Answers to Your Handyman Licensing Questions
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Handyman License California

Handyman Licenses in California – Everything You Need to Know

If you’re thinking about offering handyman services in the state of California, it’s essential to understand the local laws.

In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about licensing laws for handymen in California.

I’ve poured over the hundreds of pages of difficult-to-understand legal jargon and pulled out the critical information you need to know.

Do you need a license to offer handyman services in California?

No, there is no handyman license in the state of California. However, just like in most states, there are limitations on the services you can provide without obtaining a contractor’s license.

I’ve described the limitations below in detail.

California Handyman Limitations & Restrictions

An unlicensed handyman in California can perform a wide range of services as long as the project’s total cost is less than $500. That includes labor and materials.

Additionally, you cannot break a project up into smaller components to meet the $500 limit or even work on part of a project that is more than $500.

For example, let’s say a customer is remodeling their kitchen and has several subcontractors helping on the project. You would not be able to perform any parts of that project even if your total bill to the customer is under $500. So even if all you are doing is installing a sink, you can’t legally provide that service since the total cost of the remodel is over $500.

There is also some language in the Lawbook that states that the work performed must be of a “causal, minor, or inconsequential nature.” This leaves a big gray area, with no clear lines on what that actually means. For example, I couldn’t find a description or list of services that fall under this category. I did, however, see that asbestos removal (and other hazardous waste) is something you will want to stay away from unless you are registered to provide that service.

This all might seem like a deal-breaker if you are thinking of starting a business, but California is a relatively handyman-friendly state. For example, in most states, you must have a contractor’s license to perform any plumbing, electrical, and HVAC tasks. But in California, you can do these projects without a contractor’s license (as long as the total cost is below $500, of course).

That means you can provide many services and run a surprisingly profitable business – without dealing with the headache and cost of getting a license. You can fix fences, doors, drywall, hang TVs, repair appliances, install ceiling fans, repair toilets, install light fixtures, replace garbage disposals, and hundreds of other services.

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Advertising Restrictions for Unlicensed Contractors in CA

Here’s an excerpt taken from the “California Contractor’s License Law and Reference Book.”

“This exemption does not apply to a person who advertises or puts out any sign or card or other device which might indicate to the public that he or she is a contractor or that he or she is qualified to engage in the business of a contractor.”

That means that even though you can offer many services as long as they are under $500, you must make sure that you are not being perceived as advertising as a contractor. On another part of the CSLB website, it said that all unlicensed contractors must mention they are unlicensed on all of their advertising.

So, you’ll want to be careful how you advertise your services. Advertising yourself as a “Handyman” probably isn’t a problem. But, if you start advertising yourself as a drywall installer, a plumber, an electrician, or any other licensed contractor, you are at risk of a run-in with the law.

LoopHoles

There is one important exception to the $500 job limit that is worth mentioning. In the “California Contractors License Law and Reference Book,” there are several exemptions to the $500 limit. One of them is as follows:

“Sale or installation of finished products that do not become a fixed part of the structure;”

That means as long as whatever you are working on does not become a fixed part of the structure, you can do bigger jobs that exceed the $500 limit.

Building and assembling furniture, hanging pictures, installing certain types of shelving, yard cleanup, and many more jobs fall under this exemption.

So technically, you can do projects that exceed $500 without a license, just as long as those jobs do not become a “fixed part of the structure.” Again, more vague legal talk that is open to interpretation.

What Happens If You Get Caught Contracting Without a License?

According to the License Law Reference Book:

“Contracting without a license is usually a misdemeanor. Unlicensed contractors face a first offense sentence of up to six months in jail 4 SECTION I. THE CALIFORNIA CONTRACTOR LICENSE and/or a $5,000 fine, and potential administrative fines of $200 to $15,000. Subsequent violations increase criminal penalties and fines.”

It looks like California isn’t just letting people get away with this, either. They even have a team called SWIFT (Statewide Investigative Fraud Team) that conducts regular sweeps of construction sites, as well as stings, to catch unlicensed contractors.

Your first violation isn’t that big of a deal, and you’ll probably just get a fine (although jail time is possible). But the second offense is more serious and comes with 90 days in jail minimum.

How to become a licensed handyman in California?

If you want to handle projects over $500, your best bet is to get a license.

To get a license, you must first meet the following criteria:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Have either a valid Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number.
  • Have at least four years of experience within the past ten years as a journeyperson, foreperson, supervising employee, or contractor in the trade being applied for.
  • Be able to pass an exam demonstrating your knowledge.

You may be granted credit toward the work experience requirement if you completed an apprenticeship program, technical training, or education at an accredited school or if you have military experience. However, you must have at least one year of practical hands-on experience as a journeyman or contractor.

If you meet the above criteria, the next step to becoming a licensed contractor is to:

  1. Submit the following to the CSLB
    • Application (can be found here)
    • Documentation demonstrating credentials
    • $450 application fee.
  2. Pass an exam (or multiple if you are applying for multiple classifications).
  3. Pay the $200 License fee (if you have met all previous requirements)

Conclusion

You don’t need a contractor’s license to run a profitable handyman business in California. There are plenty of minor repairs and improvements that you can legally perform even within the $500 limit. I’ve consulted with several unlicensed handymen in California, so I know this to be the case.

California is also a handyperson-friendly state that allows unlicensed pros to perform small plumbing, electrical, and HVAC projects (unlike many other states).

However, if you want to tackle larger projects like kitchen and bath remodels or be a sub-contractor, then getting a license is essential. It will cost you about $450 and open up the potential for more profits.

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