What is the difference between a Handyman and a Contractor?
If your handyman does not have or maintain a contractor license, they cannot perform work over $500 when your project falls under the state’s CSLB definition of commercial or residential construction work, highlighting the crucial distinction between Handyman vs. Contractor.
What is the difference between a Handyman vs. Contractor?
A good place to start is the total value of your project’s labor and materials. If the value of the project is $499.00 or less, it is a Handyman project. If the value of the project is $500.00 or more this is a contractor project.
How to determine the value of the project: Follow the rule of thumb and contact three different service providers, whether it’s a handyman vs. contractor, regarding the work to be done. And receive three different written and or verbal estimates. Preferably at the project site with your local service provider.
Choosing the Right Provider
Who is best for your project: Keep in mind your local Handyman may be skilled in many different trades of work whereas the Contractor only in one or two trade of work. Each individually issued contractor’s license has its own restrictions on labor performed under his or her license classification. Regardless of the skill level claimed by the service provider, don’t hire a plumbing contractor to do electrical work unless authorized to perform both trades as a general B contractor would be.
Licensing and Qualifications
To help you verify, educate, and protect you and your projects visit the Contractor State License Board @ http://www.cslb.ca.gov/
Red Flags and Best Practices
Don’t put yourself and your service provider at risk: Use your better judgment and watch for the Red Flags, pricing too good to be true, late or missed appointments, unmarked work vehicle, no business card, and no written estimate or contract. Verify, licensing, insurances, worker comp. and local permitting requirements. It is a better business practice for the service provider to provide this type of information; however, it is the responsibility of the property owner to verify all of the above and to be responsible for who you hire.
We would also like to direct you to the Better Business Bureau to help you with the process of hiring a service provider for your project @ http://www.bbb.org/northeast-california/industry-tips/read/tip/hiring-a-contractor-in-california-essential-tips-4019. What should you expect?
Conclusion
So what is the difference: A handyman is someone you can call on to take care of the smaller projects you may have. And to perform the maintenance necessary to prevent the potential expensive problem in the future. And a Contractor is someone you can call on for your larger projects and remodels. We suggest creating a relationship with both. A good, experienced Handyman and an experienced, reliable Contractor. We believe it pays to know both and hire accordingly.
About Us
Dependable Handyman Services Inc. as A company hopes to be able to fulfill both your needs of A Licensed contractor and handyman. “Contractor #1065708 general B”
Dependable Handyman Services Inc. would like for every project to be a complete success. However, we live in the real world and do understand things happen, unforeseen’s do exist. However, we do our best to minimize those potential risks involved in starting and completing your projects.
Disclaimer: All of the information above is the experience and opinion of Dependable Handyman Services Inc.