Working at heights

Any time you get out the old ladder, you are assuming the risk. You know, because of the pit you get in your stomach every time you get it out of the garage. You take those first few steps warily, wondering if it’s still safe. It worked for your grandfather and his before him, but maybe this time it comes out from under you. Your handyman not only has a ladder that he is comfortable on, uses, and inspects regularly, but he also has insurance to cover your property and himself in the case of an accident.

Changing out a faucet

All of the YouTube “experts” will tell you that this is an easy job that you can do yourself, and if you follow the instructions closely, you likely can. The issue is that if you miss a step, forget to put plumbers tape or put plumbers tape in the wrong spot, and you can have a leak. These leaks can hide in your cabinets undetected and cause more significant issues. If your faucet is leaking or you are tired of looking at it, let your handyman take care of it.

Changing out a fixture

This one is similar to the faucet above, and the process is pretty simple. As we have heard said it’s just “red to red, black to black, and green is ground.” While this is generally true, it gets more complicated when there are multiple switches involved, and you’re not sure if the power is off or you are on that old ladder again. A shock is not likely to kill you, but it does not feel good, and the startle and reflex it causes can be very dangerous. If you’ve got a light fixture that needs an update, is noisy, or you’re just tired of it, let us know, and we will be glad to take care of it for you.

Hanging Window Treatments

Hanging blinds, curtains, and shades is something that all of us have done. Look around your windows in your home and take note of the extra sets of holes from old treatments or screws that just didn’t hold for the long haul. Are you happy with how level they are and where you placed them on the window? A professional handyman can take care of this for you and make sure it is right the first time. Many handymen don’t want to mess with this small job, but the right one will be glad to help.

Assembling Furniture

Have you ever bought a fantastic piece of furniture, got it home, and never got around to putting it together? Maybe you opened the package, looked at the directions, and said you would do it later. The engineers who design these pieces are concerned about many things, but it seems that being able to put them together easily is not one of them. Your handyman would be glad to help with these items, and we can decipher even the worst set of directions.

The Handyman on Purpose team is here to help you check items off your to-do list! No job is too small for us to tackle, so contact us today.

Via: www.handymanonpurpose.com

Both professionals are skilled in their own right, but understanding their roles and capabilities can help you make the right choice for your specific needs. 

Read on to learn if you should hire a handyman or a plumber for your project.

How are handymen and plumbers different?

Before deciding if to hire a handyman or a plumber, you need to understand the difference between the two.

A qualified handyman is a versatile jack-of-all-trades. These professionals are skilled and experienced in a wide range of home maintenance, improvement, and repair projects. In Indiana, there are no licensing requirements for handymen or general contractors, but many are experienced in these types of jobs and are bonded and fully insured.

A plumber is a specialized professional who deals primarily with everything related to your home’s water supply and drainage systems. They have in-depth knowledge of plumbing systems and are licensed to perform more complex tasks.

Who should you hire for your project?

Due to their differing skill sets, handymen and plumbers are best suited for different projects. 

Handymen are perfect for smaller projects and general maintenance tasks— including appliance and fixture repairs and installation. They can also handle minor plumbing issues like fixing a dripping faucet. Oftentimes, hiring a handyman is a more affordable and faster option when compared to plumbers—making them ideal for these smaller plumbing jobs. 

Plumbers’ licensing and specific experience allow them to handle bigger plumbing projects. They are the best professionals for complex plumbing-related issues that involve your home’s water supply and drainage systems such as pipe leaks, sewer problems, or water heater repairs.

When it comes time to hire a handyman or a plumber, understanding their areas of expertise can help you make an informed decision. By choosing the right professional for the job, you can ensure that your home is in good hands and that your projects are completed efficiently and effectively.

Home Care & Repair’s professional handyman services keep you in control of your small home improvements and repair projects and provide a worry-free experience when it comes to quality workmanship, fair pricing, and your safety. To learn more, please visit our website or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Via: www.homecareandrepair.com

Home elevators come in many forms, including wheelchair lifts, pneumatic elevators, and vertical platforms. This guide will explore the factors that impact home elevator installation costs and connect you with home remodeling services in your area.

Average Home Elevator Cost Ranges in 2024

Home elevator installation projects can have drastically different prices depending on factors such as complexity and location. For instance, the average cost to build an elevator in Los Angeles County, California, is around $1.1 million, compared to the average price of $4,285 in Fulton County, Georgia.

