If you’re putting your home on the market and have decided it’s a good idea to make a few repairs to increase its selling value, you’re probably wondering just who to hire to do the repair work. Depending on the kind of repairs you’ll have to do (i.e. major or minor) you might end up spending several thousand dollars to make the home safe and fit for selling. Naturally, it only makes sense that you work with the right person for the job, which might take up to a few months to complete.
For most home repairs, home sellers typically choose between a handyman or licensed contractor, also known as a general contractor. In this article, we’re going to go over how each one is different from the other, as well as who might be the best person for your repair job.
What Does a Licensed Contractor Do?
As the name suggests, licensed contractors are licensed or registered with the state, and must keep up with industry updates and regulations to maintain their licenses. This means taking exams, meeting certain requirements to prove competency in their trade, and getting liability insurance among others. You can rest assured that a licensed contractor has the background and training to conduct home repairs according to state guidelines.
Why Hire a Handyman Then?
A handyman is not required to obtain any kind of license with the state or keep up with any state regulations. In fact, anyone can call himself a handyman. But that doesn’t mean handymen are unreliable—in fact, many are highly skilled individuals who know how to carry out a wide range of home repairs.
It should be noted, however, that some projects require a licensed contractor to do the job, otherwise the state might hit you with a penalty, or worse, remove the project altogether.
Who to Hire
Most states require a licensed contractor for jobs that fall under these categories:
- Electrical
- HVAC
- Plumbing
- Gas
- Asbestos
- Hazardous waste containment and removal
In other words, for large repair jobs and projects, it’s very likely that you’ll need a licensed contractor. For small home repairs, such as laying down tile, unclogging the sink, mending the fence, or patching drywall, hiring a handyman is often the most economical option.
Just remember that if you do hire a handyman, be sure to screen the person to know if they have the skills to handle the job. This is where asking for referrals comes in. The same thing goes for licensed contractors—even if an individual is licensed, this is not a guarantee that they’ll do a good job.
Have a home you’d like to sell but don’t have the time or resources to hire a handyman or contractor? Sell your home as is to Blue Hen Homebuyers. As investors, we buy all kinds of houses, regardless of their age or condition. Call our offices today at 910-802-2222 to learn more about how our services can help you.