People often confuse handymen and contractors. While they may share some similarities, there are several critical differences between handymen and contractors that you should know before hiring either one. This article will discuss those key differences to help you make an informed decision about which one you need for your next project.
A Handyman VS. Contractor
A handyman is typically someone who is handy with tools and can fix almost anything around the home or workplace. They are skilled at a wide range of repairs. Think of them as a jack-of-all trades for smaller projects you need fixed around the house. Since handymen are skilled in a variety of projects, they can assist with projects from drywall installation and fixture replacement to electrical work or window repairs. They often work for themselves and perform different projects on a contract basis.
A contractor, on the other hand, has a lot more training and is licensed in most states. They usually work for construction or home remodeling companies and are responsible for larger projects. These larger projects include complete bathroom or kitchen remodels, excavation projects, HVAC installations, and fire alarm and sprinkler installation to name a few.
What are the key differences between them?
We can categorize the critical differences between handymen and contractors into four buckets: services offered, licensing and insurance, project size, and price.
- Services Offered: One of the main differences between handymen and contractors is their services. A handyman can do various maintenance and repair projects, such as replacing faucets, fixing appliances, or repairing fences. Their services are typically smaller jobs that can be completed in a day or two. Contractors, on the other hand, offer services such as home remodeling, construction, and more that can take weeks or even months to complete. They are often hired to do a specific job, such as build an entire deck or bathroom. They have the training and experience to take on larger projects.
- Licensing and Insurance: Handymen are not typically licensed or insured, especially if they work for themselves rather than through a company. Contractors, on the other hand, are legally required to have a license in most states. They also carry insurance in case of accidents or damages. Licensure is also vital because it protects you as a consumer. It ensures that the person working on your home or business has been tested for his skills and knowledge concerning the job at hand.
- Project Size: As mentioned above, handymen typically do smaller jobs like those listed in the previous section. The size and scope of your project will determine if you need a handyman or contractor. If your project is small and can be completed in a day or two, a handyman is likely the best option. But if your project is larger and will take weeks or months to complete, you will need a contractor. Think of handymen as the helpers and contractors as the doers.
- Price: The last key difference between handymen and contractors is the price. Handyman services typically cost less than contracting work because they do not have to rent out equipment or hire workers for larger projects such as home renovations. Many handymen don’t require a deposit like many contractors do since handymen jobs often take days instead of months.
In brief, handymen and contractors offer different services, are licensed and insured differently, have different project sizes, and charge different prices. We hope this article has helped you understand the critical differences between them, allowing you to decide which one is suitable for your next project.
At Cransten, we offer both handyman and contractor remodeling services. We are committed to serving and protecting our customers which is why all our handymen and contractors are fully licensed and insured. This protects you as the customer on both the big and small projects you need done around the house. If you need either handyman services or contractor work, contact us at Cransten today for a free estimate. Also, feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions that we haven’t covered in this article.