Hello All,
I’m a 40 year old ex-high tech manager, I’ve been out of work for 5 months. When people ask me what my ideal job would be, I tell them if I had it to do all over again I’d work in a trade. My entire life I’ve loved working with my hands, building decks, screen porches, sheds, furniture, doing plumbing work, electrical work (everything up to and including adding a sub-panel) and finishing basments. I do quality work, and I am currently doing work for a few friends on small projects like installing new faucets, replacing rotten trim, etc.
I’ve been all over the web, and I have come to the conclusion that I want to go into the Handyman business.
My question is, how can I find out what type of licensing I need in MA to do this work for hire? I know about HIC registration, but I don’t think I could pull a permit with that.
I’m thinking about going to talk with the building inspector in our town for his advice, but I am concerned that I would open up a can of worms with that, any thoughts?
Any suggestions, comments, pointers would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Replies
In my case I started with a Google search for "Connecticut Licensing Remodeling" and got the link to the state website which had all the info I needed. This is a variation on a question which comes up recurrently (I know because I asked some of the same things myself not long ago). If you search the archives for threads related to starting, and running, a handyman business there are many good suggestions out there... Good Luck!
Paul
Thanks Paul!
http://www.mass.gov/portal/index.jsp?pageID=ocaterminal&L=3&L0=Home&L1=Licensee&L2=License+Types%2c+Forms+%26+Requirements&sid=Eoca&b=terminalcontent&f=_licensee_b_license_housing&csid=Eoca
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bobl Volo, non valeo
Congrats to you. Good luck.
I would highly suggest talking to the inspector.
blue
Warning! Be cautious when taking any advice from me. Although I have a lifetime of framing experience, some of it is viewed as boogerin and not consistent with views of those who prefer to overbuild everything...including their own egos
Additionally, don't take any political advice from me. I'm just a parrot for the Republican talking points. I get all my news from Rush Limbaugh and Fox and Friends (they are funny...try them out)!
Gkober,
I share much of your background, ex-hitech, live/work in Mass, have finally done the plunge doing remodeling for hire and myself... Here's a few points based on my experience & research:
1) Starting with HIC registration is a good first step and required in MA. I also suggest some liability insurance, the minimum amount is not expensive. These two items are a good start and indicate to folks that you are serious about it.
2) The need to pull a permit, or the ability to do it depends on many things, mostly the type of work, but also the locale/town. Doing major electrical or plumbing work does require an electricians/plumbers license, and I doubt an inspector would give you a permit to do that type of work for hire unless you have that license. Also, doing major remodeling where you hire other trades/subs requires a supervisors license. Many/most "handyman" jobs like the ones you mention don't require a permit. Doing structural work (like building a deck) does, because the town wants to make sure you do a safe job and no one gets hurt by the thing collapsing. In most cases a valid drawing/plan attached to the permit application may be all that's needed.
3) If you're concerned about talking to the building inspector, do it outside your own town, so you don't expose yourself as much. Tell him/her that you are considering a couple projects in his town and that you want to understand his requirements if any...
hope that wasn't too abvious...
Your responses have been great! Thanks so much, keep'em coming!
http://www.mass.gov/bbrs/code.htm
Mass building code
your city/town may vary_____________________________
bobl Volo, non valeo
Now yer talkin'!
I'm in SoCal so the situation may vary but I did find out most of that trade around here is governed by local cities with a state wide ban on any jobs over $500(unless your a general contractor), which of course there are ways around..legally. At any rate start with your local city business license desk. In Cali. you need business lisences for every city you work in which can get pricey if your in a spot with lots of bedroom communities.
Building Inspectors can be an asset. The town I live ( and I imagine most others but not had the call) has specific code plans that outline the any basic project. Last year we did a patio cover and the BI was more than happy to give me about 5 pages with details for anchors, set back, minimums etc...Very helpful. No I don't know how much info they can give you on the trade as that's not their expertise, but having a relationship with a BI is an asset to say the least. This particular job was run as a home owners project and permit pulled under his name so we weren't constrained by any income limits. Relative so it worked out fine.
Around here it's more of a business license hassle.
Good luck! Beats the heck out of sitting behind a desk I tell ya!
W
You can get a permit for anything, except plumbing, electrical, oil burners, and such.
The barriers to entry are very low.
When I lost my high tech job a few years back, I considered a similar path. Guess it's still cold out there. Best of luck with your career change.
home improvement license is cheap, no test for cosmetic stuff, paint, siding, windows...
need Construction Supervisor license to do any structural adds/changes and to pull permits for same sometimes the homeowner can pull the permit, but inspector can require them to insure the job or refuse to issue permit pay fee for 3 hr test it's re code, think it's still open book $100. every two yrs license renewal go to the prep classes, private run for couple hundred bucks, see them advertise in announcement section of paper they show you how to divide the book up into working sections, prep you for exam
need electrician/plumber for that work building inspectors are ok talk w inspector, might know where classes are held, will tell you what he'll allow under HIC license get your business started w that until take CS test best of luck
Sharpblade offers good comments. You can do plenty with a Home Improvement Contractor registration. Insurance is essential, but I never find it cheap.
If you have a good building inspector, they can be very helpful. They are mostly human. If you are open and honest with them, and play by the rules, there's no reason to avoid them. Talking to them first is a lot better than having them catch you doing something you're not supposed to be doing.
Check you local community college adult ed program for a licensing class.
Al Mollitor, Sharon MA