You generally need a handyman for repairs, installations and small jobs that can be done in a few hours or a day, like hanging a ceiling fan, installing a door or replacing bathroom hardware. You need a remodeling contractor for bigger projects that change your home's layout, structure or exterior, like a remodel, room addition, deck or new siding. In Denison, Sherman and across North Texas, Pro Source does both, so you can call one place and we'll help you figure out which side your project falls on.
Here's how to tell the difference.
What does a handyman typically do?
A handyman handles the smaller jobs around the house: the repairs and installations that pile up on a homeowner's to-do list. At Pro Source, handyman services include:
- Door installation
- Door adjustments for doors that stick or won't latch
- Hanging light fixtures and ceiling fans
- Shower doors
- Cabinet and bathroom hardware like knobs and towel bars
- Customized monthly home maintenance
These jobs are billed by the hour: $110 an hour plus materials, with a 1-hour minimum and no trip charge. Any part of an hour bills as a full hour. If materials shopping is needed, it's billed in 30-minute increments at $55 each. Payment is due when the job is done, and all payment methods are accepted except checks.
What does a remodeling contractor do?
A remodeling contractor takes on larger projects that involve more planning, more materials, more coordination and often more time. At Pro Source, those bigger jobs are handled by Pro Source Construction and include:
- Remodeling
- Room additions
- Full interior and exterior painting
- Interior doors and windows
- Deck and patio builds
- Siding
These are call-for-estimate projects, because each one depends on your home, your plans and your materials.
How do I know which one I need?
Ask yourself a few questions:
How big is the job?
If it can be done in a few hours or a day, it's usually handyman work. If it will take days or weeks, it's likely a construction project.
Does it change the structure or layout?
Moving walls, adding square footage or reconfiguring a kitchen or bath is remodeling territory.
Does it involve the outside of the house?
New siding, a full exterior paint job or a new deck generally fall on the construction side.
Will it need permits?
Larger projects that involve structural, plumbing or electrical changes often require permits. Requirements vary by city, so check with yours. Small repairs typically don't. Homeowners typically handle permits, so check with your city and your HOA.
Will it need HOA approval?
If you live in an HOA neighborhood, common in Frisco and McKinney, exterior projects like decks, siding, windows and paint colors may need approval. That's a hint you're looking at a construction project.
What are some examples?
| Job | Usually |
|---|---|
| Ceiling fan replacement | Handyman |
| Door that won't latch | Handyman |
| New towel bars and cabinet knobs | Handyman |
| Shower door installation | Handyman |
| Replacing one interior door | Handyman |
| Replacing doors and windows throughout the house | Construction (estimate) |
| Painting the whole interior or exterior | Construction (estimate) |
| Kitchen or bathroom remodel | Construction (estimate) |
| Room addition | Construction (estimate) |
| New deck or patio | Construction (estimate) |
| Siding replacement after hail damage | Construction (estimate) |
These are general guidelines. Every home is different, and some jobs could go either way.
What if a small job turns into a bigger one?
It happens. A sticking door might turn out to be part of a bigger issue, or a quick bathroom hardware swap might spark plans for a full bathroom remodel. One advantage of working with a company that does both is that the conversation can continue without starting over with someone new.
In North Texas, a common example is doors. Shifting clay soil often causes doors to stick or stop latching, and an adjustment is usually a handyman job. But if you're seeing growing cracks in walls or brick too, it's wise to have a foundation professional take a look.
Why does it help to work with a company that does both?
- One call: You don't have to guess which kind of pro to contact.
- Right-sized work: Small jobs are billed hourly; big jobs get a proper estimate.
- Continuity: If your project grows, you can keep working with the same team.
At Pro Source, Scott Sprowl is the owner, and his son Brian is Production Manager. Together they bring decades of experience to homes across North Texas.
Frequently asked questions
Can a handyman do a remodel? Small updates, yes. Full remodels involve more planning and coordination and are typically handled as construction projects. Pro Source does both.
How much does a handyman cost in Denison and Sherman? Pro Source handyman work is $110 an hour plus materials, with materials shopping billed in 30-minute increments at $55 each.
How are bigger projects priced? Remodels, additions, painting, doors and windows, decks, patios and siding are call-for-estimate.
What areas does Pro Source serve? Pro Source is based in Denison and serves North Texas, including Sherman, Frisco, McKinney, Dallas, Colleyville, Collinsville and nearby communities.
Not sure which you need? Just ask.
In a rough spot? Call Scott! Whether it's a small fix or a big project, Pro Source Remodeling & Handyman can help you figure out the next step, and Pro Source Construction handles the bigger jobs. Call or text Scott at (903) 647-2443, or request an estimate on our website.