If you’re planning a home project in Palmdale, you might be asking: “Can I just call a handyman, or do I need a general contractor?” While both serve valuable roles, the difference comes down to the size, complexity, and legality of your project.
A handyman is great for small repairs or maintenance, but anything involving permits, structural changes, or licensed trades requires a general contractor—especially in cities like Palmdale with specific code and inspection requirements.
What a Handyman Can Typically Handle
Handymen are perfect for minor, non-permitted work that doesn’t require specialized licensing. In Palmdale, this might include:
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Patching drywall
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Fixing leaky faucets
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Replacing light fixtures
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Installing shelves or curtain rods
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Basic painting and touch-ups
These jobs are often fast, affordable, and don’t need city inspections or formal planning.
When You Need a General Contractor
As soon as your project involves any of the following, you’re in general contractor territory:
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Electrical or plumbing work
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Roof repairs or replacements
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Moving or adding walls
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Room additions or ADUs
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Foundation or framing work
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Projects that exceed $500 in labor and materials (per California law)
Palmdale has strict permitting guidelines, and most construction work must be approved and inspected by the city. General contractors are licensed, insured, and familiar with local code, making them essential for legal, safe construction.
Why Licensing Matters in California
The California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) requires any job over $500—including labor and materials—to be done by a licensed contractor. If you hire a handyman for a bigger job, you risk:
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Work that doesn’t meet code
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No legal recourse if the job goes wrong
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Insurance liability falling on you
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Fines or failed inspections from the city
What About Permits?
Only a licensed general contractor can pull permits for your project. If a handyman offers to “get around” this step, it’s a major red flag. In Palmdale, unpermitted work can lead to stop orders, penalties, or trouble selling the home later.
Cost vs. Risk: What’s Cheaper in the Long Run?
While a handyman may offer a lower price, cutting corners often leads to rework, inspection issues, or safety concerns. A general contractor brings:
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Structural knowledge
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Subcontractor management
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Insurance coverage
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Full project oversight
That peace of mind is worth every dollar—especially for high-value work.
Still Not Sure Which One You Need?
If you’re stuck between calling a handyman or hiring a contractor, think about:
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Does the project affect plumbing, electrical, or structure?
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Does it cost more than $500 in labor/materials?
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Will it require a permit or inspection in Palmdale?
If the answer to any of those is yes, your safest choice is a licensed general contractor.
Handymen are helpful for quick fixes, but when the project goes beyond surface-level work, a general contractor is the right call. At Proline Construction, we handle everything from full remodels to new construction, always in line with Palmdale’s regulations.
Not sure how to start your project in Palmdale?
Contact Proline Construction for expert guidance and a clear path forward—so your investment is protected from day one.