I've done both GC and Handyman... After so many years of running shit, dealing with people, and employees. I love the Handyman side way more, but you do have to find/get the work. So, I found that doing a little of both is perfected with a nice levelness of crazy. Spring and Summer I doing handyman shit and do my remodeling in the fall and winter.
I'm still a General contractor, by license and insurance but; after 30 plus years; I wound down my company from 17 guys to just me and an occasional helper...I never had so much money...:)...I love just doing what I want to, when I want to, and charging what I want to... I quarterbacked my last big job in 22...I do miss the big checks but; I love the time freedom and loss of stress about payroll...
Hi, I'm 65 old and immigrated CA .I was Eng but my language is basic. I am technical man and need job so thinking about handyman job. What's your idea guys? Can I start and support my family?How started?
I have a handyman business. Its great! I am the stay at home dad with a bad ass part time job. Sometimes it gets so busy that it becomes a bit chaotic, but on normal days i usually only work about 4-6 hours a day and most of that is driving. Thanks for the video! I dont think ill ever take on the headache of GC.
Don't think for a second that a Handyman doesn't have great take home income and that they're the less expensive option. The smaller the job, the more money it's going to cost your for the job. For example, having someone come out for two hours of work, is still going to run you the cost of the full day , since you brought the person out, they have to travel to and from, etc. A GC might cost less per square foot for example, since you're paying into a larger project, and therefore can extend some economies of scale.
Hey man, young carpenter now with a construction company and starting to GC. Ive seen a few videos now, you always seem to have know what your talking about and are spitting the truth. keep it up, may check out your podcast now one of these days to
In the state of Florida there is no electrical work ( Ie fans, lights , power) legally allowed to be done by anyone who doesn’t hold an electrical contractor license. This includes maintenance to electrical equipment and or service to outlets ..
Big problem with general contracting is finding guys! I’ll handyman all day long over the headache of a big job. I come from custom home building and it’s a shit show!
Appreciate the insight, and the nuance between the two worlds. Lots of research to be done to understand it all. Ontario Canada here and just beginning to consider being a handyman part time on the side to start, build a client pool and I know guys that keep themselves busy year round with 2-3 wealthy clients
Someone starting out would you guys say that a remodelers would be in the same category as a gc or just a fancier way to say handy man ? I appreciate any input love the video man thanks for the information.
I've been business for 2 years now doing small handyman jobs and lots bathroom remodels. I enjoy doing the work. But I really enjoy the management part more and customers. How do I take to the next level and start hiring and putting crew together?
Hi, Im license contractor in Mass, i do remodeling bathroom and kitchen. To find the right guys always keep your eyes open on your community, i do find on facebook community page, i ask around to my friends, and also on small jobs where dont have much risk, hire someone new to try, and see how he can perform that small job for you.
hey my dad has been in the buisness for 20 years of marble and tile with no license but hes hitting that age where his body is hurting would GC be the best bet he likes to work or jus the license for the tile and marble to get better contracts
Handyman all day long. With big jobs, comes big headaches! Small jobs are what I love doing. Worked for a small GC, nothing but problems. Here is the key thing guys, I don’t care about what people think about me being a “ Handyman “ could care less! I love the freedom and what I do. Most importantly, I do Awesome work. Couldn’t ask for a better deal, FOR ME, IN MY OPINION.
I framed houses for 20 years and now l only do fences and decks porches and other exterior jobs in some states if the job is under 5k you don't need a license and most licensed contractors don't know what thier doing years ago in order to be a GC you needed at least 50 homes under belt before you could even apply for GC and the test is much different for GC than a sub contractor
MI handyman = 600$ or less per project. GC 60hrs course + test SO handyman is odd jobs, not many reno's are -600 ha. Im taking my GC online right now and although I plan on doing smaller projects I want the legality to do a reno like a bathroom or kitchen too.
That’s what I did. Besides the insurance which is only about $1,500 a year, and the bond, it frees you up to take whatever job you want. If you need to sub some work out you can do that too. Or you can just do smaller Jobs that only take a few days or a couple of weeks and do them yourself.
