Are you torn between hiring a licensed contractor or a handyman to tackle your next project?
Responsible and knowledgeable handymen are valuable to have on speed dial because they’re happy to tackle a range of home issues or small projects that contractors don’t have time to fit into their schedules. However, if your repairs or project scope involves a new design, structural components, or any home systems governed by building codes, you need a licensed contractor to do the work.
5 Differences Between Contractors and Handymen
Here are some of the main differences between a licensed contractor and your average handyman.
1. Licensed vs. Unlicensed
First and foremost, a general contractor works under a construction/trade-specific license. To get that license, he must gain hands-on experience and study all aspects of construction, from pouring foundations and framing a home to installing finishes/fixtures and completing a roof. We are also trained in designing and installing plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. Finally, licensed contractors must pass the state’s comprehensive contractors license exam.
Additional requirements to become a licensed contractor in Florida include:
- Being 18 years old or more
- Providing proof of financial stability (based on current credit scores)
- Providing evidence of liability insurance as well as workers’ comp insurance policies
- Paying and maintaining licensing fees
- Submitting fingerprints (which are run through the state’s criminal records system and retained on file)
In other words, a licensed contractor is well-vetted, even before they continue to gain further onsite training and experience.
Handymen don’t need to have any professional experience at all. There is no certification board holding them to a standard, and they may have never had professional construction training at all.
2. Legitimate training in the field
Many people who work as handymen learned to repair and fix things under the supervision of a parent or grandparent. Or, they may have enjoyed learning to fix things around the house using “How-To” manuals or YouTube videos, and they enjoy using their skills to make extra money on the side or to subsidize a retirement income.
That’s a very different story from a licensed contractor who has spent years or decades in the industry, gaining legitimate skills and learning to perfect their craft.
When a contractor walks into a house where a handyman has done the job, we immediately spot the difference. While some things may have been repaired or done just fine, others will show signs of “imperfections” or “lack of skill” that would never be evident had a contractor completed the work.
3. Contractors think bigger; handymen think smaller
Need a doggy door installed for your new pet? That’s an excellent job for a handyman. Need to swap light fixtures, make minor fence repairs, or reseal leaky gaps in exterior walls? Your favorite handyman is the right person for the job. Does your garbage disposal need to be replaced? A handyman can probably help you out there, too. However, if the project is on the larger side, it’s best to invest in a contractor.
A licensed contractor is the best person for the job for projects like:
- Remodels
- Building additions
- Replacing or redoing major plumbing or electrical work
- Installing a new water heater, HVAC system, or fireplace insert
- Repairing or replacing a roof
Also, understand that the more extensive and costly the project, the less you want to involve a handyman.
As mentioned in #1, a licensed contractor is backed by liability insurance and surety bonds. If they skip out, don’t finish the job, or perform poorly, you are protected and can take action to have the job redone on their dime. If you use a handyman, you are accepting the full brunt of the liability risk and will be on the hook if he skips out of town before completing the work or does a horrible job.
Read How to Find a General Contractor in DeLand You Can Trust to learn how to hire the right person or firm for the job.
4. Contractors adhere to local, state, and federal building codes
While aesthetics may be the priority for our clients, licensed contractors adhere to stringent building codes that keep homeowners and occupants safe.
For example, while all homes in the United States have general building codes to ensure the high-quality installation of foundations, structural components, etc., Florida has building codes more specific to weathering the brunt of high winds, rains, and hurricane seasons. Contractors continue their education and training to keep up with the ever-changing regulations and industry trends. If we fail to honor those codes, our work won’t pass a building inspection.
Rule of Thumb: If your home improvement project requires a building permit and inspections by the local building department, it’s not the right job for a handyman. Not sure if the work you need requires a building permit? Contact your local building department and ask.
5. Contractors protect your home’s resale value
The difference between a licensed contractor and a handyman becomes blatantly obvious when it’s time to sell your home. First, the real estate agents review all of the home’s documents. For example, suppose you’ve performed a major remodel, added on to the house, converted a garage into a granny unit, etc. In that case, the agent wants proof the work was done legally and with approval from the local building department.
If the work wasn’t performed “by the book,” the home’s selling status and price are at risk. If remodels or additions were done to code but never registered with the local/county building department, you have to schedule retroactive inspections. Once that process ensues, you’re at risk for fines and penalties. If you choose to skip retroactive inspections, you sacrifice the ability to advertise your fourth bedroom addition or a garage convert, which compromises optimal sales prices. Some homebuyers may pass on your home altogether because they want a home legally built to code.
Working with a licensed contractor provides peace of mind, knowing the job was done legally and correctly the first time around and that you can trust the integrity of your home.
Need a Contractor to Complete an Upcoming Project?
Suspect your job is too big for a handyman? Contact Fogle Constructors. 386-279-0901. Our first consults are always free, and we’re happy to let you know if we feel your project is more along the handyman-capable lines. Otherwise, we’re sure that once you’ve seen our portfolio, spoken to our recent client referrals, and gotten a feel for us, you’ll decide our licensed construction firm is the right one for the job.
