In California, the requirement for a handyman to have a license depends on the type of work they are performing and the amount of the project. While licensed contractors are necessary for specific jobs, such as those exceeding $500 in labor and materials, handyman services that are considered minor repairs and maintenance typically do not require a state-issued license.
The California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) defines a handyman as someone who performs small jobs that do not require specialized skills or expertise. These tasks often include painting, minor carpentry, installing fixtures, and simple electrical or plumbing repairs. Generally, a handyman can perform these types of jobs without holding a Contractor’s License.
However, it is important to note that there are limitations to what a handyman can do without a license. For instance, anything beyond minor repairs, such as remodeling or construction work that alters the property structure, generally requires a licensed contractor. Moreover, if a project involves more than one trade, such as both plumbing and electrical work, each respective trade may need to be performed by a licensed professional.
While a license may not be mandatory for many handyman services in California, it is still advisable for handyman professionals to educate themselves on their trade, obtain proper insurance coverage and adhere to local regulations and building codes. This ensures their work is carried out safely, effectively, and in compliance with the legal requirements in California.
Handymen that are considering expanding their businesses to be able to work on larger projects can do so by passing the State’s trade & law exams or hiring a Responsible Managing Officer (RMO) to qualify their license, which waives the exam requirement. If choosing the option of hiring an RMO, handymen should use a professional RMO recruiting service, such as RMO Agency in order to locate the best RMO for the company based on their trade classification and location, as well as receive support from a knowledgeable team of professionals.
In summary, although a license may not be required for most small-scale handyman services in California, it is prudent for handymen to understand and abide by the State’s regulations and only accept minor projects that are under the $500 cost of labor and material per State requirements. If handymen are interested in working on projects over the $500 limit, they have choices about the path to take toward becoming licensed contractors.