Hey just went into business with my brothers all as sole proprietorship to do windows and door installs, we wanna hire people, what’s the structure of what I need to do it all legally , Canadian “ON What sort of registration do I need , ideally the people we hire are more or less already qualified installers, it’s much less of an apprenticeship.
Spot on my man, I prefer the smaller jobs, quick 10 grand, take a few days off, but as i get older and working in the summer heat gets to be unbearable I'm looking to hang up the belt and get my license, also considering just woodworking projects, been enjoying working with hard woods, you can just batch out 3 cherry cutting boards @ $350 ea. And enjoy the day
I found this by accident, but love it. I was a handyman making about 80k a year, now as a GC I'm doing about 200k. I think I could do more, but its soooo hard to keep my hands off the tools. Guys get behind, next thing I know I'm grabbing my belt. Just being honest the money & respect is better as a licensed GC
@fourstars5270 you might have just sold me on getting licensed. I'm at the end of a solo deck build and I had to call an early day yesterday from being to overheated. Mid forties have caught up. Are you working crazy hours, six days a week to pull $200k though?
@@markevans7584 this is hard to explain, but i work, but then again I feel like I don't. Most days I'm meeting with subs, or homeowners. I get so bored, that i start back working. Like today I spent 9 hours building deck stairs because my framer said he could do it Monday, but I had nothing to do so I did it. So mad at myself, thinking about throwing my tools away. But as a GC the money is better, doing a complete rebuild after house fire, making over 200k on this one project. I might not take on anything else this year. Believe it or not the biggest challenge will be not working with tools. Most days, around noon, I have nothing to do, so I end up creating work, or doing my subs work
Mike I have been doing Auto Collision Repair for 20 years and I need a change. I have experience working on my own home and also with my father I have completed whole house drywall installs, bathroom remodels, hardwood floor and laminate flooring i.e. lots of customer work for clients like Register of Deeds and Judges. What I'm looking for is advice should I move out of a 70-80k a year career into this field?
There are a bunch of videos on this channel on how to get started. If you want to jump on a discovery call with one of our coaches we can set that up as well
My brother is auto body tech and makes over 100k/year within 5 years of working. He started off vacuuming,washing, and detailing the cars. I believe it's a very good industry to be in. Their is a lot money to be made in it.
One of the biggest things as a handyman is when home owners try and do some or all the work themselves and then call you in to fix or finish and they think they saved themselves money when in reality I've gotta work backwards first then forward to make things right. So they cost themselves money and they never understand why when they worked too 🤣🤣
They are essentially paying for you to do exactly that…and are happy that you solved the problem for them. Key is your value is the pain and problem that you solve. Due to that, you can negotiate a fee for your time. Thus handyman.
A general contractor does all the trades electrical plumbing framing duct work roofing ect.and is licensed for all of them.a handyman really just does one trade.
Smaller jobs cost more money period. If they are not then you are barely getting by or losing money. The amount of hours per week is subjective. Both can have 80 hr weeks and both can have 30 hr weeks. Depends on how busy you are and how efficiently you use your time. If you need more than 40 hrs. A week to manage jobs you may need to hire a manager or take on less work. Usually a GC doesn't need to be on the job all the time where if you are a handyman you may be a one man show that is always on the job. Typically, a GC needs to know more about codes and less about the nuts and bolts of the work. The opposite is true of the handyman. Typically, handymen are doing work that doesn't require a permit which would require a code inspection. Doesn't mean they don't need their work to be to code. They do much more repair work that codes don't apply. If you become a GC my advise is put away your tool belt and worry about managing people, studying plans, doing estimates, paying subs, paying taxes, paying insurance, tracking your bottom line, etc. I would argue that a savvy business man could run a GC construction company better than a tradesman. If you think the opposite you should probably be a subcontractor (tradesman). Being able to frame a house is not the same as running a business.
