We get it—everyone loves a “guy who can do it all.” But here’s the truth: referring the wrong type of professional can come back to bite you. And if the job legally requires a licensed contractor, referring a handyman could put you in hot water.
Let’s clear things up:
A handyman is not a contractor.
They’re only required to hold a business license—not a contractor’s license. That means there are very clear limits on what they’re allowed to do.
Use the wrong person, and you could be held legally responsible.
Here’s what the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) says:
A handyman cannot legally:
- Do any job where labor + materials exceed $1,000
- Do any work that requires a permit
- Work on plumbing, electrical, HVAC, or anything safety-related
If any of those are involved, you must refer a licensed contractor.
✅ You can verify licenses here
We double-checked all this with Greg Welch, Senior Investigator at the NSCB.
This isn’t guesswork—it’s law.
Let’s run through a few real-life scenarios:
🧯 Missing GFCI outlet in the kitchen?
That’s electrical. A handyman can’t touch it. You need a licensed electrician.
🚽 Toilet loose on the floor?
Plumbing fixture = licensed contractor only.
🧱 A few cracked roof tiles?
Cost is under $1,000. No permit needed. Not plumbing, electrical, HVAC, or safety-related.
✅ A handyman can handle this.
🔥 Leaking water heater?
This is plumbing and requires a permit.
✖️ A handyman can’t legally install or replace it.
If you ever need help figuring out which pro t use, reach out—we’ve got a solid list of trusted vendors who play by the rules and do top-notch work.
