When to Hire a General Contractor vs. Handyman
When a homeowner needs repairs, upgrades, or a renovation, one question always comes up:
Should I hire a general contractor or a handyman?
While both professionals offer valuable services, they serve very different roles. Choosing the right one saves you money, prevents safety risks, ensures quality work, and keeps your project compliant with California regulations.
At S-Line Contractors, we help homeowners understand the difference so they can make informed decisions and protect their investment.
What Does a Handyman Do?
A handyman specializes in small repairs, maintenance, and basic home improvement tasks. They typically handle:
- Minor drywall repairs
- Light fixture replacements
- Faucet swaps
- Installing shelves or furniture
- Small patchwork or painting
- Minor carpentry fixes
- Basic home maintenance
Handymen are ideal for quick, simple, low-risk jobs that don’t involve permits, structural work, or major system changes.
What Does a General Contractor Do?
A licensed general contractor manages large, complex, and multi-trade projects. These projects often require:
- Permits
- Structural changes
- Specialized subcontractors
- Project management
- Inspections
- Engineering or architectural plans
- Plumbing, electrical, roofing, or HVAC coordination
General contractors oversee the entire building process, ensuring compliance, safety, and quality.
Projects suited for a general contractor:
- Full home remodels
- Room additions
- Kitchen or bathroom renovations
- ADU construction
- Roofing replacement
- Major electrical or plumbing work
- Structural repairs
- Window and door reframing
- Concrete, foundations, or framing projects
Because these tasks involve risk, city regulations, and multiple trades, a general contractor ensures everything is done legally and safely.
Key Differences Between a Handyman and a General Contractor
1. Licensing Requirements
In California:
- A handyman can only legally handle jobs under $500 total, including labor and materials.
- A general contractor must hold an active CSLB license to perform work above $500 or involving regulated trades.
2. Project Scale
- Handymen = small, quick fixes
- General contractors = large, multi-trade, high-liability projects
3. Safety and Compliance
General contractors handle:
- Permits
- Inspections
- Building codes
- Subcontractor oversight
- Liability and workers’ compensation insurance
Handymen are not qualified for these responsibilities.
4. Legal Protection
Hiring an unlicensed person for a major job can expose homeowners to:
- Fines
- Failed inspections
- Unsafe workmanship
- No insurance coverage in case of injury or damage
Potential lawsuits
A licensed general contractor offers legal and financial protection.
When to Hire a Handyman
A handyman is perfect for:
- Fixing small leaks
- Patch drywall
- Replacing a garbage disposal
- Installing ceiling fans
- Re-caulking windows
- Touch-up painting
- Minor tile repairs
- Basic carpentry tasks
These are usually fast, inexpensive, and do not require permits.
When to Hire a General Contractor
Hire a general contractor when your project involves:
- Multiple trades (electrical, plumbing, roofing)
- Structural changes
- Custom builds
- Permit requirements
- Specialized subcontractors
- Safety risks
- Large budgets
- High-quality finishes and long-term durability
General contractors like S-Line Contractors bring experience, project management, and full responsibility for the outcome.
Why Choosing the Right Professional Matters
Picking the wrong professional can lead to:
- Code violations
- Unsafe installations
- Costly rework
- Insurance claim denials
- Project delays
- Legal issues
Hiring the right expert ensures the job is done the first time.
Final Thoughts
Both handymen and general contractors have important roles—but they’re not interchangeable. Small repairs belong to a handyman. Larger, complex, or regulated projects require a licensed general contractor who can manage safety, compliance, and quality.
At S-Line Contractors, we help homeowners navigate the building process with transparency and professionalism. Whether you’re remodeling a kitchen, planning a major renovation, or building an ADU, our team ensures your project is handled with expertise and integrity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can a handyman legally do major renovations?
No. In California, a handyman can only do work under $500 total and cannot perform permitted or specialized trade work.
When should I choose a general contractor?
Hire a general contractor for any project involving multiple trades, structural changes, permits, safety risks, or work exceeding $500.
Are general contractors required to be licensed?
Yes. California requires general contractors to have an active CSLB license for almost all construction projects.
What happens if I hire an unlicensed person for a big job?
You risk fines, unsafe workmanship, failed inspections, and financial liability if something goes wrong.
Does S-Line Contractors manage permits and inspections?
Absolutely. We handle all permitting, subcontractor coordination, inspections, and compliance throughout the entire project.
Let’s Build Something Together
Ready to elevate your commercial space? Contact S-Line Contractors today to discuss your project and discover how we can bring your vision to life.
