Since this is California, if you pick up a helper from a Home Depot or Lowe's and it's for a property other than your primary residence, you will need to have "worker compensation insurance". California outlawed investors insurance carriers to offer workers comp coverage. Why? Because the State owns State Fund the larger provider of workers comp insurance.

I am a licensed contractor with my own self insurance, a $250,000 bond. They too outlawed that and wanted to "hold" my funds. Only to give it back years after I retire or get a State Fund Policy. I would have to sue to get my money back from the State of California.

I only mention this because there are "workers" that have their own company, not licensed. If you do not direct every aspect of a job and let them do the work as a self employed person, then you are NOT required to have workers comp insurance.

I don't like using handymen, jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none types. For quality, reliable work, their cost is not much less than licensed trades like electrician, plumber, or mechanical. For other stuff like doors, garage openers, etc., I go thru big box stores , clear pricing and no sales tax on materials.