A Handyman is an individual who provides minor renovations and maintenance repair services that do not fall under the responsibility of a nationally recognized and regulated trade, such as electrical, plumbing or gas installation, to name a few. The handyman?s work is not regulated which means that no formal training is required. The work is done without a permit so therefore there is no accountability for quality, correctness or safety as the work is not inspected. Generally, there is no performance insurance policy protection so the customer/homeowner must assume 100% of the responsibility and risk for the work completed. It is illegal for a handyman to work on the electrical system in your home or business.

A Licensed Electrician must successfully complete 4 levels of apprenticeship training to earn the title of certified journeyman electrician. This apprenticeship includes four-10 week sessions of in-school academic training, with practical assessments and written exams for each level, plus a minimum of 6000 hours of supervised work based training and experience. This education usually takes 4 to 5 years to complete.
But a conscientious journeyman electrician knows that his education is not over with the completion of those hours or that final exam. He must also stay current on newer techniques, safer products and the most recent Code updates which may change every three years. He knows that, even though most of his work may be hidden by drywall, brick or stucco, the safety of the building and its? occupants depends on his knowledge and expertise.
Since the BC Safety Authority demands this level of knowledge, skill and experience to make changes to an electrical system, homeowners are wise to expect the same.

An Electrical Contractor is licensed by the BC Safety Authority to provide electrical services to the public by employing licensed journeymen electricians and apprentices to do the work. An electrical contractor must carry the proper licensing, insurance policies and bonds to protect the customer. Only the electrical contractor (not a handyman or an electrician) can purchase the required electrical permit for the electrical work in your home or business. This work is monitored and inspected by the BC Safety Authority to ensure it meets the stringent requirements of the current National Electrical Code.
An electrical contractor must also remain current on all Workers Compensation (WCB) dues to ensure his electricians and apprentices are covered by this insurance policy, otherwise the homeowner will be considered the employer and be held responsible for any injuries on their property. A reputable contractor will maintain an electrical bond in accordance with the B.C. Safety Standards Act and also carry a generous insurance policy. These provisions are there to protect the customer in the event of a problem with the work or services provided.

***IMPORTANT***
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If you live in a single detached residence, it is illegal for anyone other than a licensed electrical contractor, to provide and charge you for most electrical renovations, installations and repairs.

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If you live in a multi family living complex such as a condo, apartment building, duplex or your home has a rental suite, all electrical work must be done by a licensed electrical contractor.

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Your property or homeowner's insurance policy may be affected should there be a claim as a result of electrical work done by an unqualified person.

Keep your home and family safe. Call a professional.

****With this being said this is why Electrician costs are more then your handyman. They don't have to carry insurance to protect us (Electrical Contractor) and you (The Homeowner) so next time keep this in mind when hiring a "Handy Man" to do a "Electrician's Job"******* 

Never, ever hire anything but a licensed electrician. 

HM04 - VERY well said; spot on fact based post, thank you!

One other point - when electrical work is improperly installed, the hazard may possibly lay dormant for months or even years before starting a fire or electrocuting a loved one.

I hope everyone even considering having their electrical system worked on reads your post first. 

My husband and I own Preferred Electrical Services here in Kingwood, and we are always looking at our competitors rates and providing the best for our customers. But when I have someone tell me that their "Handyman" doesn't charge as much as we do, I cant help but take it personal because we are always providing the best for our current and future customers. I just wanted our Kingwood community to understand why electricians charge what they do, and to think twice next time they hire a handyman to do something a electrician should be doing ;).