Handyman License

A handyman license is key to building a solid customer base and establishing a good reputation for your handyman service. Many states demand that handymen get licensed but even if your state does not require licensing it is well worth getting a license. Potential customers will always choose a licensed handyman above an unlicensed one.

• Know the type of handyman license you need Each state has different licenses and requirements. Different jobs may also require different types or classifications of licensing. Find out which type of license you need for your handyman business in your area. This will depend on your experience, area of expertise and the services you want to provide. Contact your State Contractor Licensing Board (find a list by state at http://www.clsi.com/state_contractor_license_board.htm) to find out. List all the different handyman services you will offer so you can accurately determine which licenses you need to get.
  Some states determine handyman license requirements by the value of the job. For example in California you require a contractor's license if you perform a handyman job that costs more than $500.
  You can also go to your local government office to find out which license you need as a handyman. Another good tool to find out the handyman licensing requirements in your area is the Contractor's License Reference Site at www.contractors-license.org
• Sign up for your test Most states require you to take and pass a test to get your license. The test generally consists of two sections. The first is state relevant business law and regulations and the second is a trade test specific to the skills for which you have applied for the handyman license. Schedule the test so that you have enough time to properly prepare beforehand. Test date information can be found by contacting the State Contractor Licensing Board for your state.
• Prepare for the test Contact the National Contractor License Service (www.clsi.com) and find out about seminars in your area that will help you prepare for your test. They also provide various resources to help you get your license. Ask your state's licensure board for details of recommended code books and other study materials. The state board generally provides its own study resources which you can buy from a designated store.
• Submit an application for your license Once you have passed your test you can apply for your handyman or contractor's license. Generally this should be done as soon as possible after passing your test. In most states the test scores are valid for a one year period. Obtain an application form from any office of your state contractors board or download the forms from the relevant State Contractor Licensing Board website. Carefully complete the form and find out what additional documents you need to produce with the application form. These may include a resume or documented experience, a financial statement, proof of insurance etc. Submit the application with the required documents and processing fee to the designated offices of the board.
• Business name, insurance and license To get any license you will need to have a business name and business entity. Find out about choosing and registering your business name at Business Name Ideas. Decide on the type of business entity you require. The simplest and most popular option for a handyman business is a Sole Proprietorship LLC (Limited Liability Company). The State Contractor Licensing Board usually provides information about setting up your business entity in the "Licensing Information Packet" you can get from them.
  In some states you need liability insurance as a licensing requirement. Find out about obtaining Handyman Insurance. In most areas you will also need a business license. Find out about obtaining a small business license at Small Business License

The basic guide to Starting a Handyman Business

How much can you charge? Find out at Handyman Rates

Use these resources to find Handyman Work

Find out how to go about promoting your business at Handyman Business Help

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