Is It Cheaper to Hire a Handyman or Multiple Contractors?

If you're staring at a growing list of home repairs, you've probably wondered whether it makes more sense to call one handyman or hire separate contractors for each job. It's a question that affects not just your wallet, but also how much time you'll spend managing the work and how quickly everything gets done.

I've seen homeowners and business owners in Boise struggle with this decision countless times. On one hand, specialized contractors seem like the safe bet for quality work. On the other hand, coordinating multiple people for simple repairs feels overwhelming and expensive.

The truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. But understanding the cost differences, scheduling realities, and quality considerations can help you make the right call for your situation.

How Much Does a Handyman Actually Charge Compared to Contractors?

Pricing structures vary significantly between handymen and specialized contractors. Most handymen charge by the hour or offer flat-rate pricing for specific projects. You can expect to pay approximately $50 to $150 per hour in most areas, though rates vary by location and complexity.

Specialized contractors typically start higher. Electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians often charge around $75 to $200+ per hour, depending on your market and the specific work involved.

But here's what makes the real difference in your total cost. When you need three or four different repairs, you're not just paying for labor hours. Each contractor charges a separate trip fee, typically between $50 and $100. Many have minimum service requirements, billing you for at least two hours even if the job takes 30 minutes. Consultation fees add another layer of expense.

With a single handyman, you pay one trip charge for multiple repairs. That consolidation alone can save you several hundred dollars on a typical multi-task project.

What Hidden Costs Come with Hiring Multiple Contractors?

The obvious expenses are easy to calculate, but several hidden costs can catch people off guard when hiring multiple contractors.

First, there's the redundancy factor. You're paying three different service call fees when one would suffice. Each contractor marks up materials at their own rate, and you lose any volume discount advantages. Travel costs increase because three companies are sending people to your property rather than one.

Then consider the minimum billing issue. A plumber might charge a two-hour minimum for a faucet replacement that takes 45 minutes. An electrician does the same for installing a ceiling fan. A carpenter bills for three hours when fixing a door that takes 90 minutes. Those inflated minimums add up fast across multiple trades.

Material costs present another hidden expense. Established handyman services often have relationships with suppliers and can purchase materials at contractor pricing. They pass those savings along to you. Individual contractors working on isolated, small jobs don't have the same buying power, and their material markups reflect that.

Does Hiring One Person Really Save Time?

Time savings matter more than money, especially if you run a business or have a demanding schedule.

Think about the logistics of hiring three contractors. You schedule three separate appointments, often weeks apart, due to scheduling conflicts. You wait around for three different arrival windows. You explain your needs three times. You follow up with three companies if questions arise.

Now imagine handling all those repairs in one appointment. A handyman arrives, walks through everything with you once, and tackles the work in a logical sequence. Door hanging in the morning, drywall repair after lunch, light fixture installation before leaving. Done.

For commercial properties, the time savings translate directly into cost savings. Every day your retail space has a broken door or your office has non-functioning lights, you're potentially losing customers or productivity, and minimizing disruption matters.

Even for homeowners, there's real value in avoiding three half-days off work or repeatedly rearranging your schedule. Your time has worth, even if you're not billing by the hour.

What Types of Projects Work Best for Handyman?

Handymen excel at small to medium repairs that don't require specialized licenses. These projects fall comfortably within their skill set and experience level.

Interior work, like patching drywall, painting rooms, installing shelving, or repairing minor water damage, fits perfectly. Basic carpentry projects, such as fixing doors, replacing trim, or building simple structures, work well too. Fixture installations, including ceiling fans, light fixtures, towel bars, and cabinet hardware, are standard handyman territory.

Exterior maintenance, such as pressure washing, gutter cleaning, minor deck repairs, or replacing weatherstripping, also makes sense. Basic plumbing tasks such as faucet replacement, toilet repair, or drain clearing typically don't require a licensed plumber in most jurisdictions.

The common thread? These are straightforward repairs that require general skill and experience but not specialized certification. Projects typically under $1,000 to $1,500 fit the handyman model well.

When Should You Hire Specialized Contractors Instead?

Some projects absolutely require licensed specialists, and trying to save money with the wrong professional creates bigger problems.

Major electrical work beyond simple fixture installation needs a licensed electrician. This includes panel upgrades, rewiring, adding circuits, or any work involving your home's main electrical system. The safety risks and code requirements make this non-negotiable.

