Does RI require License for handyman? (insurance, homes, neighborhood)

[TriStrPlt]

Hello,

My 22 year airline pilot career has halted due to company shutdown. Thinking of putting the tools to work for a biz instead of all the favors I do.

I have been researching the RI gov't sites for info on requirements for a license to start a for handyman biz.

Anyone have experience or knowledge with this?

Thanks!

[Hollytree]

Answer is here.....

State of Rhode Island: Contractors' Registration Board: Residential Contractors

[TriStrPlt]

Thanks!

[1979]

Thanks Hollytree for the info! Do you happen to know what would happen to someone who "hired" someone non-licensed? We have someone in my neighborhood who does very good work, but is not licensed or insured.

[DanBev]

Originally Posted by 1979

Thanks Hollytree for the info! Do you happen to know what would happen to someone who "hired" someone non-licensed? We have someone in my neighborhood who does very good work, but is not licensed or insured.

Here in our area in north Florida,They answered the ads and had a sting operation and arrested these people,no longer advertising.Who pays if injured on property,or poor work?You would have more recourse with licensed contractor??

[Hollytree]

Originally Posted by 1979

Thanks Hollytree for the info! Do you happen to know what would happen to someone who "hired" someone non-licensed? We have someone in my neighborhood who does very good work, but is not licensed or insured.

I'm sure a lot of people hire unlicensed locals for small jobs and nothing bad happens. I'm thinking of things like carpentry jobs and painting, wall papering, and fix-it work. Anything requiring a licensed plumber or electrician or any work that requires a building permit should ever be done by a handyman of course.
However, you would want a handyman to at least have liability insurance and plenty of good references.

[GarlicGuy]

wow I got away with it for years when I lived down there... but had great references to work from all the time

[Bob Osborne]

So if grandma needs a doorbell repaired she must hire someone with that kind of overhead ?
Or risk everything ? This sounds like state sponsered extortion to me. Yes grandma, that will
$500 for replacing that switch. You don't want to risk what little you have, do you ?

[Rhodeislander]

RI has no license requirement. Just registration. Homeowners can always do work on thier homes, need to pull permits for larger jobs. Bigger issue is if the guy gets hurt, you own the claim for workers comp. Even with a registered contractor, make sure you get a policy copy with you as the named insured. His insurance company will fax one out for you. VERY important.