The license requirements for a handyman in Utah are pretty straightforward. You don’t need a contractor’s license as long as each job is under $7,000, but you must carry insurance if the job is over $3,000.
The state has carved out what it calls a handyman exemption, letting you tackle the smaller home repair jobs most homeowners need. But some types of work are still off limits. The state requires you to have a license to tackle plumbing and electrical work, for example.
The Handyman Exemption in Utah
Utah allows handymen to perform certain work without a contractor’s license through the handyman exemption. By law, this exemption applies to projects valued under $7,000, including both labor and materials.
Project Value Thresholds
The requirements for handymen in Utah are based on the total value of the project:
- Projects under $3,000: No registration or insurance is required.
- Projects between $3,000 and $7,000: Handymen must file a one-time affirmation with the division and meet insurance requirements.
- Projects over $7,000: A full contractor’s license is required.
Work Allowed Without a License
Under Utah’s handyman exemption, certain types of work can be performed without a contractor’s license. Some examples of work that may fall under this exemption include:
- Painting interior or exterior walls
- Installing pre-hung doors
- Installing shelving or cabinets
- Minor carpentry work, such as building a small deck or fence
- Repairing or replacing faucets
- Hanging drywall in non-load-bearing walls
- Installing flooring materials like tile, hardwood, or laminate
Note: Even if these jobs fall under the $7,000 limit, they must not involve any electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work that requires a license.
Limitations for Unlicensed Work
While a handyman is not required to have a license for small projects in Utah, there are significant limitations on the work that can be performed without one:
Project value: The total cost of any project, including labor and materials, must not exceed $7,000.
Specialized work: Regardless of the project value, certain types of work always require a license. This includes:
- Electrical work beyond simple repairs or replacements
- Plumbing work that involves altering or installing new systems
- HVAC installation or major repairs
- Structural changes to buildings
Advertising restrictions: It is unlawful for an unlicensed person, including those with a handyman exemption, to use terms like “contractor,” “builder,” “plumber,” “electrician,” or similar words that may imply they can do work that only a licensed professional can perform.
Scope limitations: The exemption does not allow for taking on larger projects in stages to avoid the $7,000 limit. The entire scope of work must be considered when determining if a license is required.
Handyman Projects Under $3,000
For projects valued under $3,000, handymen in Utah are not required to register or obtain insurance.
This exemption allows a handyman in Utah to perform small jobs without a license. However, it’s important to note that this exemption does not apply to work that requires a building permit or affects public safety, health, and welfare.
How to File for a Handyman Exemption
To file the one-time affirmation with the Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) in Utah for projects valued between $3,000 and $7,000, follow these steps:
- Obtain and complete the form: Download the Affirmation of Exemption from Contractor Licensure form from the DOPL website and fill it out with your accurate business and personal information.
- Meet the insurance requirements: Obtain general liability insurance with minimum coverage of $100,000 per incident and $300,000 in total.
Request a General Liability Insurance Certificate from your insurer and ensure that the certificate lists DOPL as the certificate holder with their address: 160 E 300 S, P.O. Box 146741, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114.
- Employee information
If you have employees: Submit a Workers’ Compensation Certificate.
If you don’t have employees: Submit a Workers’ Compensation Coverage Waiver from the Utah Labor Commission.
- Submit your application
Gather all required documents along with the $35 non-refundable application processing fee:
- Completed application form
- General Liability Insurance Certificate
- Employee documentation (if applicable)
You can submit your application:
- In-person: DOPL, Heber M Wells Building, 1st Floor Lobby, 160 E 300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
- By mail: DOPL, PO BOX 146741, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6741
Contractor Licensing Exemptions
For projects valued over $7,000 or those requiring building permits, handymen must obtain a contractor’s license.
However, the law in Utah has some rules that say certain people and groups don’t need a contractor’s license to perform construction work.
Here are some exemptions:
- Homeowner exemption: If you’re working on your own property that you live in or will live in, you don’t need a contractor’s license. This applies to single-family homes or duplexes.
- Property owners: If you own property and are building structures on it for your own use (not for sale or rent), you’re exempt from licensing requirements.
- Appliance installation: Delivering or installing appliances doesn’t require a contractor’s license.
Handyman License Local Requirements
Working as a handyman in Utah means following both state and local rules. While Utah sets some basic guidelines, each city adds its own requirements:
If you’re planning to offer handyman services in Tooele City, you’ll need to get your paperwork in order before starting work. The city keeps things simple for home-based businesses – you won’t pay a fee for your license.
For jobs valued over $1,000, make sure to get your DOPL Affirmation of Exemption certificate first, then send it to the Business License Specialist. You can handle all this through email at [email protected].
Kaysville groups handyman work under its own special classification for business licenses. Keep in mind the state’s value limits – you can work on jobs between $1,000 and $3,000, but you’ll need that DOPL Affirmation of Exemption once you pass the $1,000 mark.
The city defines maintenance work clearly: You can repair, replace, and refinish existing parts of a building, but anything beyond that might need extra permits.
Getting started in Millcreek takes a bit more preparation. Beyond just getting your local business license, you’ll need several documents ready. The property owner needs to sign off on your business with a notarized letter.
You’ll also need to draw up a site plan that shows how much space your business will use and where people can park. If your work falls under DOPL regulations, have those papers ready too.
Ogden takes a neighborhood-friendly approach to home-based handyman businesses. While you’ll need a home occupation license, the rules focus on keeping the residential character of your neighborhood intact.
The city limits your business to family members who live with you, and you can’t change how your house looks from the outside. Running your business from a garage or backyard workshop isn’t allowed, and you can’t sell products directly from your home.
Ready to get started? Get any paperwork issues resolved, depending on where you’ll be working, and grab your toolbelt, toolbox, and safety goggles.
How To Get More Handyman Jobs
People value their time more than ever, which is why so many turn over their household maintenance and repair jobs to a handyman. 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.
Main Image Credit: Sergii Pavlovskyi / Adobe Stock / License created using Canva Pro
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