A handyman isn’t required to have a license in Virginia to perform minor repairs and tackle jobs under $1,000. However, you need a general contractor license to take on projects over $1,000 or that involve significant plumbing, electrical, or HVAC work.
Does a Handyman Need a License in Virginia?
No, a handyman doesn’t need a license in Virginia to perform minor repair and maintenance work as long as the cost of labor and materials remains under $1,000.
You need a Class C general contractor license to take on projects between $1,000 and $10,000, a Class B license for projects between $10,000 and $120,000, and a Class A license for larger projects.
Learn more about obtaining a Virginia contractor’s license.
Even if a project is less than $1,000 but deals with plumbing, electricity, or HVAC, you can’t work on it without a license. You also can’t take on jobs that involve hazardous materials like lead, mold, or asbestos.
What Can a Handyman Legally Do in Virginia?
In Virginia, you can offer a lot more services as a handyman than in most other states. Here are some projects you can tackle:
- Repairing doors and windows
- Assembling furniture
- Mounting a TV on the wall
- Setting up smart home devices
- Cleaning gutters
- Pressure washing driveway
- Painting walls
- Hanging pictures
- Repairing tiles
- Fixing fences
- Building a deck (if the total cost of materials and labor is under $1,000)
- Patching holes or cracks in walls
- Changing light fixtures
- Changing faucets (without reconfiguring pipes)
- Installing or replacing ceiling fans (without rewiring)
You can’t work on projects that exceed $1,000 or involve major electrical, HVAC, or plumbing work. Tasks you can’t perform:
- Wiring or rewiring a room
- Remodeling a kitchen or bathroom
- Paving asphalt
- Installing plumbing fixtures
- Installing HVAC systems
- Replacing electrical panels
Penalties for Exceeding Handyman Work Limits
As a handyman in Virginia, you can take on residential projects worth up to $1,000 (including labor and materials). Taking on larger projects or those involving significant electrical work, HVAC, or plumbing is a Class 1 misdemeanor under state law, punishable by fines of up to $2,500, one year in jail, or both.
The Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) can impose fines of $500 per day for doing unauthorized work. If a homeowner files a complaint for any damage, the Virginia Consumer Protection Act will impose a $2,500 fine.
There are only a few advertisement restrictions for handymen in Virginia. Just make sure to specify you aren’t a licensed contractor and not list any prohibited services.
Registering Your Business
You don’t have to register your business to operate as a sole proprietor under your legal name. However, if you want a different name, you should register a Doing Business As (DBA) name. Register your business with the state to set it up as an LLC.
Application process for DBA:
- Choose a business name by searching for its availability on Virginia’s State Corporation Commission (SCC) website. Virginia doesn’t prevent other businesses from using the same DBA name, but it acts as a public record to let others know you’re using the assumed business name.
- File DBA online on Virginia’s SCC Clerk’s Information System website.
- If you file by mail, complete the Certificate of Assumed or Fictitious Name form and send it to this mailing address:
| State Corporation Commission Clerk’s Office PO Box 1197 Richmond, VA 23218-1197 |
- Pay a fee of $10, which is the same if you file online or by mail.
Application process for LLC:
- Choose a business name. Search for a unique name on Virginia’s State Corporation Commission (SCC) website.
- Appoint a registered agent to receive legal documents and notices.
- File articles of organization online on Virginia’s SCC Clerk’s Information System website. You can also mail the Form LLC-1011 to this address:
| Virginia State Corporation Commission PO Box 1197 Richmond, VA 23218-1197 |
- Pay a filing fee of $100. It’s the same if you file online or by mail.
- Create an operating agreement by consulting with an attorney (not legally required in Virginia, 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 Virginia?
No, there isn’t an exam or any education requirement to become a handyman in Virginia. However, you should have the skills and knowledge to perform tasks correctly. Make sure to only take on projects that you’re legally allowed to work on 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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