While both contractors and handymen focus on home-related work, they differ in their licensing requirements, the size of projects they take on, and the types of insurance they carry. Handymen are proficient professionals capable of completing small-scale tasks, like replacing light fixtures or patching drywall. They also provide maintenance services, such as cleaning gutters or pressure washing patios.
Repairs and Maintenance
You may not know it, but your home needs regular maintenance to keep things looking and functioning great. Your local Handyman Construction services can help you with everything from cleaning the gutters to repairing loose bricks or resealing windows and doors. Handymen can also take care of more in-depth maintenance tasks like cleaning the carpets, wallpapering and painting.
You can even rely on them to build and fix furniture. A handyman with carpentry experience can handle woodworking projects like wooden coffee tables, wardrobes and sofa beds. Meanwhile, those who specialize in electrical work are best suited to repair digital fitness equipment and ceiling fans.
Using the Handy platform takes the hassle out of finding local handymen for odd jobs and home repairs. You can compare quotes, read reviews and verify their license and insurance before booking a task. Handy also offers a Happiness Guarantee and secure online payment system.
So don’t spend your weekends trawling Craigslist and asking friends for recommendations — instead, use the Handy app to connect with vetted and screened local Taskers. They can help you with drywall repair, assembling furniture and hanging picture frames, among other tasks. You can even book them to set up your home security system.
Minor Renovations
Handymen can perform a variety of home renovations and repairs. However, it is important to understand the limits of a handyman’s capabilities. For example, it is important to leave any electrical work involving panel upgrades or new circuit installations to a licensed electrician. In addition, any extensive plumbing work should be handled by a professional plumber. Licensed professionals are trained to ensure that all work is completed safely and in compliance with local codes.
A skilled handyman can help with a wide range of tasks that include replacing light bulbs, hanging artwork and installing shelves. They are also capable of repairing water leaks, fixing faucets and performing basic landscaping duties.
If you’re looking to make a larger change in your home, hiring a contractor may be the better option. Contractors are well-suited to handling complex projects like kitchen and bathroom remodels and home additions. They can also handle complex electrical and plumbing jobs that require specialized skills and permitting. In addition, contractors are often better equipped to manage projects that involve multiple tradespeople and require adherence to building codes.
In many cases, a contractor can save you money over a handyman service. The price difference can be significant, depending on the type of work you need and whether you are hiring a specialist in a particular field or generalist in several areas.
Many states have licensing requirements for handymen and home services professionals. While these requirements vary from state to state, most handymen are required to have a business license and must register as a “home service” provider with their local government. Some states also require a special license for certain types of repair and maintenance tasks.
Handymen can assist with a variety of flooring needs. They can perform refinishing and repair on hardwood, tile and linoleum floors. They can also refresh grout around sinks and bathtubs and install new flooring in bathrooms and kitchens.
A handyman can also handle various other home improvements, such as painting rooms and repainting exteriors. However, they are not usually qualified to perform structural or building repairs. If you need these types of services, it’s important to find a licensed contractor or carpenter.
Major Renovations
As their name suggests, handymen are proficient professionals capable of a range of small-scale tasks aimed at maintaining residential properties. Their service offerings include replacing light bulbs, resolving plumbing leaks, hanging artwork, and installing shelves. Handymen often charge by the hour or a flat fee for these projects, making them more cost-effective than contractors.
Contractors, on the other hand, work on larger-scale renovation projects that may span months, involve multiple trades, require permits and adherence to building codes, and can cost thousands of dollars. As such, they typically need a license that requires certain levels of education and experience, as well as background checks and insurance.
Depending on their scope, major renovations may include everything from adding an addition to completely remodeling a kitchen or bathroom. In many cases, these projects will also necessitate the use of specialized subcontractors for specific tasks such as electrical, plumbing, and drywall installation.
In terms of value-add, the bathroom is a key area for renovations. A bathroom revamp can increase a property’s resale value, provide a relaxing and comfortable environment, and even improve a homeowner’s quality of life. A good handyman can perform a number of bathroom renovation tasks, including tiling, plumbing, and painting.
A major renovation might necessitate the purchase of new appliances and materials. However, a thorough budgeting process that accounts for obvious and concealed costs will help ensure that a project is completed within budget and on schedule.
While value-add opportunities exist throughout Staten Island, the borough’s older neighborhoods like Grymes Hill and Todt Hill offer especially compelling opportunities for fixer-upper buyers. In these established communities, price spreads between unrenovated and renovated homes are wide, and a streamlined regulatory process makes it easier to secure zoning permits and other requirements.
In addition, local amenities, including enhanced express bus and ferry services and ongoing infrastructure improvements, make these neighborhoods an increasingly attractive option for commuters. As a result, some homeowners choose to take a two-phase approach to purchasing and renovating a home. This allows them to finance the purchase with a conventional mortgage, while financing the renovations separately through home equity products.
Specialized Trades
There are a number of specialized trades that can be offered by handymen. Applying stain or a fresh coat of paint to wood furniture, baseboards, doors, decks and other surfaces is one example. This may require prepping the surface with stripping or sanding, then applying a new coat of paint. This is a great way to add value to existing materials and freshen up the appearance of a room or building.
Minor electrical work is another service handymen often provide. This can include installing home security equipment and systems, upgrading or repairing lighting fixtures, changing out light switches and outlets, and adding plugs where needed. Handymen who offer this service should be aware that different regions and municipalities have their own electrical codes that they must abide by.
Similarly, handymen can also install plumbing upgrades and repairs, including replacing or repairing water heaters, shower heads, faucets, drains and toilets. However, plumbing services must be performed by a licensed professional in order to meet local code requirements.
Drywall maintenance is another service that can be offered by handymen. Patching a hole in drywall, touching up texture and removing old wallpaper are just a few of the tasks that fall under this category.
Other specialized skills that may be offered by handymen include landscape maintenance, home theater installation and repair, and pet-proofing. For example, many new parents hire handymen to help them baby-proof their home by installing outlet covers and childproof locks, setting up gates and anchoring furniture like dressers and bookshelves.
While some handymen choose to specialize in particular areas of expertise, others prefer a more jack-of-all-trades approach and take on a wide variety of small jobs. Both types of professionals have their own unique set of skills and experience to offer, but it’s important for homeowners to understand the differences between them in order to make the best choice when hiring a contractor or handyman. A contractor is the right option for comprehensive projects that require multiple licensed tradespeople and comply with zoning and building codes, while a handyman is better for general maintenance and simple home improvement projects.