Handyman vs. General Contractor: Which Do You Need?

DIY vs Pro · 6 min read · 2026-01-30

One of the most common questions homeowners ask is whether they need a handyman or a general contractor. The answer depends on the scope, complexity, and permit requirements of your project. Here's a clear breakdown.

What a Handyman Does

A handyman handles a wide range of small to medium repairs, installations, and maintenance tasks:

  • Minor plumbing repairs (faucet replacement, caulking)
  • Door and window hardware
  • Drywall patching and painting
  • Furniture assembly
  • Fixture installations (lights, shelving, blinds)
  • Cabinet adjustments and hardware
  • General maintenance and repairs

    • Typical cost: $50-$100/hour or pre-priced time blocks

    What a General Contractor Does

    A general contractor manages larger construction and renovation projects:

  • Kitchen and bathroom renovations
  • Structural modifications
  • Room additions
  • Projects requiring building permits
  • Multi-trade coordination (plumbing, electrical, framing)
  • New construction

    • Typical cost: Project-based pricing, often $10,000+

    When to Hire Which

    |---|---|---|

    The Grey Area

    Some companies, like SturdyBee Property Solutions, bridge the gap. We function as a handyman service for smaller tasks AND handle renovation projects as a general contractor. This means:

  • One company for all your property needs
  • No need to coordinate between multiple trades yourself
  • Consistent quality across small and large projects
  • Single point of accountability

    • Licensing in BC

    In British Columbia, general contractors handling projects over $3,000 must be licensed through BC Housing. Handyman services under this threshold don't require the same licensing but should still carry WCB coverage and general liability insurance.

    SturdyBee is WCB covered, fully insured, and Google Guaranteed — whether we're handling a 2-hour handyman visit or a full kitchen renovation.

    Bottom Line

    For a to-do list of small tasks, a handyman is your best bet. For a major renovation, you need a general contractor. For everything in between, you need a company that does both.

    Call SturdyBee at (604) 366-4087 to discuss your project.