Maintenance and repairs are a part of home ownership in Toronto, which means that so are decisions on whether to do it yourself, hire a handyman, or contract a skilled tradesperson to complete a repair or home improvement project.
In most cases, unless you have formal training in the task at hand, you’re likely better off hiring a professional to preserve and optimize the value of your home, especially if you are planning on selling it at some point.
Considering the amount of time, money and equity invested in your home and how much is at stake in Ontario real estate markets, it only makes sense to protect yourself by doing your research and hiring the best Toronto real estate lawyer, real estate agent, handyman or contractor available in matters regarding your home.
There is a fine line, however, between investing wisely in your home and wasting money unnecessarily. Knowing when to hire a handyman vs a contractor can help you make the right decision.
Hiring a Handyman
A handyman is someone with knowledge, skill and experience in several different trades, such as minor electrical installations, carpentry, plumbing, drywall installation, etc. Generally speaking, they do not hold a current license in a specific trade but have amassed their knowledge and skills through a combination of training and job experience.
For example, many handymen started off working in a trade like auto repair or carpentry, and because they are good with their hands and were required to use several different tools and equipment, over time, their work evolved to include other types of repairs that are commonly needed around the home.
Because of this, many handymen have one or more specialties and highlight them on their websites and marketing materials.
A handyman’s rates are less than those of a contractor because they have less overhead, usually work by themselves and don’t do major construction or renovation projects. Common handyman jobs can include:
- Pressure washing and sealing of a deck or driveway.
- Cleaning eaves troughs.
- Fence repair.
- Fixing appliances.
- Minor HVAC repairs like mending ductwork.
- Painting and wallpapering.
- Minor plumbing repairs such as replacing faucets or toilet components.
- Repairing or patching drywall.
- Fixing and cleaning tiles.
- Hanging pictures, blinds and curtains.
In other words, a handyman should be able to handle small-to-medium size tasks. However, knowing the difference between a relatively complex project that the right handyman can handle and one that is better left to a contractor isn’t always clear-cut. To help you decide, ask yourself the following questions:
- Is this a job that is commonly considered a DIY task that you simply don’t have the time, skill or experience to do yourself?
- Can this task be completed in a day?
- Are the prices I find online for this type of work under $1,000?
- Is this a one- or two-person job?
If the answer is ‘yes’ to all of the questions above, you can feel confident hiring a handyman. On the other hand, if the answer is ‘no’ to any of them, or the project requires a building permit or an inspection, you’re likely to need a contractor to complete it.
When You Need a Contractor
Skilled-trade and general contractors have usually received formal training in a community college or trade school, were required to complete an apprenticeship, and many hold licenses or certifications as well. Some, like plumbers, HVAC technicians and electricians, are required by law to be licensed because of the complexity and safety risks involved in the work they do, and to ensure that consumers are protected.
General contractors usually oversee major projects that require several workers, like re-shingling a roof, and larger projects that require two or more skilled trades people to be sub-contracted, like kitchen and bathroom remodels.
Aside from those mentioned above, contractors can also include:
- Framers, carpenters, cabinet makers
- Excavators
- Concrete and cement workers
- Home builders
Before hiring a contractor, visit this Government of Ontario website to learn about your rights and protections regarding a home renovation contract.