Oh my friend this is a very informative video for us hear in California! However they the CSlB will call you and have you come out and do there best to catch you on there stings. Be careful of how you advertise because I you list any trade that is a lisensed then they have grounds to charge you for contracting without a lisense. And yes if there is any work going on at the home in any stage that counts towards the $499! This was all explained to me as my third estimate went down. I walked back into the home after making a verbal estimate with the woman and 3 cops with guns pointed at me told me to put my hands up! 😳 not trying to get rich just feed my family! Great video God bless you and all the other guys out there doing this kind of work!

@1dgrdgr

4 жыл бұрын

Your comment should be pinned If you advertise, they will try to entrap you. CSLB is a state organized mafia protecting the "interests" of contractors. They operate under the guise of protecting homeowners. The $500 rule raises costs for home owners just trying to maintain their houses. It also has not been adjusted for inflation, ever. Getting your license is capricious. You can have all the experience required and still be denied a license by a DMV worker with a hangover and told to get more experience. This has happened to friends of mine.

@handymanjourney

4 жыл бұрын

Very well said! Thanks you for your comment!

@neoadviser8056

4 жыл бұрын

Excellent Video! Excuse me for the intrusion, I would appreciate your opinion. Have you tried - Rozardner Successful Handyman Reality (erm, check it on google should be there)? It is a smashing one of a kind product for how to start a handyman business without the hard work. Ive heard some unbelievable things about it and my mate got amazing success with it.

@rafaeldelgado8396

4 жыл бұрын

Cheers for the Video! Excuse me for the intrusion, I would love your initial thoughts. Have you ever tried - Rozardner Successful Handyman Reality (google it)? It is a great one of a kind product for how to start a handyman business without the hard work. Ive heard some super things about it and my cousin after many years got great success with it.

@elenamandic2069

4 жыл бұрын

Excellent video content! Forgive me for butting in, I am interested in your thoughts. Have you ever tried - Rozardner Successful Handyman Reality (search on google)? It is a great one off guide for how to start a handyman business minus the hard work. Ive heard some interesting things about it and my work buddy got excellent success with it.

Super informative! Thanks for your time and information. I have been doing some research on this whole topic. I'm in a place in life where its tough right now, but this is life changing in a way. So cool you are from Sacramento, I'm in the Bay Area.

The CSLB came out, in July 2021, with a B-2 Contractors License thats geared toward things that a handyman performs. Its geared towards non -structural work related to a dwelling. Look it up.

@coldspring22

Жыл бұрын

No, B2 is not "handyman" license. Clause in the description for this license is: "A residential remodeling contractor shall NOT take a contract unless the contract includes three or more unrelated trades or crafts." - this is not a typical handyman work if contract is required to have three or more unrelated trades.

Thanks man very informative.

Great advice! Thanks for your information.

@handymanjourney

4 жыл бұрын

Your welcome! Thanks for the comment!

Been awhile Allen, nice video, they really do us out here in Cali

@handymanjourney

4 жыл бұрын

Great to hear from you! I post a new video every week, going to be 2 a week, maybe you missed a few. Ya, California is very strict!

I'm wondering, as an unlicensed electrician for 8 years, if a "handiman license" can allow me to work a bit on house systems. Inverters, lighting, whole house fan ect. It seems the macro question is what can/can not a handiman do. I.e. limitations, exceptions, and acceptable practices

I just watched this video and just last week in Kern county they did a sting operation here they were bidding for jobs as low as $1,200

Hey Brother, nice info. Where can I get the business license? I leave in Novato California

Great vid dude! Question, what if contracts were signed by two different people, i.e., 500 for one person, 500 for another.

Lol you’ve installed too many ceiling fans today you’re going to jail.

@handymanjourney

4 жыл бұрын

Hahaha! 😂🤣😅

@TheRealChrisShades

10 ай бұрын

But if you have a little meth on you it’s cool

30 years ago they did offer home improvement test Contractor's board. Some little tests you take at home and Send it in then they will add it to your license At the time I had to C 33. It was only lasted like it a year if that Contract his board discontinued right away.

one thing I noticed on the stings is they give an estimate right away , I always give them a number after I leave and let them ponder over the number.

