Who’s Better for Routine Home Maintenance? Just a Handyman or a General Contractor?

Choosing the right professional to get the job done can be a challenging task when it comes to maintaining your home. Whether you have a leaking faucet in your kitchen or a to-do list of tasks you just can’t get to, the question arises: Should you hire for a routine home maintenance handyman or contractor? This is a very common issue for homeowners, and in Illinois, you face this choice as well. Our opinion on the matter is simple, and it forms the foundation of the FixHome+ service model. However, to clear up any doubts and make the decision-making process easier, we’ve prepared this guide.

Is it really worth hiring a general contractor for those small, pesky maintenance tasks, or is a skilled handyman the unsung hero you're looking for?

Home maintenance is actually more than just routine work. The value of real estate doesn’t drop over the years, so keeping your home in good condition is about its future worth. But when it comes to choosing between hiring a handyman or a contractor, the waters can get muddy.

This decision can affect not just your wallet but also your peace of mind. By understanding the different roles of these professionals, you can make an informed choice that saves both time and money. In this article, we’ll discuss why hiring a handyman is often the better choice for regular maintenance and minor repairs.

Routine maintenance is the unsung hero of homeownership, quietly working to preserve and even boost property value. It’s like the oil in your car’s engine—without it, you’re headed for trouble. Regular upkeep not only prevents costly repairs down the line but also keeps your home looking its best, which is crucial if you ever decide to sell.

In the overall context of home maintenance, handymen and contractors each have distinct roles to play. Consider handymen to be multi-talented. They are capable of effectively handling a wide range of minor jobs, such as painting touch-ups and repairing dripping faucets. They are the home repair equivalent of a Swiss Army knife. Conversely, general contractors are more akin to the conductors of an orchestra in the context of large-scale projects. On large projects like additions or remodels, they oversee teams, plan intricate tasks, and make sure everything goes without a hitch. The key to choosing the best professional for your needs is understanding how these professionals differ from one another.

Handymen possess a broad range of skills, enabling them to handle minor repairs with ease. As professionals, they solve numerous problems quickly and effectively. Contractors, however, have a different set of responsibilities, and in some cases, speed is not their strong suit. Their expertise lies in managing large construction projects, ensuring compliance with building codes and regulations, and addressing complex challenges related to major work. While their services come at a higher cost, they are invaluable when it comes to significant home improvements.

A handyman is your go-to person for a variety of minor repairs and installations around the house. They're skilled in a bit of everything, making them perfect for those everyday tasks that require a little more than just a screwdriver. Whether it's fixing a broken door hinge or installing new blinds, or performing minor plumbing repairs, a handyman provides flexible and affordable services tailored to your needs. They offer personalized attention to the small details that make a big difference in your home.

Handyman services are all about convenience and efficiency. These professionals often operate with lower overhead—a savings they can pass on to you. Plus, in case the personalization of services you receive from a handyman, they get to know your home intimately over time. This familiarity can lead to quicker diagnoses and faster solutions, saving you both time and hassle.

General contractors are the maestros of large-scale construction and home renovation projects. They are well-versed in building codes, hire specialized subcontractors, and ensure the work is carried out safely and efficiently. When you are dealing with something as complex as a home addition, major renovation, or home remodeling project, a contractor's expertise becomes essential.

If briefly, contractors bring immense value to large projects. But their expertise comes at a higher cost, of course. Their services are best suited for comprehensive renovations where detailed coordination and compliance with regulations are critically important. If your home improvement project involves significant structural changes or requires precise planning, a general contractor is the number one choice for your property.

Separately, let's look at companies that primarily specialize in large projects and also offer handyman services. At first glance, this seems like bingo. However, there are nuances. For solving everyday tasks and small fixes, they often use the same staff. These employees are qualified for large-scale renovations and come with a corresponding price tag. Add to this the time it takes to resolve tasks, which is built into the working mechanics of general contractors, and it becomes clear that this is not a very good idea. Quick and cheap solutions, as you would get with just a handyman, are not possible here.

Regular home maintenance involves a wide range of tasks, though not everyone may realize it. These cyclical tasks ensure your home operates smoothly. From fixing minor leaks to keeping your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system in proper condition, all these small tasks are essential for maintaining comfort in your home. It’s important to understand which tasks are perfect for a handyman and which require a contractor’s expertise.

Handymen are the professionals you want on your side for routine home maintenance duties. Fixing leaky faucets and other small plumbing repairs is their specialty. A handyman can install shelves, assemble furniture, and change lightbulbs. They are also skilled at minor wall repairs and paint touch-ups, so your house will look its best without going over budget. Additionally, handymen are excellent at preventative maintenance. They can save you time and money by identifying possible problems before they become serious ones. Because of their adaptability, they can take care of several jobs in a single visit, which makes them an affordable option for homeowners trying to maintain order.

On the other hand, some jobs simply demand the expertise of a general contractor. For instance, home additions, which we’ve already mentioned, require complex planning, permits, and a skilled workforce. Major electrical rewiring is another area where contractor oversight is significant. Beyond the major structural changes, these tasks call for a licensed professional.

Large-scale kitchen or bathroom remodels are also better entrusted to contractors. These projects often involve plumbing, electrical work, and structural modifications, all of which necessitate supervision and the expertise of an experienced professional. While these services come with a higher price tag, it’s worth noting that it’s like hiring a specialist who knows exactly where to place the chalk mark.

