Handyman vs. General Contractor in Florida: Know Who to Call for Home Projects!

Handyman vs. General Contractor: What’s the Difference?

Think of a handyman as a versatile helper for everyday fixes around the house. They can handle small, non-structural jobs without a license. A General Contractor, however, is a licensed pro with the skills to tackle larger, more complex projects, especially those that require permits. The line between them can blur sometimes, so always check with your local regulations and make sure any handyman you hire has insurance.

Tasks a Handyman Can Handle

For smaller, quick fixes, a handyman is perfect. Here are some common tasks they can handle without needing a permit.

1. Painting and Decorating

• What They Do: Painting walls, touching up scuffs, or even adding wallpaper.
• When to Call: A handyman can refresh your walls and even paint the exterior of a one-story home. For multi-story exteriors, you may need a pro.

2. Minor Repairs and Touch-Ups

• Examples: Fixing leaky faucets, patching small drywall holes, or replacing a few cracked tiles.
• When to Call: For quick repairs, a handyman is your go-to. But if it involves moving pipes or structural adjustments, it’s a GC job.

3. Basic Carpentry

• What They Do: Installing shelves, putting up curtain rods, and replacing baseboards.
• When to Call: A handyman can help with minor carpentry jobs. But if it involves walls or structural changes, a GC is a safer bet.

4. Landscaping and Yard Work

• Examples: Trimming bushes, mowing, or cleaning up the yard.
• When to Call: Routine yard care is a handyman task. For building a deck or patio, a GC should handle it.

5. Routine Maintenance

• What They Do: Changing filters, replacing light bulbs, cleaning gutters, and more.
• When to Call: For general maintenance, a handyman is perfect. But repairs on electrical, plumbing, or HVAC systems need licensed pros.

6. Light Fixture and Appliance Installations

• Examples: Installing plug-in ceiling fans, blinds, and assembling furniture.
• When to Call: A handyman can handle most light installation tasks that don’t need wiring or major adjustments.

Jobs That Need a General Contractor (GC)

A General Contractor is essential for large projects, especially those involving permits, structural changes, or specialized work like plumbing and electrical.

1. Structural Changes

• Examples: Removing walls, building additions, or converting garages.
• When to Call: Any structural work that changes the layout or stability of a home is GC territory.

2. Electrical Work

• What They Do: Wiring new outlets, replacing circuit breakers, or complex lighting installs.
• When to Call: Electrical work needs a licensed GC (or electrician) for safety and compliance.

3. Plumbing Work

• Examples: Installing water heaters, moving sinks, or adding plumbing.
• When to Call: For anything beyond basic leak fixes, call a GC or licensed plumber.

4. HVAC Installation and Repairs

• Examples: Installing AC units or replacing central heating systems.
• When to Call: HVAC work requires a specialist, especially given Florida’s heat.

5. Roofing Repairs

• What They Do: Replacing shingles, repairing major leaks, or installing new roofing.
• When to Call: Roofing work involving structural elements or code compliance calls for a GC.

6. Large Remodeling Projects

• Examples: Full kitchen remodels, bathroom upgrades, or whole-home renovations.
• When to Call: Complex remodels involving plumbing, electrical, and layout changes need a GC.

7. Permitted Work

• What They Do: Any project requiring a city or county permit, like structural changes, new windows, or door installations.
• When to Call: If it needs a permit, go with a GC. They’ll handle everything according to Florida’s codes.

Specific Flooring and Porch Examples

Flooring and porch work often blur the handyman-GC line, so here’s a quick guide.

Installing Laminate Flooring

• Handyman: A simple laminate install on a stable subfloor is fine for a handyman.
• GC: Subfloor repairs, leveling, or major adjustments require a GC.

Installing Tile Flooring

• Handyman: For small tile jobs or quick repairs, call a handyman.
• GC: For larger installations, especially in wet areas like bathrooms, a GC ensures waterproofing and code compliance.

Fixing Up the Porch

• Handyman: Minor porch repairs like painting, fixing broken boards, or replacing screens.
• GC: Structural repairs, expansions, or adding roofs over porches need a GC.

Quick Reference for Common Repairs

Key Takeaway: Do Your Research!

The line between handyman and GC jobs can blur, especially with flooring, porches, and other seemingly simple projects. Always check if the handyman has insurance, and when in doubt, do a bit of research to ensure they’re qualified for the task. Calling the right person helps avoid costly mistakes – and it’s easier than fixing a DIY disaster later.

Ready for a Project? Contact Your PM Team!

For any project, big or small, your project management team is here to help! They’ll connect you with the right pros, keep the details organized, and make sure everything’s done right. Contact PM today and make your next project hassle-free! graystoneig.com/PM