What if you want to work in multiple cities do you have to get a business license in each City just to work in them?

I live 7 miles from your location, def need some help on starting up.

Who do you go to for cheap handyman liability insurance and how much does it cost?

Is it worth getting Mr handyman franchise or starting it up myself?

From someone who lives and has done Handyman services for clients over the years. 1) You shouldn't need to advertise your business, since within a short time you'll be busy from the referrals. Do services for friends and friends of family to get started. Charge a low to fair price and let them know you're interested in working. 100% of the time, someone will like you and put your name up on some local community websites. 2) Only do big jobs (over $500) for existing clients from that strong referral base and since you're avoiding advertising, there won't be any issues. The Government is mainly concerned with Contractor scammers, so don't be one.

What license would you recommend getting in the state of California. If you wanted to go over $500 limit? Great video!!

@handymanjourney

2 жыл бұрын

General contractor

Also, an unlicensed person cannot perform a project of any value that requires a permit. So for instance; the video where you added the receptacle, it required a permit because you extended existing wiring.

@handymanjourney

4 жыл бұрын

You are correct! An unlicensed person can not perform work that requires a permit

@Comin_at_U_Live

2 жыл бұрын

No but a homeowner can legally do any work they want fo their OEM home or property & in addition hire any person they want to help them on their own home or property and they can hire by the hour any person to assist them with any part or whole . A homeowner can hire a person for an hour, an afternoon, a week or a year..

@coldspring22

Жыл бұрын

@@Comin_at_U_Live Yes probably that is possible, but home owner himself has to be the contractor doing the work and unlicensed person is just assisting the home owner.

New follower

Very gray I have the law book for contractor prep, also states no flooring now not sure if it’s subfloor or floor covering haha and also no structural work now a door and jamb structural hmm so much gray area

@handymanjourney

4 жыл бұрын

So true! Its crazy!

Do you have to take any test to get the business license or it’s just filling out paperwork and pay the fee?

@handymanjourney

4 жыл бұрын

No test for a general business license just fill out the paperwork. Thanks for the comment!

A homeowner can hire & pay by the hour any person to help them work on their home or property..

@coldspring22

Жыл бұрын

True, but homeowner must also buy workers comp insurance for the hourly help.

I'm on step two I just got my business license can I now advertise on a website and give out business cards with no issues?

@Alex39211

Жыл бұрын

Any updates an this bro?

You didn't post your links mentioned in the video

@handymanjourney

4 жыл бұрын

I believe I did in the description I will take another look though. Thank you!

All u have to do. Is. Do good job. Treat customer with respect and accept when u make a mistake amd make it right

@handymanjourney

4 жыл бұрын

Yes! I would totally agree! Well said!

@coldspring22

Жыл бұрын

Yes but what about the nutcase customer. You will always get few of those.

I think HJ has veered off course of the premise of the whole issue about being in business as a Handy Man. Has to do with your Taxes. Most cities want to make sure you are paying your share plain and simple. So for those who are interested in this subject quite simple get a business license and in some Cities require that you have a license to work in their city. Work as a vendor, most clients are gonna want invoices so you pay your own taxes. I think this is the heart of the subject. And I feel THJ has veered off course by NOT telling you this. But have NO fear that is it. Have an accountant or other qualified person to get you a business plan. Yup you are selling like a business. SELLING YOUR SERVICES. Your welcome!!

Someone called me about a tree job. The guy couldn't tell me how he got my number. The job was in a cul-de-sac (they usually are). I passed 2 perfectly clean white vans on the way in. The customer was on curb motioning me to park in driveway. He had a porn mustache with aviator sunglasses. I'm thinking now "this is so obviously a sting. Man you cops really suck at this". I didn't even stop. I just cut a U turn and left laughing.... nice try Mr. Communist Bacon!😂

@albertog6078

18 күн бұрын

IS SO INSANE THE STUPID POLICE WILL DO THIS TO HARD WORKING PEOPLE!

