Hiring and estimates

Handyman vs. Contractor: Which One Do You Need?

A simple way to tell whether your project fits a handyman, a general contractor or a licensed electrician, plumber or HVAC pro.

Picking the right person for a job saves time, money and headaches. Some projects fit a handyman perfectly. Others need a general contractor or a licensed trade. Here's a plain way to settle the handyman vs. contractor question.

What a handyman does

A handyman takes on a wide range of repairs and small projects, usually doing the work themselves. Typical handyman jobs include:

• Drywall patches and small drywall installs
• Interior and exterior painting
• Door adjustments, trim and baseboards
• Faucet, toilet and sink fixes at the fixture
• Swapping light fixtures and ceiling fans on existing wiring
• Deck and porch repairs, and smaller deck builds
• Shelving, furniture assembly, cleanouts and haul-off

The strength of a handyman is range. One person can knock out a list of unrelated jobs in a single visit. If your list looks like that, our guide on batching your honey-do list will help.

What a general contractor does

A general contractor manages bigger projects with many parts. Think kitchen remodels, additions, major structural changes or rebuilding after big damage. A contractor usually:

• Plans and schedules the whole project
• Hires and coordinates subcontractors like electricians, plumbers and HVAC techs
• Handles permits and inspections
• Manages the budget across many trades

If your project involves moving walls, changing the layout of a home or work across several licensed trades, a general contractor is likely the better fit.

Jobs that need a licensed trade

In Georgia, electrical, plumbing and HVAC work require state-licensed professionals. That means calling a licensed pro for things like:

• Adding circuits, moving outlets or replacing an electrical panel
• Running new wiring
• Gas lines and gas appliance hookups
• Plumbing inside walls, under slabs or main line work
• Heating and air system repairs or replacement

Roofing is also a specialty. A roofer has the tools, safety gear and know-how that most handymen don't.

You can look up Georgia trade licenses through the Georgia Secretary of State's professional licensing website.

Questions to sort it out

Ask yourself:

1. Is it a repair or a remodel? Repairs lean handyman. Remodels lean contractor.
2. How many trades are involved? One or two types of work, a handyman may cover it. Several licensed trades, a contractor makes sense.
3. Does it touch wiring, gas, pipes inside walls or the roof? Those parts need a licensed pro.
4. Does it need a permit? Structural changes, new decks and some electrical and plumbing work often do. Check with your city or county building department.
5. How big is the risk if it goes wrong? The higher the stakes, the more you want the right specialist.

Insurance matters either way

Whoever you hire, ask if they're insured. Insurance protects you if something gets damaged or someone gets hurt on your property. It's fair to ask for proof. Our list of questions to ask a handyman covers this and more.

A good handyman knows their limits

The best sign of a trustworthy handyman is honesty about what they don't do. If someone offers to rewire your house or replace your water heater's gas line without a license, that's a red flag. A good handyman will tell you, "That part needs an electrician," and still help with the rest of the list.

Where we fit

We're a family-owned handyman and lawn care business. We handle general home repairs, drywall repair, painting, fixture swaps, deck and porch work and yard care. When a job needs a licensed electrician, plumber or roofer, we'll say so plainly.

Not sure who to call?

Text us a photo and a short description at (706) 594-5049, or use our free estimate form. If it's in our lane, we'll give you a free estimate. If it's not, we'll tell you what kind of pro to look for.