What can a handyman do in Bloomington, IN?
Indiana has no statewide general contractor license for this work, so local and trade rules decide.
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No license threshold. A real property (home) improvement contract is one whose contract price 'exceeds one hundred fifty dollars ($150)'. Contracts above $150 must be in writing (AG: 'Indiana law requires home improvement contracts exceeding $150 to be in writing'). At exactly $150 or below, the writing rule does not apply.
What counts toward it: other: no licensing threshold. IC 24-5-11 written-contract rule applies when the contract price exceeds $150.
"Check with your city or county building department to determine the licensing requirements for your area and if the contractor you are considering is properly licensed, bonded and insured. Get a written contract. Indiana law requires home improvement contracts exceeding $150 to be in writing."
What Bloomington adds
Building permits for Bloomington are issued by Monroe County Building Department (City Planning issues zoning/ILP-type approvals only); Monroe County licenses/registers electricians and plumbers working anywhere in the county. No general handyman license or business license.
Source link: bloomington.in.gov · in.gov · secure.in.gov · checked November 2, 2026
Local contractor or handyman license
Required
- Name: Monroe County Building Department electrician and plumber license/registration only (county-wide incl. Bloomington); no general/handyman contractor license found
- Trigger: electrical or plumbing work in Monroe County; licensee must carry $500,000 liability naming Monroe County and workers comp (or exemption)
"The department is also charged with maintaining the licensing and registration program for electricians and plumbers working within the County."
Source: in.gov · checked November 2, 2026
Jobs a handyman usually takes
Indiana has no general state license, so everyday jobs like these turn on local rules and trade licenses:
- Mounting TVs, shelves, mirrors and pictures
- Assembling furniture and flat-pack cabinets
- Patching drywall and interior painting
- Caulking, weatherstripping and sealing
- Repairing doors, locks, screens and windows
- Basic carpentry, trim and small repairs
- Pressure washing and gutter cleaning
Trade work in Indiana
Plumbing: state-licensed by the Indiana Plumbing Commission (PLA), IC 25-28.5.
Source: in.gov · checked November 2, 2026
Nearby places
Rules change. This page shows what official sources said on the dates above. It is not legal advice, so confirm with the office named before you take the job.
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