Handyman Licenses in Colorado – Everything You Need To Know

If you’d like to offer professional handyman services in Colorado, understanding the laws is a must.

This article covers much of what you need to know to confidently offer home repairs for profit.

Colorado’s laws are more complicated than those of other states because they can vary by city.

However, I’ve poured over pages of difficult-to-understand legal jargon, spoken to state representatives, and compiled the most critical information. And here’s what I’ve found.

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

Well, it depends. Colorado doesn’t offer a license at the state level or require examinations or training programs to provide handyman services. All contractor-related licensing happens at the municipal (city) level.

Unlike many states that determine licensing based on project size, Colorado has no such guideline. In other words, the cost of the job does not impact the need for a license. So, whether a project costs $500 or $50,000, a license may not be needed.

However, there are other limitations.

In Denver, for example, the question is: “Do I need a permit for this job?” If the answer is yes, you’ll need a license. Whether a permit is required determines whether you need a license to perform the work.

Limitations for unlicensed handymen in Colorado

From my research and conversations with licensing specialists in Denver’s Contractor Licensing department, I learned that the most common restrictions relate to structural work, demolition, wiring, and piping.

For example, alterations to a building’s foundation, framing, and roof require special certification (Construction Certificates). Any disconnecting/reconnecting of pipes, wires, or gas lines requires specialty licensing in plumbing, electrical, and/or HVAC.

To provide more context, I’ve researched and detailed the laws for Denver, the state’s most populous city.

Denver Handyman Laws

Denver allows unlicensed handymen to engage in “finish” (non-structural) work without Construction Certification. This includes traditional handyman work like painting, countertops, tiling, and flooring, as well as plumbing and electrical work of a cosmetic nature, like replacing old sinks, toilets, light fixtures, and ceiling fans.

Again, the key litmus test revolves around rewiring, replumbing, structure, and permitting: if the job requires rewiring or redirecting pipes rather than simply connecting new fixtures to existing pipes/wires, then you must have the appropriate specialty license.

And since rewiring or reconfiguring pipes requires permits, it’s off-limits to those without the proper licensing since handymen without construction certification are unable to pull permits.

Finally, familiarize yourself with structural vs. non-structural projects. Removing a window or door and inserting a new one in its space can be done without a permit/license, while altering the frame before adding a window or door is “structural” and, therefore, prohibited for the unlicensed handyman.

Fortunately, these exemptions are laid out clearly in Denver’s Building Code documents in Section 130.3, pages 47-50.

Advertising Restrictions

Like most states, unlicensed handymen need to be careful not to “oversell” themselves in their ads, on their websites, or on proposals and invoices. To avoid a run-in with the law, avoid terms like “licensed contractor,” “general contractor,” “residential contractor,” and the like—these titles are reserved for handymen who have obtained their contractor licensing.

That said, if you opt to get your Contractor License, include your license number on your business communications—it can only improve your standing in the marketplace.

Insurance Requirements

Colorado doesn’t require its handymen, licensed or not, to be insured IF they work independently. If handymen take on employees, however, they must carry Worker’s Compensation insurance.

And while handymen working independently aren’t obligated to carry liability insurance, it’s a wise choice. If you inadvertently injure a customer while working on their property, you’ll protect yourself from potential legal fees.

Plus, insurance is low cost if you get it here.

Penalties for contracting illegally

Handymen in Colorado working without the proper licensing are subject to penalties. For example, engaging in structural or in-depth plumbing, electrical, or HVAC work without the required licensing puts you at real risk.

Colorado could charge you with a Class 2 misdemeanor for the first offense and a Class 6 felony for the second offense. These charges may result in fines and jail time.

Be smart – work within the parameters set forth for handymen. The penalties just aren’t worth it.

How do you get a contractor’s license in Denver (aka Construction Certificate)?

This can vary by city, but in Denver, start by visiting their Contractor Licensing division here. Most handymen seek out the Class C Residential Contractor certificate, which allows for the addition, repair, and demolition of one—and two-family dwellings.

Denver requires two years of fieldwork in foundation, framing, and roofing (validated with a notarized letter) and the successful completion of an ICC (International Code Council) exam.

Denver does not require an application fee. Only if your petition is approved are you responsible for the $250 charge.

The review process takes between 14-20 days. If approved, you can access your Construction Certificate upon payment of the $250.  Renewal is every three years at the same rate of $250.

If you’re looking to work outside of the Denver area, start by visiting the City Clerk’s office in the region where you plan to work. While many application requirements will be the same, procedures may vary slightly.

Conclusion

Colorado is a great place to start a handyman business.

Many Colorado residents rely on handymen to assist with home repair and remodeling jobs. Handymen in the state are fortunate that no license is required to start making money. And, if you want to tackle bigger jobs, getting a Contractor’s License is relatively easy.

Unlike other states, Colorado does not cap the price of jobs a licensed contractor can tackle, which means your handyman earnings are much less limited than in other states.

Do you offer handyman services in Colorado?

If so, I’d love to hear about your experience. Please leave a comment below to share any insights I may have missed.