The term “handyman” encompasses everything from a neighbor who fixes squeaky doors to a small contractor managing multi-trade renovations. Every state—and many municipalities—defines its own boundaries between casual maintenance and regulated construction work.
Key Points to Remember:
- No uniform national standard exists for handyman licensing
- Some states (like Texas) have no state-level handyman license
- Others (like Oregon) require licenses for ANY paid construction work
- Most states use project value caps ranging from $500 to $10,000
- Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and structural work typically require separate trade licenses
Why Compliance Matters
Understanding licensing requirements protects both contractors and homeowners:
- For Homeowners: Hiring unlicensed workers for regulated work can void insurance coverage and building code protections
- For Handymen: Working without required licenses can result in fines, criminal charges, or stop-work orders
Beyond licensing, proper insurance coverage is essential for protecting your handyman business. Understanding handyman insurance requirements and handyman insurance cost factors will help you budget appropriately and ensure you’re fully protected while staying compliant with state requirements.
Disclaimer: Licensing requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements with state authorities and local building departments before performing or advertising work.
Understanding License Types
Five Main Categories of Authorization
| License Type | Purpose | Example States |
|---|---|---|
| No License Required | Minor repairs/maintenance under dollar limit | Arizona ($1,000 cap), Florida (varies by county) |
| Handyman License/Registration | Work up to higher limits with bond/insurance | Alaska (Handyman Contractor ≤$10,000) |
| Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) | Residential work on 1-4 family homes | Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania |
| Specialty/Minor Work License | Single trade (painting, fencing, etc.) | Washington Specialty Contractor |
| Business License Only | Tax registration without trade regulation | Texas (state level) |
Common Limitations & Thresholds
Typical Value Caps
States generally set thresholds at these common amounts:
- $500 – California (increasing to $1,000 in 2025), New Mexico
- $1,000 – Arizona, Virginia (Class C)
- $2,000 – Arkansas
- $3,000 – Utah, Tennessee, South Carolina
- $5,000 – West Virginia
- $10,000 – Alaska, Alabama
- $40,000 – North Carolina
Universal Restrictions
Nearly all states prohibit handymen from:
- Electrical work (beyond simple fixture replacement)
- Plumbing (beyond superficial repairs)
- HVAC installation or repair
- Structural modifications
- Work requiring building permits
Insurance & Bonding Requirements
Even in “no-license” states, you typically need:
- General Liability Insurance: $300,000-$1,000,000
- Workers’ Compensation: If you have ANY employees
- Surety Bond: Ranges from $5,000-$50,000 where required
State-by-State Requirements
How to Use This Section
Each state entry includes:
- Licensing Authority – The agency that regulates contractors
- License Requirements – Whether you need a license and at what threshold
- Work Limitations – What you can and cannot do
- Insurance/Bond – Required coverage amounts
- Important Notes – Key details specific to that state
- Official Website – Direct link to the regulatory authority
Jump to State
States A-M
ALABAMA
Licensing Authority: Home Builders Licensure Board
License Required: No handyman license exists
Threshold: Residential contractor license required for jobs >$10,000
Work Limitations:
- Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC require separate trade licenses
- No structural modifications allowed
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- General liability insurance required
- $10,000-$25,000 bond for licensed work
Important Notes: Some cities (Birmingham) require additional business licenses
Website: hblb.alabama.gov
ALASKA
Licensing Authority: Division of Corporations, Business & Professional Licensing
License Required: Yes – “General Contractor-Handyman” license
Threshold: Work must be ≤$10,000 aggregate
Work Limitations:
- Electrical and mechanical work requires separate trade licenses
- Cannot perform structural work
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- General liability: $50,000/$100,000/$20,000
- $5,000 surety bond
Important Notes: Local boroughs may require sales tax registration
Website: commerce.alaska.gov
ARIZONA
Licensing Authority: Registrar of Contractors
License Required: No – true handyman exemption exists
Threshold: $1,000 including labor & materials
Work Limitations:
- NO structural, HVAC, gas, electrical, or plumbing work
- NO work requiring permits
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- Licensed contractors need bonds from $4,000-$650,000 (class-dependent)
