Handyman vs Contractor: how to determine which you need?

Whether or not you’re a DIY junkie, some home improvement projects require the services of either a handyman or a professional contractor.  Trying to tackle a complex project on your own could end up costing a lot of money in the long run if you make mistakes or cause damage to your home. In these cases, it’s worth enlisting the help of a professional, but who do you hire, and where can you find a reputable service provider?

So what’s the difference between a handyman and a contractor?

Both a handyman and a contractor can assist with home renovation and home maintenance projects, but each is suited to specific types of work. Hiring the right one for your project is the key to getting the best quality work without wreaking havoc on your budget. 

In this blog post, we delve into the differences between a handyman and a contractor, and which is the right fit for different projects around the house.

Handyman vs. contractor: the project scope difference

The size of the project will determine the best fit between the job that needs doing and the professional you get to do it. If it is a simple job that simply requires a few tools and some elbow grease, then a handyman will likely be ideal. 

A handyman service is best suited to small jobs such as:

• Filling a hole in drywalling 
• Fixing a leaky tap or toilet
• Stripping, sanding, and preparing surfaces for painting
• Painting a room 
• Replacing a light fixture
• Demolishing a wall or removing tiles

An experienced contractor, on the other hand, is better equipped to handle larger, more complex tasks, like:

• Renovating a bathroom or kitchen
• Building an addition to your home
• Handling your paving requirements 
• Erecting a carport 
• Building a wall

Before you search for someone to quote you, determine what your project is going to entail and align it with the professional most suited to handle that task. This will help you save both money and frustration in the long run.

Handyman vs. contractor: the cost difference

If you have a small project that requires only basic repairs or maintenance, then a handyman is usually the less expensive option. Contractors typically charge more per hour than a handyman but are usually the better option for large, complicated tasks. 

In addition to the actual cost of labour, there is the question of liability and insurance. For instance, contractors are typically required to carry liability insurance in case they cause any damage to your home while completing the work. Handymen may not be insured, which means if they cause any damage while doing the job it could result in additional costs that you hadn’t initially budgeted for. This is probably the most important difference between a handyman and a contractor, and well worth bearing in mind when you’re looking at your budget. Can you afford any mistakes? If not, you know what to do.

Handyman vs. contractor: the schedule differences

Availability is one of the biggest differences between a handyman and contractors. Contractors are usually working full-time on multiple projects and may not have much flexibility in their schedules.

Handyman services, however, typically work on small, ad-hoc home maintenance projects, which means they’re more flexible and can often accommodate your specific schedule. If you need help in a hurry, a handyman could be the best way to go!

 How can you find the right qualified professional?

There are a few ways to find a pro to help you with your home project. You can trawl through local Facebook groups or spend time reading reviews on Google, OR you could make it easy on yourself and simply download the Home+ app and connect with vetted, experienced tradespeople at the tap of a button.

Not only does the app use your location to find people in your area, but you can rest assured that any handyman or contractor booked through us is fully certified and has the necessary skills to complete the work you need to be done, quickly and professionally. All communication is done directly through the app, which allows you to receive quotes and invoices, make payments, and review your service provider.

Conclusion: handyman vs contractor? It’s your choice, really.

Home maintenance and home improvements can be a daunting task, but with a little research and careful planning, you can take the stress out of it. If you’re not sure whether you need a handyman or contractor for your next project, use the tips in this article to help you make the best decision for your needs. 

So if you find yourself searching “handyman services near me”, we’re here to tell you there’s an easier way to do it. Find all the home maintenance services you need, at the tap of a button, when you download the Home+ app.

So what are you waiting for? Download the Home+ App today!

Interested in learning more about the home maintenance pros? Take a look at when you should call an electrician, and read our handy guide on how to keep on top of your home maintenance tasks this summer.