Understanding the laws is a must if you’d like to offer professional handyman services in New Hampshire. Knowing what you can and can’t do will keep you safe from the law and confidently turning a 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 New Hampshire?
No. There’s no license required to take on handyman work in the state, and there’s no cap on the cost of jobs handymen can take on. The state’s motto: “Live Free or Die” appears to extend to its small businesses, too!
While a license isn’t required, if you plan to use anything but your legal name in your business, a registration is. For example, if your name is Joe Dodge and you want your business to be called “Joe Dodge, Handyman,” a trade name registration is required. If you keep your business to simply “Joe Dodge” (your legal name), a trade name registration isn’t needed.
To clarify, the term for business registration in New Hampshire is “trade name registration,” and is further explained here. It’s a simple process and is required for all business owners with any words in their business brand beyond their legal name. The cost is only $50 and is valid for five years.
Limitations for Handymen in New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s Electrical Inspector–who I spoke with–stressed that running wires, adding outlets and boxes, and other in-depth electrical work is off-limits to contractors without an electrical license. “Incidental work,” however, such as swapping out a lighting fixture or fan, is allowed without a specialty license. This is happy news for handymen, as customers commonly request new fixture installations.
“Incidental work,” as the inspector calls it, also refers to the allowance of “minor installations, repairs, and replacements” of plumbing-related parts as posted here.
As a side note, homeowners working on their properties are excluded from electrical restrictions and plumbing and gas-fitting work, as detailed in the link above and Section II.
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Advertising Restrictions
The clerks and inspectors I spoke with were unaware of the rules around marketing, however, I was able to find some information on New Hampshire’s Office of Professional Licensure and Certification web site. There are real penalties for advertising yourself as a licensed professional (electrical or otherwise) when you don’t hold that specialty license.
To stay within the law, be careful not to “oversell” yourself in ads, on websites, or on proposals and invoices. Use the title confirmed on your trade name registration for business communications–this is the designation you are authorized to use.
Be sure to include your trade registration number on all your public relations material. It’ll only help as you establish credibility with prospective customers.
Insurance Requirements
Handymen in New Hampshire aren’t required to hold liability insurance.
While handymen aren’t obligated to carry this insurance, it’s a wise choice. You’ll protect yourself from potential legal fees if you inadvertently injure a customer or damage their property. Insurance is low cost if you get it here.
Surety bonds are sometimes required when there’s no statewide license requirement, as is the case in New Hampshire. The best way to know if you’ll need these bonds is to check with the Building and Zoning Office in the region where you plan to work.
Regarding Worker’s Compensation coverage, the state’s Department of Labor doesn’t mandate it for independent handymen. It is required, however, of those that have employees working under them.
Penalties for Contracting Illegally
Handymen in New Hampshire engaging in in-depth plumbing or electrical, or lead or asbestos removal without the required licensing, put themselves at risk.
Performing work in these areas without specialized licensing is considered a misdemeanor; violators can be prosecuted in a court of law. Electrical violations are particularly discouraged. Not only can handymen be reported to the licensing board and face fines and possible jail time, but they’ll also have no recourse if a customer refuses to pay.
Disciplinary actions for electrical transgressions are underscored in Section RSA 319-C:15 of New Hampshire’s Electrician’s Board bulletin. The penalties for performing license-mandated work without holding the appropriate license are further detailed in Section 310:13 from the state’s Office of Professional Licensure and Certification site.
Be smart—work within the parameters New Hampshire has laid out for handymen, and tread the gray areas carefully. The penalties aren’t worth it.
How do I apply for a Trade Name Registration in New Hampshire?
While a trade name registration isn’t required to perform handyman work in New Hampshire, the process is so easy and the fee so modest that most handymen opt to take this step. And this simple step allows them to assign themselves a moniker to help their business stand out.
The application requirements are few:
- exact trade name being registered
- complete address of the business
- brief description of the business
- date business organized
- original signature
- payment of $50
The application can be accessed here and mailed, completed on-site at the State House’s Corporate Division, or done online at Quickstart.sos.nh.gov.
Conclusion
New Hampshire is a great place to start a handyman business.
Many Granite State residents rely on handymen to assist with home repair and remodeling jobs. Handymen in New Hampshire are fortunate that no license, education, or training is required to start making money. And the registration process is the easiest I’ve come across in all the states I’ve researched.
Unlike other states, New Hampshire doesn’t cap the price of jobs a handyman can tackle, which means your earnings are much less limited than in other states.
Do you offer handyman services in New Hampshire?
If so, I’d love to hear about your experience. Please leave a comment below to share any insights I may have missed.
