There’s probably not a homeowner out there who hasn’t heard of a handyman or a contractor. Handymen can do small jobs, like fixing a clogged sink or painting the kitchen.
They can also perform more major work, though they typically need to have insurance and fulfill licensing requirements. Contractors oversee and manage large projects, involving multiple specialty trades. Visit the Handyman Construction for more information.
Drywall Installation
Drywall is a common construction material used to create walls and ceilings. It is durable and inexpensive, making it a popular choice for home improvement projects. It is also highly customizable and can be cut into different shapes to create unique design features. If you are planning a major home renovation or need to update your kitchen or bathroom, installing new drywall is an important step. It can make the room feel larger and improve the appearance of your home.
There are several things to consider when hiring a contractor for drywall installation. First, it is important to find a company that is BBB accredited. This will ensure that you are working with a contractor who has a history of ethical business practices and is committed to customer satisfaction. It is also important to look at past work examples and check references before hiring a contractor for your project.
It takes a bit of skill to hang drywall sheets from the studs in your wall, but it is a project that most DIY homeowners can do themselves with a little preparation. Before you get started, make sure to gather the right tools and plan for how long it will take you to complete the project.
To start the process, position your drywall sheet with one edge against the ceiling and the other against the wall. Then, use a drywall square to mark fastening guidelines on the top of the board. This will help you keep the drywall straight while you screw it into place.
When you’re finished, be sure to check the fasteners for any that stick out above the surface of the drywall. A rogue screw can break the paint and cause future problems, so drag a putty knife over each of the screw heads until they are flush with the drywall.
The next step is to tape and sand the seams of your drywall sheet. This will ensure that the seams are smooth and free from loose crumbs or dust. Then, apply a second coat of joint compound over the tape. When this is dry, sand the area again until it is smooth.
Gutter Cleaning
Gutters are designed to carry water runoff and debris away from the house, but they can become clogged with leaves, sticks, and other materials. Over time, this can lead to damaged roofs, foundations, and basement flooding. Gutter cleaning is a necessary home maintenance service that can be easily overlooked. But putting this task off for too long can cause expensive repairs down the road.
Gutter cleaning may not be a priority for homeowners, especially if they don’t have a ladder or don’t feel comfortable working high above the ground. This is a job that can easily be outsourced to a professional handyman who has the proper tools and training to complete this task safely and efficiently.
A clean gutter can also improve the look of a house, which can boost curb appeal and increase its resale value when it’s time to sell. Handymen can also install gutter guards to help prevent clogs and further damage from falling branches, leaves, and other debris.
Homeowners often ask handymen to install new doorknobs and handles, as well as to repair or replace existing ones. This is a simple service that most handymen are willing to provide, although some might be hesitant to handle more complicated projects such as installing a new bathroom vanity or a shower enclosure. In some cases, handymen can also assist with senior-specific home upgrades such as walk-in tubs, grab bars, stairlift installation, and motion-sensor faucets.
Another common request is to hang paintings and other wall decor. This is something that many homeowners don’t have the time or skills to do themselves, and it can be a great way to freshen up a space. Handymen can also mount flat screens, televisions, and other devices on walls or in cabinets.
Choosing the right type of home repair services is essential to maintaining your property’s integrity and preserving its value. A handyman is a great option for small repair jobs that don’t require specialized skill sets, but if the project is complex or involves multiple trades, it might be best to consider hiring a contractor instead.
Electrical Repairs
Electrical work is not a job for everyone, and it requires extreme caution. Handymen often perform a variety of electrical repairs, including installing new lighting fixtures and outlets. They can also advise homeowners on energy efficiency upgrades that will save them money in the long run.
Many states require a license to be a contractor, and they may have specific rules about the types of jobs that can be performed by contractors. For example, they may have maximum labor and material dollar amounts that they are allowed to spend on a project. In addition, they may have to carry liability coverage that protects them against claims made by customers if something goes wrong during the course of a project.
A general contractor usually oversees construction projects from start to finish, and they may hire specialized subcontractors to perform some of the work. They are responsible for ensuring that all aspects of the project are completed on time and that they comply with local building codes and ordinances. They are also usually responsible for the safety of their employees and the public.
The main difference between a general contractor and a handyman is that contractors are required to have a license in most states and they usually have a specific area of expertise. Handymen, on the other hand, are typically not licensed and they focus on maintenance and repair work for their customers.
Some of the most common tasks for a handyman are fixing light switches and replacing lights. They can also fix ceiling fans and install electrical outlets. In addition, they are able to run cable lines between rooms for televisions and other electronic devices.
One of the most important things for a handyman to do is to ensure that their wiring work is up to code. This includes inspecting circuits, testing the GFCI outlets in a room and ensuring that all connections are secure and free from fraying or corrosion.
Another important service that a handyman can provide is to replace an old or outdated breaker box. This can involve removing the existing breaker and installing new wiring for each outlet, adding additional breakers if needed and running conduit from the main power source to the new breaker box.
Painting
Painting is a common handyman service because many homeowners need their homes painted on the inside and outside. Handy has professional painters on its platform that will give you a quality interior paint job at a wallet-friendly price. Whether you need to add crown molding to your home or simply want to repaint your entire interior, Handy has the painting professionals to get the job done.
Exterior painting services are also simple to offer as a handyman, especially if you have a good grasp of what tools you need to complete the work. Exterior painting is a great way to increase the curb appeal of your home and is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve your home’s value. Using quality exterior paints is important for maintaining the durability of your paint and ensuring a quality finish.
Window washing for two and three-story homes is a straightforward service that you can provide as a handyman. Keeping windows clean helps reduce dirt and grime build-up, which will make your house look cleaner and more inviting. Handymen can also wash screens and repair window and door frames, if needed.
Handymen can often offer a variety of other basic services like repairing ceiling fans, sanding and staining decks and patios, installing or replacing light fixtures and switches, and more. In addition to these basic tasks, some handymen are able to handle more complex jobs such as replacing a toilet tank or fixing a leaky faucet. For more complicated tasks, a handyman may need to refer you to a licensed plumber, electrician, or roofer who specializes in that area.
Contractors are licensed professionals who earn their license by passing a background check and exam. They have extensive experience in a specific trade and may specialize in areas such as plumbing, electrical, HVAC, construction, roofing, excavation, masonry, and more. A contractor generally focuses on larger projects with a significant budget, such as major remodels or renovations of residential or commercial properties. They may also oversee and manage specialized contractors that are part of the project. They may need to obtain a permit or meet other licensing requirements, such as a business license, insurance, and bonding.