Is a handyman cheaper than a contractor in Maryland?

For a one visit job, yes, because there is no project overhead. For a bathroom, a handyman who takes it on is cheaper on paper and slower and riskier in practice, because the plumbing and electrical still need licensed trades and the permit.

Can a handyman pull a permit in Maryland?

A licensed MHIC contractor can pull a building permit for the work the license covers. Trade permits for plumbing, electrical and mechanical work go to the licensed trade.

When should I call a general contractor instead of you?

When walls move, when a room changes use, or when the job runs past two weeks. We quote the small and medium jobs, and we hand the big ones to the remodel crew on our bench with a written scope.

Do I sign a contract for a handyman job?

You get the price in writing and you agree to it by text or email before the visit. That is the contract. For anything with a deposit, the deposit is one third or less, which is the Maryland cap.

Handyman versus contractor in Maryland

In Maryland there is no legal line between a handyman and a home improvement contractor. Both need the same MHIC license to do paid work on a house. The difference is the size of the job, who pulls the permits, which trades show up, and how much paper you sign. Here is how we draw it.

Side by side

The license

Handyman. MHIC contractor license, same as the contractor. Maryland has no separate handyman license.

Contractor. MHIC contractor license, plus the trade licenses the job needs.

The job size

Handyman. A visit or a day. Patches, doors, caulk, fixtures, a punch list.

Contractor. Days to months. A bathroom, a kitchen, a basement, a deck.

Permits

Handyman. Rarely. Like for like swaps and cosmetic work in the counties we serve do not need one.

Contractor. Usually. Structural, plumbing, electrical and mechanical work all permit and inspect.

The trades

Handyman. Calls in an electrician or a plumber for the wire and the water.

Contractor. Carries them on the crew or under contract, and schedules the inspections.

The paper

Handyman. A written price by text or email, paid when the work is done.

Contractor. A signed contract with the start and end dates, a deposit no bigger than one third, and draws tied to progress.

Insurance

Handyman. General liability of at least $500,000, required of every MHIC licensee since June 2024.

Contractor. The same, plus workers compensation for the crew and often a bond on the permit.

Which one we are

Old Line Home Repair is the handyman side, with a bench behind it. The crew does the repair and install work on the price list, calls the licensed electrician or plumber for the wire and the water, and hands a bathroom or a basement to the remodel crew with a written scope and a permit. The license rule itself, with the section numbers, is on the Maryland handyman license page.

One habit tells you which kind of outfit you have on the phone. Ask for the MHIC number and ask who does the plumbing. A handyman worth hiring has the first and names a plumber for the second.

Questions about who to call

Is a handyman cheaper than a contractor in Maryland?: For a one visit job, yes, because there is no project overhead. For a bathroom, a handyman who takes it on is cheaper on paper and slower and riskier in practice, because the plumbing and electrical still need licensed trades and the permit.
Can a handyman pull a permit in Maryland?: A licensed MHIC contractor can pull a building permit for the work the license covers. Trade permits for plumbing, electrical and mechanical work go to the licensed trade.
When should I call a general contractor instead of you?: When walls move, when a room changes use, or when the job runs past two weeks. We quote the small and medium jobs, and we hand the big ones to the remodel crew on our bench with a written scope.
Do I sign a contract for a handyman job?: You get the price in writing and you agree to it by text or email before the visit. That is the contract. For anything with a deposit, the deposit is one third or less, which is the Maryland cap.

What the small jobs cost

Call or text (240) 858-0149, 8 to 6, Monday through Saturday.