Handyman Business vs. General Contractor

What really is the difference between a Handyman Business and being a General Contractor? A handyman is typically hired for more of a DIY project or a quick "honey-do" project that needs to be completed around the house.
A General Contractor will be hired typically for bigger projects such as a bathroom renovation, or a new outdoor living space. A general contractor is responsible for providing all of the material, labor, equipment, and services necessary for the construction of the project. A general contractor often hires specialized subcontractors to perform all or portions of the construction work.
There is a Customer Expectation with the two very different terms. A handyman is generally known to be cheaper costing and comes with a Perception of Cost Affective in the client's eyes.
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Mike Claudio is a seasoned sales and business development professional with 15+ years of sales and sales leadership experience. He has helped several construction companies grow from a leadership position and decided to turn that into a career as a sales consultant and coach for professionals in the construction industry via starting WinRate Consulting in early 2018. So far Mike has worked with over 25 companies and helped several grow by 7-figures in process.
Mike is driven by helping business owners and sales professionals reach their potential by teaching his best practices created through on the job training with sales and leadership roles in several types of industries and business types along the way. He is a published author, a professional speaker, multiple business owner, Father, and Husband.

[@I_AM_MR_COOLA]

I'm doing a handyman business and I'm ok with small jobs because I truly enjoy the work

[@panthersarebeast1111]

I'm with ya there. I'd definitely like to get into more of a home remodeling field though

[@peacockhorsepower1765]

Small and profitable is key. Fly under the radar and keep people drama to a minimum.

[@josemartinez-rl2ho]

agree! I love the smaller jobs

[@RA-IL]

You need bigger dreams boy

[@89HOMESERVICE]

True men.

[@godbluffvdgg]

I'm still a General contractor, by license and insurance but; after 30 plus years; I wound down my company from 17 guys to just me and an occasional helper...I never had so much money...:)...I love just doing what I want to, when I want to, and charging what I want to... I quarterbacked my last big job in 22...I do miss the big checks but; I love the time freedom and loss of stress about payroll...

[@1978madrigal]

I've done both GC and Handyman... After so many years of running shit, dealing with people, and employees. I love the Handyman side way more, but you do have to find/get the work. So, I found that doing a little of both is perfected with a nice levelness of crazy. Spring and Summer I doing handyman shit and do my remodeling in the fall and winter.

[@scottsprowl7484]

Went from GC to Handyman...much much betterment imo. Less stress!

[@89HOMESERVICE]

That’s what im thinking also, Been General contractor, need money for everyone and lot cash flow

[@mrharlemike28]

Epic video, Mike! Exactly the comparisons I needed to hear. I can't find a better explanation ANYWHERE! Now a loyal subscriber. Thank you!

[@ivoted7199]

I crossed over from Handy Man to Licensed B General Contractor. I work entirely solo in NorCal doing strictly Kitchen/Bath remodels (Design & Build). Best move I ever made. My second best move was Incorporating. (You will need a solid accountant however) Entirely word of mouth clients. Never advertise or purchase customers. Only advertising expense = Fancy Business Cards

[@TheBruunz]

Nice brother. similar experience here. Have you ever tried to work w/ a business partner? Remodeling is so much work bro, headch

[@ivoted7199]

Remodeling is easy when you get the hang of it; takes awhile. No partners nor employees for me = I avoid endless headaches. @@TheBruunz

[@joelq.browning8825]

Hey Mike really liked this episode love the production too. Keep me interested and engaged. Have a blessed one

[@MizzoniDojo]

Appreciate the insight, and the nuance between the two worlds. Lots of research to be done to understand it all. Ontario Canada here and just beginning to consider being a handyman part time on the side to start, build a client pool and I know guys that keep themselves busy year round with 2-3 wealthy clients

[@edrodriguez665]

Someone starting out would you guys say that a remodelers would be in the same category as a gc or just a fancier way to say handy man ? I appreciate any input love the video man thanks for the information.

[@keenanmalone6486]

Yea I’m definitely an handyman type of guy. Thanks for the video

[@edawadezz]

Hey man, young carpenter now with a construction company and starting to GC. Ive seen a few videos now, you always seem to have know what your talking about and are spitting the truth. keep it up, may check out your podcast now one of these days to

[@johnquispe9526]

Thanks for explanation

[@josemartinez-rl2ho]

great video, in Maryland to be a handyman you need a license same requirements and a general contractor

[@joshlvn7732]

Big problem with general contracting is finding guys! I’ll handyman all day long over the headache of a big job. I come from custom home building and it’s a shit show!

