If you’ve ever needed work done in your home, you’ve probably asked yourself:
“Do I need a drywall guy? A handyman? Or should I call a carpenter?” It’s a fair question. The lines between these jobs can get blurry, especially when you’re just trying to get your wall fixed or your basement finished.
This guide breaks it down in simple terms. No fancy talk. Just real explanations so you know who to call and what you’re paying for.
What Is a Drywaller?
A drywaller (also called a drywall installer or finisher) is someone who works with drywall — the material that makes up most of the walls and ceilings in homes. Drywall comes in big sheets, and it has to be measured, cut, screwed into place, taped, mudded (with joint compound), sanded, and finished.
What a drywaller does:
Installs new drywall sheets
Fixes holes or cracks in existing walls
Tapes and muds seams between drywall sheets
Sands and preps for painting
Sometimes repairs water-damaged or cracked areas
When to call a drywaller:
If you’re finishing a basement or adding a new room
If you have visible wall or ceiling damage
If you want a smooth, ready-to-paint wall
What they usually don’t do:
Paint the wall (some might, but many stop at prep)
Handle wiring or plumbing inside the wall
Build the framing (that’s usually a carpenter)
What Is a Handyman?
A handyman is a generalist. They know how to do a little bit of everything — patch a hole, paint a wall, fix a leaky faucet, or install a new shelf. Think of a handyman like a Swiss Army knife: not always a specialist, but good for a lot of smaller or non-technical jobs.
What a handyman does:
Small drywall repairs (like patching a nail hole or a small dent)
Painting or touch-ups
Basic carpentry (like hanging shelves or fixing trim)
Minor plumbing or electrical (like changing a faucet or outlet)
When to call a handyman:
If the job is small or cosmetic
If it doesn’t require a permit
If you’re bundling a few odd jobs into one visit
What they usually don’t do:
Large drywall jobs (like full-room installations)
Work that involves structural changes
Anything that requires a licensed pro (plumbing, HVAC, major electrical)
What Is a Carpenter?
A carpenter works with wood and structure. They build the bones of the room before the drywall ever goes up. They also install doors, windows, trim, and anything else that requires precise measuring and cutting of wood.
What a carpenter does:
Builds wall framing (the wooden studs)
Installs doors, windows, and cabinets
Handles baseboards, crown molding, and trim
Builds stairs, decks, or other wood structures
When to call a carpenter:
If you’re remodeling and need new walls built
If you’re changing the layout of a space
If you need custom woodwork or framing
What they usually don’t do:
Install drywall (though some might if they’re full-service)
Do electrical or plumbing work
Handle finish work like paint (unless requested)
A Real-World Example
Let’s say you have a water-damaged basement wall and you want to turn the space into a guest room.
Here’s how it might break down:
Carpenter frames out the walls if new ones are needed.
Drywaller comes in next to install, tape, and finish the drywall.
Painter paints the finished wall (could be a handyman or separate pro).
Handyman installs curtain rods, hang shelves, or swap light fixtures.
Each trade has a lane. You might find some who overlap, but knowing who does what helps you hire smarter and avoid overpaying for something simple.
So, Who Should You Call?
| Your Job | Call This Person |
|---|---|
| Big hole in the wall | Drywaller |
| Light trim repair and shelf install | Handyman |
| Full basement build-out | Carpenter + Drywaller |
| Hanging a TV + fixing small dents | Handyman |
| New walls or layout changes | Carpenter |
| Fresh drywall over studs | Drywaller |
If you’re not sure, start with a handyman or contractor who can assess and refer you to the right specialist. Some companies (like ours) bring all three to the table when needed.
Final Word
Don’t stress the title — just know what you need done. Whether it’s a clean drywall finish, a quick repair, or a whole new room, the right pro makes all the difference.
At Drywall Pros, we focus on clean drywall installs and repairs. But we also work with trusted painters, carpenters, and handymen to help finish the job right.
Need help figuring out who to call? Reach out. We’ll tell you straight.
