How to Get a Home Improvement Contractor License

Do you have a knack for home improvement? Have you considered making a job out of it?

To be paid to make home repairs, remodels, improvements, or any sort of construction, you need a home improvement contractor license. But don’t worry, it’s really simple to get one!

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about becoming a residential contractor.

Difference Between Contractor Licenses

A home improvement contractor license gives you permission to do a home repair, or build on existing homes, as long as the value of the job (labor and material included) is between $3,000 and $24,999. As soon as the improvements cost more than that, it requires a different construction license.

For example, a garage door making noise can be repaired by a home improvement contractor, but building a new garage will probably be out of their range.

The law varies across states, so make sure to check the specifics of different licenses and what they entail with your local board for licensing contractors.

Eligibility

There are 4 ways you can register as a home improvement contractor. You can register as an individual, a proprietorship, a partnership, or a corporation. Make sure you know what type of company you want to own, and register it, before you begin the application process.

The licensing board will delay or reject your application if your registered business information is not included.

Fees

All applicants need to pay a $150 application fee. These fees can only be paid online or in person.

Along with an application fee, your company needs to make a donation to the Guaranty Fund. This donation is proportional to the size of your company. Companies with 0 to 3 employees must donate $100, $200 if you’ve got 4 to 10 employees, $300 if 11 to 30 employees, and $500 for companies with more than 30 employees.

Registering

Along with your payments, you need to submit the relevant paperwork. You can submit this application in person, online, or via the mail.

Remember, when applying, it is up to you to make sure your application is correctly and completely filled out. Applications that are incorrectly filled out get rejected, and you will have to redo the application and pay all the fees again.

Make sure you have gone through the relevant state or county checklists to get your builder’s license. While they are usually similar, some of the requirements can vary.

Timeline

Applications get checked and approved as they come in, so you don’t have to wait too long. Approval time depends on how busy the approval board is, and how complete your application is.

Once you have received your license, you need to renew it every two years. This renewal costs $100 each time.

Getting Your Home Improvement Contractor License

Now you’re all set to get your home improvement contractor license! You’re on your way to being your community’s favorite local home renovator! Begin your home improvement contractor journey today.

If you enjoyed this article, please take a look at our blog for more content.