[@MizzoniDojo]

Every custom home I've worked in is behind schedule by at least 6 months 😂

[@joshlvn7732]

@@MizzoniDojo we like to say if it’s late it’s on time!

[@EllyECristiano]

Really good information. Great video.

[@killswitch_242]

Im really drawn towards handy man!!

[@aldoogie824]

Don't think for a second that a Handyman doesn't have great take home income and that they're the less expensive option. The smaller the job, the more money it's going to cost your for the job. For example, having someone come out for two hours of work, is still going to run you the cost of the full day , since you brought the person out, they have to travel to and from, etc. A GC might cost less per square foot for example, since you're paying into a larger project, and therefore can extend some economies of scale.

[@handyman4207]

🥰 Great video!

[@pasmartventures3532]

Thank you sir you are on point and I love your videos please do more 💓

[@themikeclaudio]

Just shot some more!

[@ghoulisgod1707]

I need to jump and go for my license. I constantly debate weather I should go for it or continue to look for another career.

[@miketolson2915]

Handyman all day long. With big jobs, comes big headaches! Small jobs are what I love doing. Worked for a small GC, nothing but problems. Here is the key thing guys, I don’t care about what people think about me being a “ Handyman “ could care less! I love the freedom and what I do. Most importantly, I do Awesome work. Couldn’t ask for a better deal, FOR ME, IN MY OPINION.

[@charliegarcia1228]

hey my dad has been in the buisness for 20 years of marble and tile with no license but hes hitting that age where his body is hurting would GC be the best bet he likes to work or jus the license for the tile and marble to get better contracts

[@robertoromero1373]

great video

[@martygonazga8545]

Thank you Mike excellent advice I'm a licensed handyman

[@kornfedkustoms1548]

Would you have time to talk to me about the biz? Im looking into it in iowa .

[@abdullahal-shimri3091]

How can I become a licensed handyman?

[@mikeschwendeman4403]

Thanx man!

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

Facts

[@progresaya]

mas claro no pudo ser Boss !

[@cgindustrial1859]

Practical, sensible advice

[@betterboss]

Level up ⬆️ 💯⚡️

[@AlstarPalmer]

Nice

[@michaelhaze4507]

Hey just went into business with my brothers all as sole proprietorship to do windows and door installs, we wanna hire people, what’s the structure of what I need to do it all legally , Canadian “ON What sort of registration do I need , ideally the people we hire are more or less already qualified installers, it’s much less of an apprenticeship.

[@constructionsecrets]

how about reviewing your contracts with your clients? :)

[@chrish1815]

I've been business for 2 years now doing small handyman jobs and lots bathroom remodels. I enjoy doing the work. But I really enjoy the management part more and customers. How do I take to the next level and start hiring and putting crew together?

[@wdreamfixtures]

same here, I want to start doing remodel jobs after 2 years doing handyman work. How do I get the right license

[@89HOMESERVICE]

Hi, Im license contractor in Mass, i do remodeling bathroom and kitchen. To find the right guys always keep your eyes open on your community, i do find on facebook community page, i ask around to my friends, and also on small jobs where dont have much risk, hire someone new to try, and see how he can perform that small job for you.

[@robertt3286]

Is a handyman contractor supposed to bring his own powerbank or generator to charge his electric tools?

[@cattleblack2254]

One of the biggest things as a handyman is when home owners try and do some or all the work themselves and then call you in to fix or finish and they think they saved themselves money when in reality I've gotta work backwards first then forward to make things right. So they cost themselves money and they never understand why when they worked too 🤣🤣

[@swatisquantum]

They are essentially paying for you to do exactly that…and are happy that you solved the problem for them. Key is your value is the pain and problem that you solve. Due to that, you can negotiate a fee for your time. Thus handyman.

[@brewted]

MI handyman = 600$ or less per project. GC 60hrs course + test SO handyman is odd jobs, not many reno's are -600 ha. Im taking my GC online right now and although I plan on doing smaller projects I want the legality to do a reno like a bathroom or kitchen too.

[@mendodsoregonbackroads6632]

That’s what I did. Besides the insurance which is only about $1,500 a year, and the bond, it frees you up to take whatever job you want. If you need to sub some work out you can do that too. Or you can just do smaller Jobs that only take a few days or a couple of weeks and do them yourself.

