I use to say it didnt make sense that you could steal at a store up to 1000 but you couldnt work for 501. Now with prop 36 stealing that amount is a felony again and working under 1000 is legal as it should be.
@@imd1b4u Prop 47 was passed in 2014. Californians realized Prop 47 gave thieves a pass on being convicted and serving time for stealing. Stores started closing in specific areas and the communities suffered. Prop 36 was passed recently. Californians are tired of the thefts causing stores to close and tired of the homeless population living in their communities. Tired of the drug addicts using drugs, leaving used needles, urinating & defecating in public areas, and having open sexual activity in the community. You are about 10 yrs behind the times. 😢
Make it make sense pay attention they constantly create laws that contradict current laws and it’s all bs all laws are actually illegal u telling me these past laws on people who try to make an honest dollar every other month but all systems they have that’s constantly screwing over people they can’t immediately pass a law to fix that 🤷♂️🤷♂️🙄🙄 social security on up and down etc etc again pay attention it’s never ever to help but more like cripple u
The worse the CSLB will do if you're caught, is to send you a letter telling you its illegal. The second time maybe a fine of $100. No one enforces the law. I had an unqualified guy who was doing major electrical under a dead guys license. The paperwork to file a complaint was more of a burden on me than the punishment would've been for the business. I wouldn't get anything of benefit or the work done. I just did it myself. The permit was signed off and the city inspector didn't even look at the project. Next time, I won't bother following the law. What for? Pay the city for a useless permit?!!!
My neighbor was arrested while out bidding a job. They were doing a sting like they do from time to time. I'm sure this is rare but if you are the one arrested it won't matter. I believe all these laws are unfair and home owners should hire whoever they want.
@@briant7265 Was he not doing solid business before the stings? I mean, either he was a moral person with a good work ethic and solid skills, or he wasn't. It's not like a contractor's license magically turns bad handymen into good handymen.
Good Info, appreciate the update on the new Cal Law. Being a long time construction guy, I started doing handyman work after being laid off in 2008. I was soon making very good money working multiple jobs every week, word of mouth referrals were great. It helps to have tools, a good work ethic, and Mad Skills. I knew the limit was $500, so I would break up the work for a single client into separate projects, provide invoices, and have them write checks for Under the Limit. Never had a problem. I am 73 now and still going strong, get calls from neighbors and friends of existing clients all the time. Keep up the good work and Happy New Year.
@@handymanjourney After I got laid off, I decided to add a master bedroom / bathroom onto our home for my elderly father. I designed the room, had a architect friend draw up the plans, and submitted to the city as "Owner / Builder" for permits. People and other contractors are amazed when I tell them I added a beautiful 250 sq ft master bedroom for $22,000 total, that 's about $88 sq ft., fully insulted, raised foundation, comp. shingle roof, big closet, roomy bath with tiled shower, etc, etc. But, that did not include the cost of my labor of course. Value Added to the home according the the LA County Tax Assessor....$100,000, and a whole bunch more on my property tax bill every year. No Good Dead Goes Unpunished, at least in California ! ! !
@bigdogbob845 Breaking one project into multiple "jobs" to avoid the limit is technically a violation. If they are legitimately separate work, it shouldn't be a problem. The biggest thing is to be very careful with new customers. They run stings where they call on ads, and if you write an estimate over the limit, you're busted. If you're feeling pressure to go over, or to "look at this other thing while you're here", just tell them you aren't going to break the law and walk tf out.
You can’t get workers chomp unless you have a a license. And if you do carry general liability, they can’t insure anybody without a license on a project over $1,000, so it’s moot. Get a license!
This is awesome. I’m a handyman part time, full time union roofer. A decent amount of roof repairs can run past $500. I’m interested in that San Diego event, sounds cool. Thanks for sharing!
Have a licensed contractor build my home there’s not a straight wall in the house, and I had to rip all the insulation out of the attic after the first year because it was soaking wet and becoming fed. I don’t know how it got wet, but it was soaking wet.
Condensation from the humid interior air condensing on the cold side of insulation. That's why it's necessary to install a vapor barrier on the warm side of the insulation.
Condensation from the humid interior air condensing on the cold side of the insulation, that's why you need to install a vapor barrier on the warm side of the insulation.
Even $1,000 is utterly ridiculous. Materials and labor to paint a large room can't even be done for less than $1,000 unless you're giving away labor. California is obnoxious....
👍👍 It was obscener that this old limit was in effect in 1994 !!. What stopped me was also the Application fee, 3 years working for a contractor even tho I had been doing the job previously in house (data center) for years.
Only crazy conspiracy theorists don't trust the govt. And also people who have had personal experience with bureaucracy. If you've ever disputed a parking ticket, you know how govt works.