In California, you need to be journeyman three different trades. You can only do the three trades if you like to per job. A person doesn't know shit. We call them developer's they have deep pockets.
Also, PLEASE don't do jobs you need a license for if you don't have the license. Our old building manager wanted to fix everything so he could pay himself instead of hiring decent people. He messed stuff up and always showed up high. When he wanted to fix a blown ceiling light, I called the owner and said "This fool's going to burn us all down."
I'm doing a handyman business and I'm ok with small jobs because I truly enjoy the work
I'm with ya there. I'd definitely like to get into more of a home remodeling field though
Small and profitable is key. Fly under the radar and keep people drama to a minimum.
agree! I love the smaller jobs
You need bigger dreams boy
True men.
I've done both GC and Handyman...
After so many years of running shit, dealing with people, and employees. I love the Handyman side way more, but you do have to find/get the work. So, I found that doing a little of both is perfected with a nice levelness of crazy. Spring and Summer I doing handyman shit and do my remodeling in the fall and winter.
I'm still a General contractor, by license and insurance but; after 30 plus years; I wound down my company from 17 guys to just me and an occasional helper...I never had so much money...:)...I love just doing what I want to, when I want to, and charging what I want to... I quarterbacked my last big job in 22...I do miss the big checks but; I love the time freedom and loss of stress about payroll...
Hi, I'm 65 old and immigrated CA .I was Eng but my language is basic. I am technical man and need job so thinking about handyman job. What's your idea guys? Can I start and support my family?How started?
@@bgm5112 If you have all your faculties you can do anything...But, it ain't easy...Maybe a job at one of the big box places...
I warn about day Labor a buddy just got tools stolen be PEOPLE READY day Labor. He's hurting watch your back
I have a handyman business. Its great! I am the stay at home dad with a bad ass part time job. Sometimes it gets so busy that it becomes a bit chaotic, but on normal days i usually only work about 4-6 hours a day and most of that is driving. Thanks for the video! I dont think ill ever take on the headache of GC.
What’s ur sale price ?
Went from GC to Handyman...much much betterment imo. Less stress!
That’s what im thinking also, Been General contractor, need money for everyone and lot cash flow
Epic video, Mike! Exactly the comparisons I needed to hear. I can't find a better explanation ANYWHERE! Now a loyal subscriber. Thank you!
Don't think for a second that a Handyman doesn't have great take home income and that they're the less expensive option. The smaller the job, the more money it's going to cost your for the job. For example, having someone come out for two hours of work, is still going to run you the cost of the full day , since you brought the person out, they have to travel to and from, etc. A GC might cost less per square foot for example, since you're paying into a larger project, and therefore can extend some economies of scale.
Hey man, young carpenter now with a construction company and starting to GC. Ive seen a few videos now, you always seem to have know what your talking about and are spitting the truth. keep it up, may check out your podcast now one of these days to
great video, in Maryland to be a handyman you need a license same requirements and a general contractor
Can a handy man do Insulation in the attic?
In the state of Florida there is no electrical work ( Ie fans, lights , power) legally allowed to be done by anyone who doesn’t hold an electrical contractor license.
This includes maintenance to electrical equipment and or service to outlets ..
Hey Mike really liked this episode love the production too. Keep me interested and engaged. Have a blessed one
Thank you Mike excellent advice I'm a licensed handyman
Would you have time to talk to me about the biz? Im looking into it in iowa .
How can I become a licensed handyman?
Big problem with general contracting is finding guys! I’ll handyman all day long over the headache of a big job. I come from custom home building and it’s a shit show!
Every custom home I've worked in is behind schedule by at least 6 months 😂
@@MizzoniDojo we like to say if it’s late it’s on time!
I'm a Handyman, licensed and he's right. I love being a Handyman. I'm making a very good income. I make a thousand a day plus 5 days a week.
What’s ur sale price?
