If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a dripping faucet or a broken appliance, you’ve probably wondered who to call—a handyman or a repairman? We get it, these two professionals often seem interchangeable, but they’re actually quite different in what they do, how they’re trained, and when you should hire them.
In Canada, where regulations and licensing requirements change depending on which province you’re in, knowing whose right for your job becomes key. Let’s go over the main differences between a handyman and a repairman, so you can figure out exactly who you need for your next home project.
Scope Of Work And Expertise
An individual who can perform a wide range of small to medium-sized tasks around your home is known as a handyman. Their true strength lies in versatility and the ability to tackle multiple different projects in a single visit.
A repairman is a specialist who focuses on fixing specific systems or appliances. These individuals have deep, specialized knowledge about particular equipment or systems. Additionally, their expertise allows them to diagnose complex problems and perform repairs that demand technical knowledge and often specialized tools.
The training paths for these two professionals reflect this difference in scope. Handymen typically learn their trade through years of hands-on experience, apprenticeships, or vocational training that covers a wide range of skills. Repairmen generally go through more focused training, often through manufacturer certification programs, technical schools, or formal apprenticeships in their specific field.
Licensing And Regulatory Requirements
Canada’s licensing requirements for handymen and repairmen vary significantly depending on the province and the type of work being performed.
Generally speaking, handymen in most Canadian provinces don’t need a specific license to operate, as long as they stick to minor repairs and maintenance work. But their legal options are limited.
Repairmen working in specialized fields typically need proper licensing and certification, especially if their work involves safety-critical systems. These licensing requirements exist to ensure public safety and guarantee that the person working on potentially dangerous systems has the proper training and knowledge.
Cost Considerations And When To Hire Each
Handymen typically charge lower hourly rates than specialized repairmen. The real value of a handyman often comes through their ability to complete multiple small jobs in a single visit.
Repairmen mostly charge higher rates due to their specialized expertise. But in the long run, they usually prove to be more cost-effective for intricate repairs. A repairman can quickly diagnose and fix problems that might stump a handyman, potentially saving you money on parts and preventing additional damage.
Knowing when to hire which professional comes down to understanding your needs. Call a handyman when you have general maintenance tasks, minor repairs, or small improvement projects that don’t require specialized knowledge or licensing. If your HVAC system isn’t working properly, your appliance broke, or you need to fix any complicated systems or safety issues, call a repairman.
The Hybrid Approach And Finding The Right Professional
Interestingly, the line between handymen and repairmen isn’t always completely clear, and many professionals operate somewhere in between. Some handymen can handle more specialized work because they have additional certifications or specialize in particular areas.
These hybrid professionals can offer the convenience of a handyman with some specialized skills of a repairman, giving you more flexibility in whom you hire.
Finding the right professional for your needs starts with clearly defining what you need done. Make a detailed list of the required work and do some research on whether it requires licensing in your province. Ask friends, neighbors, and family for recommendations. Ask prospective employees about their experience working on a project similar to yours, their insurance and license status, and if they can offer references.
Whether you choose a handyman, a repairman, or develop relationships with both, investing time in finding skilled and honest professionals pays dividends in the form of quality work, fair pricing, and peace of mind
