What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Glenview, Illinois?
In Illinois there is no single statewide "general contractor license" for typical handyman/general contracting work, but many cities (including suburbs in Cook County) require local contractor registration/licensing plus permits for specific jobs. A handyman can usually perform non-structural, cosmetic, and minor repair work, but electrical, plumbing, and many HVAC activities are regulated (often via state licensure and/or local registration and permitting). Always check Glenview’s contractor licensing/registration and permit rules before starting work—even if the State does not issue a general contractor license.
✅ What You Can Do Without a License
- Interior/exterior painting and staining (non-lead abatement) (subject to permit rules if part of a larger renovation)
- Minor drywall patching and repair; small hole repairs; caulking and weatherstripping
- Basic carpentry: trim/baseboard installation, shelving, cabinet hardware, door adjustments
- Flooring installation (laminate/LVP/engineered floating floors) where no structural changes are made
- Tile repair/replacement in small areas (non-structural) and grout repair
- Fence repair (non-structural, not requiring a permit based on height/location)
- Gutter cleaning/repair and downspout extensions (as long as no structural roof framing changes)
- Like-for-like replacement of faucets/toilets or light fixtures may be allowed only if local code/permit rules allow and if it does not require a licensed trade in that jurisdiction—verify with Glenview before offering these services
Common Jobs Handymen Take in Glenview
Based on the IL threshold, handymen in Glenview commonly take on:
- Interior/exterior painting and staining (non-lead abatement) (subject to permit rules if part of a larger renovation)
- Minor drywall patching and repair; small hole repairs; caulking and weatherstripping
- Basic carpentry: trim/baseboard installation, shelving, cabinet hardware, door adjustments
- Flooring installation (laminate/LVP/engineered floating floors) where no structural changes are made
- Tile repair/replacement in small areas (non-structural) and grout repair
- Fence repair (non-structural, not requiring a permit based on height/location)
- Gutter cleaning/repair and downspout extensions (as long as no structural roof framing changes)
- Like-for-like replacement of faucets/toilets or light fixtures may be allowed only if local code/permit rules allow and if it does not require a licensed trade in that jurisdiction—verify with Glenview before offering these services
⚠️ What Requires a License
- Plumbing work that requires an Illinois-licensed plumber (common for installing/altering water supply, drain, waste, vent piping; many water heater installations; gas piping)
- Electrical work requiring an electrical permit, especially: service panel work, new circuits, wiring modifications, adding outlets/switches, EV chargers—often must be done by a locally licensed/registered electrician
- HVAC/mechanical system installation, replacement, or major repair where permits are required; refrigerant handling requires EPA Section 608 certification
- Structural work: removing/altering load-bearing walls, framing changes, foundation work (permit required and often engineered plans)
- Roof structural repairs or major re-roofing where permits apply
- Fire protection systems (sprinklers/alarms) and certain low-voltage systems where locally regulated
- Lead paint abatement activities regulated under federal/state programs (separate certification requirements)
Business License — Glenview
Required. Business License / Contractor Registration (Village of Glenview)
Setting Up Your Business in IL
To get paid professionally and protect yourself, register your business. LLC filing fee in IL: $150 (one-time). You'll also need a free EIN from the IRS and a business checking account.
Your Next Steps to Operating Legally in Glenview
- Step 1: Form your business (LLC recommended) with the Illinois Secretary of State (LLC filing fee $150).
- Step 2: Contact the Village of Glenview to confirm whether you need a business license and/or contractor registration, and obtain the correct application(s).
- Step 3: Get general liability insurance (and workers’ comp if you have employees); be ready to provide certificates naming Glenview as certificate holder if required.
- Step 4: For any plumbing/electrical/HVAC scope, confirm trade licensure and who will pull permits before quoting the job.
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.