California the most over regulated state in the union no wonder businesses are leaving. Another great vid Mr. Honest Lee

@handymanjourney

4 жыл бұрын

I would agree! Thanks for the comment Robert!!

@coldspring22

Жыл бұрын

Yes but so far, home owners have ability to pretty much any work on their house by themseles provided they pull the permit themselves. I wonder how long that "freedom" will last in California.

I need to keep up with the does and don’t.

Wow! California's rules are a lot different from Utah. Here, you can get an "R101" license: R101 - Which is a "Residential and Small Commercial Non-Structural Remodeling and Repair". This includes remodeling and repair to any existing structure and the entire project is less than $50,000 in total cost. Once you have this license for one year you can take the test for a General Contractor's license.

@handymanjourney

4 жыл бұрын

Wow! That's crazy! It's interesting how different laws can be from State to state! Thanks for your comment!

@tylerstettler2603

4 жыл бұрын

Would it be better to get a handymans license or a R101 and if so where do I start? I also live in Utah.

@coldspring22

Жыл бұрын

Yes Utah is much more sensible - and much easier to get general contractor license as well! In California, you need years of documented work experience in multiple trades before you can take exam for general contractor. Practically impossible for most people to document that type of experience as most people concentrate on single trade. Only thing good about california is that homeowner can pull permits by themselves do practically any work on their home by themselves (at least for now).

Hey Allen, This is JC Rey.. This is my other channel.. You accepting mentoree or mentee?

@handymanjourney

4 жыл бұрын

Hey! Thanks for the comment! Yep, always am!

What if home owner bought the materials on their own. Then asked you for a quote to install/labor?

@handymanjourney

9 ай бұрын

Technically that would still be against the contractor law

Is it possible to apply and take the contractors license test if you've only been a handy man or worked on your own homes as an investor?

@Samsonmetaphysical

4 жыл бұрын

"NO!"

@arrealhandymanservice4459

4 жыл бұрын

If you have proper references or 4 years as legit handyman or 4 years in the trade. The place I go wants references such as clients or supervisors

@handymanjourney

4 жыл бұрын

Yes you can you just have to have proper experience and documentation

@coldspring22

Жыл бұрын

For general contractor, it's very steep. You will have to document continuous multiple years of experince in multiple trades. Not possible unless you can claim and verify that you contructed your own home from foundation up all by yourself over course of multiple years.

So what license is needed if you want to do projects for more than $500 in California? I'm a bit confused on the license types.

@handymanjourney

3 жыл бұрын

You will need to get a contractors license

@JuanCoolDad

3 жыл бұрын

@@handymanjourney Would that be the A, B or C? When I read the descriptions on these it almost sounds like A is for engineering work. B is only for framing & C has to have a specific specialty. I could be misunderstanding the wording used. Let's say I get paid $600 to install a water heater & $500 to paint a room, what type would cover all of this without any issues?

@tonychavez3679

3 жыл бұрын

It will take a B license, and you forgot to mention you have to state that you are none license also that is $2000. Fine

What if I were to include a variety of projects that are below 500$ on the same invoice and the customer pays me for all of them in one payment??