[@erikcook9815]

Mike I have been doing Auto Collision Repair for 20 years and I need a change. I have experience working on my own home and also with my father I have completed whole house drywall installs, bathroom remodels, hardwood floor and laminate flooring i.e. lots of customer work for clients like Register of Deeds and Judges. What I'm looking for is advice should I move out of a 70-80k a year career into this field?

[@themikeclaudio]

There are a bunch of videos on this channel on how to get started. If you want to jump on a discovery call with one of our coaches we can set that up as well

[@Benzbuild]

My brother is auto body tech and makes over 100k/year within 5 years of working. He started off vacuuming,washing, and detailing the cars. I believe it's a very good industry to be in. Their is a lot money to be made in it.

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

@@themikeclaudio can I be a part time general contractor?

[@FreeWVson]

Im going for class c for handy man service in Virginia. Is class c enough. Also, what are the requirements? Dpor dosnt give clear answers.

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

Nice

[@markevans7584]

Spot on my man, I prefer the smaller jobs, quick 10 grand, take a few days off, but as i get older and working in the summer heat gets to be unbearable I'm looking to hang up the belt and get my license, also considering just woodworking projects, been enjoying working with hard woods, you can just batch out 3 cherry cutting boards @ $350 ea. And enjoy the day

[@themikeclaudio]

🤜🏼🤛🏼

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

@@themikeclaudio Can I be a part time general contractor ?

[@fourstars5270]

I found this by accident, but love it. I was a handyman making about 80k a year, now as a GC I'm doing about 200k. I think I could do more, but its soooo hard to keep my hands off the tools. Guys get behind, next thing I know I'm grabbing my belt. Just being honest the money & respect is better as a licensed GC

[@markevans7584]

@fourstars5270 you might have just sold me on getting licensed. I'm at the end of a solo deck build and I had to call an early day yesterday from being to overheated. Mid forties have caught up. Are you working crazy hours, six days a week to pull $200k though?

[@fourstars5270]

@@markevans7584 this is hard to explain, but i work, but then again I feel like I don't. Most days I'm meeting with subs, or homeowners. I get so bored, that i start back working. Like today I spent 9 hours building deck stairs because my framer said he could do it Monday, but I had nothing to do so I did it. So mad at myself, thinking about throwing my tools away. But as a GC the money is better, doing a complete rebuild after house fire, making over 200k on this one project. I might not take on anything else this year. Believe it or not the biggest challenge will be not working with tools. Most days, around noon, I have nothing to do, so I end up creating work, or doing my subs work

[@sargent444]

That is where I am at

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

Nice

[@_jonathanjulian]

this question is for everbody: do you know of anyone who has been an electrician or a specific technician roll (hvac, plumber) and has transitioned to work as a GC?

[@themikeclaudio]

I have not seen it directly but I’m sure it’s out there somewhere. Not a common step for sure

[@89HOMESERVICE]

I didn’t see. But what i see is you can do small jobs of emergency/services calls. As fast you get on your on trade, more money you get. Because instead doing 3 jobs a day of emergency, you can do 5. And repeat. Me as GC ed to have a lot cash flow to start the job, need to have a lot patience with subs and clients. And also you cant begin open a lot jobs at same time because you cant control everything. So my advice is stick what you do best.

[@TheScottybr]

Smaller jobs cost more money period. If they are not then you are barely getting by or losing money. The amount of hours per week is subjective. Both can have 80 hr weeks and both can have 30 hr weeks. Depends on how busy you are and how efficiently you use your time. If you need more than 40 hrs. A week to manage jobs you may need to hire a manager or take on less work. Usually a GC doesn't need to be on the job all the time where if you are a handyman you may be a one man show that is always on the job. Typically, a GC needs to know more about codes and less about the nuts and bolts of the work. The opposite is true of the handyman. Typically, handymen are doing work that doesn't require a permit which would require a code inspection. Doesn't mean they don't need their work to be to code. They do much more repair work that codes don't apply. If you become a GC my advise is put away your tool belt and worry about managing people, studying plans, doing estimates, paying subs, paying taxes, paying insurance, tracking your bottom line, etc. I would argue that a savvy business man could run a GC construction company better than a tradesman. If you think the opposite you should probably be a subcontractor (tradesman). Being able to frame a house is not the same as running a business.

[@rogeliofranco4715]

👌🏽👌🏽

[@tonychavez3679]

In California, you need to be journeyman three different trades. You can only do the three trades if you like to per job. A person doesn't know shit. We call them developer's they have deep pockets.

[@realdnigga]

Most dont want to work 60-70 hours a week because it's called having a life and not a lot of people understand that concept