Handyman - Home Improvement For Less

A handyman is qualified to make a number of repairs to the home. The services they provide vary, and while many do not need licensing for the jobs they perform, other more in-depth jobs require licensing. There are a number of services that offer everything from minor repairs to remodeling. Although they often perform minor tasks, their expertise is invaluable.

A handyman is a jack-of-all trades, he can handle small maintenance jobs that a plumber, electrician, or carpenter can handle, but at half the cost. They are good with their hands, and are usually self-taught; they receive their training either through experience in their own home, or by reading home improvement manuals. More complicated jobs involving electrical wiring, or replacing an entire plumbing system should be left up to a licensed professional. Most handymen are hired to perform simple tasks such as assembling furniture, painting, or emptying storm drains. However, they can handle larger, more complicated jobs including replacing roof shingles and installing water pumps in the basement. Since most of their work involves simple household tasks that require no specialized training, they do not need any certification or licensing to call themselves handymen. With no required licensing, they are technically not contractors, although a contractor certainly can perform those jobs

The difference between handymen and home improvement specialists is licensing. Both can operate their own businesses, however, a contractor's license is required to operate as a home improvement specialist. Consequently, it may be a little more expensive to hire a contractor to do the same thing, although licensed professionals will sometimes refuse the smaller work requests. While a handyman can install new shelves or repair drywall, only a contractor or carpenter is licensed to repair a staircase or build an addition to the home. Most full-time handymen are employed by large residential complexes, or apartment buildings. The property managers save money by having a staff of handymen to constantly maintain the premises before more serious issues occur that will require a licensed professional. These types of handymen tend to be more skilled because they can handle more complicated electrical or plumbing jobs. Many part-time handymen can be just as skilled, especially if they are retired licensed professionals looking for a lighter workload. Additionally, there are full-time handymen who work for large companies that will dispatch one out to the home.

For small household repairs, a skilled tradesmen may not be worth the cost Contractors and licensed professionals tend to be more expensive because they have a proven skill set to handle more complicated tasks. A handyman is a good solution because they are a jack-of-all trades, and can handle the small jobs that a tradesmen might refuse. Diligent homeowners can also educate themselves to do some of the jobs that handymen can do. However, for the time-conscious individual with no skill set, a handyman is an affordable and convenient option.