Not every job needs a licensed specialty contractor — sometimes you need one reliable person to knock out the drywall patch, the wobbly ceiling fan, the sticking door, and the gate latch in a single afternoon. Good handymen are the most word-of-mouth trade there is, which makes them the hardest to find when you’re new to town (welcome, by the way — half the Borderland is military families who just got here). Know the limits, though: in New Mexico, work beyond a modest threshold generally requires a licensed contractor, and electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work is licensed in both states regardless of job size. A trustworthy handyman tells you when a job is beyond their lane.
Frequently Asked Questions
What jobs are right for a handyman vs. a contractor?
Handyman: repairs, assembly, hanging, patching, fixture swaps, small carpentry. Contractor: anything structural, anything requiring a permit, and licensed-trade work like wiring, gas, or plumbing beyond a simple fixture.
How do handymen charge?
Hourly or per-job, often with a minimum visit charge. For a list of small tasks, batch them — one visit with five tasks beats five visits.
Should a handyman be insured?
Ideally yes — ask. Someone working on your property without liability coverage puts the risk on you.