Handyman Licenses in Nevada: Everything you Need to Know

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 learned my fair share about the laws 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 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 as a subcontractor on a larger project.

Secondly, any work that requires a building permit is restricted to contractors or homeowners working on their own homes.

Under the handyman exemption, there are also restrictions on the type of work you can perform. An unlicensed handyman cannot perform any HVAC, electrical, or plumbing work that requires a permit. You must also have specialty 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, and 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 the “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, leaving 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 an 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 the wording clearly states that you’re not a licensed contractor. Common small-print on advertising includes “not a licensed contractor” and “unable to provide licensed contracting services.”

This is especially important because the contractor’s board often looks for opportunities to fine you and force you to get 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 specialty license–places the handyman in jeopardy.

Nevada can impose misdemeanor charges for the first offense, which can result in $1,000 in fines and up to six months in jail.

If you are charged with three of these offenses, you may face prison time and the inability to obtain 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 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 instead of equivalent work experience.

Contractor licensing requirements also require candidates to pass the exam, undergo fingerprinting, and pass 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.

A $300 fee is 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 obtain a carpentry or GC license.

Conclusion

Nevada extends considerable latitude to unlicensed handymen. No license is required as long as you remain within the $1,000 cap per project.

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 and 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.