@susiefrades-white3088

3 ай бұрын

nope

What if your just doing demo and removal

I carry a Calendar book with me at all times. I have told employees and other Contractors to keep a Calendar that has at least a half page to write on for the individual dates Keep it next to you all the time. Or put it above your Steering wheel in your truck Write everything down Every expense Every check or money you get. Document your day. What where why and how. Keep receipts. All of them. Take slot of pictures. Get progress payments. Don’t get to in front of a job without getting paid Especially if u don’t have a License The best thing about having a License is that it gives you power to get paid no matter what. Through the Mechanics Lien process for instance Or, if the job is “Bank Financed” and the GC is screwing you and not paying. You can place a “Stop Notice” against the job. What that does is stop the bank from funding that job. You basically have the power to stop the payment s to all the subs and the building comes to a grinding halt until you get your money. The GC has to dispute your claim and prove it. So if your owed the money or even if it’s extra work. As long as he agreed to pay u. He has to pay So, if u want to get rich in Contracting. Eventually, u will need to take on a bank financed job. The huge jobs are typically all bank financed In my opinion, if you don’t plan on making at least a 1/4 million a year running a Contracting business. (And plan I’m working a lot of hours your first 2 years. Another thing u need to run a successful business is good employees. (And they are hard to find.) Employees can either make you or break you. The 1st 4 years in business I was ripped off by at least 5 employees. Never allow words to fool you into how “great” an employee is. Great employees prove they’re worth by they’re performance. And if you find a great employee. Take care of him or her. Good employees make you money And if you don’t treat them according to how well they take care of you. They will find someone who will.

@Alex39211

Жыл бұрын

Steve say I get hired by a homeowner and get paid by the hour, at the end of the job my hours total over $500 is that legal or illegal?

Can you do a video on how a homeowner can protect themselves. I have cameras, hired a person to do work and he is claiming hours that he was not onsite. I have cameras that show him coming and going so I have documentation that he was not here. When I question him he tells me I have no rights to dictate his hours or know when he will be in my home. Please do a homeowner rights video. I did a scope of work, got a signed agreement did what I thought I should do but he just not show up on the job and has missed 2 completion date deadlines that he gave me. When can I legally hire someone else.

@coldspring22

Жыл бұрын

I don't understand. If he is unlicensed contractor, you can just call the cops? Probably CSLB will lock him up for doing illegal work. LOL

@efraingutierrez6816

5 ай бұрын

To me That’s really stupid Working by the hour Should be one Amount since the beginning Adding what You have to add Later But Kipling your eyes in someone working by the hour Can be very stressful For both The Costumer and the Contractor That’s why he is a Contractor To sing a Contact

You should do a video on what you currently use to keep track of your expenses. It would be really helpful.

@darrenr1194

4 жыл бұрын

Pen and paper

@handymanjourney

4 жыл бұрын

Great idea Juan! I will work on that!

I believe you are incorrect. If the consumer purchases their own vanity, you can charge up to $499 to install it. You did not provide the vanity. Therefore, it doesn't count in the cost of the project.

@handymanjourney

11 ай бұрын

Thanks for your comment but the law states labor and materials

Say I get hired by a homeowner and get paid by the hour, at the end of the job my hours total over $500 is that legal or illegal?

@coldspring22

Жыл бұрын

As long as you are not hired as contractor, but hourly helper. That is, home owner himself is the contractor and person hired is only helper with the job in question.

@Alex39211

Жыл бұрын

@@coldspring22 thanks

California’s $500.00 limit, is archaic. A cost of living allowance needs to be done.

@coldspring22

Жыл бұрын

Yes California want to ban unlicensed handyman.

I know this is an older video but I’ve been wondering if you struggle keeping legal under $500 in 2021. With all the inflation it’s hard to keep it low. My hourly seems to have to be around $50 hourly to pay the bills.

@Alex39211

Жыл бұрын

Say I get hired by a homeowner and get paid by the hour, at the end of the job my hours total over $500 is that legal or illegal?

@jjcc918

6 ай бұрын

What if you charge for the job and not hourly

Hey I have been watching a lot of your videos since May and I am little confused I would have to go back and look. I remember you saying that initially that you could do different projects at one location/address and they each project could be at that $500 mark. Then different video said that you just learned that when at one location could only do work $500. Now this video back to what you ininitialy said. I am confused?

