What handyman work requires a license in West Jordan, Salt Lake County, Utah?

Work that typically requires a license or a licensed trade professional includes: Any electrical work beyond simple fixture changes (requires separate E100 electrical contractor license); Any plumbing work beyond simple fixture replacement (requires separate plumbing contractor license); HVAC system installation, repair, or replacement (requires separate H100 HVAC contractor license); Gas line work (requires separate license); Structural modifications or framing (requires general contractor license if project exceeds exemption threshold); Roofing work (requires general contractor license if project exceeds exemption threshold). Always verify with your local licensing authority.

What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in West Jordan, Salt Lake County, Utah?

Q: What can a handyman do without a license in West Jordan, Salt Lake County, Utah?

Common examples include: Minor drywall repairs and patching (non-structural); Interior and exterior painting (residential); Basic carpentry work (trim, shelving, non-structural framing); Caulking and weatherstripping; Replacing light fixtures and outlet covers (not rewiring); Replacing faucets and simple plumbing fixture repairs (not new installations or major plumbing work).

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

West Jordan handymen and small contractors in Utah can operate under a state handyman exemption for projects under a threshold value (currently either $3,000 or $7,000—verify directly with DOPL due to conflicting sources), but must register with the Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) if projects exceed $1,000. Projects over the exemption threshold require a full state contractor license ($230 application fee, $128 renewal). Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work always require separate state licenses regardless of project value. West Jordan requires a city business license ($75 base plus per-employee fees). No separate county license is required for businesses within West Jordan city limits.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

Minor drywall repairs and patching (non-structural)
Interior and exterior painting (residential)
Basic carpentry work (trim, shelving, non-structural framing)
Caulking and weatherstripping
Replacing light fixtures and outlet covers (not rewiring)
Replacing faucets and simple plumbing fixture repairs (not new installations or major plumbing work)
Hanging doors, cabinets, and shelves
General repairs and maintenance under the exemption threshold ($3,000–$7,000 depending on current operative threshold; verify with DOPL)

Common Jobs Handymen Take in West Jordan

Based on the UT threshold, handymen in West Jordan commonly take on:

Minor drywall repairs and patching (non-structural)
Interior and exterior painting (residential)
Basic carpentry work (trim, shelving, non-structural framing)
Caulking and weatherstripping
Replacing light fixtures and outlet covers (not rewiring)
Replacing faucets and simple plumbing fixture repairs (not new installations or major plumbing work)
Hanging doors, cabinets, and shelves
General repairs and maintenance under the exemption threshold ($3,000–$7,000 depending on current operative threshold; verify with DOPL)

⚠️ What Requires a License

Any electrical work beyond simple fixture changes (requires separate E100 electrical contractor license)
Any plumbing work beyond simple fixture replacement (requires separate plumbing contractor license)
HVAC system installation, repair, or replacement (requires separate H100 HVAC contractor license)
Gas line work (requires separate license)
Structural modifications or framing (requires general contractor license if project exceeds exemption threshold)
Roofing work (requires general contractor license if project exceeds exemption threshold)
Window or door replacement affecting structural integrity (requires general contractor license if project exceeds exemption threshold)
Any construction project exceeding the handyman exemption threshold ($3,000–$7,000; verify with DOPL)

Business License — West Jordan

Required. City of West Jordan Business License

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 West Jordan

Step 1: Verify the current handyman exemption threshold by calling DOPL at (801) 530-6628 or (866) 275-3675 (toll-free in Utah). Confirm whether it is $3,000 or $7,000.
Step 2: Register your business entity (LLC recommended). File Certificate of Organization with Utah Division of Corporations ($59 fee). Annual report fee: $18.
Step 3: Obtain a West Jordan city business license. Contact West Jordan Business Licensing at (801) 569-5010 or visit https://www.westjordan.utah.gov/business-licensing/. Fee: $75+ depending on employees.
Step 4: Secure general liability insurance ($1,000,000 per incident / $3,000,000 aggregate minimum for licensed contractors; verify current minimums with DOPL). If operating under handyman exemption, maintain required insurance and file Affirmation of Exemption ($35 fee) with DOPL.
Step 5: If performing electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work, apply for separate state trade licenses through DOPL. Each requires pre-license course, exams, and insurance.
Step 6: If working on federal property or federal contracts, register free at sam.gov and comply with federal acquisition regulations (FAR, Davis-Bacon Act, DFARS).
Step 7: Obtain permits for specific projects as required by West Jordan (water heater, electrical, plumbing, structural, roofing, etc.). Contact West Jordan Building Department at (801) 569-5010.

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.