- Handymen typically carry GL insurance
Important Notes: Cities may require privilege tax license
Website: roc.az.gov
ARKANSAS
Licensing Authority: Contractors Licensing Board
License Required: Depends on project value
Threshold:
- Unlicensed work allowed ≤$2,000
- Residential Remodeler license for $2,000-$50,000
- Residential Builder license >$50,000
Work Limitations:
- Electrical, plumbing, HVAC require separate licenses
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- $10,000 bond + GL for licensed classes
Important Notes: City business licenses commonly required
Website: aclb.arkansas.gov
CALIFORNIA
Licensing Authority: Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
License Required: No – if under threshold
Threshold:
- Currently $500 (labor + materials)
- Increasing to $1,000 on January 1, 2025 (AB 2622)
Work Limitations:
- NO framing or structural work
- NO work requiring permits
- NO electrical, plumbing, HVAC
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- Licensed contractors need $15,000 bond
- Workers’ comp required if any employees
Important Notes: Some cities require additional HIC permits
Website: cslb.ca.gov
COLORADO
Licensing Authority: No state agency – locally regulated
License Required: No state license exists
Threshold: Varies by local jurisdiction
Work Limitations:
- State Electrical/Plumbing Boards regulate those trades
- Local rules apply
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- Set by local governments
- GL insurance typically required contractually
Important Notes: Denver and other cities license contractors independently
Website: dpw.colorado.gov
CONNECTICUT
Licensing Authority: Department of Consumer Protection
License Required: Yes – HIC registration
Threshold: ANY residential work requires registration
Work Limitations:
- Electrical, plumbing, HVAC under separate boards
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- $20,000 HIC surety bond required
Important Notes: No project value exemption exists
Website: portal.ct.gov/DCP
DELAWARE
Licensing Authority: Division of Revenue & Professional Regulation
License Required: Based on annual revenue
Threshold: Registration required if >$50,000 annual receipts
Work Limitations:
- Trades licensed separately
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- General liability insurance
- Workers’ compensation
Important Notes: Some counties (New Castle) have stricter requirements
Website: revenue.delaware.gov
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Licensing Authority: Department of Buildings
License Required: Yes – HIC license
Threshold: Required for ALL residential repair work
Work Limitations:
- Jobs >$500 require permits
- Electrical, plumbing, HVAC separate
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- $25,000 surety bond
- General liability insurance
Important Notes: Basic business license also required
Website: dob.dc.gov
FLORIDA
Licensing Authority: DBPR (state) / Counties (local)
License Required: No state handyman license
Threshold: Varies by county (typically $500-$1,000)
Work Limitations:
- Structural, roofing, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, pools require state licenses
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- GL insurance varies by trade and county
Important Notes: Many counties issue local Handyman Certificates
Website: myfloridalicense.com
GEORGIA
Licensing Authority: State Licensing Board for Residential & General Contractors
License Required: Depends on project value
Threshold:
- Handyman work allowed <$2,500
- Residential Basic license for >$2,500
Work Limitations:
- Electrical, plumbing, HVAC have separate boards
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- $25,000 minimum net worth or surety bond
Important Notes: County business licenses required
Website: sos.ga.gov
HAWAII
Licensing Authority: Contractors License Board
License Required: Yes
Threshold: License required if:
- Work >$1,500 OR
- Job requires 2+ trades
Work Limitations:
- No “handyman” designation exists
- All trades regulated
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- GL $300,000
- Workers’ compensation
Important Notes: County building permits strictly enforced
Website: cca.hawaii.gov/pvl
IDAHO
Licensing Authority: Contractor Registration Board
License Required: Based on annual revenue
Threshold: Registration required if annual work >$2,000
Work Limitations:
- Electrical, HVAC, plumbing licensed separately
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- Proof of workers’ comp if employees
Important Notes: Cities like Boise have additional requirements
Website: dbs.idaho.gov
ILLINOIS
Licensing Authority: No state agency
License Required: No state license
Threshold: Set by local ordinances
Work Limitations:
- Trades are licensed at state/local level
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- GL insurance recommended
- Set by municipalities