Appreciate the insight, and the nuance between the two worlds. Lots of research to be done to understand it all. Ontario Canada here and just beginning to consider being a handyman part time on the side to start, build a client pool and I know guys that keep themselves busy year round with 2-3 wealthy clients
Thanks man I appreciate what you had to say.
Someone starting out would you guys say that a remodelers would be in the same category as a gc or just a fancier way to say handy man ? I appreciate any input love the video man thanks for the information.
I need to jump and go for my license. I constantly debate weather I should go for it or continue to look for another career.
Great clarification, definitely understand it more 👍🏽
Yea I’m definitely an handyman type of guy. Thanks for the video
I've been business for 2 years now doing small handyman jobs and lots bathroom remodels. I enjoy doing the work. But I really enjoy the management part more and customers. How do I take to the next level and start hiring and putting crew together?
same here, I want to start doing remodel jobs after 2 years doing handyman work. How do I get the right license
Hi, Im license contractor in Mass, i do remodeling bathroom and kitchen. To find the right guys always keep your eyes open on your community, i do find on facebook community page, i ask around to my friends, and also on small jobs where dont have much risk, hire someone new to try, and see how he can perform that small job for you.
hey my dad has been in the buisness for 20 years of marble and tile with no license but hes hitting that age where his body is hurting would GC be the best bet he likes to work or jus the license for the tile and marble to get better contracts
Handyman all day long. With big jobs, comes big headaches! Small jobs are what I love doing. Worked for a small GC, nothing but problems. Here is the key thing guys, I don’t care about what people think about me being a “ Handyman “ could care less! I love the freedom and what I do. Most importantly, I do Awesome work. Couldn’t ask for a better deal, FOR ME, IN MY OPINION.
What’s ur sale price for some jobs u do?
Im going for class c for handy man service in Virginia. Is class c enough. Also, what are the requirements? Dpor dosnt give clear answers.
Nice
I framed houses for 20 years and now l only do fences and decks porches and other exterior jobs in some states if the job is under 5k you don't need a license and most licensed contractors don't know what thier doing years ago in order to be a GC you needed at least 50 homes under belt before you could even apply for GC and the test is much different for GC than a sub contractor
Really good information. Great video.
MI handyman = 600$ or less per project. GC 60hrs course + test SO handyman is odd jobs, not many reno's are -600 ha. Im taking my GC online right now and although I plan on doing smaller projects I want the legality to do a reno like a bathroom or kitchen too.
That’s what I did. Besides the insurance which is only about $1,500 a year, and the bond, it frees you up to take whatever job you want. If you need to sub some work out you can do that too. Or you can just do smaller Jobs that only take a few days or a couple of weeks and do them yourself.
Hey just went into business with my brothers all as sole proprietorship to do windows and door installs, we wanna hire people, what’s the structure of what I need to do it all legally , Canadian “ON
What sort of registration do I need , ideally the people we hire are more or less already qualified installers, it’s much less of an apprenticeship.
what size jobs do handyman do? money wise? thanks
Is a handyman contractor supposed to bring his own powerbank or generator to charge his electric tools?
Higher margins and better schedule?
Hard to beat being a handyman if you know how to do the work.
Spot on my man, I prefer the smaller jobs, quick 10 grand, take a few days off, but as i get older and working in the summer heat gets to be unbearable I'm looking to hang up the belt and get my license, also considering just woodworking projects, been enjoying working with hard woods, you can just batch out 3 cherry cutting boards @ $350 ea. And enjoy the day
🤜🏼🤛🏼
@@themikeclaudio Can I be a part time general contractor ?
I found this by accident, but love it. I was a handyman making about 80k a year, now as a GC I'm doing about 200k. I think I could do more, but its soooo hard to keep my hands off the tools. Guys get behind, next thing I know I'm grabbing my belt. Just being honest the money & respect is better as a licensed GC
@fourstars5270 you might have just sold me on getting licensed. I'm at the end of a solo deck build and I had to call an early day yesterday from being to overheated. Mid forties have caught up. Are you working crazy hours, six days a week to pull $200k though?
