Contractors/Handyman (general contractor, professionals, license)

[GraciAnn]

I have a handyman coming to repair wood rot. He is fixing a really bad job I paid someone else for.

Does anyone know what sort of credentials or licensing a handyman/contractor is required to have in Wake County?

Thanks.

[lovebrentwood]

Go to this county site:
WakeGOV.com - When Permits Are Required Guide

And then scroll down to the section titled "When must work be done by a licensed contractor?" and you'll have your answers.

[DanielChang]

I think the OP was looking to see if handyman are required to have professional licensing in the area. There are a lot of unlicensed contractors that don't have a general contractor's license and still do excellent work.

If they have a general contractor's license, they usually say that on both the business card and whatever marketing collateral they hand out.

[lovebrentwood]

Yes, I know what she was asking. The link I provided says that contractors need a license only if the job is $30K or more.

It also says that people working on plumbing, heating, air conditioning, sprinklers and electrical systems need to be licensed.

So based on that, if the handyman wants to build something for less than $30K, he or she doesn't need any license.

If handypersons want to fix anything as far as plumbing, heating, air conditioning, sprinklers or electricity, they DO need to be licensed. Of course, I'm sure handypersons do small jobs all the time without being licensed. Personally, I think it's well worth it to use licensed professionals.

But she was asking what the licensing requirements were, and I told her where to find the answer.

Originally Posted by DanielChang

I think the OP was looking to see if handyman are required to have professional licensing in the area. There are a lot of unlicensed contractors that don't have a general contractor's license and still do excellent work.

If they have a general contractor's license, they usually say that on both the business card and whatever marketing collateral they hand out.

[MikeJaquish]

To do business in any Wake County municipality, contractors need a privilege license for that municipality.
A great many "licensed contractors" call that privilege license their "license," and it has absolutely nothing to do with their business or trades acumen.
It is strictly a tax.

[DanielChang]

I'm sorry if my post came across wrong, brentwood. I was just trying to add to your post, not disagree with it.

I just wanted to add that I understood the question to be "what kind of professional credentialing board regulates people who call themselves handypersons." And for the most part, there is little credentialing. I'd also echo that I find it well worth it to use licensed professionals if you're not able to do-it-yourself.

[GraciAnn]

Thank you Brentwood for the very helpful link & info, ditto for Dan & Mike's input. I was actually wondering all of the above but didn't exactly know how to word it - probably reason for google coming up short! Interesting & not surprising that many call the required "privilege license" their "license". Thanks again, you were all very helpful! ~ Graci

[DanielChang]

You can find out more information about north carolina general contractor's license and the laws governing this here : ://www.nclbgc.net/index.html