Understanding costs is just as crucial when evaluating home maintenance options as being aware of the extent of the work. You can make a wise financial choice by contrasting handyman prices with contractor bids.

Handymen typically offer lower hourly rates compared to contractors, making them an attractive option for small to medium tasks. FixHome+ sweetens the deal with a subscription model that offers competitive pricing, providing ongoing maintenance at predictable costs. This approach not only saves money but also ensures that your home receives regular attention from a professional familiar with its quirks.

With a handyman, you can rest easy knowing that routine tasks are handled efficiently and affordably. The subscription model offered by FixHome+ adds another layer of convenience, allowing you to budget effectively for your home’s ongoing maintenance needs.

For large projects, however, general contractors offer comprehensive bids. Because of the complexity of the work and the requirement for specialized skills, their overhead costs are higher. As the project develops, contractors frequently demand an upfront payment and afterwards installments. While their services are best suited for large-scale renovations, the financial commitment can be significant.

Frankly, if you are a homeowner embarking on a large project, these costs are justified by the scope of work provided by the contractor. However, for routine repairs or smaller tasks, the price quote is often heavily weighted in favor of a skilled handyman.

When something in your home breaks down, it’s very convenient to know how much time it will take to fix it. Access to professional help without the need for estimates or lengthy explanations over the phone is important for homeowners.

Handymen can quickly carry out necessary repairs. Their ability to address problems promptly helps prevent minor issues from escalating into more serious ones. FixHome+ offers a convenient way to interact through its app. If you encounter a problem at home, you just need to take a photo of it and book a handyman visit through FixHome+. The app allows you to choose a handy hour and date, making it easy to plan your time.

The quality and effectiveness of a professional's work can be greatly impacted by the tools and resources they bring to the table.

A handyman's toolkit is a veritable gold mine of adaptability. Handymen can complete several projects in a single visit because they are prepared to handle a variety of tasks. Their equipment and expertise are ideal for minor fixes and installations, ranging from electrical work to woodworking. FixHome+ handymen ensure your home gets the care it needs by being ready for a variety of maintenance tasks.

Because of their adaptability, handymen are a great resource for homeowners who want to keep up their property without hiring professionals.

In contrast, contractors have access to the large equipment and specialized tools required for major building projects. Suppliers and subcontractors in their network are essential to the completion of challenging projects. For large-scale renovations, where accuracy and experience are crucial, these resources are indispensable.

The resources and network of a contractor serve as the cornerstone for the successful completion of projects that call for a great deal of planning and coordination.

Understanding how handymen and contractors work in real-world situations will help you make an informed decision.

Handymen install cabinet and door hardware and swap out outdated lighting fixtures. They are punctual and efficient. Although precision is crucial, advanced knowledge is not necessary for this.

It's an easy process. They start by taking out any outdated hardware or light fixtures. They then get new replacement parts ready. After that, they install them while keeping aesthetics and convenience in mind. This enables you to make your house both aesthetically pleasing and functional without breaking the bank.

Another task for the handyman is seasonal maintenance. Gutter cleaning, for instance, can stop flooding. Examining the exterior of the house and the roof are also crucial. Maintaining your home on a regular basis will help keep it organized and weatherproof.

You should typically contact a licensed contractor if you need to replace the pipes beneath your kitchen floor. This kind of work entails taking out the flooring, changing the plumbing, and following local building codes, in contrast to straightforward surface repairs. Contractors can complete the task safely and effectively because they have the necessary permits, expertise, and equipment.

It takes more than just carpentry to build a new deck. Planning, leveling the ground, and occasionally even obtaining city permits are all part of it. Everything is done by specialized contractors, including the design and execution. Hiring them is the best option for a project like this because they are aware of the best materials to ensure that the structure is sturdy and long-lasting.

To choose the right professional, it is important to consider the task, budget, and desired quality of work.

First, determine how complex the task is. For simple tasks such as minor repairs, a handyman will be suitable. For larger projects, it is better to invite an experienced contractor. Understanding the scope of the work will help you find the right specialist.

Consider how much you are willing to spend, and compare it with the price of the services. Consider how much time it will take to complete the work. It is important to find a balance between cost, time, and quality. Handymen often offer inexpensive and quick solutions for household tasks.

Before hiring a specialist, be clear about what exactly needs to be done. Find out the price of services and compare it with your budget. Check the specialist’s experience to avoid unpleasant surprises. Study reviews to learn about their reliability.

Check to see if the professional has the necessary licenses and insurance to avoid any risks. Ask for references to assess the quality of their work. This will help avoid future problems and provide you with peace of mind.

Choosing between a handyman and a contractor depends on your specific needs and the task at hand. Professional handyman offers flexibility and affordability for everyday tasks, while contractors provide the expertise required for complex projects. FixHome+ makes finding a handyman easy and trustworthy, with a subscription plan that keeps your home in top shape without costing a fortune.

Evaluating your home maintenance needs is the first step toward selecting the right professional. Consider the benefits of a subscription-based handyman service like FixHome+ for a seamless solution through the app-based model. By opting for a skilled handyman, you ensure hassle-free upkeep, allowing you to focus on what truly matters.

In the end, the choice is yours. Whether you’re dealing with a small repair or a major renovation, selecting the right professional can make all the difference. So, are you ready to embrace the convenience and expertise a professional handyman can bring to your home?

What factors do you consider most important when deciding between a handyman and a contractor for your home maintenance needs?