If you’ve always been good with your hands and have a knack for doing odd jobs around the house, you may want to learn about becoming a professional handyman. This guide will answer all your questions about becoming a licensed handyman in Alaska, including whether you need an Alaska handyman license, what insurance you have to carry and what kind of training you need.
Besides general home repair work, a licensed handyman in Alaska may oversee general contracting work in a home or business if the total cost for the job is less than $10,000. If the job is worth more than that, you’ll need a general contractor’s license instead.
This guide will explain how to get a handyman license in Alaska.
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 Alaska?
You need a General Contractor – Handyman license to be a legal handyman in Alaska. A handyman is someone who does piece work or side jobs where the total of the project does not exceed $10,000 — including all labor and materials. If the project goes over that amount, you have to call in a general contractor to assume responsibility for the work. It is important to note that a handyman cannot engage in electrical work, plumbing, HVAC, or structural work without the appropriate license.
If you have obtained any class of contractor license in Alaska, you must obtain a business license before you can legally engage in any kind of business activity with that license, even if you are a sole proprietor with no employees. You’ll need your General Contractor – Handyman license number before you can apply for a business license.
Is There a Specific Handyman License in Alaska?
The handyman license in Alaska is a very specific type of contractor license that’s based on the size of the job. The sum total of any job done under this license, including materials and labor costs, must not exceed $10,000.
Alaska Handyman License Requirements
The first of the handyman license requirements Alaska has in place is to obtain a General Contractor – Handyman license. This falls under the Construction Contractors category of professional licenses, which is administered by the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing. This division is part of the Alaska Department of Commerce.
Your completed license application must be notarized. You’re required to pay the application fees and provide proof of both liability insurance and bonding. Knowing how to get a handyman license in Alaska isn’t enough; you also have to know what kind of work a handyman license permits you to do.
Generally speaking, you need specialized licenses to work on electrical, plumbing, HVAC and welding jobs, no matter how much the aggregate cost is. We also provide license guides for these trades.
Insurance Requirements
You’re required to carry bonding and liability insurance to get an Alaska handyman license. This includes:
- A bond of $5,000, either through your insurance company or via a deposit in a trust account payable to “State of Alaska in trust for”
- At least $20,000 for property damage
- At least $50,000 for injury and/or death of one person
- At least $100,000 for injury and/or death of multiple people
If you plan to hire employees, you are also required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. You are not allowed to hire subcontractors.
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Alaska Handyman Licensing and Registration Fees
There are licensing fees for handyman contractors in Alaska. These fees include a non-refundable application fee and a registration fee. Payments are made by credit card to the State of Alaska. These are the fees as of press time, which may be subject to change:
- Application fee: $100
- Registration fee: $250
- Total fees: $350
Handyman Training and Certification Programs
While formal handyman training program neither exists nor is required, you may benefit from taking courses through one of the Alaska Construction Academies. The academies prepare high school students and adults for jobs in construction and related trades.
The goals of the academies include:
- Providing an understanding of job opportunities
- Developing a strong construction industry workforce
- Allowing employers to hire well-trained employees
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 Alaska FAQ
1. What Happens If I Do Not Have the Right License?
If you operate a handyman business without a license, you may have to pay a fine of $5,000. You’ll be given written notice of your infraction and have up to 30 days to respond if you intend to fight the charge.
2. How Long Is My Alaska Handyman License Valid?
Your Alaska handyman license is valid until December 31st in even-numbered years. If you apply for your license within 90 days of that date, your license will be valid until the end of the next even-numbered year. Renewal costs are the same as the fees for a new license, listed above.
3. Who Can I Contact If I Have Questions?
The best way to reach out if you have questions is through the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing contact form.
You can also reach out by other means. The main phone number is 907-465-2550. The fax number is 907-465-2974. The email address is license@alaska.gov.
Now that you know how to get your Alaska handyman license, you’re well on your way to an exciting career, as you never know from one job to the next what will be asked of you. Your long, rewarding position allows you to help home and business owners an affordable option for their odd jobs and piece work.
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 Alaska, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
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