As a licensed C-10 I was so hopeful about my financial future. I was finally licensed , bonded and insured. I could put a lien against a deadbeat customer. Great news, However the competition felt no pressure to have the same licensing. Customers only saw a lower price unable to understand what quality was. The licensing board had no enforcement or desire to enforce. Only to take my money in fees . The CSLB is unnecessary and ineffective at enforcing licensure so why be licensed. Truth be told if I come to your house to work on it and damage it , the authorities will blame the customer for not hiring a licensed contractor. Not the untraceable scumbag. Better to be the untraceable scumbag. Contractors licensing is a good idea poorly, poorly executed. Basically no one ever gets caught and when caught, you guessed it, pay a fine.
I also let my license lapse when I was doing another type of work. Getting the license back doesn't make sense, I spent thousands of dollars to this entity that never did a single thing for me. I would rather work on smaller jobs than pay another tax and lose more of my hard earned money.
If you're not making money as a licensed contractor in California, you're either bad at marketing yourself or bad at doing the work. I know just about every contractor in my area (been in the trades for over twenty years) and they're all booked out three to six months. What's more, they get the high dollar clientelle who typically won't hire unlicensed handymen to work on their very expensive homes (unless it's for things like sprinkler repair or painting a shed).
This always worried me, so I never gave estimates, worked strictly by the hour and 'client' paid for all materials directly. I never had a problem... I also never advertised or had a 'company' name, instead working for people who called me based on word of mouth. I built mostly decks up to 800 - 1000 sq. ft.
The government puts an ad on Craigslist. When the handyman comes writes a bid . Than they arrest them . Fine them give them 120 hours of community service
They have nothing better to do towards people trying to make a living, or get a start. There's licensed contractors who damage, gouge, or ghost customers.
the instructors who define project by the ... project are correct. doing a ceailing fan is a project. doing a vanity is a project, doing a sink is a project etc. even the same day
If you have the customer purchase the materials from the suppliers directly then your only charge is for labor so your $1,000 limit goes further. I also wonder how the law would apply if someone hired you to install new bathroom flooring, kitchen lighting and painted a bedroom. Then a month or so later the same customer had them install a new bathroom vanity and toilet and a ceiling fan in the bedroom. A few months later they want new flooring in the kitchen. Etc... Eventually you've remodeled the whole house a little at a time.
Pivoted from the handyman biz into cannabis here in CA about 3 years ago. My truck and all tools were stolen 3 months before COVID hit, a year later I was homeless. Between that and some things in my personal life, I was never able to fully recover so had to hang it up (Alan, I'll never forget the help you sent when I was at my lowest). That said, this still makes me happy to hear. That limit should be, IMO, $2,500 per project with no mention of materials, but baby steps, right?
@@Hashdollars "a capable handyman you can make thousands off of an impact gun and drill"....spoken like a person who has no idea of which end of a hammer to hold on to.. it takes thousands of dollars worth of tools to be able to handle even minor repair jobs.
@ you’re speaking to a person who makes thousands off a impact driver. You must not know shit about construction at all. I have built homes and flipped homes. I just made $200 in one hour yesterday replacing six fence pickets and righting their gate. I charge $60-90 an hour for putting up TVs that takes me less the 60 minutes and use and impact driver a level, stud finder and masking tape. You may need to evaluate your skills and level of determination.
A video I watched earlier he was talking about the 500.00 limit because it was an old video and he was saying that it is per project or per day. I am curious how accurate that is
That's great news about the limit being raised. Btw, is your staircase featured behind you 'up to code'? (Where's the handrail?) And, it's also a liability hazard with all that crap on it.
@ I’m 54 & yes. I have NEVER heard of this law. Tell me oh wise one, why TF I would look up something I have never heard of 🙄 BTW Google is Trash. They are scrubbing factual history, changing definitions to fit ‘The Narrative’ & blocking searches from us. ‘Fact Checkers’ lie as the minions push The Agenda. It’s pretty sad that you still believe Google. I bet you think Wikipedia is Factual too huh?
The Handyman Law reminds me of the fact that municipal Health Departments don't care if you have a family wedding party with 200 people, but if you're getting paid to cater for a friend's wedding, or hosting a pop-up dinner in your home that people are paying for, they need to get their cut with inspection and licensing fees--for "safety" reasons, of course.
Better watch out if you have some musician friends perform at the event because the American Federation of Musicians union will be crawling all over you
Why is there any limit at all? You don't need to be an electrician to put in a ceiling fan. You don't need to be a plumber to put in new faucets or a toilet.
