Finding the right person for your project is an important first step. You want to ensure they have the right skills, tools and knowledge for the job. Sometimes there can be an overlap between which trades can work on your project. Before you can decide if you need a handyman or a specialist, you need to know the differences between the two and what kind of projects each works on. Read on to figure out if you want to hire a handyman or specialist for your next project.
Differences Between a Handyman and a Specialist
Trying to decide whether it makes more sense to hire a general handyman or a specialized contractor can be confusing. Their skills may overlap across several areas, making it easy to confuse the two and to figure out who does what, exactly. Some people will even use the terms handyman and contractor interchangeably, further confusing the situation. A handyman and a specialist are two very different professions. Here are the main differences between them:
A handyman (or a handy-woman or a handy-person) is a jack-of-all-trades whose skills cover a wide variety of tasks. They do not have specialized certifications or accreditations besides being handy. You should hire a handyman for projects that you may not have the time or ability to do yourself.
Handymen work independently or with a single partner if the job requires extra help. They tackle one-off tasks and short-term projects, rather than in-depth renovation work. Typically these projects are smaller and therefore cost less when you hire a handyman to complete them.
A specialist is probably what comes to mind when you think of a contractor. They are trained professionals who have spent time studying and apprenticing to become a specialist in their chosen field. A plumber or an electrician are examples of specialists. You should hire a specialist for larger jobs that are dangerous for you to do yourself.
Depending on the scope of the project, a specialist may come with a team of workers to get the job done. They typically take on bigger projects and may even call on other specialists to help them complete the project. Due to the scale and complexity of these projects, specialists usually cost more.
While a handyman is excellent for helping out around the house with things you could do yourself if you had the time or tools, a specialist is the better choice for more complex, long-term, or large-scale projects.
Who to Hire for Specific Projects
Major Remodelling Projects
If you’re planning on doing a general remodel of your home, there are certain tasks better suited to either a handyman or a specialist.
Hire a handyman if you need help with:
- Small interior painting jobs
- Hanging a door or putting up shelves
- Plastering and caulking
- Filling cracks in wood and plaster
- Putting together furniture
Hire a specialist if your project involves:
- Fitting and installing countertops
- Fitting and installing flooring (wood or tile)
- Installing kitchen appliances
- Large painting jobs
- Removing or moving interior walls
Plumbing Projects
Minor plumbing projects can be handled by a handyman, however, for major projects, you should consult with a specialist such as a plumber.
Hire a handyman if you need help with:
- Unclogging a toilet or snaking a drain
- Repairing a running toilet
- Installing new water faucets
Hire a specialist if your project involves:
- Installing or replacing existing plumbing
- Fixing a burst pipe
- Shower installation
Electrical Projects
Complicated electrical problems that require specialized knowledge should be dealt with by a certified electrician. A handyman can still be useful for minor electrical fixes.
Hire a handyman if you need help with:
- Replacing a light fixture or a fan
- Replacing light switches and outlets
- Replacing electrical sockets
- Add or remove holiday lighting
Hire a specialist if your project involves:
- Installing new electrical outlets
- Upgrading a circuit breaker panel
- Updating electrical in the bathroom
Exterior Maintenance
From winterizing your home to repairing your roof, many homeowners hire professional help to take care of exterior maintenance on their home.
Hire a handyman if you need help with:
- Cleaning out rain gutters
- Replacing weather stripping on your doors and windows
- Caulking any cracks in siding, doors, and windows
- Winterizing your water lines and air conditioner
Hire a specialist if your project involves:
- Repairing a hole or leak in your roof
- Replacing roof tiles
- Installing or repairing siding
Handyman Cost Factors
When it comes to hiring a handyman, they often charge based on the complexity of the project and the amount of time it will take to complete. Some will charge you a flat fee for certain tasks, while others will charge you by the hour for the same task. The more experienced your handyman is, the better they will be able to calculate how long the work will take them. You will need to discuss your project in detail with your handyman before they begin to establish the price of the project.
Below are the average costs of Handyman Services across different cities in Canada:
| City | Average | Minimum | Maximum |
| Barrie | $4,459 | $100 | $15,000 |
| Calgary | $5,626 | $100 | $45,000 |
| Edmonton | $2,609 | $100 | $45,000 |
| Hamilton | $4,825 | $120 | $30,000 |
| Oshawa | $2,837 | $100 | $30,000 |
| Ottawa | $3,372 | $100 | $50,000 |
| Toronto | $2,820 | $100 | $50,000 |
| Vancouver | $1,683 | $100 | $30,000 |
*Costs based on 2718 verified Canadian homeowner reviews as of March 2022
Size of Handyman Jobs
Small jobs are things like replacing light switches and outlets, repairing a leaky faucet or replacing a broken garbage disposal. The general rule of thumb is that if it requires simple hand tools and takes less than 1 to 2 hours, it’s a small job.
Medium jobs are a little more involved and take more time and can require more expertise. These jobs usually take between 2 and 4 hours to complete. Drywall repair is a good example of a medium-sized job for a handyman.
Larger handyman jobs are the most involved and require more time and specific skills. If you’re wondering if you need a handyman or a contractor for a particular job, it’s likely this will be a large job. Large jobs usually take anywhere from over 4 hours to a couple of days to complete. Some examples include wiring for a home theatre, installing heating and cooling registers, or installing a kitchen sink with all its elements.
Now that you have a better idea of what a handyman does and which tasks require a specialist, you can move forward with your project and hire with confidence.
Article updated June 2022.
