The distinction between a handyman and a general contractor isn't just about project size — it's about scope, licensing, risk, and legal requirements. Understanding when to hire each saves Ottawa homeowners thousands of dollars and prevents legal complications. A handyman is a generalist who handles small repairs, maintenance tasks, and minor installations. They're jacks-of-all-trades who can fix a leaky faucet, patch drywall, mount a TV, adjust a sticking door, and paint a room — often all in ...
Hire a handyman for your accumulated list of small tasks. Most Ottawa homeowners have a running list of 5-15 minor items that individually don't justify a contractor call: door adjustments, squeaky floors, caulking renewal, shelf installation, picture hanging, minor drywall repairs, weatherstripping, and small painting touch-ups. A handyman can address 5-10 of these in a half-day visit for $200-$400. Seasonal maintenance is handyman territory. Spring: clean and adjust windows, replace weatherst...
Any project requiring a City of Ottawa building permit demands a contractor's expertise. Permit-required projects include structural modifications (wall removal, beam installation, foundation work), additions and extensions, basement finishing to livable space, new bathrooms or kitchens with plumbing changes, electrical service upgrades, window or door openings in load-bearing walls, and deck construction over 24 inches above grade. Multi-trade coordination is a contractor's core value. A bathr...
Handyman hourly rates in Ottawa: $50-$90/hour with 2-hour minimum. No project management overhead, no subcontractor markups, and typically no HST for sole proprietors under the $30,000 threshold. Total cost for a typical half-day visit: $200-$400. Contractor rates reflect their overhead: project management (15-25% of subcontractor costs), insurance (general liability, WSIB), office expenses, vehicles, equipment, and profit margin. A contractor's effective hourly rate — including overhead — runs...
Ontario's regulated trades require certification. Electricians must hold an Ontario Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) licence. Plumbers need a Certificate of Qualification from the Ontario College of Trades. Gas fitters require Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) certification. HVAC technicians need an Ozone Depletion Prevention (ODP) certificate for refrigerant handling. A handyman performing regulated trade work violates Ontario law and exposes you to liability. If an unlicensed h...
A handyman handles small repairs and maintenance ($50-$90/hour). A contractor manages larger projects requiring permits, multiple trades, and structural work (15-25% markup over subcontractor costs). The key divider is whether the work requires permits or licensed trades.
A handyman can do basic tasks like replacing a faucet or fixing a running toilet. Any plumbing beyond simple fixture replacement — new pipe runs, drain modifications, water heater installation — requires a licensed Ontario plumber.
Interior painting is handyman territory. Exterior painting of a standard home can be done by a handyman or painting contractor. If the exterior requires scaffolding (3+ storeys), lead paint removal (pre-1978 homes), or repair work, hire a professional painting contractor.
For small tasks, a handyman saves 40-60% compared to hiring specialized contractors for each item. A handyman visit ($200-$400) addressing 5-10 small tasks costs far less than individual plumber, electrician, and carpenter service calls.
A handyman can install simple backsplash tile or replace a few tiles. Full bathroom tiling — especially shower waterproofing and floor tile — is best done by an experienced tile installer or renovation contractor who understands waterproofing requirements.