When it comes to improving your home, we all have different mind-set and approach to achieving what we want, since it is our safe haven we all are talking about. A few of us would be planning on repainting the living room or replacing the kitchen floor while another family is dreaming about completely renovating their kitchen, adding in the island counter they have always wanted.
When it comes down to this, the dilemma of who to hire begins. How does a homeowner know which type of contactor to call? Or would it be better if they hire a handyman? Would handyman be the wise choice when it comes to prices or would this choice possibly blotch up the issue even more? What levels of experience and talents can they expect to find from these two different types of home improvement professionals?
The answer to this and many similar queries has been answered ahead.
In some cases the skills and the expertise of a general contractor are needed while when it comes to other jobs and tasks, the services of a handyman are better suited.
Pro and Cons of a General Contractors;
General contracting firms often have an extensive staff covering a wide range of disciplines and skills. They also have industry connections, allowing them to quickly source out reliable talent when their own staff cannot handle the project. Now let’s explore what a General Contractor may do for you.
Pros :
- They can undertake the Larger Projects around your place.
- They can work of those home additions, Plumbing or Electrical upgrades for you. It makes more sense to call them than calling a Handyman Services.
- They have more knowledge and expertise of multiple professionals to offer you, something a simple handyman service probably can’t.
- They have professional engineers (legally designated and licensed to design and approve structural, mechanical, civil and/or electrical drawings), skilled tradesmen (licensed electricians, plumbers and gas fitters) and experienced carpenters at their (and your) disposal.
- Regardless of what you ask of them, with the kind of skills they possess (and own), these companies can handle everything that you may throw their way.
- They have years of experience and industry connections at their fingertips which will ensure that you and your home is in the best hands.
Cons :
- They usually avoid taking smaller projects, which are usually not their forte.
- They mainly prefer large-scale jobs which pay more and showcase their talents.
- On the rare occasion that they do take on a small job, they charge more than a Handyman would for the same level of skill and finesse.
Pro and Cons of a Handyman Services;
A handyman or handywoman is a skilled “jack of all trades” who can complete a wide range of repairs or home improvement jobs. Most often a handyman is defined by his/her broad range of skills, covering everything and anything from painting and plumbing to flooring, framing and finicky projects. You may come across a handyman company that offers licensed services (plumber, electrician, engineering), but in most cases the experience of the staff holds a greater value. So a handyman service too has its own set of pros and cons, let’s have a look.
Pros :
- They usually take on those smaller jobs that Contractors wouldn’t as these jobs make their skills truly shine.
- Handyman Services can be found right around the corner of every single neighbourhood in London, so they are pretty handy, no pun intended.
- They usually charge clients on an hourly rate (plus material costs), regardless of the task.
- His to-do list included several projects: removing a dishwasher; removing and replacing a toilet, vanity and fixtures from a bathroom; retiling a floor; and painting his home’s interior and exterior.
- They can take on a job of any size, any day.
- They can tackle all the smaller projects that have been on your Honey Do List for months.
- They charge reasonably less than the ones demanded by a General Contractor.
- If the work around your place is scope limited, a handyman is your go to person.
Cons :
- They cannot legally do everything around your place unless they carry a contractor’s license.
- Since most handymen work alone, they cannot do the tasks that require some manpower.
- They just might blotch up the work at times.
Related : One on One with your handyman : What would your handyman do around your place.
The Showdown : General Contractor vs. Handyman
Although general contractors most often handle larger jobs and handyman services tackle the small projects, this is a generalization and will not always apply. What should a homeowner do when they are not sure where their project fits? Is it best to call in both types of companies and have them compete for your business?
Large projects that take time, machinery and multiple workers, such as a kitchen remodel or home addition, often require a general contractor’s license. These types of projects often require multiple types of licensing and levels of expertise.
A qualified handyman, though, can often tackle in one visit several smaller projects that don’t require licensing.
The problem with having general contractors and handyman services bid against each other is unfair comparisons. In order to accurately compare the bids, you need to be able to assess the level of service. These two companies are not likely to offer the same types of services, nor will they have the same payment plans and warranties. All of these things bear weight when comparing bids for home renovations.
Your best bet is always word of mouth. Talk to your friends, family members and neighbors. Find out who has had a similar type of work done and ask about their experience. Did they hire a general contractor or opt for handyman services? How did the project progress and what would they have changed about their experience? Learning from the mistakes and successes of others is an easy way to navigate this process.
Do some research of your own as well. Browse through the websites of both handyman companies and general contractors. Look for any information that pertains to your specific project especially pictures, testimonials and pricing details. This should give you direction on which companies handle the type of work you need done and which do not. Dig deeper into each potential contractor before contacting them directly.
It is important for homeowners to understand what differentiates general contractors from handyman services. Although both of these companies are professional contractors with vast experience in home renovations, your project may be best suited for one over the other. Follow the ideal path for your home improvement by learning the specialties of each type of contractor, garnering recommendations from friends and family and doing your own research. This will ensure your project is handled by the company with the best matched skills, talent and expertise.
There are some projects a handyman may not be licensed to do. Specialized trades, such as a plumbing or electrical work, require licensing, so check with your local licensing agency to see if the handyman is properly licensed, should your project require one.
If he or she isn’t licensed, you’ll need to hire a specialized contractor who is. If not, you could be liable financially if damages occur. Or, if you try to sell the home, you could end up paying more to fix the issue so it meets local code requirements.
Plus, it’s especially important to build a relationship with your local handyman. Seniors, single parent families and any others who have neither time nor the inclination to take on home improvement projects will benefit from a trusting and professional relationship with a handyman firm. It helps the contractor to plan their schedules better, knowing there is steady work ahead. And it allows homeowners to rest easier, assured that minor repairs and home maintenance will be well taken care of.
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