According to U.S. Census figures, the population of Alabama is growing. A continued influx of new residents and businesses means that there will be a growing interest in handyman professionals to perform general repairs and maintenance.
Getting an Alabama handyman license is the first step toward starting a career in the industry. Keep reading to learn more about how to get a handyman license in Alabama.
Disclaimer: This article is not legal advice. You should consult your local regulations and a qualified attorney for legal advice.
Do You Need a License to be a Handyman in Alabama?
You do not need an Alabama handyman license to work in the state.
You can perform a wide range of general construction, home repair, and landscaping work without a handyman license as long as you stay under the specified per project cost of $50,000. However, a handyman who will take on larger projects( over $50,000 in value) may need to obtain a general contractor license. This is available through the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors.
Some typical work performed by handymen in Alabama includes:
- Drywall repair
- Paining
- Replacing windows and doors
- General landscaping
- Pressure washing
- Assembly and installation of cabinets, shelves, window treatments, etc.
As a handyman, you cannot perform certain types of work. This includes repairing, installing, or servicing electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems in Alabama.
Is There a Specific Handyman License in Alabama?
There is no specific Alabama handyman license. Instead, you may need a specialty license to perform certain types of work, such as plumbing, electrical, or mechanical.
Alabama Handyman License Requirements
There are no handyman license requirements Alabama handymen must meet. However, you are limited in the scope of work that can be performed. Therefore, you should check with the appropriate governing board to determine the requirements for individual licenses.
A licensed electrician must perform electrical work in Alabama. This license is obtained from the Alabama Electrical Contractors Board.
A licensed plumber must complete all plumbing projects. You can obtain this license from the Alabama Plumbers & Gas Fitters Examining Board.
A licensed Mechanical Contractor must perform HVAC work. This license can be obtained from the State of Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors.
Projects valued over $50,000 require a general contractor license. This is obtained from the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors. Our Alabama General Contactor License Guide provides more information about how to get a general contractor license in the state.
You should understand the restrictions on the type and scope of work that a handyman can do in Alabama. These articles can help you learn more about what a handyman can and cannot do.
- What Type of Work Can a Handyman Do Legally?
- What Should a Handyman Be Able To Do? (Skills You Need)
- What Is a Professional Handyman and How Do You Become One?
- Can a Handyman Hire Subcontractors?
- Can a Handyman Do a Remodel Job? (Bathroom, Kitchen & More)
Insurance Requirements
There are very few statewide business insurance requirements in Alabama, including handymen. As a minimum, you will need:
- Worker’s compensation insurance — If you own your own business with five or more employees, you must have worker’s compensation insurance. The Alabama Department of Labor enforces this.
- Commercial auto insurance — Alabama requires vehicles to maintain auto coverage. Minimum limits are set at:
- Property damage: $25,000 per person
- Bodily injury: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
There are additional insurance requirements for general and specialty contractors if you choose to pursue licensure in one of those fields. Visit the Alabama Department of Insurance for more information about insurance requirements in the state.
While general liability insurance is not required, many Alabama handyman license holders choose to carry it. A commercial liability policy can serve as a valuable tool to help protect your assets if your work results in an injury or property damage. Use the tool below to request a free commercial insurance quote from our partners.
Handyman Training and Certification Programs
If you want to pursue formal training in construction technology, you have several options in Alabama. The following schools all offer certificate or degree programs to help advance your handyman career:
- Bishop State Community College, Mobile, AL (251) 690-6419
- Calhoun Community College, Decatur, AL (256) 306-2500
- Construction Education Foundation Of Alabama, Birmingham, AL (205) 956-0146
- Gadsden State, Gadsden, AL (256) 549-8210
- Jefferson Davis Community College, Brewton, AL (334) 809-1516
- Lawson State, Bessemer, AL (205) 925-2515 and Birmingham, AL (205) 925-2515
- Northeast Alabama Community College, Rainsville, AL (256) 221-6011
- Northwest-Shoals Community College, Muscle Shoals (800) 645-8967
- Shelton State, Tuscaloosa, AL (205) 391-2232
- Wallace Community College, Dothan, AL (334) 983-3521 and Hanceville, AL (256) 352-8128
Many handymen forego formal training in favor of gaining on-the-job experience. You can get the experience required to get an Alabama handyman license through entry-level work on construction crews, volunteer opportunities with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, or a formal apprenticeship. Several groups offer apprenticeships in construction fields, including:
- Alabama Industrial Development Training
- Bibb County Career Academy, West Blocton, AL, (205) 938-7434
- Birmingham City Schools, North Birmingham, AL (205) 231-4600
- Building Trades Alliance
Specific certifications or memberships, such as obtaining a home inspector certificate or joining The Association of Certified Handyman Professionals, can lend credibility to your business. It is also essential to understand fundamental business principles, which you can gain through an online training program.
Handyman License Alabama FAQ
Because there are very few handyman license requirements in Alabama, getting started is usually a straightforward process. However, you may still have questions about how to get a handyman license in Alabama. The following FAQ can help clear things up.
1. What Happens If I Do Not Have the Right License?
There are penalties for operating without an appropriate contractor license in Alabama. You can avoid these penalties by limiting your work to what is allowed for handymen (general repairs, maintenance, basic landscaping, etc.) and avoiding specialty skills that require a license (electrical, plumbing, HVAC systems).
2. Who Can I Contact If I Have Questions?
If you still have questions about what is and is not allowed under Alabama handyman license rules, contact the state contractor licensing board. The office is located at 445 Dexter Avenue, Suite 3060, Montgomery, AL 36104. You can reach them by phone at (334) 272-5030 during regular business hours.
For More License and Career Guides
To find out how to become a Handyman in another state, start here.
For information on other trades in Alabama, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
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