If you’re the homeowner and you do it yourself, you don’t have to have a contractors license be a licensed plumber or be an electrician. I do most of my own
This is a great revision. I retired my contractor license last year.. i’m 63 and like the fact that now I can do small jobs without using my contractor license that is not valid anymore. $500 per job was ridiculous. $1000 and you are coming around CSLB finally.. when I was licensed I would not take a job let’s say under $2000 because it’s just not worth my time. I think the new law should be $1500.
Doing railing installation the 500 dollar limit precluded a majority of jobs. As a semi-retired individual I couldn't see getting a contractors ( C67 I Believe ) just to do a little welding. A thousand dollars opens up new vista's so to speak.
There is a b2 contractors license that allows you to do work any size but you have to do 3 trades to qualify so if you did only a $1200 ceiling fan your still breaking the law
@@josephgodinez8674Me too, just last June and have been struggling with the $500 limit (I had been told that to be safe to not ever even bill above $499.99 and not actually hit that limit).
What if the customer provides materials? Then, you're just doing the labor, and I think $1,000 can go a long way there. Is there a minimum time between projects in the same room? If so, break the bathroom job into smaller projects on separate days. Demo is one project. Plumbing is a separate project. Tile is another project. Paint and finish can be a fourth.
Huh. That's good news. Good advice too. Keep yourself educated on the pertinent building codes as they change year to year and make sure you do things right. A thousand bucks can be a lot of money for some of us, gotta keep our behinds covered so we can continue to prosper.
We need more laws in California! I’m still not sure when I can turn right on a flashing green light, if avoiding a pot hole is considered evasion of the right of way, if being stabbed by a homeless persons syringe is assault, if insider trading is only available in Marin County, if pointing aerial fireworks at a forested area safe, there’s still so many things that need a legal interpretation in California.
@@imd1b4u theres always one person like you in the comments. I don't know why liberals are so against consensual working relationships. You want govt in everything? Let people work.
The way I understood it, was no more than $500 per job, per customer, per year. Meaning you could not do more than $500 in work/materials for someone each year.. is this still the case?? I understand cost limit was reused but is it still limited to one job per year, for a single customer?
@ I mean the change has to be due to recent lobbying because the $500 cap holds those tech companies back. Talking about TaskRabbit, Angie’s List, etc.
I don't understand why someone that has a the desire to be a handy man that they don't go their contractor's license? To each it's own I guess, good video thank for the info.
Does a Lic make you a better handyman? Or you just giving the government more of your tax money. To make Politicians richer for not helping you on the job.
@@prophetseven728does you primary care DR have a medical license? Would you hire a fake lawyer? CPA? Engineer? Why is our business stomped on by people like you that don't take it seriously? I guarantee if you sat the general contractors exam you would fail it 10 times
By the way as a retired California contractor it is $1,000 per job for that one customer's residence Within the entire year so for one year you can only make $1,000 from that one customer if you do more than that you need a contractor's license
@@imd1b4u nobody is stealing anything. Can’t tell you how many unhappy customers I’ve met who had work done by licensed contractors. Both contractors and non alike can do crap work or have crap business practices.
Is there a rationale why this law even exists? Does it exclude work like general cleanup, painting, etc. that we all did sometimes as teens? The fact that I even have to ask this tells what state I’m in.
The only rationale in California is the state practicing extortion. That’s the bottom line. Highest taxes in every category nationwide and they are proud of that.
Beware "A quick review of the California Business and Professions Code section 7031 shows that unlicensed contractors are prohibited from taking legal action to enforce contracts for services requiring a valid contractor license - so if they don’t have a license, they can’t sue you!"
You should really read this book before ever working in Ca. (California Contractors License Law & Reference Book 2024: With Rules and Regulations (Contractors State License Board)
Well, even if the contractor is licensed, it doesn't mean much if the contractor does poor work and other issues that can occur. I have seen handymen out perform a licensed contractor as well as the reverse but the "license" here in CA means zip to the customer. Why? Because if the contractor does poor work or take the down payment then never returns or drags the job out for a paycheck each time they show up, the customer won't get any help from the state. Even when these poor actors are "bonded" and "insured" their policy limits are so low it isn't worth chasing. That is the states fault of course as the minimum liability coverage is $20,000 or close to it. These days, any small bathroom remodel will be $30,000 and up. Yes, the licensed contractor has a bond and a license at risk however, the public have to spend much time, money and effort to collect what they are entitled to or up to a limited amount when things go sour but no one is going to process that any time soon. BTW, $1,000 per job isn't enough and the stipulations aren't clear enough. Just like liability insurance for cars in most states, $25,000 won't help much when a couple of people are injured and in the hospital from another driver who is at fault. CA used to require $15/30 BI and $5,000 PD minimum coverage from the 1960's through 2024. Just recently they increased that requirement to 30/60 BI 15 PD. What a complete bunch of idiots...nothing changed since the late 1960's and now that they changed the limits, they are still way too low to be of any help to folks who will not properly insure themselves. Same is going on with contractors bonds and insurance limits to protect the public from contractors.
