General Contractor vs. Handyman: Which Do You Need?

The answer to this question changes the cost, timeline, and complexity of getting home repair work done. Here's how to tell which you need.

What a General Contractor Does

A general contractor (GC) manages construction and significant renovation projects. They: - Take overall responsibility for the project - Pull permits - Hire and manage subcontractors (electricians, plumbers, framers) - Ensure work meets building codes and passes inspection - Hold a B or B-2 license from the CSLB

General contractors make sense when the project: - Involves multiple trades (electrical + plumbing + carpentry together) - Requires permits - Has a budget over $5,000-$10,000 - Involves structural changes (moving walls, adding rooms) - Requires code compliance inspections

Examples where you need a GC: - Kitchen remodel - Bathroom addition - Home addition - ADU construction - Roof + structural repair after water damage

What a Handyman Does

A handyman performs maintenance and repair tasks that don't require a licensed specialty trade or a general contractor. They: - Work independently on discrete tasks - Usually do not pull permits (and shouldn't take jobs requiring them without a license) - Charge by the hour or flat rate per task - Are not licensed for specific trades (unless they hold separate licenses) - Are the right choice for the long list of smaller jobs that accumulate

Examples where a handyman is the right choice: - Dripping faucets (not requiring plumbing permit) - Drywall patches - Door and window adjustments - Painting (small scale) - Furniture assembly - Shelf installation - Caulking - Light fixture swaps on existing circuits - Deck rail tightening

The Gray Zone

Some jobs fall between handyman and GC territory:

A bathroom renovation that keeps all fixtures in place: A handyman can handle tile replacement, fixture swaps, and caulking. No permits needed if pipes and wiring aren't moved.

A bathroom renovation that moves plumbing: Needs a licensed plumber for the plumbing portion plus potentially a permit. The GC manages this.

Electrical work: Confirm local permit rules and use a properly licensed C-10 electrical contractor whenever California licensing rules apply. Do not assume a fixture or outlet swap is automatically within an unlicensed handyman's scope.

Small deck repair: Handyman. New deck construction = usually needs a GC for permits.

The trigger for needing a GC (rather than a handyman + individual trade contractors) is usually when you have multiple trades working at once, need permits pulled, or need someone to coordinate sequencing (you don't want the painter working before the electrician finishes).

Cost Comparison

Handyman: - $60-$150 per hour - Minimum call $75-$150 - No project management fee

General Contractor: - Typically charges 10-20% of project cost as GC fee - For a $30,000 kitchen remodel, that's $3,000-$6,000 in GC fees on top of trade costs - Manages permits, scheduling, subcontractors - justifiable for complex projects

For a $500 job, a handyman at $100/hr is the right tool. For a $30,000 project with 5 trades, a GC earns their 15%.

When You Think You Need a GC but Actually Need a Handyman

Homeowners sometimes over-spec their project. If you want: - A single bathroom refreshed (new fixtures, new tile, new vanity - no moving plumbing or walls): A handyman + licensed plumber for supply line work covers this. No GC needed. - One room repainted and the floors refinished: Two separate contractors or a handyman. No GC. - Several small repairs done quickly: Handyman.

The test: Are multiple licensed trade contractors working simultaneously and needing to coordinate? Do you need someone to manage a permit inspection process? If yes, GC. If no, you might be adding unnecessary cost.

How to Hire Each

Handyman: Look for verified reviews, confirm they're insured for general liability, verify any specific license required for the type of work (including work for which California requires a trade license).

General Contractor: Verify B or B-2 license at cslb.ca.gov. Check references from similar projects. Get itemized contract including all subcontractors and payment milestones.

Bottom Line

Use a handyman only for repair and maintenance tasks that do not require a permit or a licensed trade, and confirm current CSLB rules for the total scope. Use a general contractor for multi-trade projects, new construction, and anything requiring permits and code inspections.

Sources and editorial notes

Prices and permit requirements vary by location, property, equipment, and scope. Treat price ranges as planning estimates and confirm current requirements with the relevant authority and contractor.

• California Contractors State License Board - when a contractor license is required
• US Consumer Product Safety Commission - home safety

Related guides

• Building Permits in California: When You Need One for Home Repairs
• What California's Building Codes Actually Require for Home Renovations
• How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Handyman in 2026?

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