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:
- Submit the following to the CSLB
- Application (can be found here)
- Documentation demonstrating credentials
- $450 application fee.
- Pass an exam (or multiple if you are applying for multiple classifications).
- 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.
I am curious, I’m starting a business with my step dad and what we are doing is producing gutters and installing them. Is it possible to do this in a way that will allow us to sell the gutters for $x and SEPERATELY offer our services for installation
Create a seperate company to sell. That one will have to have some sort of sales license I’m sure. Good luck.
Thank you for the info. I am a lic. Cleaning Company in So. Cal.
As part of my service when I started I fixed few things in the home for clients at no charge to build my reputation. Being my family has always been a dyi type. As well as a brother is a lic. Contractor the knowlage is there. Last year I had numerous requests from people to fix this or that in the properties and started to charge for the services. Nothing over $500. Limit. Recently I created flyer indicating my HandyGal at your service for Cleaning and light handy work. I’m greatful that I have not overstep the law in my advertising and services. I can now rest my worries.
Thank you
Just starting a new business, my advertising is clear that I am not a licensed contractor but do repair jobs. I was wondering if it is ok to have the words Painting and power washing in my business name
thank you
Thanks for the information, it’s very helpful and provided insight into what I can and cannot do. Seabees “CAN DO” That is my LOGO “CAN DO” Seabee’s are the Navy’s Construction force, I learned many of my skills from my time in the Navy and from my Father a retired Master Chief Builder. Thanks for the info. Scott
I too am a handyman who’s wondering exactly what the “rules” are… esp when advertising. The way I understand it, is, in California you may not have any services you provide other than “handyman” listed on your advertising. You can charge a flat rate or by the hour, but do you need a business lic? it seems the rules are different city to city and county by county making it hard to comprehend. I’ve contacted the state contrator’s board and even they tell me they don’t know! If anyone hears anything more current, please post!
I Got my Handyman License issued in The Golden State. But you mentioned under $500 per job for those without a license what about those with a license?
There is no such thing as a “handyman license” in any part of California. If someone sold you one, it’s worthless and you got taken. In California there is Contractor’s License, but NO Handyman License.
As it so CLEARLY states in the second section from the top (if you can even read English):
“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.”
“…..you will still need the appropriate business licenses.”
There is no “Handyman License” in the Golden State. There are business licenses and special business licenses for those that perform that work, but the CSLB does not issue licenses for handymen. That would be a contractor. We are licensed (as in we have the business and special business license required by Sacramento County in California) as well as insurance, etc, but we are not contractors. Unless you become a contractor, you are bound by the $500.00 limit. A business license does not act as your “license” to go over $500.00. The limit includes labor and materials for the total job.
I want to get a Handymen’s license. But if I publish my self as a residential an commercial maintenance. Is putting myself in danger to?
THERE IS NO HANDYMAN LICENSE IN CALIFORNIA!!!!!
I believe it’s been ‘$500.00’ for too many years now. The cost of those materials & cost of living constantly rises…. why hasn’t this $500. limit increased? Also, who determines the value of those materials when there are so many variables?
WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT THIS
Yes the $500 max has been in effect a ridiculously long time and it should go up adjusted proportional to the state of Calif. rates as Motor Vehicle Registration Fees. I am considering litigation on behalf of our non licensed hard working go getters who have been severley harmed by the negligence of the Cal Contractors Board to raise it a single penny IN DECADES. MILLIONS in lost income!
I agree 100%. I wish I could do something but I don’t know who to go to.
I agree and am onboard for lobbying/litigation to get the $500 amount increased! The price of lumber has risen dramatically.
With the high cost of living and high prices for materials in Commifornia, it should be raised to at least $1,500. DMV has raised the amount of damage for an accident to be reportable, but CSLB keeps it clamped down while making it hard to get a contractors license. I have the experience, but not in the precise format that they demand it. They will likely create a “Handyman Contractor’s License” with the same requirements to become a contractor before they will up the amount! Nevermind that Constitutionally speaking, we have a right to contract.
As handymen we some times run across an owner that has a lot of small repairs that need to be done and the list will exceed the $500 limit.
What is the time line that we have to come back and do more work?
Example total of all the minor repairs comes to $1500.
