California does not require a specific handyman license. However, there are strict limits on the work you can do without a contractor’s license. A handyman in California can only perform jobs valued at less than $1,000 (including labor and materials) without a license.
For jobs over $1,000, you’ll need a contractor’s license from the California Contractors State License Board. It is important to note that you cannot break up larger projects into smaller components to stay under the $1,000 limit.
What Can an Unlicensed Handyman Do in California?
As an unlicensed handyperson staying under the new $1,000 per-job limit (effective January 1, 2025, per AB 2622), you can legally perform jobs like:
- Fixing fences
- Repairing doors
- Hanging and patching drywall
- Mounting TVs
- Repairing appliances
- Installing ceiling fans
- Installing finished flooring
- Installing window screens
- Painting and decorating
- Minor plumbing work (replacing faucets and fixtures)
- Minor landscaping work
- Minor carpentry work
How to Get a Contractor’s License for Larger Jobs
To take on jobs over $1,000 in California, you must obtain a contractor’s license from the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Let’s take a look at the requirements and steps:
Types of Contractor License Classifications
The CSLB offers several license classifications:
Class A (General Engineering Contractor): This license is for big engineering projects requiring special knowledge and skills. You’ll need this if you’re planning to work on:
- Bridges, tunnels, or highways
- Dams or power plants
- Airports or railways
- Large-scale irrigation or flood control projects
- Underground or underwater projects
Class B (General Building Contractor): As a Class B contractor, you can build entire structures from the ground up or oversee major remodeling jobs. Go for this license if you want to:
- Build or remodel houses, apartments, or office buildings
- Work on structures for people or animals
- Take on projects that involve at least two unrelated trades
Class B-2 (Residential Remodeling Contractor): It’s more limited than Class B but great for home improvement specialists. This newer license is perfect if you want to:
- Remodel or repair existing homes
- Focus solely on residential properties
- Work on remodeling projects using at least three unrelated trades.
Note: The “three unrelated trades” means your work involves at least three different specialties. For example, a kitchen remodel might include carpentry (cabinets), plumbing (sink installation), and electrical work (lighting). Each of these is a separate trade, and combining them qualifies as working with “unrelated trades.”
Class C (Specialty Contractor): Over 40 different C-class licenses exist. Each C-class license lets you work on a specific part of a construction project. You might need one if you specialize in:
- Drywall (C-9)
- Electrical work (C-10)
- Fencing (C-13)
- HVAC (C-20)
- Landscaping (C-27)
- Painting (C-33)
- Plumbing (C-36)
- Roofing (C-39)
Contractor Licensing Exemptions
While most contractors need a license, there are a few exceptions:
- Minor Work: If the total cost of labor and materials for a project is less than $1,000, you don’t need a license.
- Employees: If you’re working as an employee for a licensed contractor, you don’t need your own license.
- Owner-builders: You might not need a license if you’re working on your own property. This applies whether you’re doing the work yourself or using your own employees. However, this exemption has strict limits, especially if you plan to sell the property.
- Specialized work: Some specific jobs don’t require a CSLB license, like:
- Installing finished products that don’t become a fixed part of the structure
- Public utility workers under certain conditions
- Oil and gas operations by property owners or lessees
Remember: These exemptions are pretty specific and limited. If you’re unsure whether you need a license, it’s always best to check with the CSLB directly. Working without a required license can lead to serious penalties, including fines and potential jail time.
Contractor License Eligibility Requirements
Before you can apply for a contractor’s license in California, you need to meet certain eligibility criteria set by the CSLB:
Age: You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a contractor’s license.
Experience: The CSLB requires you to have at least 4 years of journeyman, foreman, supervisor, or contractor experience in the trade you’re applying for. This means you need to have worked full-time in your trade for four years within the last 10 years. You can’t just say you’ve been doing odd jobs here and there; they want to see solid, consistent experience.
If you’ve got some college or vocational training related to construction, that can count for up to 3 years of your required experience. But remember, you still need at least one year of hands-on, practical experience no matter what.
Exams: You’ll need to pass two exams: one on your specific trade and another on business and law. These exams test your knowledge of construction techniques, safety practices, and California contracting laws.
Skills and knowledge: You need to show that you have the skills and knowledge to run a business. This isn’t just about being good at your trade; it’s about understanding how to manage a business, deal with customers, handle finances, and follow California’s laws and regulations for contractors.
Fingerprinting: You’ll need to submit fingerprints for a criminal background check.
Bonding: The CSLB requires a $25,000 bond to be in place before becoming licensed.
Workers’ compensation insurance: If you have employees, you must provide proof of workers’ compensation insurance.
Exemptions from Contractor License Eligibility
Exam waiver: In certain circumstances, you may be able to get a waiver for the trade exam. This applies if:
- You’re an immediate family member of a licensee whose license was active and in good standing for 5 of the last 7 years.
- You’ve been actively involved in the family business for 5 of the last 7 years.
- You’re applying for the same classification as the family business.
- The license is needed to continue running an existing family business due to the absence or death of the licensee.
Workers’ compensation exemption: If you don’t have any employees, you can file for an exemption from workers’ compensation insurance. However, C-39 Roofing, C-22 Asbestos Abatement, and a few other specialized contractors can’t get this exemption. They must have workers’ comp insurance even if they don’t have employees.
Contractor License Application Costs
For a new contractor’s license, you’re looking at between $750 and $1,000 in total costs just to get started.
Here’s a breakdown of the main costs involved in getting your contractor’s license:
Application fee: $450
Initial license fee:
- For Sole Owner: $200
- For Non-Sole Owner: $350
Fingerprint processing fees:
- Department of Justice Processing Fee: $32
- Federal Bureau of Investigation Processing Fee: $17
- Live Scan “Rolling Fees”: The typical range varies from $20 to $40
Exam fee: The exam costs are included in the original application fee.
Contractor bond: The cost will depend on your credit score. It can range from 0.5% to 6% of the $25,000 the CSLB requires.
Contractor License Application Process
Once you’ve met all the requirements, here are the steps to apply for a contractor’s license:
1. Choose your application method:
- Online using the CSLB’s easy-fill application.
- Download and complete a PDF application.
- Request a paper application by mail.
Note: You can request a paper copy of the “Application for Original Contractors License” form at any CSLB office or by calling 800-321-CSLB (2752). After completing the application, you should mail it along with the required non-refundable application processing fee of $450 to:
Contractors State License Board, P.O. Box 26000, Sacramento, CA 95826
2. Submit your completed application along with the $450 application fee to the CSLB.
3. After your application is accepted, you’ll need to:
- Submit fingerprints for a background check.
- Take and pass both the trade-specific exam and the business and law exam.
- Pay the initial license fee of $200.
The CSLB aims to process completed applications within 6 to 8 weeks. However, this can vary depending on workload and the completeness of your application.
Local Requirements for Contractor Licenses
While California has statewide regulations for handymen and contractors, some cities and counties have additional requirements. Here are a few examples:
San Francisco: It has specific regulations for handymen/contractors operating within the city limits:
- Register with the City as a licensed contractor with the Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector and obtain a Business Registration Certificate.
- Contractors working on buildings built before 1978 must be EPA Lead-Safe Certified.
Los Angeles County: It requires handymen to:
- Obtain a business license from the county if operating in unincorporated areas.
- For work in specific cities within LA County, you might need to use a different system called BSOP for permits.
San Diego: In San Diego, handymen must:
- Obtain a Business Tax Certificate from the City Treasurer’s Office.
Sacramento: It requires handymen to:
- Obtain a Business Operations Tax Certificate from the City of Sacramento.
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 created using Canva Pro
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