Every home has a list. A door that sticks, a patch of drywall, a loose railing, a bathroom fan that rattles, a light you've wanted moved for years. Some of those jobs are perfect for a handyman. Others legally need a licensed trade, a permit, or a general contractor to pull the pieces together.
Here's a plain-language guide to what a handyman can and can't do in Ontario, when it makes sense to hire a contractor instead, and what small jobs typically cost around Toronto, Etobicoke and Mississauga.
Do handymen need a licence in Ontario?
There's no general handyman licence in Ontario. Anyone can offer general repair and maintenance work like painting, patching drywall or assembling furniture.
The limits come from Ontario's regulated trades:
- Electrical work has to be done by a Licensed Electrical Contractor when you hire it out. The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) is clear that a handyman or general contractor can't do electrical work in your home unless they hold an electrical contractor licence.
- Plumbing is a compulsory trade in Ontario, so work on your home's plumbing system belongs with a licensed plumber.
- Gas work, like running a gas line or connecting a gas range, requires a certified gas technician under TSSA rules.
On top of that, the City of Toronto and the City of Mississauga require building permits for certain work, no matter who does it.
Jobs a handyman can usually handle
These are the kinds of small jobs that don't need a licensed trade or a permit:
- Patching and painting drywall
- Caulking tubs, showers and windows
- Hanging shelves, mirrors, art and TVs on walls
- Assembling furniture
- Adjusting or replacing door hardware, and fixing sticking doors
- Weatherstripping doors and windows
- Replacing a few deck or fence boards
- Installing grab bars where there's solid backing
- Minor trim and carpentry repairs
If a job is a single task, doesn't touch wiring, pipes or gas, and doesn't change the structure of your home, a handyman is often the right call.
Jobs that need licensed trades or a permit
Electrical
New outlets, new circuits, pot lights, hardwired fixtures and anything in your electrical panel should go to a Licensed Electrical Contractor. They file a notification with ESA and give you a Certificate of Acceptance when the work passes. You can ask for their ECRA/ESA licence number (a seven-digit number starting with 7) and check it with ESA's online contractor lookup. This matters even more in older Toronto and Etobicoke homes that may still have knob-and-tube wiring.
Plumbing
Can a handyman do plumbing in Ontario? Simple fixes like replacing a toilet seat or clearing a drain with basic tools are one thing. Moving a drain, adding a sink or shower, or changing supply lines is licensed plumbing work. In both Toronto and Mississauga, adding, removing or relocating a plumbing fixture generally needs a permit, while replacing a fixture in the same spot generally doesn't.
Structural changes
Removing or adding walls, cutting a new window or door opening, or enlarging an existing one needs a building permit and, in many cases, an engineer. That's contractor territory, not a handyman job.
Handyman vs contractor: when each makes sense
| Handyman | General contractor | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Single, small tasks | Multi-trade projects and renovations |
| Licensed trades | Not included, you arrange them | Coordinated as part of the job |
| Permits | Usually not involved | Handled as part of the project |
| Pricing | Hourly or per task | Quoted by project |
| Insurance and WSIB | Varies, always ask | Should be in place, always ask |
A good rule of thumb: if the job involves more than one trade, needs a permit, or means opening up walls or floors, you're usually better off with a general contractor who can sequence the work and take responsibility for the whole thing.
Here's a common example. Say you want to replace a dated bathroom vanity. Swapping it for a new one in the same spot, with the same drain and supply lines, is a small job. Want a double vanity where the single one was, with new lighting above it? Now you have plumbing changes, electrical work and drywall repair, which means several trades working in the right order. That's where one contractor managing the job saves you time and headaches.
Is a handyman cheaper than a contractor?
For one small task, usually yes. Around Toronto, handyman rates commonly run about $50 to $150 an hour in 2026, with independent handymen at the lower end and insured companies at the higher end. Many charge a minimum visit fee, often around $150 to $250 or more.
For bigger jobs, the math changes. When a project needs a plumber, an electrician, a tiler and drywall work in the right order, a contractor coordinating it avoids rework, wasted trips and gaps between trades. A few tips to get the most out of small-job budgets:
- Bundle your list. One half-day visit for five jobs beats five separate call-outs.
- Ask for a written quote. Even for small work, get the scope and price in writing.
- Don't split regulated work. Let the licensed trade handle the wiring or plumbing piece.
What to check before you hire anyone
- Proof of general liability insurance
- WSIB coverage (you can check a company's clearance on the WSIB website)
- The ECRA/ESA licence number of whoever does your electrical work
- Who is responsible for pulling permits
- What the warranty covers, in writing
- A clear payment schedule
Small jobs with Levand Construction
Levand Construction handles repairs as well as renovations, from finish work to structural concerns, across Etobicoke, Toronto, Mississauga and the GTA. Small repairs often run from a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars, and you get an itemized quote before any work starts. We carry general liability insurance and WSIB coverage on every job. For a recent example, see our small renovation refresh for a private studio: moisture-damaged walls repaired, a full repaint, and new strip lighting installed with Amps Logic Electric. Learn more about our team.
Frequently asked questions
Can a handyman do electrical work in Ontario?
Not if you're hiring them to do it. ESA says only Licensed Electrical Contractors are legally authorized to do electrical work in your home, with a few exemptions. Homeowners can do their own electrical work but must follow the Ontario Electrical Safety Code and file the required notifications with ESA.
Can a handyman do plumbing in Ontario?
Minor tasks like replacing a toilet seat or clearing a simple clog are common handyman jobs. Work on the plumbing system itself, like moving drains or adding fixtures, should be done by a licensed plumber, and adding or relocating fixtures generally needs a permit in Toronto and Mississauga.
How much does a handyman cost in Toronto?
In 2026, handyman rates around Toronto commonly range from about $50 to $150 an hour, and many charge a minimum visit fee of around $150 to $250 or more. Bundling several small jobs into one visit usually saves money.
When should I hire a general contractor instead of a handyman?
Hire a general contractor when a job involves more than one trade, needs a building permit, or involves opening walls, floors or ceilings. A contractor coordinates the trades and takes responsibility for the whole project.
Do I need a permit for small repairs?
Most small repairs, like patching drywall, painting or replacing a fixture in the same spot, don't need a permit. Structural changes, new or relocated plumbing fixtures and some heating work do.
Have a list of small jobs or a repair that cannot wait? Call Levand Construction at (647) 390-7633 or contact us and tell us what you need.
