What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Lehi, Utah County, Utah?
Handymen in Lehi, Utah can operate under a state handyman exemption for projects under approximately $3,000–$7,000 (verify current threshold with DOPL), but must register with an Affirmation of Exemption ($35 fee) and obtain a Lehi City Business License ($140 for commercial address, free for home-based with possible $50 fire inspection fee). Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work always require separate state licenses regardless of project value. No state-level general business license is required in Utah.
✅ What You Can Do Without a License
- Painting (interior and exterior)
- Drywall repair and patching (minor work)
- Trim carpentry and finish work
- Fence repair and installation (non-structural)
- Floor installation and refinishing (non-structural)
- Basic carpentry repairs and modifications
- Caulking and weatherproofing
- Minor repairs to doors, windows, and hardware (non-structural changes)
- All work must be under the project dollar threshold ($3,000–$7,000 depending on current DOPL interpretation) and cannot include electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or gas work
Common Jobs Handymen Take in Lehi
Based on the UT threshold, handymen in Lehi commonly take on:
- Painting (interior and exterior)
- Drywall repair and patching (minor work)
- Trim carpentry and finish work
- Fence repair and installation (non-structural)
- Floor installation and refinishing (non-structural)
- Basic carpentry repairs and modifications
- Caulking and weatherproofing
- Minor repairs to doors, windows, and hardware (non-structural changes)
⚠️ What Requires a License
- ANY electrical work (including fixture installation, panel work, rewiring) — requires Journeyman Electrician license
- ANY plumbing work beyond simple faucet repair — requires Plumber license
- ANY HVAC system work (installation, repair, replacement) — requires H100 HVAC Contractor license
- Gas line work — requires separate gas fitter license
- General contracting work on projects over $3,000–$7,000 (depending on current threshold) — requires B100 General Contractor license
- Structural modifications or additions to buildings
- Work that requires a building permit (water heater installation, window/door replacement affecting structure, electrical panel work, plumbing changes)
What to Tell Clients About Your Scope of Work
In UT, you can take jobs under $3,000 (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 — Lehi
Required. Lehi City Business License (General or Home Occupation)
Setting Up Your Business in UT
To get paid professionally and protect yourself, register your business. LLC filing fee in UT: $59 (one-time). You'll also need a free EIN from the IRS and a business checking account.
Your Next Steps to Operating Legally in Lehi
- Step 1: Verify the current handyman exemption threshold with DOPL at (801) 530-6628 or (866) 275-3675 (toll-free). Confirm whether your planned work falls under the exemption or requires a full contractor license.
- Step 2: Register your business entity (LLC recommended) with the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code at corporations.utah.gov. Filing fee is $59. Include your business registration number on all DOPL applications.
- Step 3: If operating under the handyman exemption, submit an Affirmation of Exemption form to DOPL with the $35 processing fee.
- Step 4: Obtain a Lehi City Business License. If home-based, submit a Home Occupation Application to Lehi Planning & Zoning at (385) 201-1000. Fee is $0 unless a fire inspection is required ($50 impact fee). If commercial address, fee is $140.
- Step 5: Obtain general liability insurance (recommended for all handymen, required by many customers).
- Step 6: For any electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or gas work, apply for the appropriate state trade license through DOPL.
- Step 7: Before starting any project, determine whether a building permit is required by contacting Lehi City Planning & Zoning or Utah County. Permits are required for structural work, electrical/plumbing/HVAC changes, and other safety-related modifications.
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.