When you’re hiring a contractor in Central Pennsylvania, the difference between a smooth project and a nightmare often comes down to one thing: licensing and experience.
As a fully licensed general contractor serving Cumberland, York, Adams County, and the Carlisle area, we see homeowners make the same mistakes over and over. This guide will help you avoid them.
What “Licensed” Actually Means
A licensed general contractor is legally authorized to perform structural, electrical, plumbing, framing, and permit-required work. That matters because many "handyman" services are only insured for minor repairs — not full projects. If a contractor says they can "do everything" but can’t pull permits, that’s a massive red flag.
Questions You Should Always Ask
- Are you licensed as a general contractor in Pennsylvania?
- Can you pull permits if required?
- Are you insured for the scope of this job?
- Have you done similar projects in this county?
A professional contractor will answer these clearly — not defensively.
Beware of “Too Good to Be True” Quotes
If one estimate is drastically cheaper, there’s usually a reason: corners are being cut, permits are skipped, or insurance coverage is limited. Those shortcuts become your problem later — especially if you sell your home. Hiring a licensed contractor isn’t about paying more. It’s about paying once.
Hire a licensed pro you can trust.
Dillsburg Handyman is Veteran-Owned, Licensed, and Insured. We do it right the first time.