Hiring the wrong type of pro for a job either leaves you over-paying or creates serious liability issues. Here's the clear breakdown of when each type of professional is appropriate — and how to skip the guesswork entirely.
What a handyman does
Handymen handle a broad range of smaller maintenance and repair tasks that don't require licensed trade work: TV and picture mounting, furniture assembly, minor drywall patching, replacing fixtures, painting, door adjustments, weatherstripping, and general 'honey-do' list items. They typically charge $60–$125/hour with a minimum charge.
What a licensed contractor does
Licensed contractors handle work that requires permits, involves structural changes, or requires licensed trade certification. This includes: new electrical circuits, plumbing rough-in, HVAC installation, load-bearing wall removal, new construction additions, and roofing replacement. They carry a contractor's license, liability insurance, and workers' comp.
The permit question is the deciding factor
If a job requires a building permit, you need a licensed contractor. Attempting permitted work without the right license creates serious problems: the work may fail inspection, you can't sell the house without remediation, and your insurance may deny claims for work done without permits.
Gray areas
Some work falls in between. Installing a new light fixture (replacing like-for-like, no new wiring): a handyman can do this in most states. Running a new circuit to a new location: licensed electrician required. Replacing a faucet: handyman or plumber. Replacing drain and supply lines: typically requires a licensed plumber.
- ✓Fixture replacement (no new wiring/plumbing): handyman
- ✓New circuits, panels, subpanels: licensed electrician
- ✓Faucet, toilet, fixture swap: handyman or plumber
- ✓New rough-in plumbing: licensed plumber
- ✓Cosmetic patching and painting: handyman
Not sure which one you need? You don't have to decide
Most homeowners don't know whether their to-do list is 'handyman work' or 'licensed trade work' until someone looks at it — and a wrong guess means a second round of calls. That's the problem a request service like Novum solves. You describe the job once, and Novum lines up the right kind of pro from its partner network: a handyman for the honey-do list, a licensed plumber or electrician for the parts that need one. You get an upfront quote before any work starts and one point of contact throughout, and the job is backed by the Novum Guarantee.
Bottom line
Match the professional to the work. Handymen are the right call for maintenance and cosmetic work; licensed contractors are required for anything structural, permitted, or trade-specific. If you'd rather not sort that out yourself, submit one request and let Novum line up the right pro.
Need handyman work done?
Novum lines up a vetted, licensed pro. Flat upfront quote before any work starts.