The type of elevator also greatly influences the total price of a project:

Factors That Affect Home Elevator Costs

The type of elevator you choose, permitting fees, insurance premiums, and other variables affect the cost of your project. Learn which details impact home elevator installation costs to streamline the remodeling process.

Type of elevator

Different elevators require unique materials and components that can impact their installation costs. For example, cable-driven elevators are relatively simple and less expensive, while pneumatic elevators are generally more complex and costly.

Some of the most common types of home elevators include:

• Outdoor elevator: These elevators are installed outside a property and are common for homes where indoor space is limited. Outdoor elevators average around $6,000 and are best for those looking for more affordable options since they’re on the lower end of the price scale.  
• Vertical platform lift: Vertical platform elevators can be installed both indoors and outdoors and offer a great alternative to traditional home elevators, averaging around $7,500. They’re smaller in design, more cost-effective, and offer those in wheelchairs or other mobility devices an easy way to get from one floor to another.
• Shaftless elevator: A shaftless elevator can only travel between two floors and is small in size, making it ideal for single individuals and homes with limited space. These elevators average around $20,000 or more depending on the level of customization. 
• Cable-driven elevator: Cable-driven elevators are a traditional type of home elevator that uses a cable and motor to lift and lower the elevator car. They average around $25,000 and may require an additional $2,000 or more for cable replacements every few years.
• Geared traction elevator: This type of elevator is great for people looking for an energy-efficient home elevator option that can help save on energy bills. Geared traction elevators use gear motors, which are generally more efficient than direct drive motors, to move the elevator up and down. These elevators are on the pricier side, averaging around $31,500.  
• Hydraulic elevator: These elevators use hydraulic pressure to raise and lower the elevator cab. They’re a reliable and durable option, costing around $37,500 on average. 
• Gearless traction elevator: Gearless traction elevators use direct drive motors to control the hoistway. They’re an energy-efficient option and typically cost around $42,000.
• Pneumatic elevator: Pneumatic elevators use compressed air to maneuver the elevator car. They’re ideal for those who want a quieter system but require a larger budget—averaging around $47,500. 
• Straight stair lift: Though they’re not technically elevators, straight chair lifts are a great way to help older adults or those with mobility limitations up and down a flight of stairs. You can expect to pay around $5,500 for a straight stair lift.
• Curved stair lift: Curved stair lifts are designed for non-straight stairways. Since they require more customization to match your stair design, they can cost upwards of $17,250.

Size and capacity

Elevator dimensions and weight capacity can greatly impact the cost of a home elevator. Elevators that travel across multiple floors naturally require more labor and components, so you could spend between $5,000 and $15,000 per story of the building you’re upgrading.

The size of an elevator car is another influential factor. A shaftless elevator normally fits one person and costs upwards of $20,000. Hydraulic elevators cost $25,000 to $50,000 but are ideal for supporting wheelchair users and older adults with limited mobility.

Equipment and labor

Equipment includes everything from pulley systems to mechanical rooms that keep an elevator running. Some essential pieces of equipment include:

• Car: This is the area where passengers board and ride the elevator. The cost can vary depending on the type of seat, car design, and special features you choose.
• Machine room: These rooms are the size of an average closet and house the motor, hydraulic tank, cables, and electrical components that raise, lower, and hold an elevator. Machine rooms are typically located in a basement or above the hoistway, but can differ based on the home’s design. Since machine rooms require additional labor, this could impact installation costs. Some home elevators, like a gearless traction elevator, don’t require a machine room.
• Sensors: These electrical devices are used for safety purposes to ensure the elevator operates safely. For example, door sensors prevent the elevator from working if the door isn’t properly closed, while speed sensors gauge an elevator’s speed and position. All home elevators include different types of sensors since they’re designed with safety as a priority, but costs may differ depending on the type of elevator model.
• Hoistway: The hoistway is the area where the elevator travels through your home. Aside from the cost of the elevator itself, the cost of hoistway installation can raise your costs even more. However, shaftless elevators don’t require a hoistway since they move along a guardrail. 

Elevator installers and repairers can charge $49.24 per hour on average, though labor costs vary between cities and states. Speak with a local professional for more accurate estimates.

Installation complexity

Professionals must carefully assess the existing structure of a home before starting elevator construction. They may need to remove ceilings, walls, and portions of the floor to create space for an elevator.

Accessible home modifications such as stair lifts can vary in complexity. Straight stair lifts, which move along a straight rail, typically cost between $2,000 and $9,000. Curved stair lifts, on the other hand, range from $9,500 to $25,000.