Hey everyone listen I'm not trying to create an argument! I am a licensed contractor that have been audited by IRS and used a retired IRS auditor of 40 years for a tax accountant. He explained to me how it works so that's what I go by experience, not trying to find loopholes do what you want. I'm trying to prevent other people from getting into challenging problems, non-licensed people be careful out there they do set up stings to catch people Contracting in certain counties. I personally know some people that have gone to jail for that for 30 days and had to pay thousands in fines then they got their license. People listen to experience! I'm trying to help not argue. I am retired now I want other people to succeed and not cheat the system. Licensing is not hard just go out and do it!! A license does not make you a good contractor, good people skills and quality work will.But remember take pride in what you do and have fun!!!!!!! I did.
This is for the homeowner. If you are hiring a handyman , will your insurance cover this person if injured while working on your property. It is my understanding that an unlicensed person and their employees become your employee’s while working on your property . You should ask your insurance agent. Or at least confirm that the handyman has the proper insurance/ workers comp. to cover himself or his employees if injured while working on your property. Just a suggestion.
Definitely need to make sure that whoever you hire has the appropriate insurance or the homeowner will be liable. It's very important for handyman to have all the necessary and needed insurance to cover the homeowner
@@handymanjourney Rare to find a "handyman" who has insurance. That's their big selling point: they're cheaper because their bid/costs are lower and no insurance/bonding is one reason.
This is still screwing the homeowner and handyman. The average landscape company can charge way more without a proper license and get away with hiring undocumented labor. 🤷🏼♂️ Licensed contractors will low ball a bid to get a signature on a contract then nickel and dime the customers charging for every little change or claim material prices increased. I stopped doing work because replacing a vanity and toilet left little to stay under that $500 mark when the customer chose a $300 vanity and $135 toilet. This forced them to hire a general contractor that charged $2000 minimum for labor.
That new limit is still too low. Why is there any limit anyway? The more you profit the more tax you'll pay. If you're running a handyman service business then surely that would require some form of registration and tax compliance anyway. Is that different to a licensed general contractor's requirements?
@@coreyfranco7060 just curious to know what sort of hoops our brothers and sisters in the US have to leap through. I'm in Cambodia ex Oz. I feel your pain.
@deltasquared7777 I looked them both up for the local Home Depot right before I posted. $500-600 for a 40 or 50 gal water heater. $4 each for 6" by 6' fence boards, so $8/foot plus posts, horizontal boards and sundries, for about $10-12/foot, or $500-600 for 50 feet. Both leave $400-500 for labor before going over the $1,000 limit. Of course, there are more and less expensive water heaters, and more and less expensive fencing options. What prices did you see when you looked them up just now?
@@briant7265 110 x fence boards at $4., 7 x fence posts at $15., 10 x horizontal boards at $8., deck screws $75., concrete $20 plus tax comes to around $750. To this add shopping, delivery, demo, dump, permits and inspection.as basic costs. Thirty years ago the cost was around $25 per foot to replace a fence, Angie's list gives: "Privacy fences cost $27 to $60 per linear foot, including materials and labor" also "Removing an existing fence for replacement will increase the cost of a fence installation project. For most fence types, expect to pay between $300 and $750 or $3 to $7 per linear foot." I see low end 50 gallon gas water tanks starting at around $700 with tax. Contractors in the SF bay area are charging upwards of $1500 to $2000 for replacing a water (tank) heater. Have you noticed the price of gas, insurance, maintenance, and licensing for your truck recently, as well as the cost of tools and equipment, as well as workman's comp insurance as well as accounting/billling etc costs or do you do figure these as an included free services?
Here in the East Coast its $25K per contract no License Necessary. Code is about the same but not too scrutinized. Certain trades you can price out as high as you want no limit. For example as an independent excavator or grader. Landscape or Property care/improvements No License necessary and you could have a contract as high as the sky.
@@coreyfranco7060 I understand completely , different rules on the east coast. My husband is a retired contractor in California He was licensed & certified in many areas. He had his A,B General Contractor license along with 3 other ones and certs. He was surprised when we moved to our new home and wanted to pull a permit for a complete remodel. The Building Permit Inspector told him he only needed an electrical permit if there were any changes. So he asked other builders here and they told him the same thing. Things are just different here in the southeast. Alabama & Mississippi is even more lenient, practically no code enforcement in many counties.