Important Notes: Chicago requires Home Repair license
Website: idfpr.illinois.gov
INDIANA
Licensing Authority: No state agency
License Required: No state license
Threshold: Varies by city
Work Limitations:
- Electrical and plumbing regulated locally
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- GL insurance customary
Important Notes: Most large cities require contractor registration
Website: in.gov
IOWA
Licensing Authority: Division of Labor
License Required: Based on annual revenue
Threshold: Registration required if ≥$2,000/year in construction
Work Limitations:
- Trades licensed with separate boards
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- Workers’ comp proof required
Important Notes: Some cities (Des Moines) have additional licenses
Website: iowacontractor.gov
KANSAS
Licensing Authority: No state agency
License Required: No state license
Threshold: Local rules (typically <$1,000)
Work Limitations:
- Set by local jurisdictions
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- Business tax registration statewide
Important Notes: Johnson County requires Class C Residential license
Website: ks.gov
KENTUCKY
Licensing Authority: No state agency
License Required: No statewide license
Threshold: Varies by city
Work Limitations:
- Trades licensed locally
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- GL insurance usual
- Business license & sales tax account needed
Important Notes: Louisville & Lexington require contractor registration
Website: ky.gov
LOUISIANA
Licensing Authority: State Licensing Board for Contractors
License Required: Depends on project value
Threshold:
- No license <$7,500
- Home Improvement Registration $7,500-$75,000
- Full license >$75,000
Work Limitations:
- Electrical, plumbing, HVAC licensed separately
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- $10,000 bond + GL
Important Notes: Parish permits stricter in New Orleans
Website: lslbc.louisiana.gov
MAINE
Licensing Authority: No state agency
License Required: No state GC license
Threshold: No state limits
Work Limitations:
- Plumbing and electrical are licensed
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- GL insurance advised
Important Notes: Some towns (Portland) require building contractor license
Website: maine.gov
MARYLAND
Licensing Authority: Home Improvement Commission
License Required: Yes – HIC license
Threshold: Required for ANY home improvement work
Work Limitations:
- Trades licensed separately
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- $20,000 surety bond (may be reduced)
Important Notes: One of the strictest states – no exemptions
Website: dllr.state.md.us
MASSACHUSETTS
Licensing Authority: Office of Consumer Affairs & CSLB
License Required: Yes – HIC registration
Threshold: Required for ANY work on 1-4 family dwellings
Work Limitations:
- Structural changes need Construction Supervisor License (CSL)
- Trades separate
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- $10,000 bond
Important Notes: Registration covers existing homes only
Website: mass.gov/hic
MICHIGAN
Licensing Authority: Department of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs
License Required: Depends on project value
Threshold:
- Maintenance & Alteration license if >$600
- Must specify trade categories
Work Limitations:
- Structural/roofing requires Residential Builder license
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- GL typical but not mandated
- No surety bond required
Important Notes: License covers 23 specific trade categories
Website: michigan.gov/lara
MINNESOTA
Licensing Authority: Department of Labor & Industry
License Required: Based on annual revenue
Threshold: License required if gross receipts >$15,000/year
Work Limitations:
- Trades licensed separately
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- General liability
- Workers’ compensation
Important Notes: Otherwise register as “Independent Contractor”
Website: dli.mn.gov
MISSISSIPPI
Licensing Authority: State Board of Contractors
License Required: Depends on project value
Threshold:
- No license <$10,000
- Residential Remodeling $10,000-$75,000
- Residential Builder >$75,000
Work Limitations:
- Specialty trades licensed separately
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- $20,000 net worth or bond
Important Notes: City privilege licenses common
Website: msboc.us
MISSOURI
Licensing Authority: No state agency
License Required: No state GC license
Threshold: Varies by city (typically $10,000)
Work Limitations:
- Trades are licensed
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- State business registration
- GL insurance
Important Notes: St. Louis & Kansas City require contractor licenses
Website: pr.mo.gov
MONTANA
Licensing Authority: Contractor Registration Unit
License Required: Required if you have employees
Threshold:
- Independent handymen without employees: $2,500/job
- With employees: must register
Work Limitations:
- Standard trade restrictions
