Question 1

What are two advantages of hiring the handyman as a contractor?

Accepted Answer

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There are a few advantages to hiring a handyperson as a contractor, namely that they will likely charge less for their services since they don’t have as much overhead. A handyperson might also have more flexibility and be more involved in your specific home project, so you can communicate with one person instead of a subcontractor team.

Question 2

How do I ensure a handyman matches my home’s style during repairs?

Accepted Answer

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Discuss design preferences and material choices before work begins for cohesive results.

Question 3

Who installs or moves washer and dryer hookups?

Accepted Answer

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To install or move washer and dryer hookups, you will likely need a combination of professionals. A plumber can handle the water supply lines and drain pipes. If you have a gas dryer, a plumber certified for gas lines or an HVAC specialist will be needed to run the gas line. An electrician is required to install the correct electrical outlets. For simpler jobs, a local handyperson may suffice, while a contractor might be needed for tasks like drywall repair for the new vents.

Question 4

Does a handyperson need to be insured?

Accepted Answer

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While handypeople do not need to be licensed in many places, you should only hire insured pros for any home improvement work. Your handyperson should have active liability coverage that protects them and you in the case of an error or accident. Furthermore, if they have employees on your property, they should also have workers’ compensation insurance. If you hire an individual or a company that is not insured and they damage your property, have an accident while on the job, or become injured on your property without insurance, you can be held financially liable.

Question 5

Do handypeople need to be licensed?

Accepted Answer

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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.