The average cost to hire a handyman ranges from about $40 to $140 per hour. Average project cost ranges between $180 and $700, but the cost per hour and per project depends heavily on the type, size, and complexity of the project. The pro’s experience level and your location also factor into how much a handyman charges per hour or per project. You can also expect to pay higher rates or additional fees for emergency services, or around periods of high customer demand, like holidays. 

Generally, general contractors charge between $50 and $150 hourly, though not every contractor charges by the hour. If charging based on the project, you can expect a markup of 10% to 20% of the construction cost. You can expect to pay between $300 and $500 daily if charged by the day.

General contractors are the ones that coordinate home construction projects. They are in charge of the day-to-day oversight of the subcontractors to ensure that the project is completed on time and to resolve problems as they arise. General contractors:

• Complete pre-construction planning, both with the customer and crew

• Provide realistic cost estimates

• Develop construction timelines

• Ensure deadlines are met

• Acquire permits as needed

• Purchase supplies and materials

While city and state laws vary on general contractor licensing requirements, hiring an unlicensed general contractor could lead to poor quality work, costly future expenses, and potential code violations. Be sure to check our state licensing tool to review the local general contractor guidelines for your area.

As you browse our pro listings, take note of the “Angi Approved” badge. Angi Approved businesses meet our standards for certification which include:

• The owner, principal, or relevant manager passed a criminal background check

• Required to have applicable state and local licenses

• Maintain an average star rating of 3.0 or better on our network, if they have at least one review

• Paying to advertise their services

• Meeting any other eligibility criteria required by Angi

Keep in mind licensing is different from certifications. A license is a legal requirement to operate a business, while certifications are voluntary.

Yes, you should hire a handyman who’s licensed, certified, and insured, if possible. States have different requirements for handyman licensing, registration, and certifications. If licensing is required in your area, you may pay more for a licensed handyman with experience than one who is not licensed or certified, but you’re likely to get a better end result for your project. Be sure to check our state licensing tool to review the local handymen guidelines.