What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Beaverton, Oregon?

In Beaverton (Washington County), most paid “handyman” work on residential property requires an Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) contractor license unless the job is under Oregon’s small-project/handyman exemption threshold. Even if you’re exempt from the CCB license, Oregon still requires separate state trade licenses for electrical/plumbing/HVAC work, and the City of Beaverton may require a city business tax account for businesses operating in the city.

The magic number in OR: $2000. Jobs under $2000 (labor + materials combined) don't require a contractor license — you can take those as a handyman. Jobs at or above $2000 require a contractor license. Know your number, know your limit.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

Jobs under $2,000 total contract price (labor + materials) that do not require a state trade license (e.g., basic carpentry repairs, replacing trim, patching drywall) (threshold: $2,000 per job)
Interior and exterior painting (non-lead regulated practices still apply; EPA RRP rules may apply for pre-1978 housing when disturbing paint)
Minor drywall repair and texture matching
Replacing doors/locks/hinges/handles (non-structural; major structural changes may require permits)
Installing shelving, closet organizers, curtain rods, and similar finish work
Caulking, weatherstripping, minor tile/grout repair (not involving plumbing alterations)
Basic yard structures or repairs that do not require building permits (small repairs; larger structures often require permits)
Assembling furniture, mounting TVs to wall (ensure no electrical wiring alterations)

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Beaverton

Based on the OR threshold, handymen in Beaverton commonly take on:

Jobs under $2,000 total contract price (labor + materials) that do not require a state trade license (e.g., basic carpentry repairs, replacing trim, patching drywall) (threshold: $2,000 per job)
Interior and exterior painting (non-lead regulated practices still apply; EPA RRP rules may apply for pre-1978 housing when disturbing paint)
Minor drywall repair and texture matching
Replacing doors/locks/hinges/handles (non-structural; major structural changes may require permits)
Installing shelving, closet organizers, curtain rods, and similar finish work
Caulking, weatherstripping, minor tile/grout repair (not involving plumbing alterations)
Basic yard structures or repairs that do not require building permits (small repairs; larger structures often require permits)
Assembling furniture, mounting TVs to wall (ensure no electrical wiring alterations)

⚠️ What Requires a License

Any construction/repair/alteration work for compensation where the total contract price is $2,000 or more (generally requires an Oregon CCB contractor license)
Electrical work (new circuits, panel work, wiring, many fixture installations) — requires Oregon electrical licensing and typically permits
Plumbing work beyond very minor tasks; changes to supply/drain/vent piping, water heater work, and many replacements require licensed plumbing and permits
HVAC/mechanical work (furnace/AC/heat pump installs, ducting, refrigerant work) — requires appropriate licensing and permits; refrigerant work also requires EPA 608
Gas piping installation/alteration — typically requires licensed professionals and permits
Structural modifications (load-bearing walls, beams, major framing) — permits required and usually a licensed contractor for compensation
Roofing replacement, siding replacement, window replacements that affect building envelope/egress requirements — commonly permit-triggering and typically done under a CCB-licensed contractor

What to Tell Clients About Your Scope of Work

In OR, you can take jobs under $2000 (labor + materials) without a contractor license. When a client asks, be straightforward: for jobs under this threshold, you're operating legally as a handyman. For larger projects, refer them to a licensed contractor or get licensed before bidding that work.

Business License — Beaverton

Required. City of Beaverton Business Tax / Business License Registration

Setting Up Your Business in OR

To get paid professionally and protect yourself, register your business. LLC filing fee in OR: $100 (one-time). You'll also need a free EIN from the IRS and a business checking account.

Your Next Steps to Operating Legally in Beaverton

Step 1: Form your business (LLC optional) and file with Oregon Secretary of State ($100).
Step 2: If you will do jobs $2,000+ (or want to avoid the limit), apply for an Oregon CCB contractor license (application/renewal commonly $250 per 2-year cycle) and obtain the required bond and liability insurance.
Step 3: Register with the City of Beaverton for business tax/business license compliance (fee/tax typically gross-receipts based; confirm minimums and filing).
Step 4: If doing any electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work, obtain the proper Oregon trade license(s) and pull permits as required; do not rely on the handyman exemption for trade work.

Research generated by AI. Verify all requirements with your local licensing authority before making business decisions.