California is basically sending you a message that if you want to contract in the State which is anything over $500 you need a trade license. If you have the proven experience it isn’t that difficult to obtain your license. If you break the rules in Ca you will be arrested. Simple as that. They have a task force just for that purpose. Your competition will turn you in.
Secondly, if you do a job over $500 the client can not pay you and you have no legal recourse. Any judge in small claims court will laugh at you. Just get the license from the CSLB.
Even when you get your CSLB you will still have to have a “Business License” in each an every jurisdiction you work or advertise in. If you don’t like it simply move to Texas. No license required.
Thanks for your info I read all the information you provided on being a handyman it was very interesting my name is Darrell and thanks again for the info very helpful
I get why a handyman can’t advertise as a contractor and must disclose that you don’t carry a license. My question is can you advertise the length of specific experience. In other words. Can you say that you worked as a state certified contractor under a electrical license for ( a number of years). I think that would soften the blow that not having a current license.
State Supreme Court says you absolutely must be licensed at all times during the performance of the job. Past license will only get you a, “You new better!” and slapped harder.
It might be pertinent to point out that not charging for services doesn’t mean you aren’t acting as a contractor. The important point is that the amount of work performed is in the “under $500” category. If you built a house for someone and only charged $500, the handyman exemption would NOT apply because you acted like a contractor. Doing a $1000 job and charging $500 for it is basically acting as an unlicensed contractor, not a handyman. Use common sense!
if the owner/customer purchases the product but wants to hire you to build/install the product i.e. a refrigerator, does the cost of the refrigerator count against the $500.00 limit?
YES labor and materials must not exceed $500
No, the refrigerator is not a permanent part of the structure unless it is a built in. But if they buy materials for say cabinets, and materials and labor exceed $500, you are screwed on the technicality of the total project cost. In that case, you cant even put the door and drawer pulls on “legally.”
It is a #$%@ up system that needs to be challenged and taken down!
I was a licensed general Contractor for 17 years, I had neck surgery and down sized to handyman, every customer I speak with about the minimum $500 disagree’s with that law, everyone say’s the same thing NO Contractor will come to their home for a $2000 job, allot of customers cannot get work done because of this, other than getting customers to sign a petition to change that law, where could a person go to get that law changed ?.
So I can do “odd jobs” for people without a licence as long as it’s under $500 per job, not considered “real property”, and it’s included on any flyer/business card etc that I’m not licenced, I shouldn’t run into any problems with the law?
Question: If you are a home owner and acting as a general contractor for subcontractors doing flooring, electrical etc. but you have a smaller job that you want done, say installing some doors that will be less than $500, would it be considered part of the whole job of “renovation” of my house? Or could I hire a handyman?
Don’t tell the handyman about the renovation, just the specific job you want them to do. If you have other individual jobs, have them reschedule, and again, never present it as a “renovation.”
Can a handyman with license perform electrical work? For example installing a hole new box and outlet to a existing power line?
THERE IS NO HANDYMAN LICENSE IN CALIFORNIA!!!!!
Hi, Thnk You for your input it is very informative. I am a volunteer house painter, I also do offices. Am I allowed to stipulate this on my business card? I am insured but not licenced under the Handyman classifacation.
I work as a handyman.my business cards read.trw handyman services.24-7 if i cant fix it nobody can.you see i live in a mobile home park for seniors.our manager says that iam not allowed to work in the park because im not a. licensed contracor your info helps out alot thanks
I’ve been working as an electrician for about seven years and right now I’m studying to get my state license c10.If for whatever reason I do not pass the state license exam do I need the handyman license in order to do small jobs
There IS no “handyman license” !!!!!!!
What if you were called for a job “make hole in wall, fix minor leak, then fix hole in wall.”
Right after you finished the homeowner find a new leak in the same area? Or you add on a secondary such as power cord replacement or rodent removal? Then to top it all off they want junk removal service as well.
What about installing blinds and other window coverings?
What would you think of boarding up a house after a fire? Exception to the $500 rule? Board ups are not a permanent part of the structure .
This $500 rule is because the Contractors lobbied to restrict competition.
That’s the only reason. As in many rules, in Capitalism, its not about whats fair, but more about who is wielding that power and who has more money to lobby.
In Utah its $3,000.