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- Workers’ comp/GL if employees
Important Notes: Registration protects against wage claims
Website: mtcontractor.mt.gov
States N-Z
NEBRASKA
Licensing Authority: Department of Labor
License Required: Based on annual revenue
Threshold: Registration required if annual work >$5,000
Work Limitations:
- Trades licensed separately
- No per-project limit once registered
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- Workers’ compensation required
Important Notes: Local licenses in Omaha/Lincoln
Website: dol.nebraska.gov
NEVADA
Licensing Authority: State Contractors Board
License Required: YES – FOR ANY PAID WORK
Threshold: NONE – License required for any amount
Work Limitations:
- Electrical, plumbing, HVAC covered by license classifications
- Unlicensed contracting is a misdemeanor
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- Bonds range from $1,000-$500,000 by classification
- GL insurance required
Important Notes: One of the strictest states – no handyman exemption
Website: nscb.nv.gov
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Licensing Authority: No state agency
License Required: No state GC license
Threshold: No state limits
Work Limitations:
- Electrical and plumbing are licensed
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- Business registration & GL advised
Important Notes: Local building permits still required
Website: oplc.nh.gov
NEW JERSEY
Licensing Authority: Division of Consumer Affairs
License Required: Yes – HIC registration
Threshold: Required for ANY residential work
Work Limitations:
- Electrical, HVAC, plumbing require separate licenses
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- $20,000 bond if offering home elevation services
Important Notes: No value cap exemption
Website: njconsumeraffairs.gov
NEW MEXICO
Licensing Authority: Construction Industries Division
License Required: Yes
Threshold: GB-2 license required for projects >$500
Work Limitations:
- Specialty classifications cover individual trades
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- $10,000 bond + GL
Important Notes: One of the lowest thresholds nationally
Website: rld.nm.gov
NEW YORK
Licensing Authority: No state agency
License Required: No state GC license
Threshold: Varies by locality
Work Limitations:
- Trades licensed locally
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- State business registration required
- Insurance set locally
Important Notes: NYC, Nassau, Suffolk require HIC license for work >$200
Website: dos.ny.gov
NORTH CAROLINA
Licensing Authority: Licensing Board for General Contractors
License Required: Depends on project value
Threshold: GC license required for jobs ≥$40,000
Work Limitations:
- Electrical, plumbing, HVAC licenses separate
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- GL + workers’ comp for 3+ employees
Important Notes: Highest threshold before requiring full GC license
Website: nclbgc.org
NORTH DAKOTA
Licensing Authority: Secretary of State
License Required: Yes – classified system
Threshold:
- Class D: projects ≤$4,000
- Higher classes for larger projects
Work Limitations:
- Trades licensed separately
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- GL insurance levels by class
Important Notes: Tiered system allows growth
Website: sos.nd.gov
OHIO
Licensing Authority: No state agency
License Required: No state license
Threshold: Set by cities
Work Limitations:
- Trades are licensed
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- Business registration required
- GL insurance
Important Notes: Columbus, Cincinnati license home improvement contractors
Website: com.ohio.gov
OKLAHOMA
Licensing Authority: No state GC board
License Required: No GC license
Threshold: No state limits
Work Limitations:
- Roofing Registration required for roofing >1 square
- Trades licensed
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- GL insurance
- Local permits
Important Notes: Cities set their own requirements
Website: cib.ok.gov
OREGON
Licensing Authority: Construction Contractors Board
License Required: YES – FOR ANY PAID WORK
Threshold: NONE – CCB license required for any amount
Work Limitations:
- All construction work requires license
- Handyman exemption was repealed
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- GL $500,000 aggregate
- $10,000 bond (residential)
- Workers’ compensation
Important Notes: Extremely strict – no exceptions
Website: oregon.gov/ccb
PENNSYLVANIA
Licensing Authority: Attorney General’s Office
License Required: Based on annual revenue
Threshold: HIC registration if earning >$5,000/year
Work Limitations:
- Trades licensed locally
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- GL insurance $50,000
Important Notes: Registration through AG’s office, not traditional board
Website: hicsearch.attorneygeneral.gov
RHODE ISLAND
Licensing Authority: Contractors’ Registration & Licensing Board
