Great question, Southern Grace Homes, Inc.! The answer is it depends. What is included in your bath remodel; i.e. demo to studs and rebuild; replace tile, new paint, swap toilet, new vanity?
Option #1: Handyman
If you are considering a “vanity” remodel, which would include replacing the non-permitted items such as the finish material in the bathroom, like the vanity, toilet, mirror, tile, paint, etc.; then consider hiring a handyman to complete the project. Just be aware that most handyman companies operate with limited staff, so the project will take a few more days to complete. However, the person that meets with you initially to complete the estimate will most likely be the same person to complete the work. Therefore, you may feel a better level of customer service because the person managing the project will be there the entire time.
Option #2: General Contractor
If the bathroom remodel requires work behind the wall, then consider hiring a GC. GC’s obtain a license that is tied to insurance coverage and bonds. Plus, most GC’s work with licensed trades, such as electricians, plumbers, roofers, etc.; therefore, consider using a GC if any work is going to be needed behind the walls.
Hopefully this helps! If you have any additional questions, please send us an email to Info@DDTHomeTransformations. Thank you for the awesome question!
This will vary by state and county permitting & licensing requirements. The county in which I am established requires a licensed contractor and a permit to change out just a vanity, with no work behind the walls. I would recommend always using someone that is licensed and insured, no matter what your project is. In my county a handyman license qualifies them to hang pictures, painting, surface repairs, pressure washing ground levels only, more like honey-do’s. They are not qualified to change a toilet, but only if they are licensed and insured and you feel comfortable with using them, go ahead. In larger projects I would recommend the proper licensed contractor with experience.
If you are considering a full bathroom remodel first question you ask is do you need a permit ? In most cases you need a permit. does your handyman have the qualifications to pull a permit ? If he does how long will it take him to do the remodel ? for me timing is everything make sure the handyman has the means and the know how from start to finish
In California you have to be lisence even for a handy man but handyman can only perform work up to a certain amount typically 500 dollars in some areas up to no more then 1500 dolars in others and the average price for a bathroom remodel is from $6000 and up master baths around $15000 so a handyman should be doing a bathroom remodeling because their no going to be permitted to do that amount of work
Probably not. You’ll pay more for the a licensed contractor up-front, but you’ll have better recourse with the state licensing board and their insurance policy if anything goes wrong.
A license along isn’t a guarantee of quality work, but it helps.
I know some licensed contractors even offer to do work without permits to save time and permit fees, but I wouldn’t recommend that either. Your new bathroom will definitely add more value when/if you sell if it is fully permitted.
Remodeling a bathroom isn’t rocket science and there are skilled handymen out there, but it just isn’t worth it.
I’m not aware of any handymen who are qualified to pull a permit. Where is that allowed? @tommygavalas
