Handyman Licenses in New Jersey: Everything you Need to Know

If you want to offer handyman services for profit in New Jersey, it’s essential to understand the state laws.

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 before offering handyman services professionally.

Let’s jump right in.

Do you need a license to offer handyman services in New Jersey?

No, there is no handyman-specific license in New Jersey.

However, New Jersey requires handymen to register as Home Improvement Contractors with the state’s Division of Consumer Affairs.

Additionally, if you want to take on certain projects, you would need a specialty license.

Let’s talk more about that.

Limitations for handymen without specialty licenses.

One restriction in New Jersey is that you must limit payment to credit card or cash installments and not offer financing for projects with terms over 90 days.

This may seem like an unusual restriction, but it’s one New Jersey’s Licensing Services Bureau watches for.

Additionally, contracts are required for jobs over $500 and must include details on work being performed, your cancellation policy, and a copy of your insurance certificate (more on insurance below).

Finally, any Plumbing, electrical, or HVAC work requires a specialty license in the trade. That said, the clerk I spoke with in the Department of Consumer Affairs indicated that handymen can work along the periphery in these areas when structural changes aren’t impacted. For example, you can change the flapper in a toilet or install a new sink as long as there are no alterations to the plumbing system. A new ceiling fan or fixture can be installed if no rewiring is involved.

For specific questions on what’s sanctioned and what’s not, it’s safest to inquire directly with the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC departments within the Division of Consumer Affairs to ensure you stay within the law.

Contact information for each branch can be found under the Boards & Committees tab here.

What are some of the jobs handymen can take on?

There are plenty of profitable jobs handymen can tackle without specialty licensing. These include:

• Drywall repair – patching/painting
• Door repair – hinges/knobs/locks
• Deck repair – railings/boards
• Home and deck treatments – power washing/staining
• Gutter cleaning
• Caulk application; grout removal
• Fencing repair/install
• Awning installation/repair
• Furniture/shelving assembly/install
• Wall/trim painting
• Plastering
• Asphalt paving
• Yard work/lawn & garden care
• Replacing light fixtures & ceiling fans
• Replacing sinks, toilets, or shower heads
• Replacing appliances

This is just a short list as there are thousands of services a handyman can and will provide throughout their career.

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

Registration is handled through the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.

Here are the steps:

1. Completed the application form (Click here and scroll to the bottom)
2. Provide proof of commercial general liability insurance (coverage of $500K per occurrence). Here’s a good place to get insurance.
3. Pay a $110 fee.

While there isn’t a formal background check, applicants must disclose past criminal history and sign a document in the presence of a notary.

Workers’ compensation insurance will also be required if you plan to hire employees.

Home improvement contractors must renew their registration annually (between January and March) to maintain their registered status.

Advertising guidelines and constraints

The clerk I spoke with in the consumer affairs department 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 in all places of business, on work documents, contracts, consumer correspondence, and commercial vehicles.

Penalties for contracting illegally

Working outside the laws in place for handymen–whether performing work without a valid registration or engaging in plumbing, mechanical, and electrical work without the proper specialty license—puts the handyman in jeopardy. New Jersey state assesses fines of up to $10,000 for the first offense and up to $20,000 for subsequence infractions.

Bottom line: work within the law.

Conclusion

New Jersey is a great state to start a handyman business.

Most states impose limitations on job size – limiting us handymen to as low as $500 per job unless we obtain a contractor’s license.

In New Jersey, that is not the case. All you need to do is get some insurance and register, which is inexpensive and relatively easy.

Then, keep your registration number displayed, follow guidelines when drafting customer contracts, and only attempt plumbing/electrical/HVAC tasks that fall within approved parameters.

Do you offer handyman services in New Jersey?

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