License Required: Yes – registration required
Threshold: Required for ANY residential construction
Work Limitations:
- Commercial work has separate requirements
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- GL insurance
- 5-hour education requirement
Important Notes: Covers remodeling and new construction
Website: crb.ri.gov
SOUTH CAROLINA
Licensing Authority: Contractor Licensing Board
License Required: Depends on project value
Threshold:
- Residential Specialty registration: $3,000-$5,000
- Residential Builder: >$5,000
Work Limitations:
- Single-trade work only under Specialty
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- Bond/financial statement varies by class
Important Notes: Narrow band for specialty registration
Website: llr.sc.gov
SOUTH DAKOTA
Licensing Authority: No state agency
License Required: No state GC license
Threshold: Varies by city
Work Limitations:
- Trades are licensed
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- Business tax license required
Important Notes: Rapid City/Sioux Falls require licenses >$2,000
Website: dlr.sd.gov
TENNESSEE
Licensing Authority: Board for Licensing Contractors
License Required: Depends on location and value
Threshold:
- Home Improvement License: $3,000-$25,000 (20 counties)
- Contractor license: >$25,000 statewide
Work Limitations:
- Trades licensed separately
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- GL and bond by class
Important Notes: Limited geographic coverage for HIL
Website: tn.gov/commerce
TEXAS
Licensing Authority: No state agency
License Required: No state handyman/GC license
Threshold: No state limits
Work Limitations:
- Trades are licensed at state level
- Cities set contractor requirements
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- Business license and sales tax permit
- GL recommended
Important Notes: Major cities require specialty permits
Website: tdlr.texas.gov
UTAH
Licensing Authority: Division of Professional Licensing
License Required: Handyman registration available
Threshold: Handyman Affirmation for jobs ≤$3,000
Work Limitations:
- NO structural, trades, or permit work under exemption
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- GL insurance
- Background check required
Important Notes: Clear handyman designation with defined limits
Website: dopl.utah.gov
VERMONT
Licensing Authority: No current state system
License Required: No state license currently
Threshold: No state limits
Work Limitations:
- Some towns require permits & registration
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- Business tax account required
- GL advised
Important Notes: Registration system for contractors begins in 2025
Website: sos.vermont.gov
VIRGINIA
Licensing Authority: Board for Contractors
License Required: Yes – classified system
Threshold:
- Class C: $1,000-$10,000
- Class B: $10,000-$120,000
- Class A: >$120,000
Work Limitations:
- Trades licensed through DPOR
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- Surety bond option available
Important Notes: Clear tier system for business growth
Website: dpor.virginia.gov
WASHINGTON
Licensing Authority: Department of Labor & Industries
License Required: YES – FOR ANY PAID WORK
Threshold: NONE – Registration required for any amount
Work Limitations:
- 63 specialty classifications available
- Separate trade licenses
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- Bond: $30,000 (general) / $15,000 (specialty)
- GL: $250,000 combined single limit
Important Notes: High bond requirements
Website: lni.wa.gov
WEST VIRGINIA
Licensing Authority: Contractor Licensing Board
License Required: Depends on project value
Threshold: Residential Contractor license for projects >$5,000
Work Limitations:
- Handyman exempt below threshold if no trades/permits
- Electrical, plumbing, HVAC separate
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- GL & workers’ compensation
Important Notes: Clear exemption for true handyman work
Website: labor.wv.gov
WISCONSIN
Licensing Authority: Department of Safety & Professional Services
License Required: Only for structural work
Threshold: Simple handyman jobs <$1,000 exempt if non-structural
Work Limitations:
- Dwelling Contractor Qualifier needed for structural work
- Trades licensed
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- GL for Dwelling Contractors
Important Notes: Distinguishes between structural and non-structural
Website: dsps.wi.gov
WYOMING
Licensing Authority: No state agency
License Required: No statewide GC license
Threshold: Set by municipalities
Work Limitations:
- Trades are licensed at state level
Insurance/Bond Requirements:
- Business registration with Secretary of State
- GL insurance customary
Important Notes: Cheyenne, Casper require contractor licenses
Website: plboards.state.wy.us
Quick Reference Tables
States by Licensing Strictness
Most Restrictive (License for ANY paid work)
- Nevada
- Oregon
