Good jobs for a handyman
- TV mounting, shelves and curtain rods
- Drywall patches and touch-up painting
- Furniture and equipment assembly
- Replacing a light fixture or ceiling fan on existing wiring
- Door adjustments, hardware and weatherstripping
- Caulking, grout and small carpentry fixes
When you need a contractor or licensed trade
- Running new electrical circuits or adding outlets
- Moving or adding plumbing lines
- Removing or changing walls
- Roofing, foundations and structural repairs
- Kitchen and bathroom remodels
- Any job that needs a building permit
Why it matters
Unpermitted or unlicensed work can fail inspection when you sell, void insurance coverage or create safety hazards. Many states also cap the dollar value of jobs an unlicensed handyman can take on.
Questions to ask either one
- Are you insured, and can I see the certificate?
- Is this a flat price or hourly, and what's not included?
- Will this job need a permit, and who pulls it?
- How do you handle problems found once work starts?