When you've got a list of projects around the house, it's not always clear who to call. Some jobs are perfect for a handyman, some need a licensed contractor, and some need a specific licensed trade like an electrician or plumber. Here's a general guide for Maryland homeowners in Bethesda, Potomac, Silver Spring and beyond. It's general information, not legal advice, so always confirm the current rules with the state.
What a handyman typically does
A handyman is usually the right call for smaller, well-defined jobs that don't change the structure or systems of the house, such as:
- TV mounting, art and mirror hanging, shelves and curtain rods
- Drywall and plaster patches, caulking and touch-up painting
- Furniture assembly and smart-home device setup
- Punch lists before a sale or after a move
The advantages are speed and flexibility. One visit can knock out a dozen small tasks that a general contractor may not schedule at all.
What a contractor typically does
A general contractor manages bigger projects: kitchen and bath remodels, additions, finishing a basement, structural changes and work that involves multiple trades and permits. They coordinate subcontractors, schedules and inspections.
Maryland's home improvement license, in general terms
Maryland's Home Improvement Commission (MHIC), part of the Maryland Department of Labor, licenses contractors and salespeople who perform home improvement work on residential properties. In general, the state requires an MHIC license for many types of home improvement work, and the definition is broad. Licensed contractors are associated with the state's Guaranty Fund, which can help homeowners with certain losses caused by licensed contractors.
Because the rules and their scope can change, the best move is to check directly with the Maryland Department of Labor. You can look up any contractor's license status on the state's website before you sign anything.
Jobs that need a licensed trade
Regardless of who you hire, some work should be done by specifically licensed professionals:
- Electrical: new circuits, outlets and most wiring changes should be done by a licensed electrician. At Hang & Patch, electrical work is performed by licensed partners.
- Plumbing and gas: new lines, water heaters and gas work need a licensed plumber or gas fitter.
- HVAC: installations and refrigerant work need a licensed HVAC professional.
- Structural: removing walls or altering framing usually requires permits and often an engineer.
Montgomery County and other jurisdictions also have their own permit requirements, so check before major work.
Questions to ask before hiring anyone
- Have you done this exact kind of job before? Can I see photos?
- Do you carry liability insurance?
- Which parts, if any, need a licensed trade or a permit, and who handles that?
- What's included: materials, cleanup, patching and paint touch-up?
- When will you arrive, and how long will it take?
- Will I get a written quote?
A simple way to decide
- A list of small fixes and installs: a handyman.
- A remodel, addition or anything structural: a licensed general contractor.
- Wiring, plumbing, gas or HVAC changes: the matching licensed trade.
Not sure where your project falls? Text us a description and photos. If it's outside our scope, we'll tell you honestly.
Red flags when hiring anyone
Whoever you hire, watch for a few warning signs: pressure to sign or pay in full immediately, cash-only payment with no written quote, unwillingness to share proof of insurance, vague answers about who does electrical or plumbing work, or a price far below everyone else's with no explanation of what's included. A good professional will explain the scope in plain language, put it in writing, tell you when a job needs a permit or a licensed trade, and give you a realistic arrival time. For larger projects, Maryland also has rules about written contracts and deposits for licensed home improvement contractors; the Maryland Department of Labor's consumer information is a good place to read up before you sign.
About Hang & Patch
We're a locally owned handyman service, not a franchise, serving the DMV since 2016. We focus on TV mounting, drywall and plaster repair, painting, art hanging and similar jobs, with electrical work performed by licensed partners. See our local pages for Bethesda, Potomac and Silver Spring, or call or text (202) 438-6197.