When something needs fixing or installing in your home, the first question is often: who do I call? A handyman and a general contractor do different things, cost different amounts, and are appropriate for different jobs. Here’s how to tell them apart.
What a Handyman Does
A handyman handles a wide range of general home repair and maintenance tasks that don’t require a specific trade license. Common handyman jobs include:
Drywall patching and repair. Door and window adjustments. Fixture and light installation (no electrical panel work). Caulking and weatherproofing. TV and shelf mounting. Minor plumbing repairs like replacing a faucet or toilet. Deck board replacement. Painting touch-ups. Assorted repairs that don’t require pulling permits or licensed trade work.
Handyman work is generally faster to schedule, more affordable per hour, and appropriate for a broad range of tasks that don’t cross into licensed specialty work.
What a General Contractor Does
A general contractor (GC) manages larger construction projects that typically involve multiple trades — framing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and finishing work. Kitchen remodels, bathroom additions, room additions, and structural work fall into GC territory.
GCs pull permits, coordinate licensed subcontractors, and take responsibility for the entire project scope. They’re the right call when a job is large, complex, involves structural changes, or requires permits.
In Kentucky: Know the Licensing Rules
Kentucky requires licensed contractors for work above certain dollar thresholds and for specific trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC). If a job involves those systems or costs above $10,000, it typically requires a licensed contractor. For most everyday home repair work — the stuff on the to-do list that keeps growing — a professional handyman is the right and more cost-effective call.
When You’re Not Sure, Ask
A good handyman company will tell you honestly when a job falls outside their scope and a licensed contractor is needed. That’s not a loss of business — that’s how a trustworthy company operates.
NKY Home Service handles handyman work across Northern Kentucky. Our background-checked, no-subcontractor team takes on the wide range of home repair tasks that homeowners need done but don’t need a full contractor for. Call (859) 363-5562 or get a quote online.