- Washington
- Maryland
- District of Columbia
States with NO State Handyman License
- Colorado
- Florida
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Missouri
- New Hampshire
- New York
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- South Dakota
- Texas
- Vermont
- Wyoming
Common Threshold Amounts
| Threshold | States |
|---|---|
| $500 | California (until 2025), New Mexico |
| $1,000 | Arizona, California (after 2025), Virginia |
| $2,000 | Arkansas |
| $3,000 | Utah, Tennessee |
| $5,000 | West Virginia, Pennsylvania (annual) |
| $10,000 | Alaska, Alabama, Mississippi |
| $40,000 | North Carolina |
Legal Compliance Guide
Six Steps to Stay Legal
- Define Scope Before Quoting
- Check project value against state threshold
- Identify if work involves restricted trades
- Determine if permits are required
- Use Building Permit Checklists
- Get lists from local jurisdiction
- Remember: permit applicant usually needs matching license
- Handymen typically cannot pull permits
- Document Everything
- Written contracts mandatory in many states (e.g., >$500 in CA)
- Keep detailed records of all work performed
- Save contracts, permits, invoices for 3-5 years minimum
- Carry Proper Insurance
- General Liability: $300,000-$1,000,000
- Workers’ Compensation: Required if ANY employees
- Surety Bond: Where state-mandated
- Subcontract When Necessary
- Use licensed electricians/plumbers for restricted work
- Shifts liability to appropriate specialist
- Allows you to take larger jobs legally
- Understand Penalties
- Civil fines: Up to $15,000 per violation (California)
- Criminal charges: Misdemeanor with possible jail (Nevada)
- Insurance voidance: Policies may not cover illegal work
Business Development Tips
Building a Compliant Handyman Business
Registration Essentials
- Business entity formation (LLC, sole proprietorship, etc.)
- Federal Tax ID (EIN)
- State tax registration
- Local business operating license
Insurance Recommendations
- Bundle policies for savings
- Consider handyman-specific carriers (NEXT, Hiscox, biBERK)
- Add inland marine coverage for tools
- Review annually as business grows
Strategic Partnerships
- Build network of licensed subcontractors
- Maintain written subcontractor agreements
- Create referral relationships
- Join local contractor associations
Marketing Within the Law
- Never claim “licensed & insured” unless accurate
- Specify types of work you can legally perform
- Avoid advertising restricted services
- Monitor online listings for compliance
Pricing Strategies
- Itemize labor vs. materials when near thresholds
- Bid only work you can legally perform
- Build subcontractor costs into larger projects
- Consider becoming licensed as business grows
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What work can I do without a contractor’s license?
A: Typically painting, drywall repair, trim carpentry, fence repair, and basic maintenance. Always check state and local limits.
Q: Do material costs count toward job limits?
A: Yes, most states count labor + materials toward the cap, even if customers buy materials separately.
Q: Can I do any electrical or plumbing work?
A: Almost never without a trade license. Even “minor” work like replacing outlets is often restricted.
Q: What insurance do I absolutely need?
A: General liability is essential everywhere. Workers’ comp is mandatory if you have ANY employees, even part-time.
Q: How do I handle jobs over my limit?
A: Either subcontract the work to licensed contractors, refer the client, or obtain the required license first.
Q: What’s the difference between a handyman and general contractor?
A: General contractors can take unlimited-value jobs and pull permits. Handymen are limited by value, scope, and usually cannot pull permits.
Q: Can I pull permits as a handyman?
A: Generally no, unless the jurisdiction allows homeowner permits and the owner takes legal responsibility.
Resources & Links
Government Resources
- State Contractor Boards: See individual state sections above
- U.S. Small Business Administration: sba.gov
- IRS Small Business Center: irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed
Professional Associations
- Association of Certified Handyman Professionals (ACHP)
- United Handyman Association (UHA)
- National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
- Local contractor associations
Insurance Providers
- Contact us at ContractorNerd
Business Support
- SCORE Mentors: score.org
- Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)
- Local chambers of commerce
Legal Resources
- State consumer protection offices
- Local bar association referral services
- Contractor license defense attorneys
This guide provides general information only. Laws change frequently—always verify current requirements with state and local authorities before bidding, advertising, or performing work. When in doubt, consult with a local attorney specializing in contractor licensing.