That's still crazy. It should be $1,000 in labor, not inclusive of materials because material costs can be so expensive these days.
I agree! Thanks for tuning in!
What If you showed up to a job and by some miracle, the supplies were already on hand? Imagine if that happens every time.
@@Randallsixx13 I was thinking, just have the home owner purchase the materials. I realize that may not be practical or possible in every case.
You still have to factor in the cost of materials to be legal.
Not to mention the sales taxes you have to pay.
The best thing ever is finding a LOOP HOLE on TH-cam......Thank You The Handyman Journey....
Your welcome!
I use to say it didnt make sense that you could steal at a store up to 1000 but you couldnt work for 501. Now with prop 36 stealing that amount is a felony again and working under 1000 is legal as it should be.
@@imd1b4u
Prop 47 was passed in 2014.
Californians realized Prop 47 gave thieves a pass on being convicted and serving time for stealing. Stores started closing in specific areas and the communities suffered.
Prop 36 was passed recently. Californians are tired of the thefts causing stores to close and tired of the homeless population living in their communities. Tired of the drug addicts using drugs, leaving used needles, urinating & defecating in public areas, and having open sexual activity in the community.
You are about 10 yrs behind the times. 😢
Only a felony after 2 convictions for theft
Thanks for your comment!
All u have to do is pay attention a lot of these laws contradict themselves and bs it’s to keep u from making money
Make it make sense pay attention they constantly create laws that contradict current laws and it’s all bs all laws are actually illegal u telling me these past laws on people who try to make an honest dollar every other month but all systems they have that’s constantly screwing over people they can’t immediately pass a law to fix that 🤷♂️🤷♂️🙄🙄 social security on up and down etc etc again pay attention it’s never ever to help but more like cripple u
The worse the CSLB will do if you're caught, is to send you a letter telling you its illegal. The second time maybe a fine of $100.
No one enforces the law.
I had an unqualified guy who was doing major electrical under a dead guys license. The paperwork to file a complaint was more of a burden on me than the punishment would've been for the business. I wouldn't get anything of benefit or the work done.
I just did it myself. The permit was signed off and the city inspector didn't even look at the project.
Next time, I won't bother following the law. What for? Pay the city for a useless permit?!!!
My neighbor was arrested while out bidding a job. They were doing a sting like they do from time to time. I'm sure this is rare but if you are the one arrested it won't matter. I believe all these laws are unfair and home owners should hire whoever they want.
@@seattlepnw its crazy how govts will go after the legal markets like this
@seattlepnw I also know someone who got caught in those stings, a couple of times. Now he has his license and is doing solid business.
@@seattlepnwthat would be rediculous
@@briant7265 Was he not doing solid business before the stings? I mean, either he was a moral person with a good work ethic and solid skills, or he wasn't. It's not like a contractor's license magically turns bad handymen into good handymen.
Good Info, appreciate the update on the new Cal Law. Being a long time construction guy, I started doing handyman work after being laid off in 2008. I was soon making very good money working multiple jobs every week, word of mouth referrals were great. It helps to have tools, a good work ethic, and Mad Skills. I knew the limit was $500, so I would break up the work for a single client into separate projects, provide invoices, and have them write checks for Under the Limit. Never had a problem. I am 73 now and still going strong, get calls from neighbors and friends of existing clients all the time. Keep up the good work and Happy New Year.
Where in California are you! Thanks for your comment and happy new year!😀
@@handymanjourney East of LA, in the San Gabriel Valley.
@@handymanjourney After I got laid off, I decided to add a master bedroom / bathroom onto our home for my elderly father.
I designed the room, had a architect friend draw up the plans, and submitted to the city as "Owner / Builder" for permits. People and other contractors are amazed when I tell them I added a beautiful 250 sq ft master bedroom for $22,000 total, that 's about $88 sq ft., fully insulted, raised foundation, comp. shingle roof, big closet, roomy bath with tiled shower, etc, etc. But, that did not include the cost of my labor of course. Value Added to the home according the the LA County Tax Assessor....$100,000, and a whole bunch more on my property tax bill every year. No Good Dead Goes Unpunished, at least in California ! ! !
🎉 It's so lovely to hear about these types of experiences
Continued blessings of abundance and wisdom
@bigdogbob845 Breaking one project into multiple "jobs" to avoid the limit is technically a violation. If they are legitimately separate work, it shouldn't be a problem.
The biggest thing is to be very careful with new customers. They run stings where they call on ads, and if you write an estimate over the limit, you're busted. If you're feeling pressure to go over, or to "look at this other thing while you're here", just tell them you aren't going to break the law and walk tf out.
