Get Quotes from Top Handymen in Fort Worth, TX

Are You Licensed to Practice as a Handyman in Fort Worth?

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) is in charge of licensing professionals in Fort Worth. While working as a handyman in Fort Worth does not require a state license, certain types of services that a handyman offers may require licensing. Electrical and HVAC are the most prevalent handyman-related licenses in Fort Worth, and they all have similar licensing processes. These trades have three licensing levels: apprentice, journeyman, and master.

Handymen who are newcomers to their trade fall under the apprentice category. It requires at least a high school diploma. To get this license, the handyman needs to work under the supervision of a Master Plumber or Master Electrician. A handyman can apply for a Journeyman license after accumulating 8,000 hours of experience. A high school diploma or GED is required for this level of licensing. An official exam must be taken and passed. Journeyman plumber candidates must additionally complete 48 hours of approved training.

The handyman can take the Master Plumber exam after working as a Journeyman for at least one year. The professional must have had a two-year Journeyman license and at least 12,000 certified hours of experience working under a Master or Master Sign Electrician to sit for the Master Electrician exam.

Licensing and examinations are the two primary components of HVAC requirements. To be eligible for licensing, you need a technician certification that has been held for 12 months prior and a minimum of 36 months of practical experience in air-conditioning and refrigeration-related work under the supervision of a licensed air conditioning and refrigeration contractor in the previous 72 months. Alternatively, you need a technician certification that has been held for the past 12 months and a minimum of 48 months of practical experience in air-conditioning and refrigeration-related work under the supervision of a licensed air conditioning and refrigeration contractor in the previous 72 months.

Working on an HVAC project without a valid Texas license is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $3,500 and up to a year in prison. It is a Class C misdemeanor to operate without an electrician license where one is necessary, and it can result in jail time. Certain types of work that a handyman can do that do not require a specialty license include:

• Painting a home's interior or exterior walls
• Repairing a home's siding
• Window cleaning, replacement, and repair
• Fence maintenance
• Custom furniture design and installation
• Repairing the screens and locks on the doors

Any handyman who desires to work on or bid on a project or contract in Fort Worth that requires a license must first obtain one by applying online using TDLR's online platform. To verify a handyman's license in Fort Worth, use the TDLR's license check tool.

While a general business license is not required in Texas, it is worth remembering that offering handyman services is a business that needs to meet specific requirements. It needs to have a business structure and be registered with the County Clerk's Office in Fort Worth. It also needs to be registered with the Internal Revenue Service so it is taxable.

For more information about licensing in Fort Worth, contact the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation at:

How Much Do You Charge Compared to Handymen in Fort Worth?

A lot of factors influence the typical cost of hiring a handyman in Fort Worth, including the nature of the activity, the kind and cost of supplies necessary, and the projected labor requirements of the job. Collecting quotes from at least two or three different Fort Worth handymen before settling on the best handyman to hire is a good idea. This is also smart to prevent getting duped by con artists or handymen who overcharge.

Handymen in Fort Worth make an average of $41,890 per year. The table below compares and contrasts the average hourly wages of handymen and other general maintenance and repair workers in Fort Worth with those of workers in this industry across the State of Texas and major American cities:

Do You Require a Permit to Complete This Work in Fort Worth?

As a homeowner, you must ensure that your handyman follows all building and construction standards that may apply to your home repair project. Permits are generally necessary before electrical, plumbing, construction, alteration, or repair work on private property in Fort Worth and are issued by the Permits branch of the Department of Development Services. Handymen can obtain permits for the following types of work:

• New, Additions, and Remodeling of Commercial Buildings
• New, Additions, and Remodeling of Commercial Accessory Buildings
• Residential Construction: New, Additions, and Remodeling
• Electrical works that do not need the use of Temp Power
• Plumbing jobs that do not require the use of Temp Gas

To obtain a permit from the City, use the Department of Development Services Online Permitting platform. For additional information about permits required by the handyman in Fort Worth, contact the Department of Development Services at:

What Works Can You Do Legally as a Handyman in Fort Worth?

A handyman and a general contractor are not the same professionals, and it is important to know the difference before hiring one for your next project in Fort Worth. A handyman differs from a contractor in that he is an all-rounder who can do everything from drywall repair to putting together furniture in your living room. On the other hand, a contractor is more of an expert in a certain field of home services, such as air conditioning or electrical repair. A handyman may do small jobs like hanging a picture, but major projects require the services of a contractor. In most situations, a handyman will charge less per hour or project than a contractor. You may want to compare the cost of these professionals before making your ultimate hiring decision.

It is always advantageous to make sure the handyman you choose has the necessary experience and tools to complete the job. Working with a professional handyman can also help you discover repairs or tasks that necessitate specialized hands. Price estimates for some of the services offered by Fort Worth handymen are as follows:

Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for Handymen in Fort Worth?

Ensuring that your handyman is fully insured shields you from any financial and legal responsibilities in the event of an accident. Given the number of things that could go wrong during the course of your home repair project, such as damage to your property by the handyman or injury to the handyman or other third parties, it is imperative that your handyman possesses insurance coverage. Over 50 fatal work-related injuries and more than 20,000 non-fatal work-related injuries are recorded among general maintenance and repair workers in the US annually.

Even while handymen in Fort Worth are not required by law to carry insurance, it is always in your best interest as a homeowner to ensure that your selected handyman has at least general liability insurance. Some handyman firms, particularly those with no office premises to defend, no operational expenses, and no payroll, may be able to get by with simply a general liability insurance policy. While the state of Texas does not require worker's compensation insurance, it is still advisable to ensure your handyman has one if employees are involved. For more information about insurance for handymen in Fort Worth, contact the Texas Department of Insurance at: