If you’re considering offering handyman services in Nevada, it’s essential to understand the local laws. In this article, you’ll learn everything you need about licensing laws for handymen in the state.
As a handyman in Nevada, I’ve poured over pages of difficult-to-understand legal jargon and pulled out the critical information you need before offering handyman services for profit in Reno, Las Vegas, Elko, or anywhere else in Nevada.
Do you need a license to offer handyman services in Nevada?
A license is NOT needed to work as a handyman in Nevada. However, there are limitations on the work that you can perform legally.
Let’s talk about those.
Limitations for unlicensed handymen
In Nevada, most jobs require a contractor license of some some kind. However, there is a handyman exemption in the contractor law book that details what services you can legally offer without a contractor’s license.
First, each project must be under $1,000 including materials. Projects cannot be broken up into small jobs to meet this criteria. Also, as an unlicensed handyman, you cannot work on as subcontractor on a larger project.
Secondly, any work that requires a building permit is restricted to contractor’s or homeowners working on their own homes.
There are also restrictions on the type of work you can perform under the handyman exemption. An unlicensed handyman cannot perform any HVAC, electrical, or plumbing work that requires a permit to perform. Also, you must have speciality licenses to work on swimming pools/spas, asbestos, mold remediation, or anything else that is a health threat to the homeowner.
Note that this constraint still allows for ample profit-turning opportunities. Consider drywall repair, door installation or repair, fence and deck repair, shelving installation, gutter cleaning, furniture assembly, painting, to a thousand other repairs that are too numerous to list.
And for work over $1,000 (or work that requires a building permit), you’ll need a Nevada contractor’s license.
What about “grey area” of the laws?”
When you read the laws as stated on the Nevada Contractor’s board website, it’s unclear what jobs you can perform. That leave a legal gray area.
When I started my handyman business, I found this frustration. So here are some answers to common questions
Can you change the flapper on my toilet without a plumbing license?”
Yes.
Can you install a ceiling fan or replace a light fixture without a electrical license?
Yes.
But if the level of electrical and plumbing requires a permit, that “Yes” quickly becomes a “No.”
The clerk I spoke with at the Nevada State Contractor’s Board emphasized that counties often have different restrictions in place. To be certain you’re on the right side of the law, it’s worth a check-in with your local authority.
Advertising guidelines and constraints
Promoting your handyman services is fully lawful as long as wording is included that makes it clear you’re not a licensed contractor. Common small-print on advertising include “not a licensed contractor,” and “unable to provide licensed contracting services.”
This is especially important, because the contractor’s board is often looking for opportunities to fine you and force you into getting a license.
Penalties for contracting illegally
Working outside laws in place for handymen–whether performing work over $1,000 without a GC license or engaging in plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work without the proper speciality license–places the handyman in jeopardy.
Nevada can impose misdemeanor charges for the first offense, resulting in $1,000 in fines and up to six months in jail.
If you get three of these charges, you may face prison time and the inability to ever get a contractor’s license in the state.
Bottom line: work within the law. The penalties aren’t worth it and you can still run a quite profitable business within the laws.
How hard is it to get a contractor’s license from the state?
There is legwork and expense involved. You must display four years of relevant experience as a contractor, supervising worker, foreman, or journeyman within the past 10 years. The state will accept up to three years of approved college education in lieu of equivalent work experience.
Contractor licensing requirements also require candidates to pass the contractor licensing exam and undergo fingerprinting and a background check. In addition, the state requires current financial statements for your business to demonstrate fiscal responsibility.
Proof of insurance is another condition. And if you have employees, you must show confirmation of workers’ compensation insurance.
There is a $300 fee associated with obtaining a Nevada GC license, along with business and trade exams at $95 per test. An application for a general contractor’s license can be found here.
Most licensed handymen in Nevada either obtain a carpentry license or a GC license.
Conclusion
Nevada extends considerable latitude to unlicensed handymen. As long as you remain within the $1,000 cap per project, no license is required.
If you aim to undertake larger-scale jobs, clocking in over $1K (or work requiring a permit), you’ll need a contractor’s license from the state’s Contractor’s Board.
Nevada also has a business assistance program offering support for small business owners, as well as a similar program that provides guidance to veterans. Details for both are at this link.
Another helpful resource for handyman questions is the Nevada State Contractor’s Board. When I called, a clerk answered promptly, which was a pleasant surprise. They can be reached at (775)688-1141.
In contrast with some states (like California), Nevada’s laws are handymen-friendly.