Don't forget that you still need general liability insurance and workers' compensation if you have a helper. Also, you need city licensing.
Most definitely!! Very important!!
General liability isn’t a law yet, but you won’t get to many jobs without it! Workers comp is out of control!
Definitely
According to the new law, you may not have a helper,
You can’t get workers chomp unless you have a a license. And if you do carry general liability, they can’t insure anybody without a license on a project over $1,000, so it’s moot. Get a license!
This is awesome.
I’m a handyman part time, full time union roofer. A decent amount of roof repairs can run past $500.
I’m interested in that San Diego event, sounds cool.
Thanks for sharing!
Your welcome! Spots are filling up fast! Only a few left!
Have a licensed contractor build my home there’s not a straight wall in the house, and I had to rip all the insulation out of the attic after the first year because it was soaking wet and becoming fed. I don’t know how it got wet, but it was soaking wet.
Condensation from the humid interior air condensing on the cold side of insulation. That's why it's necessary to install a vapor barrier on the warm side of the insulation.
Condensation from the humid interior air condensing on the cold side of the insulation, that's why you need to install a vapor barrier on the warm side of the insulation.
No legal recourse against the installer ?
Good luck in getting it resolved.
Great for the sometimes 'unskilled ' DIY handyman...
Even $1,000 is utterly ridiculous. Materials and labor to paint a large room can't even be done for less than $1,000 unless you're giving away labor. California is obnoxious....
You've obviously never seen how Pedro paints.
😂
Thanks for your comment!
I agree sir.
@@HerbieBancock 🤣🤣🤣🤣
👍👍
It was obscener that this old limit was in effect in 1994 !!. What stopped me was also the Application fee, 3 years working for a contractor even tho I had been doing the job previously in house (data center) for years.
Only crazy conspiracy theorists don't trust the govt. And also people who have had personal experience with bureaucracy. If you've ever disputed a parking ticket, you know how govt works.
FINALLY!!! Thanks for the update!
Your so welcome! Yes it has been a long time coming!! Thanks for tuning in!
Thanks for the data. I'm retired but I will pass this on to others.
Oh my goodness this is flipping fantastic!
Ya ya!!🙌🙌🙌
As of January 1, 2025, the maximum amount a handyman can charge for labor and materials in California is $1,000 per job.
YES!!!! Thanks for the summary!!
That's what he said....
And he took his sweet time saying it. These comments are nice for those of us with interest in the information but not so much a lengthy presentation.
@@dallinbagley4486 4 minutes is lengthy? LOL
Time is money. Some lawyers charge 1000 per hour. @@db8926
Thank you for sharing! This is great news for the trades!!!
Your so welcome! Thanks for your comment!
Handyman is not a trade
As a licensed C-10 I was so hopeful about my financial future. I was finally licensed , bonded and insured. I could put a lien against a deadbeat customer. Great news, However the competition felt no pressure to have the same licensing. Customers only saw a lower price unable to understand what quality was. The licensing board had no enforcement or desire to enforce. Only to take my money in fees . The CSLB is unnecessary and ineffective at enforcing licensure so why be licensed. Truth be told if I come to your house to work on it and damage it , the authorities will blame the customer for not hiring a licensed contractor. Not the untraceable scumbag. Better to be the untraceable scumbag. Contractors licensing is a good idea poorly, poorly executed. Basically no one ever gets caught and when caught, you guessed it, pay a fine.
I agree thanks for your comment
And its killing the industry and the folks who follow law are leaving the profession to the hacks
I closed my license in CA.
I also let my license lapse when I was doing another type of work. Getting the license back doesn't make sense, I spent thousands of dollars to this entity that never did a single thing for me. I would rather work on smaller jobs than pay another tax and lose more of my hard earned money.
If you're not making money as a licensed contractor in California, you're either bad at marketing yourself or bad at doing the work. I know just about every contractor in my area (been in the trades for over twenty years) and they're all booked out three to six months. What's more, they get the high dollar clientelle who typically won't hire unlicensed handymen to work on their very expensive homes (unless it's for things like sprinkler repair or painting a shed).
This always worried me, so I never gave estimates, worked strictly by the hour and 'client' paid for all materials directly. I never had a problem... I also never advertised or had a 'company' name, instead working for people who called me based on word of mouth. I built mostly decks up to 800 - 1000 sq. ft.
Great news! Good for handymen and good for mom and pop landlords!
🙌🙌
The government puts an ad on Craigslist. When the handyman comes writes a bid . Than they arrest them . Fine them give them 120 hours of community service
They have nothing better to do towards people trying to make a living, or get a start. There's licensed contractors who damage, gouge, or ghost customers.
the instructors who define project by the ... project are correct. doing a ceailing fan is a project. doing a vanity is a project, doing a sink is a project etc. even the same day
Thanks for your comment!
