If you’re handy with tools and enjoy working around the house, then you may be considering getting a handyman license. This license allows you to work as a professional handyman, providing your services to others who need help with repairs or maintenance around their homes or businesses.
There are a few things you’ll need to do to get your handyman license, but it’s not a difficult process. In most states, you’ll need to complete a certain amount of training and/or work experience, pass a background check, and then take an exam to earn your license.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get handyman license:
Understand State licensing requirements
There is no such thing as a “handyman license.” However, many states have handyman license requirements for contractors who perform work on residential properties. These requirements vary from state to state but usually include a combination of a business license, a trade license, and a contractor’s license.
In some states, the handyman classification is part of the contractor’s license. For example, in California, a handyman is classified as a “specialty contractor.” To obtain a specialty contractor’s license in California, applicants must take and pass an examination administered by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB).
Other states have separate handyman licenses. In Florida, for example, there is a separate “certificate of competence” for handymen. To obtain this certificate, handymen must complete a course of study. This should be approved by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
To answer how do I get a handyman license requires finding out the specific licensing requirements in your state. A good idea is to contact your state’s licensing board or department.
Understand Local licensing requirements
Check with your local municipality, town, or city to see if handymen are required to be licensed in your area. Many municipalities have their own set of business licenses that are separate from state requirements.
For example, in the City of Chicago, all businesses must obtain a Business License Certificate. This certificate is issued by the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection. To obtain a Business License Certificate, handymen must submit an application and pay a fee.
Local requirements may also include completing a background check, obtaining insurance, or bonding.
Contact your state’s licensing board or department
Each state has its own set of rules and regulations regarding how to become a licensed handyman. The best way to find out the specific requirements in your state is to contact your state’s licensing board or department.
You can typically find this information on the state government website. For example, the website for the California Contractors State License Board includes information on how to become a licensed contractor in the State of California.
The website for the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation includes information on how to become a licensed contractor in the state of Florida.
Once you’ve contacted the licensing board or department, they will provide you with a list of requirements that you need for your handyman license application.
Choose legal entity
A legal entity is a business structure that allows you to operate as a separate entity from yourself. This can provide personal liability protection and help you save on taxes.
There are different types of legal entities, but the most common for handymen are sole proprietorships, LLCs, and corporations.
So, what’s the best legal entity for a handyman?
The best legal entity for a handyman depends on several factors, such as the size of your business, the amount of personal liability protection you need, and your tax situation.
If you’re just starting out or if you’re a one-person operation, a sole proprietorship may be the best option. This is the simplest and most common type of business structure.
If you’re looking for personal liability protection and you want to save on taxes, an LLC may be the best option. An LLC is a business structure that combines the features of a corporation and a partnership.
If you’re looking for the strongest possible personal liability protection, a corporation may be the best option. A corporation is a business structure that offers the limited liability protection of a partnership or LLC and the tax benefits of a sole proprietorship.
How to set up a legal entity
The process of setting up a legal entity varies depending on the type of business structure you choose. For example, if you’ve chosen a sole proprietorship, you’ll simply need to obtain a business license from your local municipality.
If you’ve chosen an LLC, you’ll need to file Articles of Organization with your state’s LLC division. And if you’ve chosen a corporation, you’ll need to file Articles of Incorporation with your state’s secretary of state.
Once you’ve set up your legal entity, you’ll be able to obtain the handyman license or handyman permit you need to operate your business.
Get and Register the business name
Your business name is the name you’ll use to identify your business to your customers. A business name can be anything you want, as long as it’s not already being used by another business.
If you’re operating as a sole proprietor, you can use your own name as your business name. When setting up an LLC or corporation, you’ll need to choose a business name that’s different from your personal name.
You’ll also need to ensure that the business name you choose is available and not already in use by another business. You can typically do this by searching your state’s business name database.
Once you’ve chosen a business name, you’ll need to register it with your state. This process is typically known as filing a fictitious name or doing a DBA (doing business as).
There are several benefits of having a business name, such as:
- Helping you to establish your brand
- Making it easier for customers to find you
- Giving you a professional image
- Making it easier to open a business bank account
Get a general business license
If you plan on operating your handyman business as a sole proprietorship or LLC, you will need to obtain a general business license. This license can be obtained from your local city or county.
A general business license is a license that allows you to operate your business within a certain city or county. The requirements for this vary depending on the location of your business.
You will also need to obtain a contractor’s license if you plan on performing any work that requires one. The requirements for this vary from state to state. So it’s important to check with your local licensing authority to see what is required.
There are several benefits of obtaining a general business license for your handyman business.
- Allows you to operate your business within a certain city or county. This can be beneficial if you plan on expanding your business to multiple locations.
- Shows potential customers that you are a legitimate business and that you have the proper licenses and permits to operate. This can help build trust with potential customers and give them confidence in your business.
- Helps avoid problems with the law. By operating your business with a license, you are following the rules and regulations set forth by the government. This can help you avoid fines or other penalties if you are caught operating your business without a license.
Be sure to check with your local licensing authority to see what is required to obtain a handyman contractors license in your area.
Get a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
A Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit number that is assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This number is used to identify a business for tax purposes.
All businesses that have employees are required to obtain an EIN. This includes sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, and LLCs.
What are the requirements to get EIN?
To get an EIN, you must have a valid Social Security Number (SSN).
If you are a sole proprietor, you can use your own SSN. If you are setting up an LLC or corporation, you will need to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS.
The online application for an EIN is relatively simple online and can be completed in a matter of minutes.
Once you have obtained your EIN, you will need to provide it to your employees so that they can file their taxes. You will also need to use it when filing your business taxes.
There are several benefits of having a business name, such as:
- Used to identify your business for tax purposes. This can be helpful when filing your taxes or when dealing with the IRS.
- Required if you have employees. This can be helpful if you plan on hiring employees in the future.
- Helps you build credit for your business just in case you need a loan in the future.
- An EIN ensures that your business adheres to government regulations.
Be sure to check with the IRS to see what is required to obtain an EIN for your business.
Get certificates for a handyman business
Handyman certifications are not required in all states, but they may be helpful in marketing your business and demonstrating your expertise to potential customers. There are a variety of certifications available, such as the Certified Handyman Specialist (CHS) certification from the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI).
According to Zippia.com, the best handyman certifications to have in 2022 include:
- Electrical Maintenance Technician Certificate
- Air Conditioning Service Certificate
- Certified Maintenance Manager Certificate
To become certified, you will need to meet certain requirements and pass an exam. The requirements vary depending on the certification, but they typically include having a certain amount of experience in the field and completing a training course.
Once you have obtained your certification, be sure to list it prominently on your website and marketing materials. This can help you stand out from the competition and show potential customers that you are a qualified professional.
There are various benefits of getting a handy man certificate, including:
- Certifications can help you market your business and demonstrate your expertise to potential customers.
- They can also help you stand out from the competition and attract new customers.
- Finally, certifications can provide you with peace of mind, knowing that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to do the job right.
If you are interested in becoming certified as a handyman, be sure to check with your state licensing authority to see if certification is required. You can also contact professional organizations, such as the NAHI, to learn more about certification requirements and process.
Use a field service management software
If you’re looking for a way to improve your business’s field service management, then you should consider signing up for Field Complete. This field service management software will streamline your operations and save time and money.
With Field Complete, you’ll get a central place to track your field service technicians, schedule appointments, dispatch jobs, and more. The software also optimizes all field service operations by providing tools to improve communication, reduce scheduling conflicts, and get a better handle on your inventory.
So if you’re ready to take your business to the next level, sign up for Field Complete today!
