What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Nashua, New Hampshire?
For handymen in Nashua (Hillsborough County), New Hampshire generally does NOT have a statewide “general contractor” license for basic handyman/general repair work, but NH DOES license specific trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC/gas-fitting) and local building permits still apply. There is no statewide dollar-threshold “handyman exemption” license—your limits come from (1) whether the work is a licensed trade and (2) whether a permit is required by Nashua for the scope of work.
✅ What You Can Do Without a License
- Interior/exterior painting (non-lead regulated work; follow EPA RRP rules for pre-1978 painted surfaces if applicable)
- Minor drywall patching and repair
- Basic carpentry not affecting structural elements (trim, baseboards, interior door slab/hardware replacement)
- Cabinet installation/re-hanging where no plumbing/electrical is altered
- Flooring installation (vinyl plank, laminate, carpet) without structural modifications
- Caulking/weatherstripping and minor exterior repairs that do not alter structural framing
- Gutter cleaning and minor gutter repairs (not involving structural roof modifications)
- Furniture assembly and non-permitted accessory installations (curtain rods, shelving anchored properly—verify wall type/fire-rated assemblies in multi-family)
Common Jobs Handymen Take in Nashua
Based on the NH threshold, handymen in Nashua commonly take on:
- Interior/exterior painting (non-lead regulated work; follow EPA RRP rules for pre-1978 painted surfaces if applicable)
- Minor drywall patching and repair
- Basic carpentry not affecting structural elements (trim, baseboards, interior door slab/hardware replacement)
- Cabinet installation/re-hanging where no plumbing/electrical is altered
- Flooring installation (vinyl plank, laminate, carpet) without structural modifications
- Caulking/weatherstripping and minor exterior repairs that do not alter structural framing
- Gutter cleaning and minor gutter repairs (not involving structural roof modifications)
- Furniture assembly and non-permitted accessory installations (curtain rods, shelving anchored properly—verify wall type/fire-rated assemblies in multi-family)
⚠️ What Requires a License
- Electrical work requiring a NH electrician license: new circuits, outlets/switches beyond like-for-like device replacement in many cases, panel/service work, generator interconnections, hardwired smoke/CO systems (when required by code), and most wiring in walls/ceilings
- Plumbing work requiring a NH plumber license: installing/replacing water heaters (often permit/inspection), running new supply/drain/vent lines, modifying traps/vents, tying into building drains, many shower/tub valve replacements if piping is altered
- HVAC/refrigeration work requiring appropriate licensing and (for refrigerants) EPA 608 certification: installing/servicing condensers/evaporators, charging refrigerant, major ducted system work
- Fuel gas work (natural gas/propane): installing/altering gas piping, appliance connections beyond simple listed connector swaps where permitted, combustion venting changes—typically requires licensed gas fitter/HVAC and inspections
- Structural work: removing/altering load-bearing walls, framing changes, most deck construction, additions—typically requires building permit and plans/engineering
- Roofing/siding/window/door replacements that change openings or impact egress/structural components: typically requires permits and inspections
- Lead-based paint activities in pre-1978 housing/child-occupied facilities: EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) firm certification and trained renovators are required for many disturbance scopes
Business License — Nashua
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 Nashua
- Step 1: Register your business entity (LLC recommended) with the NH Secretary of State (LLC filing fee $100).
- Step 2: Confirm Nashua zoning/home occupation rules (if operating from home) and confirm permit requirements with Nashua Building Safety before starting projects.
- Step 3: Get general liability insurance and (if you will have employees) workers’ compensation; align limits with what local GCs/property managers require.
- Step 4: If you plan to offer electrical/plumbing/HVAC/gas services, obtain the appropriate NH trade license(s) through OPLC before advertising or contracting for that work.
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.