What is a handyman?

Have tools, will travel. Essentially, a handyman is an unlicensed contractor. Different states will regulate the title / position differently, but the specialty tends to be in smaller jobs that many contractors will overlook.

Do you need a license to offer handyman services in California?

No, there is no handyman license in the state of California. However, just like in most states, there are limitations on the services you can provide without obtaining a contractor’s license.

An unlicensed contractor, or handyman, in California can perform a wide range of services as long as…

• The project’s total cost is less than $1,000 (that includes labor and materials),
• The work is performed independently (without employees, helpers, or other contractors),
  A building permit is not required.
• This does not include the sale or installation of finished products that do not become a fixed part of the structure

The limit was first set in 1987 at $500. Adjusted for inflation, that would be about $1,500.00 today