@@markevans7584 this is hard to explain, but i work, but then again I feel like I don't. Most days I'm meeting with subs, or homeowners. I get so bored, that i start back working. Like today I spent 9 hours building deck stairs because my framer said he could do it Monday, but I had nothing to do so I did it. So mad at myself, thinking about throwing my tools away. But as a GC the money is better, doing a complete rebuild after house fire, making over 200k on this one project. I might not take on anything else this year. Believe it or not the biggest challenge will be not working with tools. Most days, around noon, I have nothing to do, so I end up creating work, or doing my subs work
Mike I have been doing Auto Collision Repair for 20 years and I need a change. I have experience working on my own home and also with my father I have completed whole house drywall installs, bathroom remodels, hardwood floor and laminate flooring i.e. lots of customer work for clients like Register of Deeds and Judges. What I'm looking for is advice should I move out of a 70-80k a year career into this field?
There are a bunch of videos on this channel on how to get started. If you want to jump on a discovery call with one of our coaches we can set that up as well
My brother is auto body tech and makes over 100k/year within 5 years of working. He started off vacuuming,washing, and detailing the cars. I believe it's a very good industry to be in. Their is a lot money to be made in it.
@@themikeclaudio can I be a part time general contractor?
Thank you!!!
Im really drawn towards handy man!!
Thanks for explanation
One of the biggest things as a handyman is when home owners try and do some or all the work themselves and then call you in to fix or finish and they think they saved themselves money when in reality I've gotta work backwards first then forward to make things right. So they cost themselves money and they never understand why when they worked too 🤣🤣
They are essentially paying for you to do exactly that…and are happy that you solved the problem for them. Key is your value is the pain and problem that you solve. Due to that, you can negotiate a fee for your time. Thus handyman.
Thank you sir you are on point and I love your videos please do more 💓
Just shot some more!
how about reviewing your contracts with your clients? :)
A general contractor does all the trades electrical plumbing framing duct work roofing ect.and is licensed for all of them.a handyman really just does one trade.
great video
Thanx man!
Facts
Smaller jobs cost more money period. If they are not then you are barely getting by or losing money. The amount of hours per week is subjective. Both can have 80 hr weeks and both can have 30 hr weeks. Depends on how busy you are and how efficiently you use your time. If you need more than 40 hrs. A week to manage jobs you may need to hire a manager or take on less work. Usually a GC doesn't need to be on the job all the time where if you are a handyman you may be a one man show that is always on the job. Typically, a GC needs to know more about codes and less about the nuts and bolts of the work. The opposite is true of the handyman. Typically, handymen are doing work that doesn't require a permit which would require a code inspection. Doesn't mean they don't need their work to be to code. They do much more repair work that codes don't apply. If you become a GC my advise is put away your tool belt and worry about managing people, studying plans, doing estimates, paying subs, paying taxes, paying insurance, tracking your bottom line, etc. I would argue that a savvy business man could run a GC construction company better than a tradesman. If you think the opposite you should probably be a subcontractor (tradesman). Being able to frame a house is not the same as running a business.
🥰 Great video!
Level up ⬆️ 💯⚡️
That is where I am at
Nice
Handyman is better for smaller projects and general contractor is better for big projects
Nice
mas claro no pudo ser Boss !
Great tips!
In California, you need to be journeyman three different trades. You can only do the three trades if you like to per job. A person doesn't know shit. We call them developer's they have deep pockets.
Practical, sensible advice
Also, PLEASE don't do jobs you need a license for if you don't have the license. Our old building manager wanted to fix everything so he could pay himself instead of hiring decent people. He messed stuff up and always showed up high. When he wanted to fix a blown ceiling light, I called the owner and said "This fool's going to burn us all down."
You called the owner because he wanted to fix a blown ceiling light?
God bless texas
👌🏽👌🏽
The smith ill go later close to end of spring ok wull caht at yhe wqsh eoo.
Don't hire off Angie's list for contractors they couldn't find thier ass with both hands