Do you need a license in North Carolina to become a handyman?

North Carolina does not issue handyman licenses. Handyman professionals are required to apply for a general contractor license in order to work on projects that exceed $30,000.

The North Carolina licensing board restricts the types of services that handyman professionals are authorized to provide. Handyman professionals are not authorized to perform electrical work, HVAC installation/repair/maintenance, demolitions, structural work, or plumbing services without the appropriate licenses.

General contractor licensees in North Carolina are authorized to work on residential and commercial projects with a value that exceeds $30,000. This work includes demolitions, structural repairs, and installations. Subcategories of the general contractor license are limited, intermediate and unlimited. Applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED.
• Possess a surety bond ($350,000 to $2,000,000).
• Submit an application and pay a fee.
• Pass an examination.

North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors issues the general contractor licenses. Unlicensed handyman professionals in North Carolina generally earn between $15 and $22 per hour. Licensed general contractors in North Carolina earn between $40 and $125 per hour.

How much does it cost to get a handyman license in North Carolina?

The North Carolina general contractor license fees are as follows:

• Limited license ($75),
• Intermediate license ($100)
• Unlimited license ($125).

The North Carolina general contractor license packet explains more about the process. The general contractor licensing fee does not include costs for surety bonds and building permits.

How to get a handyman license in North Carolina

You can apply for jobs without a North Carolina handyman license. However, there are certain jobs that you are not authorized to perform.

Although applicants are not required to take courses, it is recommended that you take classes to stay abreast of best practices in the handyman and contractor industries.

North Carolina General Contractor Programs

• Contractor Training Center
• General Contractor Course – Study.com
• Builders License Training Institute

Program Requirements

• Possess a high school diploma or GED.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Possess basic math, reading, and writing skills.

On-the-Job Experience

• Renovate kitchens, bathrooms, office spaces, and bedrooms.
• Demolish commercial and residential structures.
• Replace residential and commercial roofing materials.
• Manage construction projects.

Types of North Carolina Handyman Courses Include

• North Carolina Building Codes
• Project Management and Construction Bids
• First Aid and CPR
• Blueprints for the Construction Industry

North Carolina Contractor Course Information:

Expect to pay at least $175 per credit hour at trade schools and community colleges in North Carolina. Online and classroom courses are available. Financial aid is generally available to students who attend accredited schools.

North Carolina Contractor Exam Information:

PSI Exams administers the North Carolina general contractor examinations. Applicants who have passed general contractor examinations in Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, Tennessee and South Carolina may qualify for an exam transfer or waiver.

How to use Your handyman license to get a job

Residential property management companies, schools, and state/federal government agencies hire licensed contractors to perform maintenance and repair services.

Where to Find Handyman Jobs

• CSI Career Strategies
• Simply Hired
• Indeed

Handyman Job Search Tips

• Attend networking events in the industry.
• Search for jobs online and in your community.
• Be consistent and take action each day.

Useful Handyman Job Interview Tips

• Let hiring managers know how your skills can help them achieve their goals.
• Provide honest responses to questions.
• Wear professional clothing.
• Bring copies of your references and resumes to the job interview.

Handyman industry trends

Customers value convenience. That is one of the reasons they use software and apps to book their handyman services. This technology offers scheduling and billing features that make booking appointments easy.

Residential and commercial property owners in the United States spend more than $126 billion a year on property renovations. They hire handyman professionals and contractors to complete office, kitchen, and bathroom renovation jobs.

Top handyman professionals and contractors create websites, YouTube videos, and social media pages to showcase their skills. A strong internet presence helps customers and hiring managers find them.

To learn about the latest trends in the handyman and professional contractor industries, attend trade shows. Here are a few popular trade shows for you to explore:

• North Carolina Builders Association
• 21st Century Building Expo
• Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors of North Carolina

Is my handyman license only valid in North Carolina?

North Carolina offers reciprocity agreements with Tennessee, Louisiana, Georgia, Mississippi. and South Carolina.

For issues about name changes, address changes, or misplaced cards, submit a written request via email to licensing@nclbg.org.

How often do I need to renew my handyman license in North Carolina?

Renew your North Carolina handyman license every year by January 1. Licensing renewal fees in North Carolina are between $75 and $125.