What are the risks of hiring an unlicensed handyman?

Our expert answers

Hi Linda: Hiring an unlicensed handyman instead of a licensed contractor can seem appealing because of the lower upfront cost, but it often carries significant risks. One of the biggest concerns is liability — if the handymen doesn’t carry proper liability insurance or workers’ compensation coverage (and in my experience most don’t) — you could be financially responsible if an injury or property damage occurs. Another issue is compliance with building codes and permit requirements, since licensed contractors are trained and legally required to meet these standards, while unlicensed work may fail inspections, create safety hazards, or need to be redone at additional expense. Homeowners also have limited legal recourse if something goes wrong, because unlicensed individuals aren’t provincially regulated and may not be bonded or required to offer warranties. The quality and scope of work is another factor, as licensing generally reflects a level of training, experience and testing that helps ensure competent workmanship, especially for complex tasks such as electrical, plumbing or structural work. Finally, unpermitted or non-compliant work can create problems when selling your home or filing an insurance claim, potentially delaying a sale or reducing coverage. My advise is that a handyman may be suitable for small, low-risk repairs, but for larger or safety-related projects hire a licensed contractor — in the long run it will give you greater protection, accountability and peace of mind.