South Carolina does not require a handyman to have a license to do minor repair and maintenance projects as long as the cost of labor and materials remains under $500.
Does a Handyman Need a License in South Carolina?
No, you don’t need a license to become a handyman in South Carolina. However, without a license, you can only tackle minor repair and maintenance projects under $500 (including labor and materials). You also can’t do electrical, HVAC, plumbing, or anything that affects the structural integrity of the property.
You should register as a Residential Specialty Contractor to take on projects over $500. To find out more about how to get a Residential Speciality Contractor license, visit the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation.
What Can a Handyman Legally Do in South Carolina?
As a handyman in South Carolina, you can legally take on jobs like:
- Mounting a TV on the wall
- Assembling furniture
- Repairing doors and windows
- Setting up smart home devices
- Painting walls
- Repairing tiles
- Fixing fences
- Patching holes or cracks in walls
- Cleaning gutters
- Pressure washing driveways, sidewalks, and siding
- Changing light fixtures
- Changing faucets (without reconfiguring pipes)
- Installing or replacing a ceiling fan (without rewiring)
- Cleaning HVAC ducts
You can’t tackle projects over $500 or anything that involves major plumbing, HVAC, or electrical work like:
- Building a deck
- Wiring or rewiring a room
- Remodeling a kitchen or bathroom
- Installing plumbing systems
- Replacing electrical panels
- Installing HVAC systems
- Modifying structural elements like load-bearing walls
- Paving asphalt
Penalties for Exceeding Handyman Work Limits
If you take on projects worth more than $500 or anything that involves electrical, HVAC, or plumbing work, the state can impose a fine of up to $5,000, one year of jail time, or both (established in S.C. Code Annotated Section 40-11-200).
You can advertise your handyman services in South Carolina, but make sure to specify that you aren’t a licensed contractor. Also, don’t list any services that require a permit to work on.
Registering Your Business
Decide whether you want to register your business as a sole proprietorship or an LLC. You don’t need to register if you choose a sole proprietorship and your business name matches your legal name. However, if you want a different name, you should register a Doing Business As (DBA) name.
Application process for DBA:
- Choose a unique business name by checking its availability on South Carolina’s business entity database.
- There’s no statewide registration for DBA in South Carolina; instead, it’s registered at the county level.
- File a DBA with the county clerk where your business is located. Here’s a list of county clerk offices in the state. Most county clerks require you to pick up the form in person.
- Pay a filing fee, which is usually $10, but make sure to confirm with your local county clerk.
Application process for LLC:
- Choose a unique business name by searching for its availability on South Carolina’s business entity database.
- Choose your registered agent to receive legal documents and notices.
- Prepare and file articles of organization online or by mail. Here’s the mailing address:
| Secretary of State Corporate Filings 1205 Pendleton Street, Suite 525 Columbia, SC 29201 |
- Pay a filing fee of $110, which is the same if you file online or by mail.
- Create an operating agreement by consulting with an attorney (not legally required in South Carolina, but highly recommended).
- Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service website and set up a business bank account.
- File the Beneficial Ownership Information Report (BOIR) with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).
Note: Make sure to check with your city or county for any local licensing requirements.
Is There an Exam to Become a Handyman in South Carolina?
No, you don’t need to pass an exam to become a handyman in South Carolina. However, you should have the skills and knowledge to perform tasks the right way. Make sure to only take on projects that you’re legally allowed to work without a license.
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.
Main Image Credit: Sergii Pavlovskyi / Adobe Stock / License created using Canva Pro
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