Unfortunately we can’t just go out, buy a few tools, and offer to build houses.  That’s illegal without a contractor’s license and for good reason.Otherwise, the quality of our homes would be seriously compromised.  People who have no business in construction would be scamming and endangering homeowners (more than they already do).  Despite my issues with the contractor’s board, I understand that they are a necessary evil.However, there are many home services that can still be offered without a contractor’s license.  In fact, I run a quite profitable handyman business without one.  For me, getting licensed in a trade doesn’t make sense.But, should you get a contractor’s license?  Many of my readers have asked me this question so I’ve decided to write this article.Disclaimer:  Construction law varies significantly in every country and state.  Make sure to check your local regulations to help you make your decision.I’m sure there are many more benefits, but here are the two primary benefits I see.

Gains you credibility – This credibility can help to build trust with your customers.  There are other ways to gain credibility, but this is a big one.Higher earning potential – Having a license allows you to tackle larger and more profitable jobs.  Plus, many customers are more inclined to pay higher rates to licensed contractor’s opposed to unlicensed handymen.While these benefits make getting a license seem like a no brainer, here are some other things to consider before deciding.If you are like me when I first started, meaning you have no experience bidding jobs, then a contractor’s license is probably the wrong choice.For example, if you have never quoted a job, what are the chances that you are going to quote it accurately?  And, you’re probably going to quote too low which means you’re going to lose money.Trust me on this one.  I’ve bid way to low on way too many jobs.  In fact, I lost over 50 grand in my first year to underbidding small jobs.  If I had to learn my lesson on $10,000 jobs, I’d be out of business.

Regardless of how skilled of a handy person you are, there are several business skills you need to develop, first.  Business skills that are arguably more important than your handy skills.Before getting a license, make sure you will still be able to offer all of the services you are planning to offer.In many states, including mine, getting a contractor’s license can actually limit your services significantly.  Without a license, I can do just about anything as long as it’s under $1,000 and not plumbing, electrical, or HVAC.  This leaves a lot open.If I was to get a contractor’s license, I would technically be limited to only performing jobs within that license.  Meaning, if I got a carpenters license, I would no longer be able to legally offer painting, tile, drywall repair, and several other services that I occasionally offer.  Even a general contractor’s license would limit my services.Since I actually like the smaller jobs and quick repairs while doing a wide range of trades, a contractor’s license doesn’t make sense for me.

Way too often, people go get licensed in a trade for the wrong reasons.  business for sale devonport tasMaybe because that is the trade they know how to do, or that is the trade they think they can make the most money.  business for sale waverly iowaI recommend against this.handyman in ontario caI’m a strong believer that you should enjoy what you do.business for sale luray vaWithout a lot of experience, it’s hard to even know the types of projects you enjoy.  franchise business for sale perth wa

I didn’t know what types of jobs I actually liked doing for at least a few months and I’m still figuring that out.business for sale rabun county gaI’ve actually talked to many contractor’s that don’t like what they are doing.  I even received an e-mail from a plumber saying that he hated plumbing!  Too bad he put all that effort into getting a license.So, before getting a contractor’s license, you should be sure you like offering services related to that specific trade.  Even though you may enjoy plumbing in your own home, doesn’t mean you’ll like fixing other peoples toilets!Before running out and getting a license right away, get some experience offering several services first.  Starting out as a handyman is a great way to expose yourself to a multitude of different projects.Not only will acquiring experience help you to choose a path you enjoy, but it will also help you uncover very profitable services that you didn’t even think of.

You’re handyman business experience will also teach you the business skills you need before risking your ass on huge jobs.After a while, you’ll know what you enjoy, what is profitable, how to get customers, and how to run a business.  At that point you can graduate to the next level and go big with a contractor’s license.Regardless of what you decide to do, make sure you understand your state laws by visiting your local contractor’s board website.What do you think?  Is a contractor’s license right for you?Visit our new Solar Energy Systems division 5645 D General Washington Drive Alexandria, VA 22312 Gutter Screens & FiltersChimney Sweeping Inspection & RepairsRoofing and SidingWidows ServicesPressure Washing and Deck MaintenanceSnow RemovalCarpentry, Wood Wrapping, Drip Edge, Caulking and PaintingHandyman Services:Gutter Installation & Repair Services: Metro Gutter is the top provider of quality gutter installation & repair services in the area. All of our crews are our own employees (no sub contractors) so that we can control quality and assure excellent customer service.

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