You say no license needed in California,but you still need the appropriate business license ..?? What are the appropriate business license???
Each city requires a business license to do work within their city limits. So you would need to apply for a business license for each city you plan on working in.
hello,
I am not a licensed handy man. I live in CA. I would like to start my small licensed business to get 4 years of experience to get general contractor license. Can I hire 2 subcontractors now in my little handy man company?
THERE IS NO “HANDYMAN LICENSE” IN CALIFORNIA!!!!
They would NOT be “sub-conttactors” they would be “handyman employees” BECAUSE YOU AREN’T A CONTRACTOR!.
It’s all covered under the law, you can’t charge over 500 dollars. So many handyman try to get away with getting the customer to sign multiple 500 dollar contracts for a 5000 dollar job. To avoid this just get your contractors license.
I am a retired equipment operator and mech. with 50 years of experice have bought a small backhoe to do work on our place here In Grass Valley ca. there are 100’s of places around here like ours and have been asked several times by people if could do work for them all jobs would be small and less than 500 dollars would it okay for me to do this legally .
I understand the $500 fee limit per project. Is that one project per year, month, etc.?
what if all materials are already provided by the home owner and just needs the services the home owner provided materials will or will not be apart of the 500
This is a example. If the owner want to change the toilet for a new one and the toilet cost $499.0 under the law in California you can only charge $1.00 only for your job. Get it!.
It would be part of the $500 limit. The total cost of the job is not to exceed $500.00, including parts AND labor.
There are so many misconceptions, assumptions and misunderstandings regarding this subject, especially what it means to be a contractor versus a handyman versus a tradesman. These terms have some overlap, but they are not interchangeable terms. More about that later.
Here is the history. Tradesmen are likely to be taken advantage of by opportunistic homeowners when the details of any agreement are not written into a legal instrument called a contract. Contracts are best written by lawyers and paralegals working under a licensed attorney. These days, however, a licensed attorney will charge more to write the contract than the dollar amount of the job itself. As of 2019, attorneys want $15,000 to do anything at all.
At some point in he past, and on more than one occasion, the state was flooded with a complaints from tradesmen who were not being reimbursed for expenditures of time, effort, skill and/or materials after having completed improvements or repairs to the benefit of unscrupulous property owners unwilling to pay for whatever reason. The fact is that if there is an escape hatch in the agreement, many people will take that open door for the sake of money, even when they previously agreed to pay. It still happens sometimes even when the entire process is without flaw. There are those that hold the idea that his own money is somehow more valuable than a human or that human’s time, even when that time is spent in providing him with considerable benefits in good faith. There are sociopaths. People will sometimes do the unthinkable for the sake of money, even to the detriment of their most cherished relationships (my very own brother burglarized my homes at least twice when he was the only one who knew I would be away for ten days. He had motivation, opportunity and, as a locksmith, the ability to enter without any signs of forced entry. He also had a rehearsed alibi prepared, but delivered it unconvincingly. Investigators will tell you as a matter of fact, its most often an “inside job, that we covet what we see routinely as human nature dictates. As a result of my brothers missteps, he and I are are fully estranged and indefinitely, because he violated trust for the break-ins and he compounded the breach of trust by denying it when confronted. I know he did it. Had he admitted the truth, he would have been forgiven and we would have a relationship. Trust could be reestablished. But this is not the case. Lying about it becomes the greater crim. The point is that even close family ties are sacrificed for money alone, so it happens with clients as well.
Therefor, it is unwise for anyone to supply materials and labor to anyone without the legally binding instrument and its provisions for deposits, payments for completion of predetermined phases of construction performed according to code and certified by inspectors, provisions for change orders and increases, for fees and penalties for non-compliance, etc. This has been a veritable dilemma for the state because tradesmen and homeowners, alike, were being victimized by others as if the only way to win in a transaction is if the other guy loses his shirt (as if a result ending in mutual benefit, a win-win outcome, is an in possible thing to strive for.)T
The state’s solution was to provide the training curriculum and legal authority for tradesman to do what had previously been the role of attorneys and their paralegals – to write their own contracts and to enforce them, since attorneys fees and the process of having them done was both cost and time prohibitive, which was slowing the economy, too, which wasn’t good for the state either – not only did they endure the nightmare of sorting out all the disagreements, but because of it, the construction and renovation industry was greatly debilitated because of it, which had the net effect of recession upon the state as government has always depended upon commerce to be continuous for them to exist without currency flowing through their offices since government doesn’t produce anything of actual value, but only guide, safeguard, limit and control transaction details, resulting in the protection of all parties and it’s own self-preservation.
