What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Manchester, New Hampshire?
New Hampshire does not require a state-level general contractor license, making it one of the most permissive states for handymen. Handymen can perform general repair and renovation work of any dollar value without a state license. However, specialty trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, gas fitting, asbestos/lead abatement) require state trade licenses regardless of job size. Manchester requires a city business license for contractors, and a $5,000 surety bond is typically required. Building permits are required for most work despite the lack of licensing requirements.
✅ What You Can Do Without a License
- General carpentry and framing (non-structural repairs)
- Interior and exterior painting
- Drywall installation and repair
- Flooring installation (non-structural)
- Tile work and backsplash installation
- Door and window frame installation (non-structural)
- Deck building and repair (non-structural)
- General handyman repairs and maintenance of any dollar value
Common Jobs Handymen Take in Manchester
Based on the NH threshold, handymen in Manchester commonly take on:
- General carpentry and framing (non-structural repairs)
- Interior and exterior painting
- Drywall installation and repair
- Flooring installation (non-structural)
- Tile work and backsplash installation
- Door and window frame installation (non-structural)
- Deck building and repair (non-structural)
- General handyman repairs and maintenance of any dollar value
⚠️ What Requires a License
- Any electrical work beyond simple fixture changes (requires Master Electrician license or licensed electrician supervision)
- Any plumbing work beyond simple fixture replacement (requires Master Plumber license or licensed plumber supervision)
- HVAC system installation, repair, or maintenance (requires licensed HVAC technician or Mechanical Business Entity license)
- Gas line installation or repair (requires licensed Gas Fitter or Mechanical Business Entity license)
- Asbestos abatement or disturbance (requires Bureau of Health Risk Assessment certification)
- Lead abatement work in residential dwellings or child care centers (requires Bureau of Health Risk Assessment certification)
- Any work affecting structural integrity (may require licensed engineer or architect review)
Business License — Manchester
Required. Business License / Business Tax Certificate
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 Manchester
- Step 1: Verify your business structure. Form an LLC with the NH Secretary of State ($100 filing fee) or operate as a sole proprietorship (no state filing required, but LLC is recommended for liability protection).
- Step 2: Obtain a Manchester City Business License from the City Clerk's Office. Contact (603) 624-6455 for current fee and application process. Verify contractor-specific fee.
- Step 3: Obtain a $5,000 surety bond (verify current requirement with Manchester City Clerk).
- Step 4: Obtain general liability insurance (minimum $25,000 per occurrence recommended). This is often required by customers and is mandatory for specialty trades.
- Step 5: If you plan to perform electrical, plumbing, HVAC, gas, asbestos, or lead work, obtain the appropriate state trade license(s) from OPLC (oplc.nh.gov). Each trade has specific education, experience, and exam requirements.
- Step 6: If operating from home, contact Manchester Planning & Community Development (603-624-6450) to verify Home Occupation Permit requirements.
- Step 7: Before starting any project, contact Manchester Planning & Community Development (603-624-6450) to determine what building permits are required.
- Step 8: If you have employees, register for workers' compensation insurance with the NH Department of Labor.
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.