A handyman in Nevada doesn’t need a license to do odd jobs valued at less than $1,000 but must get a contractor license for larger jobs. A handyman also must have licenses to perform certain specialty jobs like electrical or plumbing.
There’s much more involved in starting a handyman business. This guide covers what a handyman in Nevada can do, what he or she can’t do, and how to get started.
What Can an Unlicensed Handyman Do in Nevada?
Unlicensed handymen can perform repair and maintenance work valued at less than $1,000 (including labor and materials) that does not require a building permit.
You can legally do jobs like:
- Minor carpentry work, such as repairing cabinets or fixing doors
- Small repairs that don’t affect the structure or safety of a building
- Replacing fixtures like faucets or light switches (as long as no new wiring or plumbing is required)
- Patching small holes in walls
- Installing shelving or assembling furniture
- Painting rooms or fences
- Cleaning gutters
Even if a job is under $1,000, an unlicensed handyman is not allowed to perform work that requires special permission or licenses, such as electrical or plumbing tasks.
Remember: If a project costs more than $1,000 or requires specialized skills, you must have a contractor’s license. The Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) issues these licenses.
Local Handyman License Requirements
While the Nevada State Contractors Board oversees licensing at the state level, some local jurisdictions have specific requirements for handymen who work on smaller projects (typically valued under $1,000):
Las Vegas (Clark County): Handymen must obtain a Clark County business license, provide written estimates, and clearly document their scope of work.
Reno (Washoe County): Handymen must have a Reno business license. The city also requires handymen to maintain liability insurance and clearly communicate to customers when work requires a licensed contractor.
Henderson: Handymen must have a Henderson business license and follow strict guidelines about their work without a contractor’s license. The city requires clear documentation of all jobs and estimates.
Carson City: Handymen must obtain a Carson City business license. Special permits are required for work on historic properties, even minor repairs. The city has specific regulations about the types of repairs and maintenance handymen can perform compared to licensed contractors.
Steps to Start Your Handyman Business in Nevada
Starting a handyperson business in Nevada takes careful planning, proper paperwork, and the right permits. While you can work on projects under $1,000 without a contractor’s license, you’ll still need several important things in place to run your business legally.
Here’s a complete walkthrough of what you need to get started.
1. Pick Your Business Structure
Running a handyman business means picking between three choices:
Sole Proprietorship:
- It costs the least to start
- No special paperwork
- All profits go right in your pocket
- You risk your house and car if something breaks
LLC:
- Keeps your personal stuff safe
- Pay taxes on what you earn
- Good for growing bigger later
Corporation:
- Most expensive choice
- Lots of meetings and paperwork
- The best protection from lawsuits
Nevada charges extra tax only if you make over $4 million a year. Pick based on what you can spend now and how big you want to grow.
Most handypersons choose an LLC because it is inexpensive, protects personal property, and runs smoothly. You can hire workers later without changing anything.
2. State Registration
Go to the Nevada Secretary of State to register. LLCs cost $425 total ($75 for Articles of Organization, $200 for a State Business License, and $150 for the Initial List of Managers). It takes 1-3 business days for regular filing.
Make sure nobody has your business name yet. Get your tax ID from the IRS. If you’re an LLC, fill out the organization papers and operating agreement. Last, register to pay Nevada taxes.
3. Local Building Permits
Cities charge different fees. You should call each city hall to check their current prices.
Running the business from your house? Get a home occupation permit. Using a work truck? Get it registered commercially. Some neighborhoods require extra permits, like historic districts.
4. Insurance
Get $100,000 in general liability insurance before you start. Buy insurance for your tools separately. Work trucks require commercial car coverage. Workers’ comp is required when you hire anybody.
5. Forms and Paperwork
Write out prices in your work agreements. List everything in your estimates. Take pictures of each job from start to finish and get signatures once the job is done.
6. Staying Legal
Everything expires sooner or later. Insurance runs month to month, licenses last a year, and taxes hit quarterly. Permits run out on their own schedule, so mark your calendar.
Keep all your papers in one box: jobs, bills, receipts, and customer information. Check what your city requires periodically as rules change.
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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