What handyman work requires a license in Chesapeake, Virginia?

Work that typically requires a license or a licensed trade professional includes: Any electrical work beyond simple fixture replacement (wiring, panel work, outlet installation, switch installation) — requires Virginia journeyman or apprentice electrician license; Any plumbing work beyond simple fixture replacement (pipe installation, drain work, water line modification) — requires Virginia journeyman or apprentice plumber license (or Residential Plumbing license for residential-only work); Any HVAC system work (installation, repair, modification of heating/cooling systems) — requires Virginia journeyman or apprentice HVAC mechanic license (or Residential HVAC Mechanic license for residential-only work); Any gas fitting work (natural gas, propane, or other gas systems) — requires Virginia gas fitter license; Any single project or contract valued at $1,000 or more (combined labor and materials) — requires Virginia DPOR Class C, B, or A contractor license; Work on federal military property — requires SAM.gov registration and compliance with federal procurement law (Virginia contractor license exemption applies on federal property, but federal law applies instead). Always verify with your local licensing authority.

How much can a handyman charge without a license in Chesapeake, Virginia?

In VA, handyman jobs priced under $1,000 (labor and materials combined) generally do not require a contractor license. At or above $1,000, a licensed contractor is required.

What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Chesapeake, Virginia?

Q: What can a handyman do without a license in Chesapeake, Virginia?

In VA, a handyman can take jobs under $1,000 (labor and materials combined) without a contractor license. Common examples include: Paint interior or exterior surfaces (walls, trim, doors, etc.); Patch and repair drywall, plaster, or caulking; Install or replace basic fixtures (door handles, cabinet hardware, light switch covers) that do not involve electrical work; Basic carpentry repairs (trim work, shelving installation, door frame repairs); Caulking and weatherstripping; General maintenance and cleaning.

By Ray Duke, Founder of Bulletproof Handyman · Last reviewed July 2026

Chesapeake, Virginia handymen and small contractors can perform work valued at $1,000 or less per project without a state contractor license, but must comply with city business licensing and cannot perform any electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or gas work regardless of cost. Work exceeding $1,000 requires a Virginia DPOR Class C, B, or A contractor license ($235–$400 plus fees). All contractors must obtain a Chesapeake city BPOL business license based on gross receipts. Chesapeake is an independent city with no separate county licensing layer.

The magic number in VA: $1,000. Jobs under $1,000 (labor + materials combined) don't require a contractor license — you can take those as a handyman. Jobs at or above $1,000 require a contractor license. Know your number, know your limit.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

Paint interior or exterior surfaces (walls, trim, doors, etc.)
Patch and repair drywall, plaster, or caulking
Install or replace basic fixtures (door handles, cabinet hardware, light switch covers) that do not involve electrical work
Basic carpentry repairs (trim work, shelving installation, door frame repairs)
Caulking and weatherstripping
General maintenance and cleaning
Pressure washing and exterior cleaning
Landscaping and yard maintenance (non-structural)
Any work on a single project valued at $1,000 or less (combined labor and materials) — provided it does not involve electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or gas work

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Chesapeake

Based on the VA threshold, handymen in Chesapeake commonly take on:

Paint interior or exterior surfaces (walls, trim, doors, etc.)
Patch and repair drywall, plaster, or caulking
Install or replace basic fixtures (door handles, cabinet hardware, light switch covers) that do not involve electrical work
Basic carpentry repairs (trim work, shelving installation, door frame repairs)
Caulking and weatherstripping
General maintenance and cleaning
Pressure washing and exterior cleaning

⚠️ What Requires a License

Any electrical work beyond simple fixture replacement (wiring, panel work, outlet installation, switch installation) — requires Virginia journeyman or apprentice electrician license
Any plumbing work beyond simple fixture replacement (pipe installation, drain work, water line modification) — requires Virginia journeyman or apprentice plumber license (or Residential Plumbing license for residential-only work)
Any HVAC system work (installation, repair, modification of heating/cooling systems) — requires Virginia journeyman or apprentice HVAC mechanic license (or Residential HVAC Mechanic license for residential-only work)
Any gas fitting work (natural gas, propane, or other gas systems) — requires Virginia gas fitter license
Any single project or contract valued at $1,000 or more (combined labor and materials) — requires Virginia DPOR Class C, B, or A contractor license
Work on federal military property — requires SAM.gov registration and compliance with federal procurement law (Virginia contractor license exemption applies on federal property, but federal law applies instead)

What to Tell Clients About Your Scope of Work

In VA, you can take jobs under $1,000 (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 — Chesapeake

Required. BPOL (Business, Professional, and Occupational License) Tax

Setting Up Your Business in VA

To get paid professionally and protect yourself, register your business. LLC filing fee in VA: $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 Chesapeake

Step 1: Determine your business structure. Form a Virginia LLC by filing Articles of Organization with the State Corporation Commission ($100 one-time fee) and pay the $50 annual registration fee. Alternatively, operate as a sole proprietorship (no filing required, but less liability protection).
Step 2: Obtain a Chesapeake city BPOL business license. Contact the Commissioner of the Revenue to determine your business classification and BPOL tax rate. Submit required documents including proof of state contractor license (or exemption form if under $1,000), zoning approval, and workers' compensation insurance certificate.
Step 3: If your projects will exceed $1,000, apply for a Virginia DPOR contractor license (Class C, B, or A depending on project scope). Complete six hours of approved pre-license education, pass the licensing exam, and submit the application with the appropriate fee ($235–$400 plus assessments).
Step 4: If you perform electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or gas work, apply for the appropriate trade license from DPOR's Board for Tradesmen. Trade licenses are separate from contractor licenses and have their own experience and exam requirements.
Step 5: Obtain general liability insurance (recommended, often required by clients) and workers' compensation insurance (required if you have employees).
Step 6: If you operate from a home office in Chesapeake, verify zoning compliance and obtain a home occupation permit if required.
Step 7: If you plan to bid on federal military contracts, register in SAM.gov (System for Award Management) at https://sam.gov. No fee, but annual renewal required.
Step 8: Keep accurate records of all project costs (labor and materials) to ensure compliance with the $1,000 exemption threshold and BPOL tax reporting.

Licensing rules and fees change over time, so this information may be out of date. Verify all requirements with your local licensing authority before making business decisions.