Handyman Licenses in Kansas – Everything You Need To Know

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

Kansas’s laws are more complicated than those in other states. For example, each county has different laws, and in some cases, cities have their own regulations regarding contracting laws.

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

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 Kansas?

Well, it depends. The state doesn’t offer a handyman license, and contracting isn’t regulated at the state level. Contracting laws are defined by the county and, in some cases, at the city level.

In Sedgwick County, for example, handymen can provide home repairs and services up to $2,500 per project without obtaining a contractor’s license.

There isn’t a licensing requirement in Johnson County. However, holding an active business registration is a condition for working as a handyman in the state, regardless of the county in which you operate.

Limitations for unlicensed handymen in Kansas

From my research and conversations with clerks in the Business Services Division of the Secretary of State office, I learned that restrictions vary by county (and can even fluctuate by cities in the same county). Therefore, you must check with the county or city where you plan to work. Contracting is not regulated at the state level like most states.

However, to provide some more context, I’ve researched and detailed the laws for the two most populous counties, Johnson and Sedgwick.

Sedgwick County Handyman Laws

Quick Overview

Sedgwick County, home of Wichita, Kansas’ most populated city, allows handymen to perform finish work up to $2,500 (including labor and materials) without a permit.

Specialty licenses are required for working on electrical panels, running wires, laying pipes, and HVAC systems (mechanical work). However, the county allows handymen to swap out light fixtures and electrical outlets and replace faucets and toilets.

As in most counties, the threshold for dabbling in electrical and plumbing hinges on the depth of the work. “Finish” (nonstructural) work is typically allowed while rewiring or reconfiguring pipes or mechanical systems requires specialty licensing.

Advertising Restrictions

The county forbids handymen from identifying as “contractors” in all business communications unless they have a valid Contractor License.

Insurance Requirements

General liability and auto insurance are required for licensed contractors and are recommended for unlicensed contractors.

You can read all of the laws for Sedgwick county right here (See section 2.4.030, “Work Exempt from Permit” and section 2.1.220, “Exemptions”).

Johnson County Handyman Laws

Quick Overview

Upon researching Johnson County, I was fortunate to connect with a Code Enforcement Officer who was well-versed in licensing and protocols. She’s unaware of any city within the county invoking price caps on what a handyman can do without a permit. She emphasizes that the focus is on ensuring that handyman work is nonstructural.

Her examples of acceptable work reinforce Sedgwick County’s parameters – installing new cabinets, flooring, fixtures, light fixtures, and other finish work are all okay; reconstructing the subfloor and reconfiguring pipes and wiring isn’t.

Advertising Restrictions

The officer I spoke with is unaware of posted advertising limitations (and I could not locate any on Johnson County’s contracting site). With this in mind, many counties in Kansas prohibit using the term “contractor” in ads unless the handyman is a licensed contractor. To be safe, state your business registration number on all marketing in Johnson County and withhold the word “contractor” unless you obtain your Contractor license.

Insurance Requirements

Insurance is not required. This is another guideline that aligns with those in Sedgwick County.

How do you become a licensed contractor in Kansas?

Again, this is different for each county.

In Sedgwick County, for example, you’ll need the following to tackle projects over $2,500:

• A completed application (including the $50 fee for first-time applicants).
• Certificates of General Liability (of at least $300k), Auto, and Worker’s Compensation (if you’ll have employees) insurance.
• Graded International Code Council (ICC) Contractor’s examination with a score of at least 75%.
• A fee of $360 paid for a Class D license (the most common license for handymen in Sedgwick County; allows for residential maintenance of one- and two-family homes).
• License renewal is required biennially on even years.

Here’s the process for obtaining a contractor license in Johnson County:

• Graded International Code Council (ICC) Contractor’s examination with a score of at least 75%. Exam requirements are waived for applicants with certain degrees and diplomas from accredited programs outlined here.
• A completed application (including the $325 combined fee for the application and license). Class C is the most common license handymen apply for in Johnson County, allowing for repair to single-family and duplex residences).
• $1m in General Liability coverage and $500K in Worker’s Compensation (if you’ll have employees), verified via the Insurance ACORD Form provided by Johnson County’s Contractor Licensing department.
• Annual license renewal is $225.

Are handymen in Kansas required to carry insurance?

Generally, unlicensed handymen in Kansas don’t need liability insurance to work legally. But this is another one of those “varies by city” rules. Different jurisdictions have different conditions, and handymen must check with their local board to be certain.

Whether or not you take the steps to become a licensed contractor, liability insurance for your handyman business is inexpensive and worth the protection it provides you and the homeowners you work for.

Advertising restrictions for unlicensed handymen in KS

One of the clerks I spoke with indicated that advertising restrictions are few; however, handymen are advised to include their business registration number in all business communication. This means all invoices, letterhead, digital correspondence, and ads. You’re advised to refrain from using “Contractor” in your messaging unless you’re licensed.

What are the steps to register as a business in Kansas?

Registering your business is necessary to work legally as a handyman in Kansas. Fortunately, the process is fast and simple.

Business registration is handled through the Secretary of State’s office and begins with an easy two-step account creation process.

From there, you’ll complete a four-question form and pay the $160 fee. To finish, you’ll need identification and proof of address. No exam or field experience is needed to register.

Happily, turnaround is immediate—processing happens within minutes, and a certified copy of your business registration can be printed immediately.

Registration renewal is required every other year for $100.

Conclusion

Many Kansas residents rely on handymen to assist with home repair and remodeling jobs. Handymen in the state are fortunate that profit-making opportunities abound just by going through a simple business registration process. And income can expand even more for handymen who get their Contractor’s License.

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

Do you offer handyman services in Kansas?

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