Is a professional handyman just a cheaper plumber or electrician?

 So many times, homeowners and even businesses will hire a handyman with the expectation of getting a person to do plumbing or electrical work done less expensively than a licensed plumber or electrician. 

This is absolutely incorrect in multiple ways.

The most important reason is that most handyman operators are not licensed plumbers or electricians. The vast majority are not. The occasional odd one out there might actually have such a license.   But for the most part, no.

The reason that is important is because most cities,  towns, even counties and states have laws and ordinances that limit what work in those areas that can be done without a license.   Those tasks are specifically and legally referred to as "minor" and there are major problems for ignoring them.

When someone hires a professional handyman to do any of those tasks that normally require a licensed tradesperson,  they are asking us to break laws. Just so they can save money.

Ethics and professionalism should prevent us from taking those requests. Many of us keep a rolodex with names of licensed tradespeople we are familiar with and that we trust to recommend to those customers in those circumstances. 

As a professional,  we have to keep in mind that we are NOT just less expensive versions of licensed trades.  Have some pride and be professional about it.  Let them know not just why you can't do that project, but why they shouldn't be looking for someone that is not licensed.  Educate them on the legal and other issues that exist (potential damage, voided warrantees, liability, cancelled insurance policies,  etc...).

Give them a reason to respect you and your work by looking out for yourself and their best interests at the same time.

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