Handyman vs General Contractor: What’s The Difference?

While contractors and handymen work to repair, maintain, and build, they are very different, especially from a legal point of view, in addition to differences in the size and type of projects they can work on.

If you're interested in becoming either a handyman or a contractor, you need to fully understand the difference, especially when it comes to how your state defines both. Violating the parameters of either one could mean fines or even getting shut down.

What Can a Handyman Do Legally?

A handyman is exactly what it sounds like. Typically, this professional has acquired a wide array of skills and knowledge that allows them to tackle projects and minor repairs in and around homes that don't require building permits.

In truth, it can be tricky to narrow in on a specific set of abilities that a handyman will possess. In part, this is because there isn't a cohesive licensing process across the country.

When it comes to the law, each state has vastly different expectations for handymen. To complicate matters further, laws can even fluctuate from one jurisdiction to the next. For example, in New York, a company or professional must have a Home Improvement Contractor License to work. This license allows them to work on specific projects, from basement and garage renovation to swimming pool or patio construction.

But in other states, the law doesn't stipulate what a handyman can do but instead sets monetary limits on how much projects can cost. In some states, like California, any project costing more than $500 will require professionals to be licensed. Meanwhile, in states like Louisiana, unlicensed handyman can work on projects that cost up to $7500.

If you are thinking about breaking into the handyman industry yourself, it is best to check your local laws and regulations. You can check with your jurisdiction's contractors board for information and support.

What’s The Difference Between a General Contractor and a Handyman?

It is typical for the titles “Handyman” and “Contractor" to be used interchangeably. And while this is an understandable mistake, there are lots of distinctive differences between these two roles.

Knowing the difference can help you decide which route is best for your career if you’re new to the construction industry.

It is common for a state to have a "minor work exemption" or "handyman exemption" which specifies the most a handyman can charge for a job before they need an official license to perform the work.

Here are some of the most significant distinctions between a handyman and a general contractor.

Project Scope & Size

First, handymen and general contractors typically work on projects of vastly different sizes and scopes.

Traditionally, handymen have an eclectic set of trade skills that allow them to make minor repairs within your home. They generally have knowledge of and hands-on experience diagnosing and fixing home appliances, such as dishwashers and garage doors.

They have acquired skills to repair small-scale damage to structural elements of your home, such as holes in walls or cracks in floorboards.

Typically jobs performed by handymen include:

• Cleaning gutters
• Basic plumbing
• Flooring repairs
• Gardening
• Basic electrical
• Carpentry
• Wall repairs
• Furniture assembly
• Painting

Homeowners who need a new fence installed, windows repaired, or a room painted typically reach out to a trusted handyman. Usually, these are jobs that one person can handle on their own.

More specialized plumbing or electrical work, for example, can however require licensing. Handymen will need to check with their local licensing agency to see if such licensing is required for the project in question.

What can general contractors do?

On the other hand, general contractors are commissioned for larger, more involved projects that involve significant renovations. When it comes to major renovations or remodeling, residential or commercial, a contractor has the skills to plan and execute the detailed steps required for project completion.

Contractors can even hire out subcontractors including electricians, flooring installers, plumbers, or roofers for larger projects.

Homeowners who want a wall knocked down in their home to create an open floor plan need to work with a contractor to ensure the structural safety of the space. Specialty work , like updating or installing electrical or plumbing systems, necessitates a specialty contractor license with the unique skillsets to meet those needs.

A general contractor typically oversees and manages larger projects, meaning more workers are often on-site to complete the project. As such, a general contractor typically will charge higher fees than a handyman for their work.

Permits & Licensing

While there is some overlap, handymen are generally hired for tasks that do not require building permits. On the other hand, contractors have a keen understanding of local building codes and can assist clients in navigating these systems. Typically, more extensive projects that contractors work on require specific permits before any work can begin.

As mentioned earlier, the rules regarding handymen licensing differ from state to state. While different locations have unique licensing processes for contractors, the educational, experiential, and licensing standards are rigorous across the board.

To become a general contractor, one is typically required to seek out a relevant degree, such as Construction Management. To get licensed to practice, one must pass an examination, pay applicable fees, prove financial capability, and secure liability insurance. While this process is much more involved than that of handymen, the payoff is also typically more significant.

Liability Coverage

On top of dollar limits to the work a handyman can perform, your state may also require you to have liability insurance to protect your business from lawsuits or other financial consequences stemming from accidents on the job or any damage caused to a customer's property.

Both handymen and general contractors can utilize bonding and insurance to keep themselves financially protected from accidents. This is also a good way to let customers know that you stand behind your work.

The Bottom Line

Handymen and general contractors both have essential roles in building and maintaining homes and business spaces.

If you think contracting may be for you, Contractor Training Center is here to help! With state-specific resources and contractor exam prep materials, you'll be taking clients and getting to work in no time.

Reach out today and jumpstart your career! You can book a 30-minute start-up call with a contractor licensing expert today and get answers to all your questions!