Customization and features

Additional features like music speakers and glass panels can increase an elevator’s aesthetic and appeal. You can also incorporate smart home features such as a fingerprint reader or voice recognition software. Speak with local contractors to find the price of these add-ons in your neighborhood.

New construction vs. retrofitting  

Building an elevator in a new home is typically easier than retrofitting an existing property. 

• New construction: Home elevators can often be integrated into the design and construction of a new building more seamlessly and cost-effectively. Contractors can build hallways and support structures with an elevator’s size and dimensions in mind.
• Retrofitting: Adding a home elevator to an existing home can involve more significant structural modifications, potentially increasing costs. Contractors may have to demolish certain parts of a home and add supporting structures to build the elevator.

Permits and inspections

Mandatory permits and associated fees must be accounted for before contractors can break ground. Building permit costs vary by location; for example, a building permit in Missouri costs between $1,000 and $2,000 while a building permit in California ranges from $1,200 to $3,000.

• Local regulations: Obtain the necessary permits from local authorities and comply with building codes and regulations.
• Inspection fees: Expect to pay inspection fees to ensure the elevator meets safety standards. These fees range from $25 to $ 150 on average depending on your your location. 

Maintenance 

Regular maintenance is essential to keeping an elevator in working order. You’ll also want to have funds saved to purchase replacement parts if something breaks down.

• Regular inspections: Schedule regular inspections to identify and address potential issues.
• Maintenance contracts: Consider maintenance contracts for routine upkeep and emergency repairs. Contractors can charge between $75 and $100 per hour for maintenance jobs.
• Replacement parts: Be prepared to purchase replacement components over time. Parts like a new car panel could cost upwards of $1,000.

Insurance 

Contact your insurance provider to determine if installing a home elevator will affect your homeowners insurance premium. If not, you’ll need to purchase liability insurance to cover injuries related to the elevator. Liability coverage typically costs around $150 to $300 per $1 million of coverage.

Benefits of Home Elevators 

Home elevators offer many benefits for individuals with limited mobility or homeowners looking to turn an unused space into a functional feature. 

Increases home value

Installing a home elevator can increase a home’s value by 10% to 25% if you choose to sell your property. Keep in mind that a home with a stair or wheelchair lift may appeal to homebuyers with limited mobility but may impact your resale value down the line since they aren’t typically a sought-after feature among homebuyers.  

Provides convenience 

Larger properties become much easier to navigate with elevators or lifts. This is especially true for mansions and homes with more than two stories. They can also provide an easier way to carry heavy items or transport groceries up and down floors. 

Improves safety 

People with unique mobility considerations may feel safer using an elevator to travel through their homes. These devices reduce the chances of someone slipping on a missed step or tiring themselves out.

Optimizes space 

Homeowners can free up space in their properties by strategically remodeling certain areas. For example, a small home elevator can cost about $5,000, which mirrors the price of a curved staircase and may take up less space.

Home Elevator Installation Process

Installing a home elevator is a multistep process that can take several weeks depending on the project’s scope. The installation process generally is as follows:

• Consultation: This pivotal first step involves a discussion with the contractor and a breakdown of the project’s costs.
• Design and planning: You and the contractor will discuss a design plan based on your needs and your home’s layout. You may be able to use virtual reality software to gain a clear preview of the finished product.
• Site preparation: Professionals may have to remove walls and modify existing structures, which can cost anywhere from $500 to $15,000. 
• Installation: The construction team transports all of the equipment and materials needed to build your elevator. They’ll also install electrical wiring as needed.
• Testing: The installers will stress test the newly built elevator to ensure safety.
• Inspection: In most states, you’ll be required to obtain a building permit before installing a home elevator. Once your elevator is installed, building inspectors from your county will review the elevator to ensure it’s compliant and safe to use. Contact your local county building office to discuss their fees for this inspection.

Contact Mr. HandymanⓇ To Improve Your Home’s Accessibility

Now that you know more about home elevator costs, you can start transforming your home into a more accessible space. Contact Mr. Handyman to find quality safety and mobility services in your area.

We can install and replace grab bars, handrails, and lever door handles throughout your home. We can also widen doorways and install ramps for wheelchair users.

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Mr. Handyman is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact your local Mr. Handyman location for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.

Home Elevator Cost FAQs

Mr. Handyman has been helping homeowners repair, maintain, and enhance their spaces for over 25 years! We are the one-stop solution for everything on your to-do list. This includes answering your questions about home repairs, maintenance, and improvements. Here are answers to some of your most frequently asked questions about home elevators.

