The Key Difference
A general contractor (GC) manages complex projects that involve multiple trades — plumbing, electrical, framing, permits, and inspections. A handyman handles smaller, single-trade tasks like fixing a leaky faucet, patching drywall, or replacing a light fixture.
The dividing line in Texas: if the project requires a building permit, you almost certainly need a licensed general contractor. In Richardson, permits are required for any structural, plumbing, electrical, or mechanical changes.
When to Hire a Handyman
A handyman is the right choice for: minor repairs (leaky faucets, running toilets, squeaky doors), small installations (towel bars, shelving, curtain rods), cosmetic updates (painting a room, replacing cabinet hardware, installing a backsplash), light fixture swaps (same-for-same replacement), and small flooring repairs.
Typical handyman rates in DFW: $50-$100/hour, or flat-rate pricing for common tasks. Most handyman jobs take 1-4 hours and cost $100-$500.
When to Hire a General Contractor
You need a GC for: kitchen remodels ($28,000-$140,000+), bathroom renovations ($10,000-$80,000+), room additions, wall removal or structural changes, electrical panel upgrades or rewiring, plumbing rerouting, any project requiring a building permit, and any project involving 2+ trades working together.
A GC coordinates subcontractors, pulls permits, schedules inspections, manages the timeline, and ensures code compliance. Their fee (typically 10-20% of the project cost) pays for project management that prevents costly mistakes.
The Gray Area
Some projects fall in between. A single bathroom vanity swap (same plumbing location) might be handled by a skilled handyman. But if you're also adding a new outlet, moving the plumbing, or tiling the floor, you need a GC.
Rule of thumb: if the project touches two or more systems (plumbing AND electrical, or structural AND plumbing), hire a general contractor. The coordination alone is worth the cost.
Cost Comparison
Handyman: $50-$100/hour or flat-rate per task. Best for jobs under $1,000. General contractor: project-based pricing. Minimum engagement typically $5,000-$10,000 for small projects, scaling up for full renovations.
Hiring a handyman for a GC-level project usually ends up costing more — failed inspections, rework, and code violations add up fast. Hiring a GC for a handyman-level job means overpaying for project management you don't need.