What handyman work requires a license in Huntington, Cabell County, West Virginia?

Work that typically requires a license or a licensed trade professional includes: Any electrical work beyond simple fixture changes (requires Master or Journeyman Electrician license from WV Office of State Fire Marshal); Any plumbing work beyond fixture replacement, including water line replacement, sewer/septic line work, and major plumbing alterations (requires WV Plumbing License); Any HVAC system installation, service, or repair (requires WV HVAC Technician Certification); Any residential construction project exceeding $5,000 total cost (requires WV Contractor License); Any commercial construction project exceeding $25,000 total cost (requires WV Contractor License); Gas line installation or repair (requires specialized license from WV Office of State Fire Marshal). Always verify with your local licensing authority.

How much can a handyman charge without a license in Huntington, Cabell County, West Virginia?

In WV, handyman jobs priced under $5,000 (labor and materials combined) generally do not require a contractor license. At or above $5,000, a licensed contractor is required.

What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Huntington, Cabell County, West Virginia?

Q: What can a handyman do without a license in Huntington, Cabell County, West Virginia?

In WV, a handyman can take jobs under $5,000 (labor and materials combined) without a contractor license. Common examples include: Paint interior or exterior surfaces (painting is entirely exempt from contractor licensing regardless of project size); Perform landscaping and lawn care services (entirely exempt from contractor licensing regardless of project size); Install or replace light fixtures, ceiling fans, and outlet covers (simple fixture changes only, not rewiring); Install or replace faucets, showerheads, and washing machine connections (fixture replacement only, not water line work); Repair drywall, patch holes, and perform minor drywall finishing (under $5,000 total project cost); Install trim, baseboards, and perform basic carpentry work (under $5,000 total project cost for residential).

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

In Huntington, West Virginia (Cabell County), handymen can work without a state contractor license on residential projects under $5,000 or commercial projects under $25,000 in total project cost. However, all businesses must register with the WV State Tax Department ($30) and obtain a Huntington City Business License ($20 annually). Work involving electrical, plumbing, or HVAC systems requires separate state trade licenses regardless of project size. Even exempt handymen may need building permits for certain work. Painting and landscaping are entirely exempt from contractor licensing requirements.

The magic number in WV: $5,000. Jobs under $5,000 (labor + materials combined) don't require a contractor license — you can take those as a handyman. Jobs at or above $5,000 require a contractor license. Know your number, know your limit.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

Paint interior or exterior surfaces (painting is entirely exempt from contractor licensing regardless of project size)
Perform landscaping and lawn care services (entirely exempt from contractor licensing regardless of project size)
Install or replace light fixtures, ceiling fans, and outlet covers (simple fixture changes only, not rewiring)
Install or replace faucets, showerheads, and washing machine connections (fixture replacement only, not water line work)
Repair drywall, patch holes, and perform minor drywall finishing (under $5,000 total project cost)
Install trim, baseboards, and perform basic carpentry work (under $5,000 total project cost for residential)
Change HVAC filters and perform basic duct cleaning (not system repair or replacement)
Mount smart thermostats, video doorbells, and similar devices (not electrical system work)
Perform work on residential projects under $5,000 total cost (labor + materials combined) without a contractor license
Perform work on commercial projects under $25,000 total cost without a contractor license

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Huntington

Based on the WV threshold, handymen in Huntington commonly take on:

Paint interior or exterior surfaces (painting is entirely exempt from contractor licensing regardless of project size)
Install or replace light fixtures, ceiling fans, and outlet covers (simple fixture changes only, not rewiring)
Install or replace faucets, showerheads, and washing machine connections (fixture replacement only, not water line work)
Repair drywall, patch holes, and perform minor drywall finishing (under $5,000 total project cost)
Install trim, baseboards, and perform basic carpentry work (under $5,000 total project cost for residential)
Change HVAC filters and perform basic duct cleaning (not system repair or replacement)
Mount smart thermostats, video doorbells, and similar devices (not electrical system work)

⚠️ What Requires a License

Any electrical work beyond simple fixture changes (requires Master or Journeyman Electrician license from WV Office of State Fire Marshal)
Any plumbing work beyond fixture replacement, including water line replacement, sewer/septic line work, and major plumbing alterations (requires WV Plumbing License)
Any HVAC system installation, service, or repair (requires WV HVAC Technician Certification)
Any residential construction project exceeding $5,000 total cost (requires WV Contractor License)
Any commercial construction project exceeding $25,000 total cost (requires WV Contractor License)
Gas line installation or repair (requires specialized license from WV Office of State Fire Marshal)
Structural modifications or alterations affecting building integrity (requires WV Contractor License)
Window or door replacement affecting structural elements (may require Contractor License depending on scope)
Roof replacement or major roofing work (requires WV Contractor License if over threshold)
Foundation repair or concrete work on structural elements (requires WV Contractor License if over threshold)

What to Tell Clients About Your Scope of Work

In WV, you can take jobs under $5,000 (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 — Huntington

Required. Huntington Business License

Setting Up Your Business in WV

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

Step 1: Register your business with the WV State Tax Department for a Business Registration Certificate ($30) at https://business4.wv.gov or by calling (800) 982-8297. This is required before any other licensing.
Step 2: Determine if your work requires a state contractor license. If you plan to work on projects over $5,000 (residential) or $25,000 (commercial), or if you perform electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work, you will need a state license. Contact the WV Contractor Licensing Board at (304) 558-7890 or CLBoard@wv.gov to determine your license classification.
Step 3: If a contractor license is required, pass the WV Business & Law Examination and any trade-specific exams. Schedule exams with Prov, Inc. at (866) 720-7768. Exam fee is $59.95 per exam. Submit your application to the WV Contractor Licensing Board with the $90 application fee.
Step 4: Obtain a Huntington Business License ($20/year) from the City of Huntington Finance Department. Email finance@huntingtonwv.gov or call (304) 696-5540 ext. 2003. Provide a copy of your WV Business Registration Certificate. If you hold a contractor license, also provide proof of General Liability insurance ($300,000/$600,000 minimum) with the City listed as Certificate Holder.
Step 5: If operating from a home address in Huntington, obtain a Home Occupation Permit from the Planning & Zoning Division at planningdept@huntingtonwv.gov.
Step 6: Obtain General Liability insurance with minimum coverage of $300,000/$600,000. List the City of Huntington as Certificate Holder if you hold a contractor license.
Step 7: Before starting any project, verify whether a building permit is required with the City of Huntington at (304) 696-5540 ext. 2003. Building permits cost $20 and are valid for 6 months.
Step 8: If working in unincorporated Cabell County (outside Huntington), verify zoning and permit requirements with the Cabell County Commission at (304) 526-8627. You will not need the City of Huntington business license for unincorporated areas.

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.