Complex plumbing installations fall into the same category. Moving water or drain lines, working on sewer systems, installing water heaters, or anything involving gas lines requires proper licensing and insurance. The potential for catastrophic failure is too high to risk.

Structural work is another clear specialist zone. Removing or modifying load-bearing walls, foundation repairs, or significant framing changes need engineers and licensed contractors who understand building codes and structural integrity.

HVAC system installation or major repairs require certified technicians. These systems are complex, expensive, and need proper installation for safety and efficiency.

Any project requiring permits generally requires an appropriately licensed contractor. Building departments require proper credentials before issuing permits, and inspectors verify that the work meets code.

How Much Can You Actually Save with a Handyman?

Real-world numbers help clarify the potential savings. Most property owners save 20% to 50% on multi-task projects by consolidating work with a single handyman rather than hiring multiple contractors.

Let me walk through a realistic scenario. Imagine you need three separate repairs: installing a new interior door, patching and painting drywall in two rooms, and replacing three light fixtures.

If you hire separate contractors, here's what you might face. A carpenter charges around $150 for the trip plus $300 in labor for the door installation, totaling $450. A drywall contractor bills $100 for the service call and $250 for the work, coming to $350. An electrician charges $150 to show up and $200 for the fixture work, adding $350. Your total hits roughly $1,150.

With a handyman, the math changes. They might charge approximately $75 per hour and complete all three tasks in about 8 hours, totaling $600. Add a single $75 trip fee, and you're at $675 total. That's a savings of $475, or about 41% off the contractor approach.

The percentage varies based on your specific situation, but the pattern remains consistent. Consolidating multiple small jobs with one service provider eliminates redundant fees and reduces total labor costs.

What About Quality and Warranties?

Quality concerns often drive people toward specialized contractors, but reputable handyman companies maintain professional standards comparable to specialists for appropriate work.

Established handyman services carry proper liability insurance and workers' compensation. They provide warranties on their work, typically ranging from 30 days to one year, depending on the project. Their teams receive ongoing training and have experience across multiple trades.

The key is choosing a legitimate business, not a random person with a truck and some tools. Look for companies with solid online reviews, verifiable insurance, and a track record in your community.

When something goes wrong, dealing with one service provider simplifies resolution. If you have three different contractors and a problem develops, figuring out who's responsible becomes a headache. Was it the electrician's work, or did the carpenter damage something? With one provider handling related tasks, accountability is clear.

That said, quality depends on matching the right professional to the job. A handyman doing basic fixture installation will deliver results comparable to an electrician. But a handyman shouldn't attempt work beyond their skill level, and reputable ones won't. They'll tell you when a job requires a specialist.

Why Does Building a Long-Term Relationship Matter?

Finding a reliable handyman you can call repeatedly provides benefits beyond individual projects.

When the same person handles your regular maintenance, they become familiar with your property. They know your house's quirks, remember past repairs, and spot potential problems before they escalate. This familiarity saves time on each visit because they don't have to start from scratch.

Preventive maintenance becomes easier, too. A handyman who knows your property can suggest seasonal maintenance, catch small issues during routine repairs, and help you prioritize work based on urgency. This proactive approach prevents costly emergency repairs in the future.

For commercial properties, having a go-to handyman means faster response times and better service. They understand your business needs, accommodate your schedule, and prioritize your calls as a regular customer.

Trust develops over time. You learn their work quality, they understand your expectations, and communication becomes effortless. That relationship has real value when you need something fixed quickly or have questions about your property.

How Do You Choose Between a Handyman and Contractors?

Making the right decision comes down to evaluating your specific situation against several key factors.

Consider the scope of work first. Multiple minor repairs across different areas? Handyman. Single major project requiring specialized skills? Contractor. The more variety in your task list, the more sense a handyman makes.

Think about licensing requirements in your area. Some jurisdictions limit handymen to projects under specified dollar thresholds or prohibit certain types of work without proper licensing. Research your local regulations or ask potential handymen about their legal scope.

Timeline matters too. Need everything done quickly? A handyman can often schedule you faster and complete varied work in fewer visits. Specialized contractors might have longer lead times and availability issues.

Budget plays an obvious role. If money is tight and you have multiple straightforward repairs, a handyman delivers better value. If you're tackling a major renovation or critical system work, investing in the right specialist protects your property value.

