Understanding the Importance of Handyman License and Laws

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Do you have a handyman license?

Carrying handyman license benefits you many ways.

Firstly, it shows that you are a state-approved business. Secondly, homeowners are likely to prefer you over your unlicensed competitor. Last but not least—your insurance will cover the damage to your client’s house caused by your job.

What if you don’t have a handyman license?

Well, here are some consequences.

You would be considered illegal and might attract penalties. Even worse, you might not be provided any legal recourse if a homeowner doesn’t pay for the damages. And today’s customer is more likely to hire a licensed handyman.

Therefore, you should apply for a handyman license as soon as possible.

Wait. There are certain things to know before applying for a handyman license. This is because most US states have different contracting laws.

Here are some important things that only help you get the license, but also make you acquitted with the requirements.

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Visit Your State’s Contractor Website:

Licensing laws are not safe across the USA. Instead, they are varied based on the state. Some state requires handyman license for a big project while some has made it compulsory for small repairs (even under $500 contracts).

For example, North Carolina requires a license for a contract of $30,000 while North Dakota requires it for a contract starting from $ 4,000. Some US states require registration instead of licensing.

Therefore, get familiar with the handyman license requirements in your state. Just visit your state’s local contractor board website to get all the details on licensing.

Be Wary of Those “Gray” Areas:

You will come across several confusing things while going through licenses and laws. On top of that, there is less likely to be clear documentation on doing a miscellaneous handyman job as most laws only cover specific professions like electrician and plumber.

For example, you are not skilled at electrical and plumbing, but you like to know if you can swap a light fixture or even changes a shower cap.

In this scenario, it would be better if you approach an expert or investigator from your local contractor’s board. After all, they are the people who make such laws. They can help you with certain doubts. Also, see how they interpret certain regulations.

If those experts or investigators aren’t able to clear your doubts or they just have basic knowledge, approach other handyman contractors in your area. Or there might be certain unions or groups of a handyman.

Talk To an Attorney:

Admit it. It is not easy to understand legal terminology. You can talk to an attorney to understand such things. Although a few hundred dollar fees might bother you, it is worth your long term business. And make sure to get your queries ready before meeting them.

Consider Your Services:

What are your services? Will you be allowed to provide them after being licensed?

This is because a handyman license can minimise your offerings. Simply put, being a licensed handyman means you will have limited services to offer.

For example, if you got a carpenter’s license, you are not allowed to provide painting, tile, drywall repair, and other services. Even a general contractor’s license can minimise your services.

That’s why you should focus on the services you are excelled in. Having restriction services might reduce your jobs and profitability as well, but it will allow you to hone your specific handyman skills.

So these are things one should get familiar with while applying for a handyman license. What do you think? Let us know by commenting below!

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