Is It Cheaper to Hire a Handyman or Contractor?

Handyman vs. General Contractor: Which One Do You Actually Need?

You've got a leaky faucet, some drywall damage in the hallway, and maybe you're thinking about a kitchen refresh. The question comes up immediately: Should I call a handyman, or do I need to hire a full general contractor? And more importantly—which one saves me money?

The answer is more nuanced than "handymen are cheaper." Sometimes, yes. Other times, hiring a handyman on the wrong project will cost you more in the long run. Let's break this down with real numbers and honest talk.

The Handyman: Who They Are and What They Cost

A professional handyman in 2025 typically charges between $75 and $100 per hour. These are established, insured, experienced folks who handle small repairs and maintenance tasks. You'll call them for fixture replacements, patching drywall, hanging shelves, painting, minor plumbing repairs, and tasks that don't require a licensed electrician or structural changes.

Handymen also charge a minimum service call fee, usually around the cost of their first hour ($75-$150). They do this because they have to cover fuel, wear and tear on their vehicle, and scheduling overhead. It's a fair system.

The upside? For small jobs—think replacing a ceiling fan, mounting a TV, fixing a leak under the sink—a handyman is genuinely cost-effective. You're not paying for project management, multiple subcontractors, or complex coordination. You're paying for one skilled person to handle a focused task.

Note: Side-hustler handymen working nights and weekends might charge $40-$60/hour, but they carry higher risk—no established business, minimal insurance, and limited recourse if something goes wrong.

When a Handyman Is the Right Call

Hire a handyman if:

• Your project costs under $3,000 to $5,000

• You need only one or two trades (like just a plumbing fix, or just painting)

• No permits are required

• The work is cosmetic or small repair-focused

• You're not moving walls, changing structural anything, or altering electrical/plumbing systems significantly

Examples: faucet replacement ($80-$130), ceiling fan installation ($100-$150), drywall patching ($75-$110), TV mounting ($70-$120).

The General Contractor: The Bigger Picture

A general contractor averages around $36 to $47 per hour in terms of direct labor, but they're rarely billing you purely on hourly rates. Instead, they're providing:

• Project management and coordination of multiple trades

• Permitting and code compliance (huge in Beverly Hills)

• Quality assurance and accountability

• Timeline management and contingency planning

• Insurance coverage if something goes wrong

A general contractor typically adds a markup of 10% to 15% on new construction, and 20% to 30% on renovations (where surprises are more likely). That's not profit—that's the cost of managing complexity.

When a General Contractor Is Worth It (Spoiler: Most Bigger Jobs)

Hire a general contractor if:

• Your project exceeds $5,000 to $10,000

• You're combining multiple trades (plumbing + electrical + carpentry + tile)

• Permits are required (which they usually are for kitchens, bathrooms, structural work)

• You're making layout changes or moving utilities

• You need someone accountable for timeline and quality

Here's the real-world example: You want to remodel your kitchen in Beverly Hills. The handyman route would involve hiring an electrician separately, a plumber separately, a cabinet installer separately, and a tile contractor separately. You'd coordinate all of them. If the electrician's work creates an issue that affects the plumber's schedule, you deal with it. If someone shows up late, you manage it.

Alternatively, a general contractor like California Construction & Remodeling Experts coordinates everyone. If the electrician delays, we adjust the schedule. If we discover structural issues behind your walls, we handle it without passing the problem back to you. Yes, you pay a coordination fee (that 20-30% markup), but the peace of mind and protection are real.

The Hidden Cost of Cheap Labor

Here's what often gets overlooked: A handyman charging $60/hour might seem cheaper than a contractor charging $50/hour until something goes wrong. If the handyman makes a mistake—say, they damage a water line during patching and don't realize it until mold appears six months later—you're liable. They might not carry insurance. They might be gone. You're out thousands in remediation.

A licensed, insured general contractor assumes liability for the work. If something goes wrong within the warranty period, they fix it. That protection is worth the premium.

The Real Cost Comparison: Small Job vs. Big Job

Small Bathroom Fixture Update:

• Handyman route: 1 handyman, 3-4 hours, $300-$500 total

• Contractor route: unnecessary overhead, not the right tool for the job

• Winner: Handyman

Full Bathroom Remodel:

• Handyman route: 1 handyman + electrician (separate hire) + plumber (separate hire) + tile installer (separate hire) = 4+ separate vendors, weeks of coordination, potential conflicts, $8,000-$12,000

• Contractor route: 1 point of contact, coordinated crew, permits handled, warranty, $10,000-$14,000

• Winner: General Contractor (because the value isn't in the per-hour cost—it's in the coordination, accountability, and risk management)

Kitchen Remodel:

• Handyman route: Not suitable. Too complex, too many trades, too many permits, too much liability

• Contractor route: Only option if you want it done right

• Winner: General Contractor (by necessity)

What Most Beverly Hills Homeowners Get Wrong

They chase the lowest hourly rate without asking:

• "Is this person licensed and insured?"

• "What happens if something breaks after the work is done?"

• "Who's responsible if the work doesn't meet code?"

• "Can they handle permit inspections?"

A handyman can't pull permits. A licensed general contractor can. That matters in Beverly Hills, where building inspectors are thorough and code compliance is non-negotiable.

Understanding the Real Value

If you've already decided a general contractor is right for your project, you may be wondering: Is it worth getting a general contractor? Let's explore the ROI and long-term value that a professional brings beyond just hourly rates.

The Bottom Line

Handymen are cheaper for small, specific repairs. If you need your toilet fixed or a door rehung, save the money and call a handyman.

General contractors are the better value for projects over $5,000, anything requiring permits, or any work involving multiple trades. You're not just paying for labor—you're paying for expertise, accountability, legal protection, and peace of mind.

And here's the thing: A quality kitchen remodel with a general contractor will add $50,000 to $80,000 worth of value to your Beverly Hills home, with an ROI of 54% to 80%. That handyman savings on the front end doesn't matter if you're losing money on the back end.

Related Posts in This Series

• What do most general contractors charge per hour? — Understand hourly rates and what they include

• Is it worth getting a general contractor? — Learn about ROI and value protection

• How do I hire a local contractor? — Step-by-step vetting guide

Ready to figure out which route makes sense for your project? California Construction & Remodeling Experts offers free in-home consultations. We'll tell you honestly whether you need a handyman or whether this is a general contractor situation. Call us at (323) 638-7558 or visit www.calbuildremodel.com to see our kitchen remodeling services. We're at 9100 Wilshire Blvd. E. Tower STE. 333, Beverly Hills, CA 90212.