What can a handyman do in Palos Heights, IL?
Illinois has no statewide general contractor license for this work, so local and trade rules decide.
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No license threshold. HRRA Sec. 10: definition excludes 'maintenance, service, or repairs under $500'. Sec. 15: written contract/work order required 'Prior to initiating home repair or remodeling work for over $1,000'. Sec. 20: consumer-rights pamphlet for all contracts; signed acknowledgment only for contracts 'over $1,000' ('$1,000 or under' = pamphlet, no acknowledgment).
What counts toward it: other: no licensing threshold. HRRA contract rules: written contract required for work 'over $1,000' (total cost incl. parts and materials); 'home repair and remodeling' definition excludes 'maintenance, service, or repairs under $500'.
""Home repair and remodeling" means the fixing, replacing, altering, converting, modernizing, improving, or making of an addition to any real property primarily designed or used as a residence other than maintenance, service, or repairs under $500."
What Palos Heights adds
Palos Heights: all contractors doing work within the City must hold a City Contractor License (Building / Code Enforcement Dept): General Contractor $200, Subcontractor $100, $20,000 trade-specific bond, $500,000+ GL & workers' comp certificate naming the City; valid one year; no permits until registered. Plumbing/alarm/elevator contractors only provide state license. A separate City business license applies to businesses located in Palos Heights.
Source link: palosheights.org · palosheights.org · palosheights.org · checked November 2, 2026
Local business license
Depends
- Name: City of Palos Heights Business License
- Applies when: CONDITIONAL
"the undersigned herewith makes this application for license to conduct such business as is hereafter designated on the City of Palos Heights"
Source: palosheights.org · checked November 2, 2026
Local contractor or handyman license
Required
- Name: City of Palos Heights Contractor License/Registration
- Trigger: All contractors doing work within the City; permits not issued until registered. General Contractors $200, Subcontractors $100; $20,000 trade-specific bond; GL & workers' comp $500,000+ with City as certificate holder; expires one year from issuance
"All contractors doing work within the City of Palos Heights must be registered with the City. Contractor licenses expire one year from the date of issuance. ... General Contractors $200, Subcontractors $100 $20,000 Trade Specific Bond"
Source: palosheights.org · checked November 2, 2026
Jobs a handyman usually takes
Illinois has no general state license, so everyday jobs like these turn on local rules and trade licenses:
- Mounting TVs, shelves, mirrors and pictures
- Assembling furniture and flat-pack cabinets
- Patching drywall and interior painting
- Caulking, weatherstripping and sealing
- Repairing doors, locks, screens and windows
- Basic carpentry, trim and small repairs
- Pressure washing and gutter cleaning
Trade work in Illinois
Plumbing: IDPH licenses plumbers, plumbing contractors, apprentices, irrigation contractors (225 ILCS 320).
Source: dph.illinois.gov · idfpr.illinois.gov · checked November 2, 2026
When a permit changes the answer
Permits are local; HRRA pamphlet tells homeowners to check with local and county units of government.
Source: ilga.gov · checked November 2, 2026
Nearby places
Rules change. This page shows what official sources said on the dates above. It is not legal advice, so confirm with the office named before you take the job.
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