Q: If handyman charges by the hour instead of job & w/o written contract, can he work w/o a license if paid more than $500?
This would be for building cabinets, installing new flooring, drywall, painting, etc. - basically a small kitchen remodel over a period of months. I am told if no contract exists and paid by the hour, the handyman would be an employee of the homeowner, not a contractor. I am in California.
A: He would be an illegal contractor and subject to prosecution by the State Contractors Licensing Board. If injured on your job at your residence he can sue you and you should hope you have workers' compensation insurance coverage in your fire insurance policy. If that's your situation call your ins. broker.
William John Light agrees with this answer
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A: As I understand it, a handyman cannot do a job in excess of $500 without a contractor's license. You can build $500 cabinet. You can install $500 new flooring. You can do $500 drywall. You can do $500 painting. If they are separate jobs. Owner to supply all materials. A full examination of all facts would be necessary to render an accurate opinion. Contact your own attorney.
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