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.
Article Tags:
Home Improvement, More Complicated, Licensed Professionals
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hiring an Austin
handyman rather than a contractor can get you the same
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http://www.angieslist.com/.