Get matched with top handymen in Cedar Ridge, CA

A contractor specializes in a specific field. They often operate in teams where they have subcontractors to handle specialized problems. So if you have significant plumbing, drywall, or roofing issues, you’ll want to hire a contractor, as the job may require a team.

A handyperson is typically one person who works on whatever jobs come their way. You wouldn’t call a contractor to fix the hinges on cabinets or paint your room. Instead, a handyperson can handle all these issues, saving you from making multiple phone calls.

In most states, handypeople do not need to be licensed to perform simple home repair tasks and smaller jobs. When projects exceed specific cost amounts, however, ranging from $500 in California to $50,000 in other states, some municipalities consider them to be contractors, meaning they need to be licensed. To learn if your handyperson should be licensed to work on your job, contact your local governing body or state contractors’ licensing board before starting any work.

The appeal of hiring a handyperson is two-fold: first, they usually cost less than hiring certified experts, and second, they complete a massive variety of projects, ranging from installing light fixtures and fixing plumbing leaks to refinishing wood floors and replacing doors in your home. Provided the job doesn’t require a specific license to complete—like a plumber’s license or electrician’s license—a handyperson will likely be able to tackle the work. Handypeople have a broad range of home improvement experience, so professionals can usually handle any project in your home that doesn’t need to be done by a licensed tradesperson.

The average handyperson charges $50 to $150 per hour. The exact amount varies based on several factors, including where you live, the difficulty of the job, and the handyperson’s level of experience. Other factors like the cost of travel, permits, and materials might come into play, too. Customers should also anticipate a minimum flat rate of around two hours of work for a handyperson to agree to a job.