Tradesmen, then, needed to have adequate knowledge of the legal aspects of contracts, and to enforce them as legally binding instruments, including the use of mechanics liens to recover potential losses.Tradesmenwere given the ability to write contracts, after having received certificate of such training be the state, hence the term “contractor.” Contractors write contracts to protect themselves.
As it turns out, licensure to contract gives contractors the advantage due to property owner naïveté regarding the trade, shortcuts,, knowing which things can be skipped without raising red flags, etc. I call it a license to kill, because of the things I’ve seen, how only the bare minimums of construction code are adhered to – how code standards are mainly only the minimums of acceptability in construction for safety and durability to begin with. Also, just because a contractor is properly licensed to contract, it is no indication of his skill level. A licensed contractor should not be automatically trusted to be honest and competent. But moreover, to provide the ability for tradesmen to contract has been a good move, as it has facilitated successful transactions by multitudes for the effort of keeping both sides honest. It’s critical that a tradesman entering into agreements with homeowners over dollar amounts to be trained in doing do, to be completely descriptive of the work being performed, and adhering strictly to the entire contracting process to preclude liabilities and prevent his own losses. In my opinion, it is also the best policy to be trustworthy, to not put profits first, but to have a bonafidebinterst in providing the expected benefit the client seeks, to begin and end with the win-win result of mutual benefit.
Maybe it’s not so confusing how a handyman may or may not be a tradesman or a contractor, that tradesmen are not necessarily contractors, but may be wirking as an employee of another, whether the employer is a contractor or property owner.
I have found it to be largely without the ability to profit while working as a skilled laborer/handyman/multitradesman at an hourly rate equal to that of a journeyman.
Homeowners are allowed to operate as their own project manager, hiring unlicensed tradesmen to provide services of skilled labor at an hourly rate, regardless of dollar amounts or types of work performed, as long as code standards are adhered to and the property owner has adequate knowledge of the work being performed, especially where repairing to original condition or performing non-improvement tasks, or where permits are not otherwise required, that standards in safety and common practices are met or exceeded, which will result in jobs performed correctly, which result in client satisfaction and confidence, and will easily meet or exceed state-mandated warranties on all work performed by any service provider, whether he be licensed to write contracts or not. I always offer four years minimum on all work and materials without question, just to be safe. I seldom need to honor such a promise, but it always does exist.
California is an “at-will” state when it comes to employment – at-will as opposed to a contractual agreement by implication or inference, that a definitive outcome of some completion or permanence is not to be assumed, that, instead, either the property owners/employers or the laborer/service provider may quit the arrangement for any reason without ability to make demands to complete any job or to expect pay for hours not works, but with the only real obligation of the property owner to pay the laborer for hours worked at his established rate, payable at the time cessation of work is ordered, or that final payment for all hours worked be made available to the laborer/handyman/service provider within three days in the case where the (handyman/laborer is the one to quit – as detailed in California’s labor laws, enforced by the labor board and its commissioner.
I am now experienced enough and confident enough to obtain the license to contract, where I will estimate jobs for two or three times what I expect the job to cost, with a minimum dollar figure for any contract at all, and will also offer theat-will hourly pay arrangement, starting with a higher dollar amount.
Until then, though, I maintain strictly an hourly pay arrangement for any task, because verbal agreements are so loose, and writing contracts for $500 is senseless these days. In the time that law was established, $500 was the price of a new car. These days, $500 is what I need to receive daily just to remain at low-income/poverty level.
Thank you for clearing up a concern =)
Thank you for your thorough and intelligent assessment of the contractors beginnings and the subsequent development towards where we are today. It’s nice to be reassured that there are other intelligent and moral professionals that operate in the same gray area. Your assessment has rendered this gray area a little more discernible as to what is black/ white and as ok or not… Thank you for your time and the considerations you took while sharing with fellow Handypersons/ Repair people/ Tradespersons (just not contractors, were anything but contractors).
