What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Orem, Utah County, Utah?

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

In Orem, Utah, handymen can operate without a state contractor license for jobs under $3,000 (labor and materials combined) by filing a one-time Affirmation of Exemption with the Utah Division of Professional Licensing for a $35 fee. Jobs between $3,000–$7,000 require an exemption filing plus insurance documentation; jobs over $7,000 require a full state contractor license ($226 initial fee plus exam fees). All work in electrical, plumbing, and HVAC trades requires separate state licenses regardless of project value. Additionally, you must obtain a City of Orem business license (fee varies by business type—call (801) 229-7198 for current amount) and register your business entity with the Utah Division of Corporations ($54 LLC filing fee).

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

• Minor drywall repairs and patching (non-structural)
• Interior and exterior painting (non-structural)
• Basic carpentry work (trim, shelving, non-load-bearing repairs)
• Flooring repair and replacement (non-structural)
• General maintenance and cleaning
• Fixture replacement (light fixtures, faucets, cabinet hardware—NOT plumbing or electrical work)
• Caulking and weatherstripping
• Drywall finishing and mudding
• All of the above provided the total project value (labor + materials) does NOT exceed $3,000 and does NOT require a building permit

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Orem

Based on the UT threshold, handymen in Orem commonly take on:

• Minor drywall repairs and patching (non-structural)
• Interior and exterior painting (non-structural)
• Basic carpentry work (trim, shelving, non-load-bearing repairs)
• Flooring repair and replacement (non-structural)
• General maintenance and cleaning
• Fixture replacement (light fixtures, faucets, cabinet hardware—NOT plumbing or electrical work)
• Caulking and weatherstripping
• All of the above provided the total project value (labor + materials) does NOT exceed $3,000 and does NOT require a building permit

⚠️ What Requires a License

• ANY electrical work beyond simple fixture changes (outlet installation, panel work, rewiring, etc.)—requires E100/E200/E201 Electrical Contractor license
• ANY plumbing work beyond simple fixture replacement (pipe installation, water heater replacement, drain work, etc.)—requires P200/P201 Plumbing Contractor license
• ANY HVAC system work (installation, repair, replacement of furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, etc.)—requires H100 HVAC Contractor license
• Construction work valued at $7,000 or more (labor + materials combined)—requires B100, R100, or applicable General Contractor license
• Work affecting structural integrity or building envelope (load-bearing wall removal, roof replacement, foundation work, etc.)—requires General Contractor license
• Work requiring a building permit—requires appropriate contractor license
• Gas line installation or repair—requires licensed contractor
• Alarm system installation—requires licensed alarm contractor

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 — Orem

Required. City of Orem Business License (Home Occupation License if home-based; Commercial Business License if office/commercial location)

Setting Up Your Business in UT

To get paid professionally and protect yourself, register your business. LLC filing fee in UT: $54 (one-time). You'll also need a free EIN from the IRS and a business checking account.

Your Next Steps to Operating Legally in Orem

1. Step 1: Determine your business structure (LLC recommended) and register with the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code ($54 filing fee). Obtain your business registration number.
2. Step 2: Determine if you qualify for the handyman exemption (projects under $3,000) or need a state contractor license (projects $7,000+). If $3,000–$7,000, file the Affirmation of Exemption ($35 fee) with proof of insurance.
3. Step 3: Obtain a City of Orem Business License (fee varies by business type—call (801) 229-7198 for current amount). If home-based, apply for a Home Occupation License.
4. Step 4: Verify with the City of Orem Building Department whether your specific projects require building permits.
5. Step 5: Obtain general liability insurance (recommended) and workers' compensation insurance if you have employees or work in the $3,000–$7,000 range.
6. Step 6: If performing electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work, apply for the appropriate state trade license (E200/E201, P200/P201, or H100) through DOPL.
7. Step 7: Register for a Sales Tax Permit with the Utah State Tax Commission if you sell taxable goods or services.
8. Step 8: Verify compliance with all local zoning and home occupation restrictions if operating from home.

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.