Minnesota doesn’t require handymen to get a license as long as they don’t do more than $15,000 worth of odd jobs a year. You must obtain a Residential Contractor License or a Residential Remodeler License to do more than that.
There’s much more involved in starting a handyman business. This guide covers what a handyman in Minnesota can do, what he or she can’t do, and how to get started.
What Work Can an Unlicensed Handyman Do in Minnesota?
Self-employed handymen can do up to $15,000 worth of work a year doing odd jobs around a home or business without a license. You can do more if you work for a licensed contractor.
As in most states, a handyman in Minnesota can only do small jobs like fixing drywall, hanging a TV, installing a kitchen backsplash, or replacing a window but cannot build new structures or remodel homes.
Here are some examples of work that Minnesota handymen can perform without a license:
- Drywall repair
- Window replacement
- Installing tile
- Minor plumbing, such as replacing faucets and unclogging drains
- Painting
- Small carpentry jobs
In addition, contractors who do work in one “specialty skill area” are not required to have a license. So you do not need a license if you do ONLY wallpapering, carpentry, siding, painting, garage door installation or replacement, excavation, masonry, or a number of other specialties.
Visit the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry to see a complete list of the specialties.
Restrictions on an Unlicensed Handyman in Minnesota?
A handyman who earns in excess of $15,000 annually must get a Residential Remodeler License or a Residential Contractor License.
- Residential Remodeler: This license is for remodeling homes or roofing and re-roofing. Remodeling generally involves more than one service, like a combination of drywalling, plumbing, carpentry, and tiling in one job.
- Residential Contractor: A residential contractor can do all the same work as a Residential Remodeler but can also build new structures like homes, additions to homes, sheds or detached garages, to name a few.
Minnesota has separate licenses for electrical, plumbing, and roofing as well. A residential contractor license does not cover them.
Getting a Contractor License for Larger Jobs in Minnesota
If you do want a contractor license in Minnesota, don’t waste your time looking for general contractor resources. Minnesota does not have general contractor licenses. Professionals looking to work on residential homes unrestricted will instead need a residential contractor license.
To obtain a residential contractor license, all you have to do is:
- Pass a written exam administered by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry
- Have valid liability and worker’s compensation insurance
- Submit your license application
- And finally, pay a small fee
If your application is approved, you will be able to perform a much wider range of residential construction work.
Contractors with state licenses are permitted to work in any city or county in Minnesota; the cities and counties are not allowed to require additional licensing but, of course, may require contractors to obtain permits for the jobs they do.
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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