Ask House Spouse · Interior Repairs · Paint & Trim
Should I hire a handyman or a general contractor for my home repairs?
Short answer
Hire a handyman for a list of small, varied repairs that can be bundled into a single half-day visit, like patching drywall or swapping a faucet. You need a licensed general contractor for larger projects requiring permits or multiple specialized trades, such as a bathroom remodel or deck replacement.
The Difference: Scope, Licensing, and Management
In Washington, the key difference is scope. A handyman service is ideal for a punch list of small-to-medium repairs across various disciplines: patching drywall, replacing a faucet, adjusting a door, or assembling furniture. A General Contractor (GC) is a project manager for jobs that are larger, more complex, or require permits. They orchestrate the entire process, from design and permitting to scheduling specialized trades like plumbers and electricians, and are ultimately responsible for the finished product. My House Spouse is a licensed GC (MYHOUHS745L5), so we can legally and safely perform both roles.
When a Handyman Service Makes Sense
Call a handyman when you have a 'honey-do' list. It's the most cost-effective way to tackle multiple small issues in one visit. Common handyman tasks include swapping light fixtures or ceiling fans, replacing a toilet or garbage disposal, minor drywall and paint touch-ups, hanging pictures or shelves, and repairing a fence picket or deck board. Our handyman service has a $580 minimum for a 4-hour visit, so bundling several of these small jobs is the most efficient use of your budget.
When You Need a General Contractor
You must hire a GC for projects like a bathroom or kitchen remodel, building a new deck, replacing windows, or any work requiring a structural change. The GC's role is critical for managing timelines, budgets, and quality control. They are your single point of contact and carry the liability for the entire project. For work like a major re-pipe or electrical panel upgrade, My House Spouse acts as the GC; we coordinate a trusted licensed plumber or electrician and then handle all the necessary restoration work like drywall, paint, and trim after they are done. You can learn more about our trade relationships on our disclaimers page, available at /disclaimers.
The My House Spouse Advantage: One Call for Everything
Because we are a licensed general contractor that also offers a handyman service, you don't have to choose. You can call us for anything. We can send a technician for a half-day to knock out your repair list. If during that visit we discover a larger issue (like hidden water damage that requires more than a simple patch), we can seamlessly shift gears, provide a formal GC estimate, and manage the entire restoration project for you. It's one trusted partner for the health of your entire home.
Why it happens
Homeowners often use the terms 'handyman' and 'contractor' interchangeably, but in Washington State, they have important legal and practical distinctions. A 'handyman' typically handles a variety of small repairs and maintenance tasks not requiring a trade-specific license. A licensed 'general contractor' (GC) is bonded and insured to manage complex projects, hire specialized subcontractors, and pull permits. The confusion arises because many 'handymen' are not licensed contractors, which creates risk for the homeowner. My House Spouse solves this by being a licensed general contractor (MYHOUHS745L5) that also offers professional handyman services.
How to diagnose it
- 1Make a complete list of all the work you need done. If it's a collection of small, unrelated tasks (e.g., fix a loose doorknob, patch a hole, replace a light fixture), a handyman service is efficient.
- 2Determine if the project requires a permit. In most King and Snohomish County cities, work like building a deck, moving a wall, or altering plumbing or electrical systems requires a permit, which necessitates a general contractor.
- 3Assess if specialized trades are needed. If your project involves work that must be done by a licensed plumber or electrician, a GC is required to coordinate them.
- 4Consider the project's total value. For any significant investment, a GC provides project management, a single point of responsibility, and ensures all work is done to code.
- 5Always verify their license. Ask for their WA State Contractor license number and look them up on the L&I website to confirm they are active, bonded, and insured.
DIY vs. professional
DIY-friendly if…
You can DIY very minor, cosmetic tasks like filling nail holes or touching up paint if you feel comfortable and have the right tools.
Call a pro when…
For a list of multiple small jobs or any single job that is complex or involves plumbing or electrical components, hire a professional to ensure it is done correctly, safely, and efficiently.
Cost expectations
$580–$25,000typical WA labor + materials
A handyman visit has a minimum charge (e.g., $580 for a half-day), while a General Contractor typically manages projects starting at several thousand dollars, often charging a fee of 15-25% of the total cost.
Every House Spouse job is quoted in writing before we start. 12-month workmanship warranty included.
What we see on Home Health Assessments
Our Home Health Assessment is the perfect first step. A technician will catalog all your repair needs, identify which are simple handyman tasks we can bundle together, and flag any larger issues that require a formal general contractor estimate, giving you a clear plan.
How the Home Health Assessment worksServices we'd bring to this job
Where we handle this
We answer this question on real Home Health Assessments across Snohomish and King County.