A handyman offers a wide range of services to both residential and business clients. Carpentry, cabinet repair, and small plumbing work are all common handyman jobs. You can work as an independent contractor or start your own handyman business as a handyman.
This Ohio handyman license guide will teach you all you need to know about obtaining the necessary permits and finding work in this field.
Do You Need a License to Work as a Handyman in Ohio?
To conduct simple repairs on residential property, the state of Ohio does not require a handyman license. To operate in specialist trades like refrigeration, hydronics, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing, you’ll need a contractor specialty license. To undertake structural repairs and renovations, you’ll need a general contractor’s license.
Licensed specialty contractors
Maintenance, installations, and repairs are among the specialist crafts performed in Ohio. Applicants for a contractor specialty license must meet the following requirements:
- Be a citizen of the United States of America (or a legal alien).
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must have at least 5 years of experience in one or more contractor specialized areas as a tradesperson.
- You will need to undergo a background check with the FBI.
- You must pass a test in at least one of the specialized areas.
- You will need to have liability insurance in place.
- You will be required to submit a notarized application pack.
- You will need to demonstrate problem-solving abilities and the physical capacity to do the task.
General contractors
To work on new building construction, commercial property repairs, and commercial and residential structural alterations in Ohio, applicants seeking a general contractor’s license must meet the following requirements:
- Have a high school diploma or GED and be at least 18 years old.
- Be a United States citizen, immigrant, or permanent resident.
- Have at least three years of experience as a general contractor.
- Covered by liability insurance.
- Have a bond of at least $25,000.
- You will be required to submit a notarized application pack.
The Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board regulates the construction industry in Ohio.
Specialty contractor licenses are issued by the state. Local governments grant general contractor licenses.
A handyman can only do simple work like painting and repairs without a specialty contractor or general construction license. Regulations in several Ohio communities prohibit unlicensed handymen from charging more than $1,000 per project or working on commercial properties. For detailed criteria, contact your city’s licensing board.
As a qualified independent contractor handyman, you could make anywhere from $45 to $125 per hour, depending on your license, abilities, and credentials. If you do not have a license, you may expect to earn between $15 and $30 per hour.
Cost of a handyman’s license in Ohio
The charge for specialty contractors in Ohio is $25 per license. Application costs for general contractors are set by local licensing boards.
Insurance for handyman in Ohio is an excellent way to protect yourself from unexpected risks. Consider getting one and find out more here.
How to Obtain an Ohio Handyman License
Despite the fact that Ohio does not have a special handyman license, you must identify the sort of license you require to provide handyman services. To do electrical, HVAC, refrigeration, hydronic, or plumbing work, you’ll need a specialist contractor license. You will need to submit an application for a general contractor’s license before you provide structural repair services to both residential and commercial customers.
Programs for Handyman Training
The Builders License Training Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating handymen and builders. You complete a program, you will need to meet the following requirements:
- You must be at least 18 years old to participate.
- You should have a minimum of a high school diploma or a GED.
- You will need to obtain a passing score on a general aptitude exam.
Information on the Ohio Handyman License:
You will need to pass an exam before you can legally work as a specialty contractor or general contractor. Each examination costs $69 dollars. To pass any exam, you must obtain a score of at least 70%.
How to Get a Job with Your Handyman License
Skilled contractors can work in a variety of roles, from handyman assistants to specialist contractors. To locate a handyman or contractor job, try the following websites/resources:
- Simply Employed
- Indeed
- Classified websites
- Establish professional connections with other handymen and contractors.
- Make connections in your neighborhood.
Tips for Interviewing for a Handyman Job
- Dress in business attire.
- Practice answering interview questions in advance.
- Provide honest answers to any questions you are asked.
The growing handyman sector is aided by the strong home market. For drywall repair, electrical work, and plumbing installations/repairs, homeowners engage handyman pros.
Ohio handyman license standards are enacted by licensing boards. A handyman’s license specifies the sort of work you would be permitted to do. To be competitive in this field, handyman experts must have a variety of licenses.
Residential and commercial property owners can borrow money from financial organizations. As a result, they have more funds available for repairs, installations, and structural upgrades.
Is it true that my handyman license is only good in Ohio?
In Ohio, many handymen hold general contractor and specialty contractor licenses. North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Louisiana have reciprocity agreements with Ohio for specialist contractors. As such, if you hold a license in Ohio, you may be permitted to work in those states.
Renewing Your Handyman License
Every year, general and specialty contractor licenses must be renewed. In Ohio, local licensing boards set the cost of renewing a general contractor’s license. The price for renewing a specialty contractor license is $25.