger or complex projects, a contractor may cost more upfront but can reduce risk, handle permits, coordinate multiple trades, and provide stronger warranties, which can save money and headaches in the long run.
What happens if I skip permits and inspections?
You might save time in the short term, but you risk:
- Fines or forced tear-outs if the work is discovered
- Insurance problems if there’s a related claim
- Delays or price reductions when selling if unpermitted work is found
For anything beyond very minor repairs, it’s safer to follow permit rules and use a pro who respects them.
Wrap-up / next steps
Choosing between a handyman and a contractor comes down to permits, complexity, safety, and the level of warranty and accountability you want. Small, straightforward repairs usually fit a handyman’s wheelhouse; anything structural, system-related, or permitted belongs with a licensed contractor.
Your best next steps:
- Clarify your project scope and whether it might need permits or touch major systems.
- Gather 2–3 quotes from a mix of qualified handymen and/or contractors, depending on the job.
- Compare not just price, but scope, credentials, and warranties before you decide.
If you’d like an easier way to line up options, you can use Home Services Scout to compare local handymen and contractors side by side, check reviews, and request multiple quotes so you can move forward with confidence.