What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Dover, Strafford County, New Hampshire?
New Hampshire has no state-level general contractor license requirement, making it one of the most permissive states for handymen. However, specific trades (electrical, plumbing, gas fitting) require state licenses regardless of job value. Dover does not impose a separate city business license on contractors; instead, you must register your LLC with the NH Secretary of State ($100 filing fee) and pull building permits for covered work through Dover's online portal. Any home improvement project over $500 requires a written contract under RSA 359-G.
✅ What You Can Do Without a License
- Painting (interior and exterior)
- Drywall repair and installation (non-structural)
- Carpentry work (trim, shelving, basic framing)
- Flooring installation and repair (non-structural)
- Fence repair and installation
- Basic maintenance and repairs (caulking, weatherstripping, minor repairs)
- Door and window frame installation (if not affecting structural integrity)
- Deck building and repair (verify local permit requirements)
- All general handyman work at any dollar amount, provided it does not involve licensed trades
Common Jobs Handymen Take in Dover
Based on the NH threshold, handymen in Dover commonly take on:
- Painting (interior and exterior)
- Drywall repair and installation (non-structural)
- Carpentry work (trim, shelving, basic framing)
- Flooring installation and repair (non-structural)
- Fence repair and installation
- Basic maintenance and repairs (caulking, weatherstripping, minor repairs)
- Door and window frame installation (if not affecting structural integrity)
- Deck building and repair (verify local permit requirements)
⚠️ What Requires a License
- Any electrical work beyond changing light bulbs or simple fixture replacement (requires NH Electrician license)
- Any plumbing work beyond simple fixture replacement (requires NH Plumber license)
- HVAC system installation or repair involving fuel gas (requires NH Fuel Gas Service Technician license)
- Well drilling or water system work (requires NH Well Driller license)
- Any work affecting electrical panels, circuits, or wiring (requires Electrician license)
- Any work on gas lines, water lines, or drainage systems (requires Plumber license)
- HVAC system work involving refrigerants or fuel gas (requires appropriate state license)
Business License — Dover
Not required at the city level.
Setting Up Your Business in NH
To get paid professionally and protect yourself, register your business. LLC filing fee in NH: $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 Dover
- Step 1: Determine your business structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, or corporation). If forming an LLC, file the Certificate of Formation with the NH Secretary of State ($100 online filing fee) at sos.nh.gov.
- Step 2: Verify whether you need to register as a Home Improvement Contractor under RSA 332-A by contacting OPLC at (603) 271-3474 or oplc.nh.gov. If required, obtain general liability insurance ($25,000 minimum per occurrence) and submit registration.
- Step 3: Obtain general liability insurance (recommended minimum $1,000,000 coverage) from a licensed insurance agent.
- Step 4: Register your business with the Dover city clerk if operating from a residential address (home occupation permit). Contact Dover Planning Department at (603) 516-6008 to verify zoning compliance.
- Step 5: For each project, determine whether a building permit is required by reviewing Dover's permit fee schedule at permits.dover.nh.gov or calling (603) 516-6450. Obtain the permit BEFORE starting work.
- Step 6: For any project exceeding $500, prepare a written contract complying with RSA 359-G (include your name, address, scope, price, and payment schedule).
- Step 7: If you plan to perform electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work, apply for the appropriate state trade license through OPLC at oplc.nh.gov.
- Step 8: File your annual LLC report with the NH Secretary of State by April 1 each year ($100 fee) to maintain good standing.
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.