Handyman vs. general contractor: which one do you actually need?

Homeowners often assume they need a general contractor for anything bigger than hanging a shelf. Most of the time, they don't. Understanding the difference will save you money and time.

What a handyman does

Repairs, installations, small remodels, and multi-trade work that doesn't require permits or structural changes. Think: bathroom refresh, deck repair, drywall and paint, cabinet install, trim work, fixture swaps. A good handyman can handle 80% of the work on a typical house.

What a general contractor does

Manages large, permitted projects with multiple licensed subcontractors — additions, structural changes, gut renovations, new construction. They handle permits, inspections, and coordinating trades. You pay a premium for that management.

The gray area

Kitchen remodels, bathroom gut jobs, and large deck rebuilds sit in the middle. Ask two questions: does it need a permit, and does it involve moving walls, plumbing stacks, or electrical panels? If yes to either, you probably want a GC. If no, a handyman is usually the better call — faster, cheaper, and less overhead.

The honest test

If you can describe the project in one sentence and know what "done" looks like, a handyman is fine. If it needs a designer, an architect, or a permit set of drawings, you want a general contractor.