Need help with small repairs, maintenance, assembly, or other minor projects around your home or business? Our Handyman Directory connects California property owners with independent handymen available to perform smaller projects and routine maintenance. Handymen can be a convenient and cost-effective option for minor work that does not require a licensed contractor. However, California law places important limitations on the work an unlicensed handyman may perform.

 

What You Should Know Before Hiring a Handyman

 

The handymen listed in this section are independent service providers and, unless specifically identified otherwise, are not licensed contractors with the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB).

 

Under California law, an unlicensed handyman may generally perform work only when all of the following conditions are met:

 

(1) The total project cost is less than $1,000. This limit includes labor, materials, and all other items associated with the project.

(2) The work does not require a building permit. If a permit is required for the work, a properly licensed contractor is generally required regardless of whether the project costs less than $1,000.

(3) The handyman does not use employees or other workers to perform the project. The minor-work exemption applies to an individual performing qualifying work without employee labor.

(4) The work is truly a minor project. A larger construction or renovation project cannot be divided into several contracts or smaller jobs of less than $1,000 in an attempt to avoid California contractor licensing requirements.

 

The $1,000 Limit Applies to the Entire Project. The $1,000 threshold is not simply a labor limit.

 

For example, if a handyman charges $700 for labor and the materials or other project costs are $400, the combined project value is $1,100 and the work would exceed California's minor-work exemption.Similarly, a $3,000 project cannot legally be divided into three separate $1,000 or smaller handyman contracts simply to avoid contractor licensing requirements.

 

Permits

 

An unlicensed handyman should not perform work that requires a building permit under the minor-work exemption. Permit requirements vary depending on the type of work and the city or county where the property is located. Electrical, plumbing, mechanical, structural, and other construction work may require permits depending on its scope. When there is any question about whether a permit is required, property owners should contact their local building department before authorizing the work.

 

Employees and Additional Workers

 

California's minor-work exemption does not apply when an unlicensed handyman uses employee labor to perform the project. Before hiring a handyman, you may want to confirm that the individual listed in the directory will personally perform the work and will not send employees or other workers to complete the project.

 

Insurance

 

Even though a handyman may qualify to perform minor work without a contractor's license, property owners should still ask about insurance. It is recommend requesting evidence of general liability insurance before allowing anyone to perform work on your property. General liability insurance may provide protection if the handyman accidentally damages your property or causes other covered damage while performing the work.

 

Property owners should understand that an unlicensed handyman may not have the contractor bonds, workers' compensation coverage, or other protections commonly associated with a California-licensed contractor. Do not assume that an individual is insured simply because they are listed in this directory. Ask for a current Certificate of Insurance and verify coverage before work begins.

 

Appropriate Handyman Projects

 

Depending on the particular work and local permit requirements, handyman services may be appropriate for smaller tasks such as minor repairs, furniture or fixture assembly, hardware replacement, touch-up work, minor drywall repairs, caulking, weatherstripping, hanging pictures or shelving, and other routine property-maintenance tasks. The $1,000 limit and permit restrictions still apply. The type of work alone does not determine whether an unlicensed handyman may legally perform it.

 

When You Should Hire a Licensed Contractor

 

You should consider hiring an appropriately licensed California contractor when:

 

(1) The total project cost is $1,000 or more, including labor and materials;

(2) The project requires a building permit;

(3) Workers or employees will be used to perform the work;

(4) The work involves a larger remodel, renovation, or construction project;

(5) The project involves significant electrical, plumbing, mechanical, structural, roofing, or other specialized construction work; or

(6) The scope or complexity of the work exceeds what would reasonably be considered minor repair or maintenance.

 

California contractor licenses can be verified through the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) before entering into a contract.

 

Before Hiring a Handyman

 

Property owners are encouraged to discuss the scope and price of the work in writing before work begins. At a minimum, consider confirming:

 

(1) The exact work to be performed;

(2) The total price, including labor and materials;

(3) Who will purchase the materials;

(4) Whether any permit is required;

(5) That the handyman will personally perform the work;

(6) The anticipated start and completion dates;

(7) Whether the handyman carries general liability insurance; and

(8) How accidental property damage or defective work will be handled.

 

Photos of existing conditions and completed work can also help document the project.

 

Important Consumer Notice

 

Handymen identified as unlicensed on this website are not licensed contractors regulated by the California Contractors State License Board.

 

California law generally permits an unlicensed individual to perform minor construction work when the aggregate project price, including labor, materials, and all other costs, is less than $1,000, the work does not require a building permit, and no employee labor is used.

 

Listing on this website does not constitute a contractor's license, certification, endorsement, warranty, or guarantee of any service provider's qualifications, workmanship, insurance coverage, or compliance with applicable laws.

 

Each handyman is an independent service provider and is responsible for determining whether the requested work may legally be performed without a contractor's license. Property owners are also encouraged to verify licensing, insurance, permit requirements, and other qualifications before authorizing work.

 

For projects outside California's minor-work exemption, property owners should hire an appropriately licensed contractor.