Are residential elevators worth it?

Residential elevators can greatly benefit homeowners with multistory properties and those with mobility limitations. Home elevators can also increase your home value by 10% to 25% if you sell it later.

How much does a home elevator cost compared to a stair lift?

Installing a home elevator is typically more expensive than building a stair lift. Labor costs, equipment and materials needed, permits, and insurance fees all increase the total price of the project.

What is the cheapest elevator to install?

Outdoor residential elevators tend to be the least expensive and least intrusive installation projects, as they’re installed to a home’s exterior. They cost an average of $6,000 to install, ranging from $2,000 on the low end to $10,000 on the higher end.

Via: www.mrhandyman.com

Depending on the exact layout of your kitchen, you’ll have to make decisions on base cabinets, wall cabinets, and tall cabinets. Learn more about each of these three types of cabinets and standard kitchen cabinet dimensions for each. 

Kitchen Base Cabinet Sizes  

The first of these three core types of kitchen cabinets are kitchen base cabinets, which are the cabinets that exist in the space between your countertop and floor. Also called under-counter cabinets, these types of cabinets need to be sturdy enough to support the weight of activity on your counter. Kitchen base cabinet dimensions can be customized to include sinks, corners, pull-out trash cans, and drawers. 

The standard height for kitchen base cabinets is 34.5 inches (36 inches including the countertop), while the standard depth is 24 inches. The width of kitchen base cabinets can vary depending on the design, but range from 12-48 inches. 

Note: In general, standard cabinet widths have the widest variety across all cabinet types. 

Kitchen Wall Cabinet Sizes 

The second of these three core types of kitchen cabinets are kitchen wall cabinets, which are the cabinets that hang on the wall above the counter. Also called upper kitchen cabinets, kitchen wall cabinets come in a wider variety of sizes and can vary greatly in terms of style. 

Kitchen wall cabinets are a common design focal point due to their visibility. They can be customized to showcase the homeowner’s unique personality with elements such as glass paneling, unique fixtures, interior lighting, a fun cabinet paint color, and more. 

The standard height for kitchen wall cabinets includes options at 12, 15, 18, 30, 36, and 42 inches, while the standard depth is 12 or 24 inches. The width of kitchen wall cabinets is 12, 15, 18, 24, or 36 inches.

It’s important to note that the depth of kitchen wall cabinets must be less than the depth of the base cabinets, otherwise you’ll have trouble working and preparing food on the countertops. 

Kitchen Tall Cabinet Sizes 

The final of these three core types of kitchen cabinets are kitchen tall cabinets, also known as pantry cabinets. These cabinets are taller than other cabinet types (hence the name), and there are typically only one to two of them in a given kitchen. They’re ideal for narrow spaces and are not exclusive to kitchens—they may also be found in laundry rooms or separate pantries. 

The standard height for kitchen tall cabinets is 84-94 inches, while the standard depth is 12 to 24 inches. The width of kitchen tall cabinets is 12, 24, or 36 inches.

How To Measure for Kitchen Cabinets: 6 Steps 

Now that you have an understanding of the standard cabinet sizes, you can determine which size options will work best for you and set your kitchen installation professional partner up for success. Follow the steps below to measure your ideal kitchen cabinet sizes.

• Sketch your floor plan: Before starting the measuring process, sketch out the ideal layout of your new kitchen, including where the cabinets will go. Factor in placement of the kitchen sink, dishwasher, range or oven, and any pantry space you may want to include. This step is especially important if you’re mapping out a brand-new kitchen.
• Measure horizontally: Using a measuring tape, measure the length of each wall in the kitchen. Be sure to factor in placement of doors, windows, storage solutions, and any existing appliances, measuring from the outer trim of any windows and doorways for the most accurate measurements. 
• Measure vertically: Measure from the ceiling to the floor in a few locations throughout the kitchen. This will inform your options for kitchen cabinet height for both base cabinets and wall cabinets. 
• Measure any segments: Be sure to also measure any trim or molding in your kitchen. 
• Measure depth: Measure the standard cabinet depth of 12-24 inches out from the wall and mark the furthest point on the floor. If your kitchen exists in an L configuration or your cabinets will wrap around your kitchen, make sure you follow this step to ensure you’re not imposing too much depth in your cabinet setup. If you have or are considering adding a kitchen island, you’ll want to take note of cabinet depth early on. 
• Contact a service professional: Now that you’ve taken all your measurements and added them to your floor plan, you’re ready to contact a professional to help you choose and install the best cabinets for your kitchen. 

