Handyman Licenses in Massachusetts: Everything You Need to Know

Understanding state laws is essential to offering handyman services for profit in Massachusetts.

Here, I explain the laws regarding home repairs, remodels, and other home services.

I’ve poured over pages of difficult-to-understand legal jargon and pulled out the critical information you need to feel confident in providing home repairs professionally.

Let’s jump right in.

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

In Massachusetts, handymen must register (the term used in the state, rather than be licensed) as a Home Improvement Contractor to tackle handyman projects legally.

The state defines handymen as contractors “who complete property repairs or perform small home improvement jobs.”

What are some of the jobs handymen can take on?

There are ample profit-turning projects handymen can accept once they’re registered as a Home Improvement Contractor. Examples include:

• Door, deck, and drywall repair
• Gutter cleaning, power washing, and staining
• Assembling and moving furniture/shelving
• Applying caulk and removing old grout
• Patching and painting walls and trim
• Replacing hinges and knobs
• + many more (see below).

Upon registration, handymen can bid on, solicit, and perform work on “one-to-four-unit residential properties.”

Under Mass law, you can also subcontract your services to other contractors.

Also worth noting: the clerk I spoke with in the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation indicated that “dabbling” in electrical, plumbing, and HVAC is generally acceptable if the work you’re being asked to do is something “the homeowner can easily do themselves.”

For example, installing a new showerhead or toilet flapper is usually okay. With that said, he advises handymen to check in with their local town hall to ensure the legality of these types of jobs since regulations can vary by district.

Limitations for handymen in Massachusets

Handymen (once registered as Home Improvement Contractors) are restricted from performing significant demolition or construction. “Significant” is the key word here—the representative I spoke with clearly stated that handymen are limited to work that doesn’t impact a house’s structural integrity.

For example, while the registered handyman can legally add a tile or linoleum “layer,” they can’t work on the subfloor.

Suppose you want to take on larger, more complex work. In that case, they’ll need a Construction Supervisor License, which requires a written exam, liability insurance, and a minimum of three years of related experience.

Most plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work requires additional licensing beyond that of a Home Improvement Contractor.

Additionally, any building with more than four units (like apartment buildings) requires additional licensing.

You can learn more at Mass.gov.

What about insurance?

Home Improvement Contractors in Massachusetts don’t need general liability insurance to maintain active registration. However, you’ll need Workers’ Compensation Insurance if you hire employees.

Despite not being required, general liability insurance is still important because it protects the handyman and the homeowner in the event of an accident. Here’s a good place to get a quote.

Advertising guidelines and constraints

The clerk I spoke with indicated that advertising restrictions are few, and the focus is on the prominent display of registration numbers.

Home Improvement Contractor registration numbers must be posted on all advertising, including contracts, business cards, and commercial vehicles.

Penalties for contracting illegally

Working outside laws in place for handymen–whether contracting without a valid Home Improvement Contractor registration or engaging in plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work without the proper specialty license–places the handyman in jeopardy.

The state of Massachusetts can revoke a handyman’s registration and assess fines up to $5,000 along with potential jail time. Further details on enforcement actions can be found here.

What are the steps to register as a Home Improvement Contractor in Massachusetts?

Registration is handled through the state’s Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation.

Applicants can register as an individual, partnership, proprietorship, or corporation and must be at least 18.

If handymen want to register under a trade name, they’ll need a valid copy of their business certificate.

Applications can be done through the mail or online at a cost of $150. There is also a mandatory $100 payment to the Guaranty Fund (more if you have over four employees). This fund covers settlements the state pays out on behalf of the contractors it registers.

Registration renewal is required every other year for $100.

Additional Handyman Licensing Requirements

Please note that this article covers contracting licenses for basic repairs only. To operate a business legally, you also must comply with other state and city regulations. Often, this includes the following:

• Registering your business with the state (forming an LLC, for example)
• Obtaining a Sales & Use Tax License (if you plan to sell materials and mark them up).
• Acquiring a city business license for each city you service.
• Some counties also require a business license.

**Please do not consider this list exhaustive. There may be additional requirements in your city/state that I did not find during my research.**

Conclusion

Massachusetts is a great state in which to start a handyman business. Registration is easy and cheap (compared to other states), and once registered, there are no financial limits on project size (which is different from most states).

Sure, you can’t do most plumbing, HVAC, electrical, or structural work, but that’s how it goes in most states.

Luckily, you can still offer plenty of highly profitable jobs for in-demand services.

Do you offer handyman services in Massachusetts?

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