What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Bernalillo, New Mexico?

In Bernalillo (Sandoval County), most "handyman" work is only legal in New Mexico if you stay under the state’s construction licensing exemption and you do not perform regulated trades (electrical/plumbing/gas/HVAC) that require licensed professionals and permits. New Mexico generally requires a contractor license through the Construction Industries Division (CID) once you exceed the small-project exemption threshold; even under the threshold, permits may still be required for certain work.

The magic number in NM: $7200. Jobs under $7200 (labor + materials combined) don't require a contractor license — you can take those as a handyman. Jobs at or above $7200 require a contractor license. Know your number, know your limit.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

Jobs under $7,200 total contract value (labor + materials) that do NOT involve regulated trades (electrical/plumbing/gas/HVAC) and do not otherwise require CID licensure (confirm scope with CID).
Interior/exterior painting (no lead abatement; follow EPA RRP rules for pre-1978 homes if applicable).
Minor drywall patching and texture repair (non-structural).
Basic carpentry such as trim, baseboards, interior doors (like-for-like), and shelving installation.
Cabinet hardware replacement and minor cabinet adjustments (not full cabinet installs involving plumbing/electrical relocation).
Fence repairs that do not involve structural retaining walls or major site work (permits may still apply).
Gutter cleaning/repair and minor exterior maintenance (subject to local rules/height/safety).
Tile repair and flooring replacement where you are not altering subfloor structure or moving plumbing fixtures.

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Bernalillo

Based on the NM threshold, handymen in Bernalillo commonly take on:

Interior/exterior painting (no lead abatement; follow EPA RRP rules for pre-1978 homes if applicable).
Minor drywall patching and texture repair (non-structural).
Basic carpentry such as trim, baseboards, interior doors (like-for-like), and shelving installation.
Cabinet hardware replacement and minor cabinet adjustments (not full cabinet installs involving plumbing/electrical relocation).
Fence repairs that do not involve structural retaining walls or major site work (permits may still apply).
Gutter cleaning/repair and minor exterior maintenance (subject to local rules/height/safety).
Tile repair and flooring replacement where you are not altering subfloor structure or moving plumbing fixtures.

⚠️ What Requires a License

Contracting for construction work where the total contract price is $7,200 or more (labor + materials) in New Mexico—generally requires a CID contractor license in the proper classification.
Electrical contracting beyond very minor like-for-like work: new circuits, panel/service work, hardwired additions, most troubleshooting/repairs for compensation typically require proper licensure and permits/inspection.
Plumbing contracting beyond simple like-for-like fixture replacement: adding/moving supply or drain lines, water heater install (often permit-trigger), sewer line work—requires proper plumbing license/classification and permits.
HVAC/mechanical/refrigeration work (equipment replacement, refrigerant circuit work, gas-fired appliance hookups, ducted system changes)—requires proper mechanical/HVAC licensing and permits.
Gasfitting and LP/natural gas piping work—requires proper licensure and inspections; do not perform under a handyman exemption.
Structural work (load-bearing walls, framing changes, foundations, significant roof structure work)—typically requires licensed contracting and permits/engineering as applicable.
Projects requiring specialty classifications (e.g., roofing at scale, fire protection/sprinklers, public works work) depending on scope and procurement requirements.

What to Tell Clients About Your Scope of Work

In NM, you can take jobs under $7200 (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 — Bernalillo

Required. Town of Bernalillo Business Registration/Business License (local)

Setting Up Your Business in NM

To get paid professionally and protect yourself, register your business. LLC filing fee in NM: $50 (one-time). You'll also need a free EIN from the IRS and a business checking account.

Your Next Steps to Operating Legally in Bernalillo

Step 1: Register your business entity (LLC recommended) with the New Mexico Secretary of State ($50 filing fee).
Step 2: Register with NM Taxation & Revenue (TRD) for Gross Receipts Tax (GRT) and any employer accounts you need.
Step 3: Obtain a Town of Bernalillo business license/registration (confirm category and annual fee with the Town Clerk).
Step 4: Get general liability insurance; if hiring help, set up workers’ compensation.
Step 5: If you will take projects at/above $7,200 or do any work requiring a classification, start the CID contractor licensing process (classification selection, qualifying party, exams, bond, application).
Step 6: For any job on Pueblo land or federal installations, contact the applicable tribal office/base/facility to confirm vendor registration and access requirements before quoting.

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