Maine doesn’t license handymen specifically, but it does have two important requirements for those who do handyman work.
First, for any job worth more than $3,000, you have to give your customer a written contract and an official notice about their rights as a homeowner. Second, you must register with the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation to do home remodeling work worth more than $7,500.
What Can an Unlicensed Handyman Do in Maine?
Maine gives handymen plenty of freedom to do projects that don’t need special licensing. You can handle most jobs that aren’t part of state-regulated trades like electrical or plumbing work.
Simple home fixes like repairing faucets, swapping out light fixtures, or clearing blocked drains all fall within what you can do without a license in Maine. However, there are some requirements you should be aware of:
- Handymen can do most home repair or home improvement jobs valued at less than $7,500. Please see the exceptions below.
- For projects valued between $7,500 and $75,000, you must register with the State Licensing Board for Contractors as a home improvement contractor.
- You must provide customers with a written contract and an official notice about homeowner rights for any job worth more than $3,000.
Here are some common examples of what you can do as a handyman in Maine:
- Painting: You can handle any size of interior or exterior painting project without special permits. Remember, though, that homes built before 1978 need certified professionals for lead paint work.
- Standard carpentry work: Shelf building, trim installation, and furniture repair work fine for unlicensed handymen as long as you don’t touch the building’s structure.
- Drywall and plaster: You can do pretty much anything from hole patches to crack repairs and new drywall installation.
- Flooring: You can remove old carpet, put in tile, or install hardwood floors regardless of the project size.
- Pressure washing: You can clean anything from siding to decks and driveways with your pressure washer.
What’s Off Limits Without a License?
Maine requires special licensing for certain trades, regardless of the job’s size. These projects need proper licensing or help from licensed professionals:
- Electrical: Beyond basic tasks like changing lightbulbs, all electrical work falls under state licensing rules, including wiring, panel work, and outlet installation.
- Plumbing: Most plumbing needs licensed pros. While you might handle simple faucet replacements, anything involving pipes, fixtures, or water heaters needs proper certification.
- Oil burners: You need special licensing to install or service oil-burning equipment in Maine. Watch out when working on homes with oil heat.
- Asbestos and lead: These materials need special training and licensing due to health risks. Many older Maine houses contain these materials.
How To Start A Handyman Business In Maine
Here’s everything you need to know about getting set up properly, from understanding the local rules to getting your paperwork in order.
- Research and Plan Your Business
Think about what services you want to offer – maybe you’re great at carpentry and painting and want to pursue this path. Get a feel for what other handymen in your area are charging and who needs these services.
Write up a simple business plan that maps out your goals and how you’ll reach potential customers.
- Choose a Business Structure
Decide on the legal structure of your business:
- Sole Proprietorship: Simple to set up and operate, but you are personally liable for business debts.
- LLC: Provides liability protection and is relatively easy to set up.
- Corporation: More complex and suitable for larger businesses.
Go to the Maine Secretary of State‘s website to register your business structure.
- Register Your Business Name
Planning to use a business name instead of just your own name? You’ll need to register it as a “DBA” (Doing Business As) with Maine’s Secretary of State.
- Obtain Permits if Required
Check with your local town office about any permits you need – every town has its own rules.
- Register for Taxes
Time to get your tax situation sorted out:
- Employer Identification Number (EIN): Get an EIN from the IRS if you’re planning to hire help or running an LLC. You can apply online at the IRS website.
- State Taxes: You’ll need to register for Maine state taxes through Maine Revenue Services.
- Obtain Insurance
Don’t skip insurance – it’s crucial for protecting yourself:
- General Liability Insurance: Covers bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury claims.
- Workers’ Compensation Insurance: Required if you have employees. This covers medical expenses and lost wages for work-related injuries.
- Commercial Auto Insurance: If you use a vehicle for business purposes, ensure it is properly insured.
- Set Up Your Business Operations
Now for the practical part:
- Business Bank Account: Open a separate bank account for your business to keep personal and business finances separate.
- Accounting System: Set up an accounting system to track income, expenses, and taxes.
- Marketing: Develop a marketing strategy to attract clients. This can include creating a website, using social media, and networking with local businesses and homeowners.
- Stay Compliant
Keep track of when the permits need to be renewed, stay current on your taxes, and ensure you’re following all the building codes and safety rules in your area.
Handymen License Local Requirements
If you want to work as a handyperson in Maine’s biggest cities, you need to follow different rules in each place. Portland, Bangor, and Lewiston each have their own way of doing things. Before you start working, you must check what each city wants you to do.
Portland
- Business license: Go to the Business License office to start working legally. They handle all department approvals. Meet with staff to review requirements and get your license before taking any jobs.
- Special permits: Building changes and electrical or plumbing work need permits. Visit the Portland Permits office first to learn which permits your job needs.
Bangor
- Business registration: You need to register your handyman business at the City Clerk’s office. They will look at your papers and give you the licenses you need. Don’t forget to note when you should renew it.
- Work permits: Building structure changes, and electrical and plumbing system work need permits. Always check with the Bangor City Clerk’s office for the latest permit requirements.
Lewiston
- You must follow city rules: Lewiston handles building work differently from other cities. All construction needs a permit, no matter how big or small. The city checks all work through inspections.
- Permits: Before starting any job, you must get a permit. Use the Planning and Code website or go to their office.
Are You Handy? Get Busy
People value their time more than ever, which is why so many turn over their household maintenance and repair jobs to a handyman. So if you have the skills, there’s money to be made. Home Gnome gives handymen an edge by connecting you with jobs in your area, saving you time and money and letting you focus on the work. Sign up now.
Note: Home Gnome may get a referral fee for matching you with pros in your area.
Main Image Credit: Sergii Pavlovskyi / Adobe Stock / License created using Canva Pro
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