Is a Handyman Cheaper Than a Contractor?
The answer to this question is not as cut and dried as you may think. There are many variables that can make a handyman’s services cheaper or more expensive than those of a contractor. While there are certain services that will always remain on the list of essentials, like building inspections, roofing, plumbing, etc., you do not have to hire the services of a handyman just to have certain tasks completed. You can do it yourself.
For instance, if you decide to repair your own home rather than hiring a contractor to fix it, you can save money in several different ways. One of those ways is by avoiding overhead costs. Professional handyman services can be very expensive. They include everything from mechanical services to masonry services to electrical wiring. That means you’re paying a lot more for the particular service that you want done than the average handyman would have to charge.
Hiring a handyman does not get you the same type of guarantee that you would get from a licensed professional. If something were to happen to cause damage to the house while the handyman was doing the work, you would still be responsible for the cost of the repair. With a handyman, you might be liable for the cost of the repair because you did not hire a contractor who has insurance coverage on his work. Some handymen won’t even come to your home if they believe that you have damaged the property. It is easy to see how some homeowners save money this way. After all, they are not paying any form of fee or premium for the professional services that they hire.
On the other hand, homeowners who want to use handyman services might not be able to afford the cost of a licensed contractor. The state requires that licensed professionals have proper insurance coverage for both work done in their presence and for damages to the home. Professional handyman services are required to carry liability insurance, which is an added expense. There are many handyman services that don’t carry the right kind of insurance, but try to claim that they do, just to save money. However, this isn’t a wise move.
There are certain things that you can do as a homeowner to make handyman services more affordable. Check around for free estimates from local handymen in the area. This can often be a great way to find out about the price of a particular service, especially since many handyman services include free estimates for customers who want to learn more about the specific service being offered. This is a great way to determine whether or not the price being quoted is reasonable. If a handyman quotes a price that is less than expected, it is best to avoid the handyman services that provide this service, as they may be inexperienced and not properly insured.
Hiring a contractor can also help you save money. This may be the best option if you already have a general contractor in mind. A general contractor will already have the necessary permits and insurance required to offer handyman services. They will also have established business relationships with suppliers and equipment companies, allowing them to pass on lower prices to you. By hiring a contractor, you will be hiring someone who has already built up a network of resources that you can use for the same service.
When you compare handyman services, it is important to compare apples-to-apples. You should not only look at prices, but also at the types of services provided and the reputation of each contractor. Sometimes a cheaper price may mean that the quality of the service provided may be below standard. Also, a handyman that does free estimates and offers recommendations on improving the house may not be the best choice, as they likely have little experience or business skills.
Finding a good handyman is not always easy, but it can be done. When you find the one that suits your needs the best, you can make sure that your home is in good shape. If you need handyman services but cannot afford a professional, then consider hiring a friend or neighbor to complete some of the work. This is the best way to know if is a handyman cheaper than a contractor.