Handyman vs general contractor: which do you actually need?
These are different jobs. Calling the wrong one wastes time. Here's how to know which fits your project.
The choice between a handyman and a general contractor depends almost entirely on project scope, not on cost or relationship. A handyman handles small to medium repairs that touch a single trade and don't require a permit — drywall patching, paint, plumbing fixture swaps, electrical fixture swaps, carpentry, door rehang. A general contractor (GC) manages larger projects that touch multiple trades, require permits, or change a home's structure or systems substantially — additions, full kitchen or bath remodels, structural repair. In Florida, the dividing line is partly project value and partly whether a permit is required. For most homeowners in St. Johns County, day-to-day repair work is handyman scope and renovation work is GC scope. St Johns Handyman handles the handyman side; for GC-scope work we refer you to local contractors we trust.
| What homeowners ask | St Johns Handyman | General Contractor |
|---|---|---|
| Typical project size | $100–$5,000. Single-trade, no permits in most cases. | $5,000 and up, often $20,000+. Multi-trade, usually with permits. |
| Scope examples | Drywall patch, paint, plumbing fixture, electrical fixture, door rehang, deck repair, pressure washing, hurricane prep. | Kitchen / bath remodel, addition, garage conversion, structural repair, new roof, full re-pipe. |
| Licensing | No state handyman license required in Florida for handyman-scope work. We carry insurance directly. | State CGC / CBC / CRC license required for general construction projects. |
| Permits | We don't pull permits. For work that needs them, we refer out. | Pulls permits, schedules inspections, coordinates with the building department. |
| Subcontractors | One crew. What we do is what we bill. | Coordinates plumbers, electricians, framers, roofers, drywall crews on schedule. |
| Lead time | 2–5 business days for non-emergency. Same-day common. | Weeks to months for project start, depending on permits and schedule. |
| Pricing model | Firm written quote per job. | Lump-sum contract or cost-plus, with progress payments tied to milestones. |
| Best for | Repairs, refresh, maintenance, single-trade fixes. | Renovations, additions, anything structural, permitted work. |
Which one to call.
Call us when the job is repair, refresh, or maintenance — a patch, a paint, a fixture, a door, a deck board. When you can describe it in one sentence ("the kitchen faucet leaks", "the ceiling has a water stain", "we need the trim painted"). Most homeowner work falls here.
Call a general contractor when you're remodeling, adding on, changing a structural element, or doing anything that needs a building permit. If your project touches multiple trades and runs over a few weeks, you want one person managing the schedule and coordinating subs.
What we'll do if it's not our scope: tell you on the phone. We'll explain why it's GC work, and we can recommend two or three contractors we trust in St. Johns County. // TODO HUMAN: list referral contacts.
If it's handyman scope, get a free quote.
If you're not sure whether your project is handyman scope, call us — we'll tell you straight, even if it means referring you to a GC.
Handyman vs contractor — questions we get a lot
What's the difference between a handyman and a general contractor?
A handyman handles small to medium repairs that don't change a home's structure or systems substantially. A general contractor manages larger projects — additions, remodels, structural work — usually with subs (plumbers, electricians, roofers) and permits. Scope, license, and price tag are all different.
When do I have to hire a licensed contractor in Florida?
Florida law generally requires a licensed contractor for work above a certain project threshold or for structural / system changes that require a permit. Per Florida DBPR guidance (Chapter 489, F.S.), unlicensed handyman work is limited and varies by county. Anything requiring a building, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permit must go to a licensed contractor in that trade. // TODO HUMAN: confirm current statute citation before publishing.
Are handymen licensed in Florida?
There is no state-level 'handyman' license in Florida. Some counties or municipalities require local registration. We carry general liability and workers' comp insurance and we follow local rules. For any job requiring a state license (electrician, plumber, GC), we refer to a properly licensed pro.
How do I know which one I need?
Rule of thumb: if the job touches one trade and is mostly visible/accessible (faucet, fixture, drywall, paint, trim, door, fence), a handyman is the right call. If it touches multiple trades, needs a permit, or changes a structural / electrical / plumbing system substantially, you need a general contractor.
Can a handyman save me money on a remodel?
On the parts of a remodel that are within handyman scope — paint, hardware, finish carpentry, fixture swaps — yes, often significantly. On the parts that require licensed trades or permits, you cannot legally save money by using a handyman, and you shouldn't try.
Bonded & insured.
Every visit and every dollar of work is covered. Ask us for our certificate of insurance any time.
No call-out fee.
Free estimates. You owe us nothing if you decide not to hire us.
12-month workmanship warranty.
If anything we do fails within a year, we come back at no charge.