Handyman vs General Contractor: Who to Call for What

Should You Call a Handyman or a General Contractor?

The short answer: call a handyman for repairs, maintenance, and small improvements. Call a general contractor for large projects that require permits, structural work, or coordination of multiple licensed trades. Understanding where the line falls saves you money on small jobs and protects you on big ones. Here's a clear breakdown.

What Does a Handyman Handle?

A handyman is your go-to for the repairs and maintenance tasks that keep a home running smoothly. In Florida, handyman work falls under a legal exemption for minor work that doesn't require a building permit and stays under $2,500 per job. This includes a wide range of practical tasks:

Repairs and Maintenance

• Drywall patching and repair
• Interior and exterior painting
• Door adjustments, hardware, and trim work
• Faucet and toilet repairs
• Outlet and switch replacement
• Ceiling fan and light fixture installation
• Caulking and weatherstripping
• Fence repairs

Small Improvements

• TV mounting
• Shelf and storage installation
• Smart home device installation
• Cabinet hardware updates
• Furniture assembly
• Pressure washing

Why a Handyman Makes Sense for These Tasks

Calling a general contractor for a dripping faucet is like hiring a catering company to make a sandwich. You'll get the sandwich, but you'll pay for a kitchen staff, event coordinator, and delivery truck along the way. A handyman handles these tasks efficiently and affordably because that's exactly what they're built to do.

What Does a General Contractor Handle?

A general contractor (GC) is licensed by the state to manage larger construction and renovation projects. They pull permits, coordinate subcontractors (plumbers, electricians, roofers), and take legal responsibility for the project's compliance with building codes.

Projects That Need a GC

• Kitchen and bathroom renovations (structural, plumbing, electrical)
• Room additions or conversions
• Structural modifications (removing or adding walls)
• Roofing replacement
• Window and door replacements affecting the building envelope
• New plumbing or electrical runs
• Any project requiring a building permit
• Projects exceeding $2,500

Why a GC Makes Sense for These Tasks

Large projects need licensed oversight, permit management, code compliance, inspections, and coordination of multiple specialized trades. A GC provides the legal framework and project management these jobs require. The higher cost reflects the complexity, risk, and regulatory responsibility involved.

Where's the Line Between the Two?

The line is actually pretty clear in most cases:

Task	Who to Call
Patch a drywall hole	Handyman
Remove a wall between rooms	General Contractor
Replace a faucet	Handyman
Replumb a bathroom	Licensed Plumber / GC
Replace an outlet	Handyman
Add new circuits	Licensed Electrician
Paint the interior	Handyman
Renovate the kitchen	General Contractor
Fix a fence panel	Handyman
Build a new fence	Fence Contractor (may need permit)
Install a smart thermostat	Handyman
Replace the HVAC system	Licensed HVAC Contractor

Can the Two Work Together?

Yes — and smart homeowners use both. A GC handles the major renovation, and a handyman handles the punch list, touch-ups, and maintenance tasks that follow. Many homeowners also use a handyman for cosmetic updates (paint, hardware, fixtures) to refresh a space without the cost and disruption of a full renovation.

The Cost Difference

For tasks within handyman scope, the cost difference is significant:

• Handyman: $50-$85/hour or per-task pricing, no permit fees, no overhead from subcontractor management
• General Contractor: $75-$150/hour plus project management fees, permit costs, and subcontractor markups

For a punch list of 10 small items, a handyman visit might run $400 to $700. The same list through a GC could run $1,000 to $1,500 — because their cost structure is built for larger projects.

Need help figuring out who to call for your project? Contact Best Bay Services — we'll tell you honestly if it's a handyman job or if you need a licensed contractor. No ego, just the right answer.