Contact Mr. Handyman for Kitchen Cabinet Installation

With this understanding of standard kitchen cabinet sizes, you’re ready to take the next step in updating your cabinets! Whether you’re looking to execute a simple cabinet upgrade, an aging in place redesign, or major kitchen renovation, the team at Mr. Handyman® is here to help you with all your cabinet installation needs. 

Request service today and get started in creating the kitchen of your dreams. 

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Mr. Handyman is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact your local Mr. Handyman location for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.

Standard Kitchen Cabinet Sizes FAQs

Mr. Handyman has been helping homeowners repair, maintain, and enhance their spaces for over 25 years! We are the one-stop solution for everything on your to-do list. This includes answering your questions about home repairs, maintenance, and improvements. Here are answers to some of your most frequently asked questions about kitchen cabinet sizes.

What size are upper kitchen cabinets?

Upper kitchen cabinets, or wall cabinets, have a standard kitchen cabinet height of 12-42 inches, a standard width of  12-36 inches, and standard depth of 12-24 inches. 

What is the standard spacing for kitchen cabinets? 

An important measurement to consider for kitchen cabinet sizes is the distance between the countertop or top of the base cabinets and the bottom of the wall cabinets. The ideal working space between base cabinets and upper cabinets is 15-20 inches.

What is the standard depth of base cabinets?

The standard cabinet depth of base cabinets (the cabinets underneath kitchen countertops) is 24 inches.

How deep are kitchen cabinets?

Kitchen cabinet depth varies on the type of cabinet and the size of the kitchen itself. For example, wall cabinets tend to be shallower than base cabinets—12-24 inches for wall cabinets and a standard cabinet depth of 24 inches for base cabinets.

Via: www.mrhandyman.com

Pro: It Might Be Cheaper to DIY

Cost is probably one of the first things that come to mind when considering whether or not to do a home renovation on your own. It is true that hiring contractors to do the labor of the renovation may cost you more. However, if you aren’t experienced in home renovation, DIY might end up costing you more in total.

How Much Does a Home Renovation Cost?

On average, labor costs are $15 to $60 per square footage for a house in the United States to renovate a home. The total cost depends on the scale and nature of the project. You won’t have to worry about labor costs if you choose to DIY. A DIY renovation costs around $10,000 on average, as compared to $30,000 – $100,000 for hiring a professional.

Pro: You Can Complete the Project on Your Own Schedule

One pro of doing a home renovation by yourself is that you can work at a pace that best works for you, at whatever time is convenient for you. Doing the project on your own means you get started whenever you want to, without waiting until a contractor has the time to undertake your home renovation.

Con: There Could Be Hidden Costs

While it may seem like a DIY is cheaper upfront, there could be many hidden costs associated with doing a home renovation on your own. Depending on your project, you might need to buy more tools, which a professional would already have. Additionally, if you’re not experienced, you might make a mistake that would cost you to repair. You might ultimately need to hire a professional in the end anyway, at which point it would cost more because they would need to correct any problems.

What Tools Do You Need for a DIY Home Renovation?

If you decide to renovate a home on your own, you will need to make sure you have the proper tools and equipment to get the job done. Some of the tools that you should consider if you’d like to try a DIY home renovation are:

• Wrench
• Plastic drop cloth
• N95 Mask
• Firm grip gloves
• Rotary hammer
• Cordless saw
• Ladder
• Screwdriver
• Hammer

Con: It May Take You Longer Than a Professional Would

While you can work on your own schedule with a DIY project, it also can be a big time commitment. This commitment doesn’t just involve the work itself at home, but the research, equipment shopping, YouTube tutorials, and more. Unless you’ve done many home renovations before, there will inevitably be a learning curve that takes much of your time and energy.

How Long Does a DIY Home Renovation Take?

How long a home renovation takes depends on the project, but on average, it could take around 16 hours a week stretched over 5 or 6 weeks. If you have other commitments in your life with work or family, that timeline could be even longer. Hiring a professional could end up saving you a lot of time.

A DIY Home Renovation May Not Be High Quality

The saying “you get what you pay for” applies to home renovations, too. You might save money on doing it yourself, but at the same time, unless you’re a highly skilled renovator yourself, your DIY project might not be as good as what a contractor could do for you. Consider your own skills when you’re deciding between DIY and hiring a professional.

Via: www.smithhandymanservice.com

From coordinating different tasks to managing contractors and suppliers, the process can quickly become overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be! With the help of a handyman, you can bring new life to your home without the added stress of handling the renovations yourself.

