A lot of homeowners aren't sure whether a project needs a handyman or a licensed contractor. It's worth getting right. Hire the wrong one and you could overpay, get held up waiting on permits, or end up with work that doesn't meet code.
Here's a practical way to settle the handyman vs contractor question for your job.
What a Handyman Does
A skilled handyman takes care of general repairs, maintenance and small to medium improvements that don't need a trade licence. That covers carpentry, painting, caulking, minor plumbing and fixture work, deck repairs, drywall and dozens of other everyday jobs around the house.
The upside is cost and flexibility. Handymen charge lower rates than licensed tradespeople, and one person can work through several different jobs in a single visit. You're not stuck coordinating a string of specialists.
What a Licensed Contractor Does
In Ontario, some work legally has to be done by certified or licensed trades. Electricians, plumbers and refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics are among the province's compulsory trades, and gas work needs a licensed gas technician. General contractors don't hold a provincial licence of their own, but on bigger jobs they pull the permits, bring in those licensed trades and get the work inspected.
Bring one in for full renovations that need permits, electrical panel work or new circuits, gas lines, structural changes, new construction and major plumbing reroutes.
Choose a Handyman When...
- It's a repair or maintenance job, not new construction
- The work doesn't need a permit
- You've got one task, or a few related ones, that a generalist can handle
- Budget matters and the job doesn't call for a specialized licence
- You want flexible scheduling to knock out several small jobs
Choose a Licensed Contractor When...
- There's electrical, gas or structural work involved
- You need a building permit
- It's a full renovation or an addition
- A warranty or your insurance says the work has to be done by licensed tradespeople
- Local codes require a licensed trade for that particular task
The Grey Area
Some projects land in between. Take a bathroom refresh. The tile work and new fixtures are handyman territory, but running a new electrical circuit needs a licensed electrician.
An experienced handyman will be honest about what they can and can't take on, and will tell you when it's time to call a specialist. If someone dodges that conversation, treat it as a red flag.
Got questions about your own project? Call (289) 928-5689 and we'll give you a straight answer.
Owner of Handy Man And Home Repairs. 16 years in construction, 15 of them as a Home Inspector. Works across Durham Region, Kawartha Lakes and Northumberland.