Many contractors prefer checks because they’re easy to track and have no associated fees. However, many also accept credit cards (though they might add a fee to cover their processing costs).

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.

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.

If a contractor is in breach of your contract, sometimes it is possible to collect damages for unreasonable delays. However, such claims can be expensive and difficult to prove. If there’s a way to complete the work and maybe negotiate for a discount for some of the inconvenience, that might be a simpler and cheaper way to resolve any disputes.