Vanities and fans need to be done by licensed contractor
@coreyfranco7060 nope.
If you have the customer purchase the materials from the suppliers directly then your only charge is for labor so your $1,000 limit goes further. I also wonder how the law would apply if someone hired you to install new bathroom flooring, kitchen lighting and painted a bedroom. Then a month or so later the same customer had them install a new bathroom vanity and toilet and a ceiling fan in the bedroom. A few months later they want new flooring in the kitchen. Etc... Eventually you've remodeled the whole house a little at a time.
Quote them all separately so each one is a different project
You've gone beyond "handyman" at that point. Get your license as a contractor.
That’s called illegal.
@@BuhodePiedra And nobody cares.
@@BuhodePiedraHow is it illegal? They are all different jobs. Different dates etc.. by Law that would be Legal.
Wish I knew this was coming in 2024. I would’ve scheduled a handy man for a whole bunch of projects. 😂
😂😂😂
Why is it so low? But what if you changing their vanity and the toilet but it's not a remodel?
That's just what they made it🤷 better than $500.
So you don’t need an electrician Lic to do electrical. If under a number?
That is correct
@ thanks for the direct reply!
@@handymanjourneyno that is not correct, work requiring a specialty license such as electrical, plumbing and hvac cannot be done with a license
Same exact law applies in NV
@@coreyfranco7060 So you can not doing any plumbing work as a handyman. If under the now $1000 limit? Im assuming maybe if it requires a permit?
Thank goodness!
🙌🙌
Pivoted from the handyman biz into cannabis here in CA about 3 years ago. My truck and all tools were stolen 3 months before COVID hit, a year later I was homeless. Between that and some things in my personal life, I was never able to fully recover so had to hang it up (Alan, I'll never forget the help you sent when I was at my lowest). That said, this still makes me happy to hear. That limit should be, IMO, $2,500 per project with no mention of materials, but baby steps, right?
If you’re a capable handyman you can make thousands off of an impact gun and drill.
If you have the time start to build the business back up
Fyi, details matter. (It's 'Allen', not 'Alan'.)
so to do a 3k job just make that job 1k and 1k for a light bulb in garage and 1k for a light bulb in bathroom.
@@Hashdollars "a capable handyman you can make thousands off of an impact gun and drill"....spoken like a person who has no idea of which end of a hammer to hold on to..
it takes thousands of dollars worth of tools to be able to handle even minor repair jobs.
@ you’re speaking to a person who makes thousands off a impact driver.
You must not know shit about construction at all. I have built homes and flipped homes. I just made $200 in one hour yesterday replacing six fence pickets and righting their gate.
I charge $60-90 an hour for putting up TVs that takes me less the 60 minutes and use and impact driver a level, stud finder and masking tape.
You may need to evaluate your skills and level of determination.
A video I watched earlier he was talking about the 500.00 limit because it was an old video and he was saying that it is per project or per day. I am curious how accurate that is
The law states nothing about time frame
Cool! A lot of folks could really use some help with these smaller projects.
Great little to the point video! Very handy… 😎
🙌🙌
Awesome news! Thanks!
That's great news about the limit being raised.
Btw, is your staircase featured behind you 'up to code'?
(Where's the handrail?)
And, it's also a liability hazard with all that crap on it.
😂 it is not up to code. Needs a handrail for sure. This is in our shop
I’ve lived in California my whole life. I’ve never heard of this law & I’ve been charged over $500 many times. I’m sure this law will be ignored too.
You lived in California your whole life and never heard of a common law.
That’s what Google was made for.
@
I’m 54 & yes. I have NEVER heard of this law. Tell me oh wise one, why TF I would look up something I have never heard of 🙄
BTW Google is Trash. They are scrubbing factual history, changing definitions to fit ‘The Narrative’ & blocking searches from us. ‘Fact Checkers’ lie as the minions push The Agenda.
It’s pretty sad that you still believe Google. I bet you think Wikipedia is Factual too huh?
@@HashdollarsDo not use google ever! It gives you false information. So many better search engines out there. Google sucks!
Thanks for the info! Btw, your staircase has no handrail. I think that's against any building code in every state.
@@jsEMCsquared unless it's under 30" from landing to top of stairs
@@roxyviews7644who the hell told you that? It's four steps then you need guardrail
Is this why they ask you to provide the material?
Good to know thanks.
Thanks for the update!!!🎉
You're welcome!
The Handyman Law reminds me of the fact that municipal Health Departments don't care if you have a family wedding party with 200 people, but if you're getting paid to cater for a friend's wedding, or hosting a pop-up dinner in your home that people are paying for, they need to get their cut with inspection and licensing fees--for "safety" reasons, of course.
