what can a handyman do without a license in the U.S?

What Can a Handyman Do without a License in the U.S.?

Recently, I’ve noticed a surge of interest in becoming a handyman, with many posts and comments popping up across various forums. This is timely, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts over 81,000 new general maintenance and repair workers will enter the field by 2033.

Given this context, it’s crucial to discuss what types of maintenance and repair work can be performed without a license (and the situations where a license is required). Since regulations vary significantly across states and localities, I’ve compiled some useful information to help clarify things.

States Without License Requirements for Maintenance and Repair Work:

Here’s a list of states where you can legally conduct maintenance, repair, and installation work without a license. Always remember to check for local registration or regulations, as they might apply:

• Colorado
• Florida (non-structural work only)
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Maine
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• New Hampshire
• South Dakota
• Vermont
• Wyoming

Important: Just because a license isn’t required doesn’t mean you’re free from regulations. You must still adhere to all relevant building codes and permit requirements.

States with Value-Based Licensing Limits

In some states, a license is necessary only for projects that exceed a certain dollar amount. It’s important to note that this limit typically encompasses both labor and materials, rather than either one alone. Here’s a breakdown of states with these value-based systems, along with their respective project value limits:

• Alabama: Under $50,000
• Arizona: Under $1,000
• Arkansas: Under $2,000
• California: Under $500
• Delaware: Under $50,000
• Georgia: Under $2,500
• Hawaii: Under $1,000
• Louisiana: Under $7,500
• Mississippi: Under $10,000
• Nevada: Under $1,000
• New Mexico: Up to $7,200 annually with a handyman certificate
• North Carolina: Under $30,000
• North Dakota: Under $4,000
• Tennessee: Under $3,000 (specific counties only)
• Utah: Under $3,000 (requires insurance for projects over $1,000)
• Virginia: Under $1,000
• Washington: Under $2,000
• West Virginia: Under $5,000 (residential) / $25,000 (commercial)

States Requiring Registration or Certification

Some states don’t require a full license but do require registration or certification:

• Connecticut: Must register as a home improvement contractor
• Iowa: Must register if earning over $2,000 annually
• New Jersey: Must register as a home improvement contractor
• Pennsylvania: Must register if doing over $5,000 in annual work
• Rhode Island: Must register for residential work
• South Carolina: Must register as a Residential Specialty Contractor

Final Thoughts

It’s crucial to stay informed about local regulations. Even in states without state-level licensing, cities and counties may impose their own specific requirements that you need to follow. Always confirm with local authorities before starting any project.

Additionally, don’t overlook insurance requirements. Your home state may require specific types of insurance or bonding even if licensing isn’t mandated. Typically, you’ll need general liability insurance to cover accidents or damage, workers’ compensation for employees, and vehicle insurance for work-related transportation.

I hope you find this information helpful! If you have any questions or if I missed any recent updates on regulations, feel free to reach out.