Getting Your Handyman's License

In a competitive business environment, having a handyman's license is one sure way to get potential clients to better trust your skills. Most states and cities also require that handyman's services are licensed, to ensure compliance with best practices.

Getting your handyman’s license will establish your business’s professionalism as well as maintain the quality of the services you offer. This will also give the impression that you are serious about your business. More clients will surely start pouring in if all your handymen have the necessary licenses to do their jobs.

Handyman's License

Different states and counties have different requirements. And different jobs might also require different types of licensing. For instance, if you are doing a commercial paint job, you would need to obtain a license as a painting contractor. Jobs are so diverse that different types of jobs might need a specific license. Determine first with your state board of labor and licensing the kind of license you need for each job.

Usually, an individual or entity working as a handyman will not be required to have a license unless the works to be performed will exceed a certain amount. For instance, in California, works that are $500 or above in cost will require a license.

It will be helpful to review the laws of your state regarding handyman services. There are states that won’t let a handyman do their jobs without the necessary licenses while there are states that do not require any licenses. At the very least, unlicensed handymen might find it difficult to contract jobs because a license would be necessary for your client to account for their expenses as tax-deductible.

A handyman's licensing usually requires some practical and theoretical test. You can attend seminars to help you review the test topics. For instance, the National Contractor License Service offers such a seminar.

Insurance

Some counties require a health and occupational insurance along with a handyman's license, before an individual is eligible to do jobs. Some counties even require only insurance to be eligible to work as a handyman. In some cases, you can pass on costs for insurance to your client, especially if you are working at a residential setting.

If you are working under a cooperative, contractor or a group of handymen, you can perhaps get better rates for insurance under group insurance, instead of individually paying your premiums.

Incorporation

Some states and counties might suggest that you incorporate your business, as an option. This is to protect your assets (like your home, automobile or others) from claims in the event of default from creditors or lawsuits. Additionally, some states would require handymen working under a company to have worker's compensation except if these are part owners of an incorporated company.

Obtaining a handyman's license is just another step in ensuring the professionalism of your business, and complying with the law. It also enhances your competitiveness, giving you an advantage over potential competition who may be unlicensed.