ServiCover📌 Key Takeaway: Handymen are ideal for small repairs and installs. Larger projects, structural work and licensed trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, gas) generally require a licensed contractor — and many states require a contractor license once a job passes a set dollar threshold.
Quick Comparison
| Factor | Handyman | General / Trade Contractor |
|---|---|---|
| Typical projects | Repairs, installs, small fixes | Remodels, additions, trade work |
| Licensing | Varies; often limited scope | State or local license required |
| Permits | Rarely pulls permits | Pulls and manages permits |
| Pricing | Hourly or flat per task | Bid per project, often with deposits |
| Subcontractors | Usually works solo | Coordinates multiple trades |
Good Handyman Jobs
- Mounting TVs, shelves, mirrors and curtain rods
- Patching drywall and touch-up painting
- Replacing a faucet or toilet flapper on existing plumbing
- Adjusting sticking doors and replacing hardware
- Caulking, weatherstripping and minor carpentry
Call a Licensed Pro For
- New electrical circuits, panel work or EV chargers — see Electrical
- Water heaters, repiping and sewer lines — see Plumbing
- Furnaces, AC and heat pumps — see HVAC
- Roof replacement — see Roofing
- Removing walls, structural changes or additions
The Dollar Threshold Rule
Many states cap the size of jobs an unlicensed handyman can take on, with limits commonly falling between $500 and $10,000 in total job value. Check your state contractor board before hiring for a larger project — work done outside those limits can leave you with little recourse if something goes wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a handyman do small electrical or plumbing jobs?
Some states allow like-for-like replacements, such as swapping a light fixture or faucet. New circuits, gas work and anything requiring a permit usually need a licensed trade.
Is a contractor always more expensive?
Hourly rates are often higher, but for large jobs a contractor's efficiency, permits and warranties can make them the better value.
🔎 How we research: The ServiCover Editorial Team compiles prices and guidance from published 2026 cost guides, manufacturer information and industry sources. Prices are national ranges and vary by location, home and provider, so always compare written quotes. We don't perform the work ourselves, and we may earn a commission when you request quotes through our partners — see our Advertiser Disclosure.