Connecticut has very strict limits on what a handyman can do without a license. Without a license, you can only take on jobs valued at less than $200, and you may not earn more than $1,000 a year.
So if you want to earn a living as a handyman in Connecticut, you’ll need to register with the Department of Consumer Protection and obtain a Home Improvement Contractor license.
What Unlicensed Handymen Can Do
Without registration, a handyperson can perform basic maintenance and property upkeep that doesn’t constitute home improvement and:
- Doesn’t exceed $200 for a single job
- Doesn’t total more than $1,000 in a year
These activities include:
- Basic furniture repairs
- Minor repairs
- General maintenance
- General cleaning services
- Lawn care
- Tree and shrub cutting
Important exceptions:
- Homeowners can perform work on their own property without registration
- Subcontracted work falls under different regulations
- Home improvement regulations don’t cover commercial property work
- Certain specialized and technical trades like electrical, plumbing, and HVAC require a separate professional licensing, regardless of cost
The state enforces these regulations through the Department of Consumer Protection to safeguard homeowners from unqualified contractors while ensuring quality work standards. Working without proper licensing or registration can result in fines and penalties.
How to Get a Handyman License in Connecticut
Handymen doing home improvements for pay must register as Home Improvement Contractors. The state defines home improvement as the repair, replacement, remodeling, alteration, conversion, modernization, improvement, or addition to any land or building used as a private residence or dwelling place. This includes:
- Renovation, repair, or replacement work on residential properties
- Improvements to driveways, swimming pools, porches, and garages
- Work on residential roofing and siding
- Interior improvements like flooring
- Exterior work, including fencing and landscaping
Important distinctions:
- The registration specifically applies to residential properties
- Certain specialized work (electrical, plumbing, heating/cooling) requires separate trade licenses
- Commercial properties are not covered under this registration
- New home construction is not considered home improvement
Home Improvement Registration Requirements
For projects valued at more than $1,000 in any 12 months or individual jobs exceeding $200, handymen must register as Home Improvement Contractors with the Department of Consumer Protection.
Here’s what you need to know about the registration requirements:
- Minimum general liability insurance of $20,000
- Proof of business registration for legal entities
- Pay the non-refundable registration fee
The registration does not cover:
- Work performed by homeowners on their property
- Subcontracted work
- Commercial property work
- New home construction
- Basic property maintenance
Contractor License Application Costs
Here is what you need to know about the financial requirements:
Basic registration fees
- You must pay an application fee of $220
- Registrations must be renewed annually at a cost of $220
- These fees cannot be returned to you if your application is denied
- Guaranty fund fee: $100
- LLC registration costs: $120
Insurance requirements
- General liability insurance: Minimum coverage of $20,000
- Below is a table with the average insurance costs in Connecticut:
| Provider Type | Average Monthly Premium | Average Annual Premium |
| Sole Proprietor | $28 | $336 |
| LLC with Employees | $89 | $1,068 |
Contractor License Application Process in Connecticut
The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection has established a clear process for obtaining a Home Improvement Contractor license. Here’s the step-by-step procedure:
Step 1: Initial preparation
You must register as either an individual or a legal entity. This decision affects all future steps in the process. If you plan to work as an LLC, you cannot use an individual registration.
Step 2: Business registration
If you’re registering as a legal entity (LLC or corporation):
- Register your business with the Connecticut Secretary of State
- This applies to both in-state and out-of-state businesses
Step 3: Insurance Requirements
Before submitting your application:
- Obtain general liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $20,000
- Have your insurance provider’s name ready
Step 4: Online Application
The application process is entirely digital, and paper applications will not be accepted:
- All applications must be submitted through Connecticut’s online portal
- Have all required documentation ready before starting
- Here are all the Online Initial Application Instructions
Step 5: Payment and submission
To complete your registration:
- Pay the non-refundable $220 application fee
- Submit all required information through the online system
- Ensure all information is accurate and complete
Step 6: Maintaining your registration
To maintain valid registration:
- Renew annually by March 31st
- Pay the $220 renewal fee
- Maintain current insurance coverage
- Submit all renewals online to the Department of Consumer Protection
Contractor License Local Requirements
Connecticut operates under a unified state registration system for Home Improvement Contractors, which means local cities and counties do not require additional licenses. However, contractors should understand several local considerations:
Building permits:
- Each town and city maintains its own building permit requirements
- Contractors must obtain local permits before starting work
- Permit costs and processing times vary by municipality
Local business registration:
- Some Connecticut cities require a separate business registration
- Local tax certificates may be needed depending on the municipality
- Business zoning compliance varies by location
Insurance verification:
- Local building departments may request proof of insurance
- Some municipalities might require additional coverage
Work hours and noise regulations:
- Local ordinances regulate construction hours
- Noise restrictions vary between residential areas
- Weekend work may have different requirements by town
This unified state system simplifies the registration process. With their state Home Improvement Contractor registration, contractors can work anywhere in Connecticut, provided they comply with local permit and zoning requirements.
Build a Handyman Career
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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