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What is the difference between a Handyman vs. Contractor?


Generally speaking, a handyman is not required to have a Contractor's license but can only work on small repair jobs that do not cost over $500. However, in California, any handyman repair or handyman maintenance contracting job that costs more than $500 requires a California Contractor License. In other words, it is mandatory by law that a licensed California contractor do the work on any job costing more than $500.

Even for small handyman maintenance or handyman repair jobs, it's still best to choose a licensed contractor. Since unlicensed handymen do not have compliance with state and federal laws, they often bid low - which might sound good in the short run but could prove to be very expensive and troublesome for you in the future. Not only do you put yourself at risk for inferior work, but they can, and often do, skip town or don't come back if something goes wrong. You may end up having uncompleted repairs or shoddy workmanship, and having to pay fines and unpaid bills to suppliers, wages for employees working under the unlicensed person, and extra fees to a licensed contractor to get the job completed.

Using unlicensed handymen could also lead to insurance problems. Most unlicensed handymen do not have commercial general liability insurance or workers' compensation insurance. If anything were to happen to one of their workers on your property or their equipment, you could end up with the bill, or worse, get sued for damages and injuries suffered by third parties. Additionally, unlicensed handymen are not bonded. Therefore, if the project stalls or goes uncompleted, you have no recourse in getting all or portions of your money back.

These headaches can be avoided by simply selecting a licensed contractor to handle your projects, maintenance and repair jobs. Never be enticed to go with handymen, who claim they can do the work, solely on the basis of low cost, because this could end up costing you much more in the long run. Only select a contractor who has an active license, current references, bonding, general liability insurance, and workers' compensation insurance in place, as well as a workmanship guarantee.