This is one of the most common questions homeowners have — and getting it wrong costs money in both directions. Hiring a contractor for a handyman job means paying contractor rates and minimums for work that didn't need it. Hiring a handyman for a contractor job can mean poor results, failed inspections, or liability issues.
Here's how to think through it clearly.
A handyman handles maintenance, repairs, and small improvements that don't require a licensed trade or a building permit. The scope varies by professional, but typical handyman work includes:
General contractors manage larger projects — renovations, additions, structural changes, or jobs that require permits, licensed trades, or significant coordination. Typical contractor territory:
💡 In BC, any work requiring a building permit must be done by — or at minimum supervised by — a licensed contractor. Using a handyman for permitted work creates liability issues if you ever sell or make an insurance claim.
The clearest dividing line in Metro Vancouver: does the job require a permit? If yes, you need a licensed contractor (or licensed trade). If no, a handyman is almost certainly the better choice for small jobs.
Common jobs in Metro Vancouver that typically require permits: new electrical circuits, structural wall removal, additions, new plumbing rough-in, secondary suite creation.
Common jobs that typically don't: faucet/toilet repair, fixture replacement, drywall patching, painting, furniture installation, flooring repair, door/window adjustments, caulking.
In Metro Vancouver, a general contractor's minimum project size is often $2,000–$5,000. A handyman charges $65–$110/hour with no minimum. For a job that takes two hours and doesn't require a permit, the math is obvious.
Some jobs fall in between — they're bigger than typical handyman work but don't necessarily require a contractor. For these, the best approach is to describe the job to both and see who's comfortable taking it on. A handyman who's honest about their limits is more valuable than one who overpromises.
Examples of grey-area jobs: replacing a toilet (handyman), replacing a toilet and reconfiguring the plumbing drain (contractor). Replacing a light fixture (handyman), adding a new circuit for the fixture (contractor).
The short answer: for anything that doesn't require a permit, doesn't involve new wiring or pipe installation, and is a repair or maintenance task rather than a renovation. For Metro Vancouver homeowners, this covers the vast majority of day-to-day home maintenance.
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