Kentucky doesn’t require a state-level handyman license. Each city and county makes its own rules about who can offer home repairs, maintenance, and similar services. This local control means the requirements can change as you cross city lines.
Here’s what you should know before starting handyman work in Kentucky:
What Can an Unlicensed Handyman Do in Kentucky?
Handymen can generally take on many repair and maintenance jobs in Kentucky without a state license. You can do basic repairs, upkeep, and improvements that don’t involve licensed trades or major structural changes.
These jobs are open to unlicensed handymen in Kentucky:
- Painting: Interior and exterior painting of homes and businesses. Note that homes built before 1978 may have lead paint – you’ll need special certification to work with these.
- Basic carpentry: Building shelves, deck repairs, fixing doors and windows, and non-structural installations.
- Drywall work: Fixing holes, repairing cracks, and putting up new drywall where it doesn’t affect structure.
- Flooring: Installing hardwood, laminate, tile, and vinyl floors. This includes removing old flooring and subfloor prep.
- Yard work: Lawn mowing, hedge trimming, planting, and regular yard maintenance.
- Home maintenance: Cleaning gutters, pressure washing, furniture assembly, and small home repairs.
What’s Off Limits Without a License?
Kentucky may be flexible about general handyman work, but some jobs strictly require proper licenses:
- Electrical work: Only licensed electricians can handle wiring, circuit breakers, and outlet installation.
- Plumbing: State law requires a plumbing license for working on pipes, drains, water heaters, and sewer lines.
- HVAC work: Only licensed professionals can install, repair, or service heating and cooling systems.
- Structural work: Only licensed contractors can handle work that affects building structure, like changes to load-bearing walls or foundations.
- Natural gas work: Installing or fixing gas lines and appliances requires licensed professionals for safety reasons.
- Hazardous materials: Working with asbestos or lead requires special certification because of health risks.
Handymen License Local Requirements
While Kentucky doesn’t require a state license for handyman work, each city sets its own rules for operating legally. Here’s what you need to know about the major cities requirements before starting any work:
Louisville
You don’t need a special handyman license to work in Louisville. The city does require you to register your business and get an occupational license. Remember that in Louisville, handymen should stick to basic repairs, maintenance, and cosmetic work. You’ll need special licenses for big electrical or plumbing work.
Lexington
Similar to Louisville, Lexington doesn’t issue specific handyman licenses. You will need to register with the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government and get an occupational license to run your business. If your work involves structural changes or specialized trades, you should reach out to local officials first. You might need permits for those jobs.
Bowling Green
Bowling Green takes a different approach from other Kentucky cities. Here, you’ll need an actual handyman license to operate. To get one:
- Fill out the city’s Contractors Licensing application and mark the “Handyman” option
- Pay the license fee, which runs about $100
- Show proof of general liability insurance if you have employees
The city doesn’t limit how much money you can make on handyperson jobs. However, your license won’t let you pull building permits or bring in subcontractors.
Henderson
For basic work like painting or small repairs that don’t need permits, you just need a regular business license. But if you’re doing bigger jobs requiring city permits, like structural work, make sure to get those permits first.
One important detail: if you get a permit for a job, your work vehicle needs to display a local license sticker.
Owensboro
In Owensboro, the rules are pretty simple. You’ll just need to register your business for tax purposes, and that’s about it. Just stay away from work that needs building permits or special licenses (electrical work, plumbing, or HVAC systems). If you’re unsure whether your project needs a permit, it’s best to check with Owensboro’s licensing office first.
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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