Read on to learn four reasons to hire a handyman for seamless and efficient bathroom updates.

Experience and Proper Tools

One of the biggest reasons to hire a handyman is their experience. Handymen are skilled professionals with extensive experience in various home improvement projects, including bathroom updates. They have the knowledge to deal with various plumbing, electrical, and structural issues that could potentially create bigger problems if handled incorrectly.

Likewise, bathroom updates often require specific tools and equipment for the best results. A professional handyman comes equipped with a wide range of tools, ensuring that the job is done efficiently and to a high standard. By hiring a handyman, you save yourself the trouble and expense of purchasing or renting specialized tools.

Their experience and tools ensure that the job is done efficiently and correctly, minimizing the risk of mistakes that could lead to costly repairs in the future.

Time Efficiency

Undertaking a bathroom update by yourself can be time-consuming and stressful, especially if you have other commitments and responsibilities. Hiring a handyman allows you to focus on your daily routine while leaving the renovation work in capable hands.

Moreover, since they have the experience and practice of handling these kinds of updates, they are able to do so more efficiently and effectively than the average homeowner.

Cost-Effectiveness

While some homeowners may attempt DIY bathroom updates, their lack of experience can potentially cause some costly mistakes.

For example, improper plumbing work may result in leaks or water damage, leading to expensive repairs down the line. A skilled handyman knows how to get the job done right the first time, minimizing the risk of costly errors and saving you money on repairs or replacements in the future.

Stress-Free Results

Because of all the intricacies and details you need to consider, updating your bathroom can be a stressful situation.

A reputable handyman takes charge of the entire renovation process, handling every aspect of the project from start to finish. They have the experience to coordinate multiple tasks seamlessly, ensuring that each step of the update is executed efficiently and on schedule.

With a skilled handyman, you can trust that the work is being handled by someone who understands the complexities of the project and has the expertise to address any unforeseen issues that may arise. Many handymen also provide warranties or guarantees for their services, giving you reassurance that the work will be done right.

A bathroom update is an exciting project that can significantly enhance the beauty and functionality of your home. From the initial planning to the final touches, a handyman’s involvement guarantees a successful and stress-free renovation process. So, if you’re ready to embark on your bathroom update journey, consider hiring a handyman to transform your vision into reality!

Home Care & Repair’s professional handyman services keep you in control of your small home improvements and repair projects and provide a worry-free experience when it comes to quality workmanship, fair pricing, and your safety. To learn more, please visit our website or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Via: www.homecareandrepair.com

Both handymen and contractors are skilled professionals who can help keep your home in pristine condition, but their differing skill sets make them better suited for different projects.

Read on to better understand when to hire a handyman or a general contractor for your project. 

How are handymen and general contractors different?

With deciding when to hire a handyman or a contractor, it’s important to acknowledge the differences between the two.

A skilled handyman is often seen as a jack of all trades. These experts have extensive expertise and experience across a wide range of home maintenance, improvement, and repair tasks. 

It’s important to note that in Indiana there are no mandatory licensing prerequisites for handymen. However, a significant number of them have substantial experience—alongside being bonded and fully insured for added peace of mind.

A general contractor, in contrast, is a specialized professional who works on specific, often larger-scale projects. All contractors are required to have a license. However, the type of license a contractor has may vary depending on the work they focus on and what the state requires. Regardless, this license requires them to have a mandatory amount of experience in their field. 

Who should you hire for your project?

With their different skills and licensing, handymen and contractors are well-suited for different types of projects.

Handymen are perfect for tackling smaller-scale projects and routine maintenance duties, such as making small kitchen updates and installing lighting fixtures. More often than not, a handyman is a more affordable and faster option when compared to general contractors—making them ideal for smaller home improvement and maintenance projects.

The projects a contractor is best suited for will depend on their specific licensing. However, they are generally used for bigger projects—such as building a home or completely remodeling a room. Contractors have the experience to navigate the permits and building codes these large-scale projects require. They work with subcontractors and the city to build or recreate the space.

Overall, deciding when to hire a handyman or a contractor usually comes down to the size of the project at hand and understanding what each professional is capable of. By choosing the right professional for the job, you can ensure that your home is in good hands and that your projects are completed efficiently and effectively.

Home Care & Repair’s professional handyman services keep you in control of your small home improvements and repair projects and provide a worry-free experience when it comes to quality workmanship, fair pricing, and your safety. To learn more, please visit our website or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Via: www.homecareandrepair.com