Choosing the right type of contractor for your project is as important as choosing the right individual contractor. Hiring a general contractor for a faucet replacement wastes money, while hiring a handyman for a kitchen renovation invites disaster. General contractors (GCs) manage complete renovation projects, coordinating all trades, obtaining permits, and overseeing quality. They charge $75-$125/hour or 10-20% markup on total project cost. Use a GC for: kitchen and bathroom renovations ($15,...
A general contractor is the right choice when your project involves multiple trades that need coordination, requires building permits, costs more than $15,000-$20,000, involves structural changes, or needs to meet a specific timeline. What a GC provides: project management and scheduling, trade coordination (hiring and managing sub-contractors), permit application and inspection scheduling, quality control across all work, single point of accountability, and warranty on the overall project. Th...
Hiring specialty contractors directly saves the GC markup (10-20%) but requires you to manage the project. This works well for single-trade projects, projects you have experience managing, and straightforward work with clear scope. Plumbers: hire directly for water heater replacement, faucet and fixture installation, drain cleaning, pipe repair, and sump pump installation. Always verify their Ontario licence (Certificate of Qualification) and WSIB coverage. Electricians: hire directly for pane...
Handymen fill a valuable niche for small jobs that don't require licensed trades. They're generalists who can handle a wide range of minor work quickly and affordably at $50-$80/hour. Appropriate handyman work: hanging shelves, curtain rods, and TVs, painting rooms, minor drywall repair, caulking and weather stripping, assembling furniture, changing door hardware and locks, installing light switch and outlet covers, minor carpentry (trim, shelving), and pressure washing. Work that REQUIRES a l...
Decision framework: ask yourself these questions to determine the right contractor type. Does the project require permits? → Yes: General contractor or licensed specialty contractor. No: Handyman or specialty contractor depending on scope. Does the project involve more than one trade? → Yes: General contractor (or self-manage if experienced). No: Specialty contractor for that trade. Is the total project cost over $15,000? → Yes: General contractor recommended. No: Specialty contractor or hand...
A general contractor manages complete renovation projects, coordinates trades, obtains permits, and handles complex work. A handyman handles minor repairs and maintenance at lower hourly rates. GCs cost more but provide project management and accountability.
For projects over $15,000, work requiring permits, projects involving multiple trades (plumbing + electrical + carpentry), structural changes, and renovations where you want one point of accountability.
In Ontario, plumbing and electrical work must be performed by licensed professionals. Handymen cannot legally perform this work. Using unlicensed tradespeople may void your insurance and creates safety risks.
Verify electricians through the ESA, plumbers through the Ontario College of Trades, gas fitters through the TSSA, and general contractors through WSIB and liability insurance certificates. Ask to see documentation before hiring.
Handymen charge $50-$80/hour. Specialty contractors charge $85-$175/hour depending on the trade. General contractors charge $75-$125/hour or 10-20% markup on total project costs.