You think you’re saving money. You hire a handyman to help finish your kitchen remodel and the inspector for the permits comes. There’s just one problem: it’s not technically permitted work and he can’t sign off on your final project. Why? The state of California requires a licensed contractor in good standing to do so and for any projects, including materials, exceeding the amount of $500. A handyman is not licensed, bonded, possibly not even insured in any way, and his or her talent is based on their word. Yikes! A great handyman is for small jobs and simple repairs AS LONG as it is not apart of a full project.

For example: If your home is being remodeled like a bathroom or electrical with fixtures, the handyman cannot come in and install sinks and fans. The project total is the amount the state looks at and fines. If the work doesn’t turn out right, or dangerous and not up to code, you’re also leaving yourself open to damage to the home, costly repairs, harm to your family, and starting all over again. A handyman can install baseboards on his own but not if it’s a part of a renovation project. Let them do repairs down the road that are minor and a contractor do what he actually paid and trained to do, unlike a handyman, including his schooling, testing, licensing, bonding, and business set up.

I am not against handymen but as a Realtor, we have seen too many homeowners and potential listing clients lose so much for cutting corners. You don’t know what you’re getting with a handyman and again, unpermitted work does not sit well in the escrow process. Locally we have seen countless news stories of remodels and kitchen makeovers go bad with them taking the money and running without finishing and no recourse to sue, work not done properly by a professional with training and knowledge, and projects skimped on. If you only have a window to replace or appliance to be installed, sure hire a handyman. He can put some shelving up or furniture pieces, repair drywall, replace doors, or fix small projects. A handyman has tremendous purpose, but not in a home remodel.

Whether you need one or the other, please ensure to make sure their background checks out, handymen are not required to have one, and check their previous work. There are excellent and horrible workers in both fields so be cautious and do all of the research beforehand. Check out their previous work and take recommendations from people you know well and can see their work in person if at all possible. Both can do incredible work and both can have incredible screw ups so beware and be prepared before you hire and let into your home. Be safe!

Follow this link below to read the State of California and Contracting State Licensing Board’s requirements and legalities regarding the two. http://www.cslb.ca.gov/Contractors/Applicants/Contractors_License/No_Exam_Application/Before_Applying_For_License.aspx?fbclid=IwAR2qNLBuMy6HCJ2O1JbYD1_N75vUiCoY9ZDrQH_N0625A2clNqys4lEcIrw