Insurance considerations come up for some projects. Certain insurance claims require licensed contractors for specific trades. Check with your insurance company if you're filing a claim.

What Questions Should You Ask Before Hiring?

Vetting any professional before they work on your property protects you from problems and disappointments.

Start with insurance coverage. Ask for proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation. Legitimate businesses provide this documentation without hesitation. It protects you if something goes wrong or someone gets injured on your property.

Discuss warranty terms clearly. What's covered, for how long, and what voids the warranty? Get this in writing, not just verbal assurances.

Experience matters for your specific needs. How long have they been in business? Have they handled projects similar to yours? Can they provide references from recent customers with comparable work?

Get detailed cost breakdowns. What's included in the quote? Are materials separate or bundled? What could cause the price to change? Understanding the full financial picture prevents surprises.

Ask about their process. How do they handle material purchases? What's their typical timeline? Do they clean up after completing work? These details affect your experience.

References provide valuable insight. Talk to past customers about quality, timeliness, communication, and how they handled any issues that arose.

Making the Smart Choice for Your Boise Property

The decision between a handyman and a contractor isn't about finding a universal right answer. It's about matching your specific needs with the right professional for the job.

For most homeowners and business owners, a trusted handyman service in Boise handles 70% to 80% of routine repairs and maintenance needs. The remaining 20% to 30% requiring specialized contractors tends to be major projects, permitted work, or complex system installations.

Start by evaluating your current project list. If you have multiple small-to-medium tasks that don't require permits or major system work, a handyman makes economic sense. You'll save money, time, and stress while getting quality results.

If your list includes major electrical work, complex plumbing, structural changes, or anything requiring permits, invest in licensed specialists. The extra cost buys expertise, proper code compliance, and peace of mind.

Many successful property owners use both approaches. They develop a relationship with a reliable handyman for routine needs and call specialists when projects demand it. This balanced strategy maximizes value without compromising on quality or safety.

Ready to stop juggling multiple contractors? M Property Services serves Boise and the surrounding areas with professional handyman, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing services. Whether you're in the North End, Southeast Boise, the Bench, or newer subdivisions, we're your single source for reliable property care.

Call or text Jim at 208-861-2751 or email jim@mpsid.com to schedule your free consultation. Learn more about our services.

FAQs

What work can a handyman legally do?

Handymen can handle most minor repairs, maintenance, and improvements without specialized trade licenses. This includes painting, drywall work, fixture installation, basic carpentry, and simple troubleshooting. Projects are typically under $1,000 and don't involve major system work. However, large electrical jobs, gas line plumbing, and structural modifications require licensed contractors. Always check your local regulations as requirements vary by state.

How much money will I actually save by hiring a handyman?

Property owners typically save 20% to 50% on multi-task projects using one handyman versus multiple contractors. The biggest savings come from eliminating redundant trip fees ($50 to $150 per contractor) and minimum billing requirements. For jobs involving three different trades, you could save $400 to $800 or more.

Should I get multiple quotes before choosing?

Yes, always compare quotes from two to three providers. Look beyond just the price and evaluate what's included, insurance coverage, warranty terms, and online reviews. Check how responsive they are during the quoting process. A slightly higher estimate from a reliable, established professional often provides better long-term value than the cheapest option.

Do handymen work on business properties?

Yes, many handyman services specialize in commercial property maintenance. They offer flexible scheduling around business hours to minimize operational disruptions. Commercial handymen typically handle routine repairs, tenant turnover work, and ongoing facility maintenance. Some also provide preventive maintenance programs to help businesses avoid emergency repairs.

What should I ask before hiring a handyman?

Start by verifying their liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. Ask about warranty terms on both labor and materials. Request references from recent customers with similar projects. Get a detailed cost breakdown showing what's included and any potential additional charges. Clarify who purchases materials, typical project timelines, and their cleanup procedures after work is complete.

When does it make sense to hire both a handyman and specialists?

For large renovations, use licensed contractors for permitted work like electrical panel upgrades, gas line installations, or structural modifications. Then bring in a handyman for finishing tasks like painting, trim installation, and fixture mounting. This approach saves money while ensuring major systems meet code requirements. Just coordinate timing carefully so work flows smoothly between different professionals.