You’ve decided to remodel. Great! But here’s a harsh truth many homeowners need to hear: your neighbor’s contractor recommendation might be the worst place to start.

Yes, we said it. And yes, this is going to ruffle some feathers.

While Brenda down the street may be thrilled with the guy who remodeled her bathroom, there’s a good chance she has no idea whether the plumbing is up to code, the tile is waterproofed properly, or if the guy just slapped on someone else’s leftover materials he bought off Craigslist. What she does know is that he was nice, showed up on time, and didn’t leave a mess.

That might make him a good dinner guest. It doesn’t make him qualified to manage your $60,000 kitchen renovation.

Neighbor recommendations, especially on platforms like Facebook or Nextdoor, are often based on surface-level impressions. Few homeowners have the technical knowledge to properly evaluate construction quality, vet a contractor’s license status, or verify compliance with local codes. Their glowing recommendation might be based on a $2,500 vanity swap—not the complex $40,000 scope you’re planning.

Understanding the Real Differences: Handyman vs. General Contractor

When it comes to larger remodeling projects, you’re not just hiring for labor—you’re hiring for project management, code compliance, and risk mitigation.

Handymen are best for minor jobs: faucet swaps, drywall patches, furniture assembly. They’re affordable and useful—for small tasks. But major renovations? That’s when you need a General Contractor (GC). A GC manages the overall remodel, coordinates licensed specialists (electricians, plumbers, HVAC techs), ensures permitting is handled, and protects your project with insurance and warranties.

Yes, GCs are more expensive. But they’re also responsible for keeping your project on time, within code, and financially protected.

The Real Cost of the “Cheaper Option”

Here are a few side-by-side comparisons of handyman vs. GC pricing. The difference is real:

• Leaky faucet repair:
  • Handyman: $100–$200
  • Contractor: $300 just to show up
  • BUT: what if the leak is just the tip of a larger mold or plumbing issue? GCs identify root problems. Handymen patch symptoms.
• Bathroom vanity swap:
  • Handyman: $1,000–$2,500
  • Contractor: $2,000–$4,000
  • A GC includes code-compliant plumbing, potential electrical work, and ensures permits (if needed) are pulled.
• Kitchen remodel:
  • Handyman: Not recommended
  • Contractor: $10,000 to $100,000+
  • This involves design, multiple trades, permits, inspections, and long-term functionality. A handyman simply isn’t qualified.

The Legal Minefield

Here’s what your neighbor might not know: many states legally limit how much work a handyman can do. In California, for example, that limit is $500. Arizona? $1,000.

If your $3,000 “deal” with a handyman gets reported, they could face:

• Criminal misdemeanor charges
• Up to $2,500 in fines
• Potential jail time
• Civil penalties up to $10,000

And you, the homeowner, could face permit violations, stalled inspections, fines, and the risk that your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover injuries or damages resulting from unlicensed work.

Handyman Red Flags

• No license or liability insurance
• Requests for large cash payments upfront
• Refusal to pull permits
• Quotes that seem too good to be true
• A beat-up pickup and a handshake instead of a written contract

Think Like a Project Manager

Hiring a GC means hiring someone who:

• Oversees subs
• Secures permits
• Buys materials (with vendor discounts you don’t have)
• Schedules inspections
• Has legal and financial responsibility if something goes wrong

Handymen often:

• Lack the resources to cover big material orders
• Require you to pay upfront for everything
• Abandon jobs midway if they’re underbid
• Rely on your naivety to stretch legal limits

Make the Smart Choice

Don’t let neighborhood chatter drive a $50,000 decision. Vet contractors yourself. Ask for licenses, proof of insurance, client references, and portfolio photos. Run a background check. Compare detailed bids. Choose based on verified credentials—not social media shoutouts.

Because at the end of the day, you are the one who’s living with the results—not your neighbor Brenda.