Handyman License Requirements in Windber, PA
Building permits/inspections through PA Municipal Codes Alliance, Somerset office, 318 Georgian Place, Somerset PA 15501, 814-444-6112 (pacodealliance.com/Permit-Applications). Borough Office: 1401 Graham Ave, 814-467-9014.
Windber requirements
Building permits/inspections through PA Municipal Codes Alliance, Somerset office, 318 Georgian Place, Somerset PA 15501, 814-444-6112 (pacodealliance.com/Permit-Applications). Borough Office: 1401 Graham Ave, 814-467-9014.
Source link: windberboro.com · windberboro.com · windberboro.com · checked November 10, 2026
Local business license
Our check could not confirm this from an official page, so we don't state it. Ask the city or county office.
Local contractor or handyman license
Depends
- Name: Windber Borough Contractor License (Ordinance 098-2)
- Applies when: The form is still linked on the borough's Codes and Zoning page; its attached letter dates from the 2016 renewal cycle. Classes: General, Plumbing, Electrical, Excavation, Masonry, Mechanical, Demolition, Paving, Other.
- Trigger: Contractors doing commercial work or building new homes in the borough
- Office: Windber Borough, Municipal Building, 1401 Graham Avenue, Windber PA 15963, (814) 467-9014
- Fee: $50 per year (2 decals; $1 each extra)
"Any contractor that performs commercial work or any new home builder is required to be licensed by the local municipality as they were previously."
Source: windberboro.com · checked November 10, 2026
County: Somerset County
The Pennsylvania rule
Regulator: Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Bureau of Consumer Protection - Home Improvement Contractor Registration (PA-HICRS, hic.attorneygeneral.gov). LLC formation: PA Department of State, Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations.
Not a home improvement contractor (no registration needed) if 'the total cash value of all of that person's home improvements is less than $5,000 during the previous taxable year' (strictly under $5,000; at $5,000 or more registration is required). FAQ elsewhere phrases it as 'less than $5,000 of work in a calendar year'. Separately, a job only counts as a 'home improvement' when the total cash price agreed is more than $500. Other exemption: home improvement retailers with net worth over $50,000,000. Written contracts are required for home improvements over $500; deposit limits apply to projects over $5,000.
What counts toward it: other: total cash value of all of the person's home improvements in the previous taxable year (annual business volume, not per job); a 'home improvement' itself is only work where total cash price agreed is more than $500
"A person for whom the total cash value of all of that person’s home improvements is less than $5,000 during the previous taxable year."
Source: attorneygeneral.gov · checked November 2, 2026
State registration
HICPA registration with the OAG: $100 non-refundable fee every two years (raised from $50 via a Fiscal Code change, 72 P.S. 1603-U; online card payments add $2). Proof of commercial general liability insurance: at least $50,000 personal injury and $50,000 property damage (self-insurance allowed with certificate). PA registration number (e.g., PA123456) must appear on all ads, contracts, estimates and proposals. Updates within 30 days of changes. Unregistered work: civil penalties of $1,000 or more; contracts may be unenforceable. Licensed electricians, master plumbers etc. must also register if doing home improvements.
Source: attorneygeneral.gov · hic.attorneygeneral.gov · checked November 2, 2026
Insurance and bond
HICPA registrants: CGL at least $50,000 personal injury liability and $50,000 property damage. No state bond required (none found on OAG pages).
Source: hic.attorneygeneral.gov · checked November 2, 2026
Forming an LLC in Pennsylvania
State filing fee: $125.
Source: pa.gov · checked November 2, 2026
What to do, in order
- Read the Pennsylvania rule and confirm with Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Bureau of Consumer Protection - Home Improvement Contractor Registration (PA-HICRS, hic.attorneygeneral.gov). LLC formation: PA Department of State, Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations..
- Line up the Windber items listed on this page.
- Get your insurance and rate in place before the first paid job.
Nearby places
Rules change. This page shows what official sources said on the dates above. It is not legal advice.
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