“There’s no place like home.” But if that home needs repair, it can be more of a hassle.
Those who help others maintain their properties with repairs are critical for turning a house into a home. Whether you're new to the home service industry or are looking for alternative careers in the construction industry, you must decide whether becoming a contractor or starting a handyman business, is right for you.
To understand the general contractor vs. handyman difference, you need to look at how each one is unique. Contractors often have more continuing education or special courses, licensing, and insurance and lean towards larger projects, often from start to finish.
A handyman often has less formal training – though he/she can have just as polished of skills and experience – and he/she typically performs minor home repairs and ongoing maintenance for homeowners and businesses because his/her focus is on smaller projects and repairs. In fact, handymen can take advantage of a recurring and repeatable business model. However, key differences exist between a handyman business and a general contractor business.
Handyman Services vs. General Contractor Services
A general contractor specializes in specific trades and larger-scale projects. Depending on your expertise and licensing, contractor services may include the following:
- Major renovations and remodels
- New construction projects
- Specialized trades such as plumbing, HVAC installation, roofing, or landscaping
- Structural repairs and improvements requiring permits
In contrast, a handyman operates more as a generalist and is skilled and nimble to tackle small to medium home and business projects like these:
- General home repairs
- Holiday lighting installations
- Painting and carpentry services
- Floor installation
- Continued maintenance
Home contractors may cover services around larger projects, or they may specialize in one or two areas, while a handyman provides versatile assistance, tackling various small-scale projects that require practical skills and knowledge across multiple trades where you can expect a healthy demand for your help year-round.
Handyman License vs. Contractor License
When starting any home services business, understanding the licensing requirements is critical. Handymen typically perform minor repairs, maintenance tasks, and general home improvements that may require handymen to obtain a business license, register as a contractor or obtain a “specialty trade” license. This will vary from state-to-state.
A home contractor is typically required to have a statewide contractor's license if they are performing structural work. They may have additional licensing requirements depending on the specific services they intend to provide.
Handyman vs. Contractor Revenue Streams
Chances are, if you own a home contractor business, you’re going to have your hands full because of the larger scope and increased integration within the project, many more services and personnel are required to complete the job. That means a lot more communication, coordination, services delivered, verification, and overall expertise.
With a handyman franchise, there are many opportunities to expand your offerings to include different key enhancements to a home or business. Whether helping make homes accessible for older homeowners to helping install smart electronic systems, your arsenal of expertise is built to allow for expansion and growth. Beyond services, you could eventually expand your business to additional territories or even consider multi-brand opportunities to add more brands to your business portfolio.
Is a Handyman or Contractor Business the Way to Go?
Before you choose which is right for you, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I want to work on my business instead of in it?
- Do I want multiple revenue streams through a variety of projects?
- Do I want to grow my business at my own pace?
- Do I want to consider a franchise opportunity?
If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, then starting a handyman franchise business may be the right move.
How to Start a Handyman Business
A start-up handyman business begins with crafting a business plan from scratch, doing research, and having the knowledge to make the right service offering decisions. All marketing, branding, and operational preparation is from the ground up and takes much more time, energy, and financial investment.
With a handyman franchise, you don’t need prior experience or need to be a handyman. You’ll have a structure already in place so you can hit the ground running, so you can focus on growing your business. A franchise comes with a proven business plan, training, and support from the start-up stage and throughout the time you run the business.
Grow Your Career with Mr. Handyman
Mr. Handyman is an established Neighborly brand that can help you open the door to professional success in home services while maintaining a healthy work-life balance and allowing you to exert by the start. our entrepreneurial instincts and aspirations. They will help you start your business with an established model and be available for training and support along the way.
To find out more about owning a Mr. Handyman franchise, explore the Franchise Guide.