How do you compute $500 a day times 250 working days as poverty level at $125,000 a year?
That is $125,000 GROSS REVENUE! By the time you deduct materials and expenses, you are back in the poorhouse, especially if you live in or near a metropolitan area here in Commifornia.
James Troy Wilson great comment thank you extremely informative and helpfull you andwered questions i didnt even know i had. We are trying to start this type of business/service work basicly our goal is ultimately to be where you have managed to arrive and would love to establish contact with you if you have the time and you dont mind my email is jameym55@gmail.com hope to hear from you soon
$500 income PER DAY IS NOT LOW-INCOME OR POVERTY LEVEL!!
How i nsulting can you be?
I have no licenses or certs, but I do honest handyman services. Would I get in trouble if I gave an invoice to a customer? The invoice only had my name number and email then I have a generic logo that says Anthony’s Handyman Service. I’ve never advertised any of what I do either. Did I break any laws?
I’ve spoken directly with a California State investigator, and he clarified that the limit was nothing over $499 per DAY for combined parts & materials, not per project. The CSLB likes to perpetuate the myth of $500 per project, but what the law actually says and what the investigators look for is more than $499 per DAY.
SO, fellow handymen/women, the safest method is to only charge for labor, and make sure that your rate combined with the maximum hours you’ll work per day won’t exceed that limit, AND have your customer purchase all the materials directly. Give your customer a detailed list, or even be willing to go shopping with them.
That way, you won’t have to worry about dealing with the California Dept Tax & Fee administration either, because you’re not collecting sales tax from your customer & won’t have to file returns for it.
Wow, Tom. Thanks!
With my HOA, we write our handyman a check for petty cash to use for upcoming purchases as needed for varying projects. HE does the shopping himself before coming in to work. He saves all receipts and we reconcile all the receipts with the petty cash advance. Is this legit, in your view??
That is incorrect.
The maximum per project is $500 including materials and labor. Your California State Investigator is incorrect and lying to everyone about the maximum allowed amounts!
That’s right.
“You cannot break a project down into parts”.
It all totals together in the end. The moment you cross $500…. iy’s illegal.
A handyman asked my mom for a $1,500 Deposit, on a $2,425 old rental, repairs, painting, toilet. He finished nothing, and just quit. He won’t turn over any receipts for material she paid for. He won’t answer texts, if he’s licensed in California, should his license number be on his business card, it’s not or on anything else. I believe he’s unlicensed.
You should never give anyone a deposit more than $1000 or 10% of the project and only after the job has started. Licensed or Not!
THERE IS NO HANDYMAN LICENSE IN CALIFORNIA!!!
Is there a time limitation to call a handyman about a job done that wasn’t done properly.
I’m a journeyman electrician and I do side jobs. My question is, if the homeowner provides all materials and devices to be installed, can I still legally perform the tasks as labor only up to $500? When does the materials part of the job come into play when staying under the $500 limit? Is it only if I provide the materials?
I belive the materials obviously still hold some value… look for cheap buys man with the receipts to back it up
The limitation is $500 including labor and materials, regardless who pays or provides the materials. Even if the materials were not actually purchased, say the materials were a gift from a family member. Technically it still doesn’t matter.
I am a California attorney and the amount of misinformation here is considerable. The $499/day statement is nonsense. It is $500 per project. Don’t take my word for it. Google California B&P Code section 7027.2 where this is laid out. The idea that having a contract will protect you from being stiffed by a client is also false. An unlicensed contractor has no right to file a claim for an illegal project for which they were not paid. Any contract would be considered void as against public policy. Google B&P section 7031(a). A homeowner cannot act as their own general contractor and hire unlicensed contractors without project cost limits. Google Labor Code § 2750.5. If the homeowner properly treats the unlicensed contractors as employees, however, then this is quite a legitimate thing to do as no licenses are required regardless of the cost. How is a tax attorney involved with these issues? An unlicensed contractor is considered the employee of the homeowner, and failure to have workers comp insurance or pay unemployment insurance (a tax) are both crimes for which I had to mount a defense. If your “employee” gets hurt you could be on the hook for all of their medical bills, because California case law, including a decision of the California Supreme Court, deems the unlicensed contractor to be an employee. See the case of Webb v. Workers’ Comp. Appeals Bd. (1980) 28 Cal.3d 621. Don’t get your legal advice off the internet.
