Getting started as a handyman in Alabama is pretty simple. The state doesn’t require a specific handyman license for general maintenance and repair work. You can handle minor jobs or projects that are less than $50,000 without a license.
However, if you’re interested in undertaking larger projects or venturing into specialties like electrical or plumbing, you’ll need a contractor license or a license in a particular specialty. Let’s look at the basics of being a handyman in Alabama and what you need to know to start your business legally.
What Can an Unlicensed Handyman Do in Alabama?
An unlicensed handyman in Alabama can perform various tasks without a license. These tasks include:
- General maintenance: This involves basic upkeep of properties, such as fixing leaky faucets, replacing light fixtures, or repairing broken tiles.
- Minor repairs: Handymen can handle small repair jobs like patching drywall, fixing loose floorboards, or repairing damaged furniture.
- Painting: Both interior and exterior painting jobs are permitted for unlicensed handymen.
- Installation of pre-fabricated items: This includes putting up shelves, assembling furniture, or installing pre-made cabinets.
- Basic landscaping: Mowing lawns, trimming hedges, and planting flowers fall under this category.
- Pressure washing: Cleaning exterior surfaces of buildings and driveways is allowed.
- Minor carpentry work: Building small structures like bookshelves or repairing wooden fences is permitted.
When Do You Need a License in Alabama?
While you can perform many tasks without a license, there are certain scenarios where licensing is mandatory:
Projects Over $50,000
For projects valued at $50,000 or more, handymen must obtain a general contractor license from the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors. This license allows you to perform more extensive work such as remodeling, rehabilitating, maintaining, repairing, demolishing, and altering structures.
Specialty Work
You must obtain the relevant specialty license regardless of project cost for specialty work like electrical, plumbing, or HVAC. For example:
- Electrical work: Requires a license from the Alabama Electrical Contractors Board.
- Plumbing work: Requires a plumber license from the Alabama Plumbers & Gas Fitters Examining Board.
- HVAC work: Requires a license from the State of Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors.
Contractor Licensing Exemptions
Some exemptions exist for the contractor licensing requirements. These may include:
Homeowners: If you own a house, you can work on it yourself without a license. But remember:
- You must live in the house;
- You can’t sell it for one year after the work;
- You can’t pay someone else to manage the work.
Agricultural buildings: You don’t need a license to build or fix farm buildings. But if there’s a house on the farm, you need a license for that part.
Government workers: People who work for the government don’t need a license if the work is part of their job.
Other exemptions:
- Mobile homes: Mobile homes or structures regulated by the Alabama Manufactured Housing Commission are exempt from residential home builders’ licensing requirements. This exemption is officially stated in Alabama Code § 34-14A-6(6).
- Real estate licensees, licensed engineers, and licensed architects: These professionals are exempt when operating within the scope of their respective licenses on behalf of clients. This exemption is officially stated in Alabama Code § 34-14A-6(4).
- General contractors with pre-1992 licenses: General contractors holding a current and valid license issued by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors before January 1, 1992, are exempt from holding a residential home builders license. This exemption is officially stated in Alabama Code § 34-14A-6(3). The license number must be 18907 or below to qualify for this exemption.
Local Handyman License Requirements
Alabama doesn’t require handymen to have state licenses, but some cities and counties have their own rules. These local requirements can vary from one place to another, so it’s important to check with the specific city or county where you plan to work.
Huntsville: You’ll need to obtain a privilege license before doing any repair or construction work in the city. This comes from a city law (Ordinance 93-725).
While you don’t need a state license for basic maintenance and repairs, make sure you have that city privilege license and keep track of any subcontractors you work with.
Birmingham: Birmingham has no additional licensing requirements for handypersons, prime contractors, or subcontractors that differ from the state-level regulations. However, the city does require permits for certain types of work, which can be obtained through their Online Permit Center.
Montgomery: It’s important to check with the local government to see if any specific permits or licenses are required for handyman services.
Mobile: The city adheres to the state-level licensing requirements for contractors and has no additional local licensing requirements specifically for handymen.
Training and Education for Handymen in Alabama
While Alabama does not require a specific license for handymen to perform general maintenance and repair work, undergoing training and education can significantly enhance your skills and job prospects. Here are some training programs:
- Alabama Home Builders Foundation Programs: offers a Basic Residential Carpentry Program that is free and open to the public.
- Alabama Workforce Training Center (AWTC) Skilled Trades Program: offers a Skilled Trades Program designed to introduce construction basics and enhance existing industry skills.
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.
Main Image Credit: Sergii Pavlovskyi / Adobe Stock created using Canva Pro
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