@handymanjourney

4 жыл бұрын

Hey thanks for your comment. In one video I was saying that doing only one project at $500 per address was something I heard about and I would look into it. In the video today is the most current information I have and what I currently do

@trentstark9790

4 жыл бұрын

@@handymanjourney thanks for your reply I learn a lot from your videos and am going to start handyman business. I actually live in Carmichael so kind of cool to see when u driving around to see if I can figure out where u are lol. ..thanks again

@handymanjourney

4 жыл бұрын

@@trentstark9790 hey that's so awesome!!

Thank you for shedding light on this very grey area. I am DIY guy, not a handyman but learned a lot from your video(s). If your disappear one day, we will know CSLB was behind it. LOL

@handymanjourney

Жыл бұрын

I'm glad this was helpful!

How can I become a handyman????

@handymanjourney

4 жыл бұрын

Hey thanks for your comment, I would recommend to get some training on handyman business ideals. I would recommend you check out www.Handymanjourney.com for some awesome content! Best of luck to you!!

This law was created ages ago. It's time this amount is revised

@gustavocasas8654

2 жыл бұрын

100 percent agree. Everything else is going up in price, why not the limit of a handyman

@kylemccali3324

2 жыл бұрын

unions wont let it change.

Allen, you failed to mention that a handyman can work by the hour, which is referred to as "time and materials". The handyman or the homeowner can purchase the materials, and the handyman can install those materials for an hourly rate. There is no limit on the amount of hours or costs of materials involved on any project. Its at the discretion of the homeowner to agree on the hourly rate to be charged, or find a handyman with a more favorable hourly rate. I believe you are working by the hour, correct ?

@arrealhandymanservice4459

4 жыл бұрын

How do you contract that as an estimate say take 10 hours for 65 an hour. The law stated you cannot enter a contract for 500. How would you ward a contract that to follow the law but ensure you get your hours worth of pay

@normhodgkinson6965

4 жыл бұрын

@@arrealhandymanservice4459 You're not entering into a contract. Its as if you were working at Home Depot getting paid by the hour. A contract would mean you agree to do certain work for a pre-determined amount of money, and that includes a written contract, or just verbal. Telling the homeowner verbally you will paint their house for an amount over $ 500.00 is still considered a contract. As far as doing hourly work, and not getting paid is something to keep in mind, because if your work is crappy, the homeowner doesn't have to pay you, and you don't have much recourse to get your money. The Contractors License Board knows a lot of handymen do projects over the $ 500.00 limit, but pretty much look the other way because there hasn't been a lot of problems. If you do good work, and don't drag your feet to make the hours add up, homeowners are more than happy to pay you, and often times refer your name to other people which could lead to more work for you.

@kylemccali3324

2 жыл бұрын

@@normhodgkinson6965 can you cite the law that states you can work hourly as a 1099 employee/freelancer/self employed for the homeowner in CA?

@normhodgkinson6965

2 жыл бұрын

@@kylemccali3324 i just replied to your question, and it didn't show up, so it must have been blocked, but i don't know why. as for the 1099, homeowners won't give you a 1099 unless they are running a business from their home, and a commercial business will usually give you a 1099 so they can write it off on taxes.

@normhodgkinson6965

2 жыл бұрын

@@kylemccali3324 i don't believe it is a law, just an unwritten rule. any quote or estimate over $ 500.00 either verbal or written, is considered a contract, and requires a contractors license. working "time and materials" avoids the $ 500.00 requirement. the homeowner will pay you for the hours you work, and for any materials you purchase for the job. you can give a quote or estimate for labor and materials as long as its less than $ 500.00.

California law is pretty stuipid if you ask me lol!!!!!

@handymanjourney

4 жыл бұрын

Haha! For sure!

@liufox1292

3 жыл бұрын

Cheers for the Video! Apologies for the intrusion, I would appreciate your thoughts. Have you ever tried - Rozardner Successful Handyman Reality (Have a quick look on google cant remember the place now)? It is a smashing one off product for how to start a handyman business without the normal expense. Ive heard some super things about it and my friend after many years got excellent success with it.