Electrical work except for minor repairs like replacing an outlet or two is not allowed without a Contractors License regardless of your experience.
Not true.
Exterior fixtures are not “permanently fixed to the structure” (meaning they can easily be replaced):
lights; ceiling fans; outlets/AFCI/GFCI; switches; dimmers; replacing a defective breaker….. all perfectly LEGAL to do in California.
Dear Handyman Startup,
I am requesting that you please remove my personal information and post from your website for the reason of clearing Google search results on my name. Please e-mail me a confirmation of the completion to my request
Thank you very much,
Taylor Faeth
Will a handyman license cover Hvac? if so how can I get one? and will I need other stuff for hvac or will handyman cover it?
THERE IS NO HANDYMAN LICENSE IN CALIFORNIA!!!!!!!
What if customer has had cabinets already there they hadbeen installed b4 obviously and they just need their pull handles installed would we as handyman be legally able to do that
So how about Tree work does 500 stand on a single Tree? Could u cut down multiple trees for under 500? each Tree is its own job in a sense.
My family is going through a succession,can my uncle do work in my grandparents home that is included in the succession without having a handy man’s license.the paperwork from the attorney’s office shows he was paid several thousand dollars for paint & materials.
Great read. Can anyone help with this? My employee is very good at wood work. He just finished putting a wood wall up (stained pine, drilled into the existing wall). Since its “fixed to the wall” would he need a contractor license for bigger jobs?
I currently run a handyman business. I would like to get a few licenses like electrical, plumbing, drywall and paint. Not so I can advertise as each but more so that I don’t have to worry about the $500 limit.
My question is can I obtain multiple licenses if my business name has the word HANDYMAN in it? Or would my business name need to have the word CONSTRUCTION in it. My current business name has neither right now so I will need to go through a name change. However I cannot apply for a license until I change the name and they will not give any guidance on names that are appropriate. They just say send in your application and then they will decide yay or nay.
As a retired contractor i want to do small jobs for extra cash. Can a charge an hourly rate and avoid the contracting part all together?
I am a handyman in south California. Can some one provide me with a full list when i can charge more then 500 dollar per job
Sale or installation of finished products that do not become a fixed part of the structure;”
I got a ticket BP 7027 and BP7028 for advertising and biding on a painting job. Though I explained on more then one occasion I am not a licensed contractor and do not have a crew, I stated a rough estimate of how much the job may cost. No agreement was made, no contract signed, no money exchanged. I feel I was coerced and forced to make statements I did not feel comfortable with. I have a court appearance next month
I do Heating and Air Service Repairs for customers in California that are Spanish-speaking I don’t have a Contractor License because I have felonies so I cannot obtain one what can I do not to get in trouble my conviction for felon was possession for sale and in 2021
get a California expungement
My dad owns apart buildings and i do the repair work on them, from light fixtures to complete kitchen remodels. Do i need to be a contractor to work on a family owned building?
Because they are “rental properties”, anything that requires a permit will require a licensed contractor. Minor repairs, etc. can be done by an employee.
Question about the $500 dollar materials no labor cap.
Say I do a drywall patch for $500 materials and labor and the client ask for me to paint it afterward and say it’s $500 as well to paint corner to corner to blend in, would that be two separate projects to charge $500 max for and would I be able to do 1 invoice or would I be able to do two invoices $500 each and be California compliant.
I recently got a contract with a property management company to service their property do I need a license to do that?
Is it legal for me to offer a free inspection of the home and property as an incentive for customers??
I install household appliances like ovens dishwashers, gas cooktops, washer dryers, etc. Is a handyman license sufficient? Also, doing jobs over $500 should not be an issue correct? Are appliances considered “fixed to the structure”? Some are free standing like washer dryers and fridges, but a double oven is secure to the cabinet with 4 small
Screws. Thoughts? Thanks.
i have been doing handyman work full time for the past 5 years, 6 years before that part time. you can do most valuable jobs if you find a licensed contractor to tak you under his license.(hard to find) i believe the minimum should be raised for those of us who carry a $1million GL policy. we should be able to register as a handyman with a $1000 limit. funny thing is u can do any trade work except a couple as long as its not over $500. that if funny to me.