Some homeowners mistakenly think that contractor is just a fancy term for a handyman. This is not the case, as there are a few key differences between the two. Tango & Gatti, a top roofing company in the state, elaborates on these below.
First off, the term contractor refers to a small limited company, while a handyman is a single person. As such, a contractor is more likely to have undergone structured training and received certifications and licenses for the type of work they do.
Contractors, having more manpower and resources, are often better equipped to handle complex, longer-term projects. Hiring a handyman for minor repairs or plumbing work is typically fine. But for more extensive projects, like a roof replacement, for example, your best bet is to hire a reputable, experienced contractor.
There are other practical benefits to having access to the resources and manpower of a contractor. For one thing, contractors are likely to have more connections, meaning they may be able to source materials at a better price.
A contractor can have one or more employees who specialize in a certain task, giving the company a broader and more advanced skill set. Contractors also need to pass a test to get licensed. Handymen, on the other hand, aren’t required to hold a license. This doesn’t mean handymen are less skilled, but not having a license makes it harder for a homeowner to determine the risk — physical and financial — that they’re taking in a certain project. For larger and more expensive projects, it’s a good idea to choose a licensed contractor.
Keep in mind that not all contractors are equal, which is why you need to make sure the company you’re hiring has a good reputation in their local community. We suggest checking the contractor’s customer reviews on HomeAdvisor.
Tango & Gatti, a HomeAdvisor-screened-and-approved contractor, offers a wide range of home improvement services, including roof replacement and gutter repair services. To get a free estimate, call us at (330) 303-4222 or leave us a message on this form. We serve homeowners in Canton, OH.