Why don’t you just get your license ? It would be easy for you I bet and would really open up your opportunity I would think

@handymanjourney

4 жыл бұрын

Need more experience to get a license. Almost there though

Oh the “beautiful” California 😒 you can’t even poop without a license 😅 Is a lot better here in Texas

@handymanjourney

Жыл бұрын

😂😂😂

@coldspring22

Жыл бұрын

No, but home owner can still build their own home from foundation up by themselves or do whatever improvmenets on their own home (as long as they pull the permits) in California.

Can you charge more than 500 dollars if you get a business license as a handyman?

@2LegitTwoQuit

3 жыл бұрын

There isnt no business license for a handyman

You can't really do handyman businesses with a limit of $500 per project. Why would you even go into Handyman business when California handicaps you on projects? Needs answers to these

Hearing stiff like this makes me happy to be in Ohio...

@handymanjourney

4 жыл бұрын

Haha! For sure!

@angelsanchez-vg2oc

4 жыл бұрын

Great Video! Excuse me for chiming in, I would appreciate your initial thoughts. Have you heard about - Rozardner Successful Handyman Reality (google it)? It is a great one off product for how to start a handyman business minus the normal expense. Ive heard some great things about it and my BF finally got excellent results with it.

@panedole

4 жыл бұрын

Appreciate video content! Sorry for chiming in, I would love your opinion. Have you tried - Rozardner Successful Handyman Reality (probably on Google)? It is a great one off guide for how to start a handyman business minus the normal expense. Ive heard some amazing things about it and my mate at last got cool results with it.

@carlosalvarez2488

3 жыл бұрын

Kudos for the Video clip! Excuse me for butting in, I am interested in your opinion. Have you tried - Peyaniel Breathtaking Primacy (google it)? It is an awesome one off guide for starting your own successful handyman business without the headache. Ive heard some interesting things about it and my close friend Aubrey after many years got excellent results with it.

So basically there is no handyman? License? We have to be under $500? So can you legally perform handyman? If it’s over $500? Let’s say they want to change a fan,toilet and paint a room that obviously be more than 500 how can you legally get a license? To perform more than $500 but less than a contractor?

$500 has been in place for decades. It makes no sense anymore. I cant legally install a tv mount. They have made no change for inflation. It should be 1000 at least.

@handymanjourney

2 жыл бұрын

Totally agree!

@coldspring22

Жыл бұрын

$1000 for tv mount? Seems a bit steep when home owner can do it themselves in an hour?

A comment

You can’t pick your nose in California without a license and then pay taxes for the pick em and flick em tax. Then you get a ticket for littering 🤷🏻‍♂️

@handymanjourney

4 жыл бұрын

Hahahaha! Littering will get you a $100 fine and 8 hours of roadside litter cleanup duty! 😆

@jamesminardi8909

4 жыл бұрын

Honest Lee Handyman 🤦‍♂️ worse than I thought 🤷🏻‍♂️. States love their grrrrrraaaaayyyy areas.

@coldspring22

Жыл бұрын

Yes but oddly California still allow homeowners to do pretty much whatever trade on their own homes, including buildling a new home from foundation up by themselves (as long as they pull the necessary permit). I wonder how long that will last.

I don't advertise. All word of mouth.

@handymanjourney

5 ай бұрын

Awesome! Thanks for your comment!

Take the limit in checks and the rest in cash this is a business that you can ask for cash

Ok!! Well Said! So basically and technically!! in California a Handyman is a Substitute for Lazy DIY'ers!! Or for lazy people that cannot do a simple DIY stuffs! Because installing a flat screen TV on a wall of your living room is a DIY!, Installing a new tiles and new cement boards or drywalls on your bathroom is a DIY!! Installing a light bulb for a handicapped elders because they can't do it so they hired a handyman just to install a stupid light bulbs is also a DIY! Installing Vanity, faucets, shower bath tubs, installing cabinets, assembling bed units, anything that a simple people can do are all DIY's! Everybody can do it then they hire a handyman.