ABOUT US
HIRING HANDYMAN VS CONTRACTOR
WHY YOU NO LONGER HAVE TO CHOOSE!!!
The home improvement industry has traditionally forced homeowners into a frustrating dilemma. Do you hire a “handyman” for the small stuff and risk quality? Or do you try to hire a “general contractor” for the big stuff, only to be told your job is too small?
Understanding the nuances of hiring a handyman vs contractor is the first step toward a successful home project. But the market is changing.
In Ottawa, you no longer have to choose between the responsiveness of a handyman and the professional capacity of a large contractor.
In this guide, we will break down the traditional differences, explain the risks of the “guy with a truck” model, and introduce the modern solution: The Fully Operational Hybrid Company.
The Traditional Dilemma: Two Different Worlds
To understand why finding the right help is so hard, we have to look at how the industry has been divided for decades.
Option A: The Typical Handyman (The "Guy with a Truck")
When most people think of a handyman, they picture an individual operator working out of their personal vehicle.
The Pro: They are usually affordable and available for small tasks like hanging a shelf or fixing a fence board.
The Con: This is often an unregulated “Wild West.” Many lack proper liability insurance, WSIB coverage, or formal certifications. If they get injured on your property, you could be liable. If the job grows complex, they often lack the team or expertise to handle it safely.
Option B: The General Contractor (The "Big Job Only" Company)
On the other side, you have General Contractors (GCs). These are companies designed for scale.
The Pro: They can handle massive renovations, additions, and structural work. They have licenses and insurance.
The Con: They are famously inflexible. If you call a GC to fix a squeaky door or install crown molding, they will likely either ghost you or charge an exorbitant minimum fee. Their business model simply isn’t built for “small jobs.”
The "My Ottawa Handyman" Difference The Best of Both Worlds
At My Ottawa Handyman, we looked at this divide and saw a massive gap in the market. Homeowners don’t want to juggle a rolodex of risky contacts for small jobs and expensive companies for big jobs. You want one trusted relationship for everything.
We are not “just a guy with a truck.” We are a fully certified, operational construction company that has retained the agility to do small jobs.
We Are a Fully Operational Company Unlike the solo operator, we run a professional business structure.
When you are hiring a handyman vs contractor, usually you have to pick a lane. With us, you get the responsiveness of a handyman with the heavy-hitting capability of a general contractor.
1. We Are a Fully Operational Company
2. The Flexibility to Do It All
- Repairs:
Because we bridge the gap, you don't need to stress about categorizing your project. Whether it's a two-hour repair or a two-week renovation, we have the team for it.
- Minor Plumbing & Electrical:
Swapping faucets, installing ceiling fans, fixing running toilets.
- Drywall & Paint:
Patching holes, painting single rooms, touching up trim.
- Assembly:
Furniture assembly, mounting TVs, installing blinds and drapes.
- Maintenance:
Gutter cleaning, pressure washing, deck repairs.
- Full Renovations:
Gutting and rebuilding bathrooms or kitchens.
- Flooring:
Installing hardwood, vinyl, or tile throughout an entire level.
- Carpentry:
Custom built-ins, wainscoting, and crown molding installation.
- Structural Repairs:
Fixing water damage, framing new walls, or extensive exterior work
The Risks of the “Uncertified” Route
We cannot stress this enough: While hiring the cheapest “guy with a truck” might save $20 an hour upfront, the backend risks are massive.
The Insurance Trap
If a solo handyman falls off a ladder at your house and doesn’t have WSIB coverage, they can sue you for their medical bills and lost wages. Your homeowner’s insurance may not cover it if you hired an unlicensed worker. My Ottawa Handyman is 100% WSIB compliant, eliminating this risk entirely.
The “Ghosting” Phenomenon
Solo operators often overbook themselves. If a bigger job comes along, they often abandon the small jobs (ghosting). Because we are an operational company with a team, if one technician is sick or busy, we have the depth to ensure your project still gets done.
Ottawa Owned. Ottawa Proud.
About the Founder:
Meet Vadim Holodny: Bridging the Gap in Ottawa Construction
Vadim Holodny has been a fixture in the industry since 2005, working hands-on with virtually every trade in the business. Today, he continues to manage a successful, full-scale Construction Company alongside My Ottawa Handyman.
It is precisely because he runs a major construction firm that Vadim identified a massive problem in the market: the “Gap.”
Vadim saw firsthand that large contractors often lack the flexibility to take on small jobs, leaving homeowners stranded. Meanwhile, clients seeking smaller repairs were often forced to rely on uncertified solo operators. Vadim created My Ottawa Handyman to fill this gap.
His goal is to create a win-win scenario: clients gain access to a reliable, trustworthy company that will never abandon them—regardless of the job size—and the industry gets a professional standard for home maintenance.
With deep insider knowledge, Vadim understands that “Jack of all trades” is a myth. That is why he ensures strict quality control by training personnel for specific tasks. He knows that a great plumber isn’t necessarily a great drywall finisher. When Vadim sends a technician to your home, he ensures they are specifically qualified for your job.
Ottawa Owned. Ottawa Proud.
A Note from the Owner
“I’ve been working in this industry since 2005, and today, I still manage a successful Construction Company in addition to My Ottawa Handyman.
Running a large firm showed me a hard truth: big contractors often cannot—or will not—take on small jobs. This leaves a gap where homeowners are left feeling abandoned or forced to hire unreliable help. I started My Ottawa Handyman to fill that gap.
I wanted to build a company where the client always wins. You deserve a reliable, trustworthy team that treats a two-hour repair with the same respect as a two-month renovation.
Most contractors in Ottawa have high minimum project fees, ignoring homeowners who just need a few odd jobs done. We take a different approach. We operate on a “No Job Too Small” philosophy. We are just as happy to hang a mirror, assemble a bookshelf, or change a hard-to-reach lightbulb as we are to renovate a bathroom. You receive the same professional treatment regardless of the project size.
We built this company on four core promises:
No Project Too Small or Large: We are here for the quick fixes and the big renovations.
Fixed Price Certainty: You know the cost before we start.
Immediate Response: We are available when you need us most.
Iron-Clad Satisfaction Guarantee: We don’t stop until the job is done right.
We are here to be the company that never abandons you.”
— Vadim Holodny
Comprehensive Services We Provide
We are your versatile partners for home repair Ottawa. Our capabilities include, but are not limited to:
- Carpentry: Trim repair, door installation, shelving, cabinetry adjustments.
- Drywall & Painting: Patching holes, texturing, painting single rooms or touch-ups.
- Minor Plumbing: Faucet replacement, leak fixes, toilet repair, caulking.
- Minor Electrical: Light fixture replacement, switch/outlet swaps, ceiling fan installation.
- Assembly: Furniture assembly (IKEA, Wayfair), equipment setup.
- Exterior: Fence repair, deck maintenance, gutter cleaning, pressure washing.
- Accessibility: Grab bar installation, ramp repair, handrail security.
IRON-CLAD SATISFACTION GARANTEED©
At My Ottawa Handyman, we guarantee quality results. We stand firmly behind our craftsmanship with our Workmanship Guarantee. If you feel a service wasn't performed to the highest standard, simply contact us within 48 hours and we will make it right. No matter the project, we ensure the job is done to your satisfaction."