Better watch out if you have some musician friends perform at the event because the American Federation of Musicians union will be crawling all over you
@@deltasquared7777 Who needs that kinda trubble?
Sounds right to me
Duh dumm, tsssk!
I built a pergola and a doghouse for someone but i did it at only the cost of materials. 500 cap is crazy .
For sure
Does one have to say they are a handyman in their advertising even if they only specialize in only 1 or 2 trades ?
Yes you do
In California, you can look up anyone's Contractor License, or see that they don't have a license.
The law is a joke. Handymen charged more than $500 for most jobs. They don’t bother responding to jobs less than $500.
Thank you for the info.
Your welcome!
Why is there any limit at all? You don't need to be an electrician to put in a ceiling fan. You don't need to be a plumber to put in new faucets or a toilet.
Yes you do...
You need a license to perform the work
so if the client buys all the material and i buy it from them for $1 can i then charge up to $999
Anything is possible, but the problem is the law is written in a way that there is a lot of grey area so any "enforcer" can interpret it differently
If you’re the homeowner and you do it yourself, you don’t have to have a contractors license be a licensed plumber or be an electrician. I do most of my own
Why is the state involved at all?
🤷🤷
Never talked to police they’re not your friend and that cop didn’t have jurisdiction anyway
This is a great revision. I retired my contractor license last year.. i’m 63 and like the fact that now I can do small jobs without using my contractor license that is not valid anymore. $500 per job was ridiculous. $1000 and you are coming around CSLB finally.. when I was licensed I would not take a job let’s say under $2000 because it’s just not worth my time. I think the new law should be $1500.
Doing railing installation the 500 dollar limit precluded a majority of jobs. As a semi-retired individual I couldn't see getting a contractors ( C67 I Believe ) just to do a little welding. A thousand dollars opens up new vista's so to speak.
Is there a Handyman Lic? B2? Do you have to have it?
There is a b2 contractors license that allows you to do work any size but you have to do 3 trades to qualify so if you did only a $1200 ceiling fan your still breaking the law
@ not what I asked. But did some research now and found out legally you don’t need a B2 to legally work as a handyman. As long as you keep under $1000
That is so great to hear. I just started my business too
Awesome brother! Where are you located?
@ I’m located in Victorville Ca.
@@josephgodinez8674Me too, just last June and have been struggling with the $500 limit (I had been told that to be safe to not ever even bill above $499.99 and not actually hit that limit).
I hope it fails
What if the customer provides materials? Then, you're just doing the labor, and I think $1,000 can go a long way there. Is there a minimum time between projects in the same room? If so, break the bathroom job into smaller projects on separate days. Demo is one project. Plumbing is a separate project. Tile is another project. Paint and finish can be a fourth.
Technically it's $1000 labor and materials, no time frame as far as I know
As long as the handyworker is insured and bonded up to 1000 dollars, I would have no problems hiring them.
Insurance is a must have!!!
What If he was homeless and rode I bycicial
You'll never find one. That's why they under bid everybody - their costs are lower.
@@terry_willisthey charge more actually
In Oregon even paint and replacing a light fixture requires a license...
Huh. That's good news. Good advice too. Keep yourself educated on the pertinent building codes as they change year to year and make sure you do things right. A thousand bucks can be a lot of money for some of us, gotta keep our behinds covered so we can continue to prosper.
Most definitely! Thanks for your comment!
Sir. Im gonna have to fine you heavily for no safety rail on that staircase.
😂😂 ya I need to get one on there
if the client buys the materials does that count toward the $1000?
Technically yes
How do u survive in ca as a handyman? What r your revenues?
Property owner does not care about limits. They only care about how soon the job can be done. Cash is king.
I agree
You will be a bustout for the remainder of your life
Great news for handyman
Yes definitely!! Thanks for your comment!
All I need… another licensed contractor to quote some crazy price after he pulls up in his $100k plus custom lifted truck. Nope.
😂😂
The handyman charges more lol. I charge $85 / hr for journey electrician, plumber or hvac
We need more laws in California! I’m still not sure when I can turn right on a flashing green light, if avoiding a pot hole is considered evasion of the right of way, if being stabbed by a homeless persons syringe is assault, if insider trading is only available in Marin County, if pointing aerial fireworks at a forested area safe, there’s still so many things that need a legal interpretation in California.
What ever you do don't cut a fart on the streets of California. You will be sent a bill for polluting the atmosphere
@ I wish I had thought of that. BRAVO!
I conquer.😆
I'm a handyman. I just built a 2400 sq ft deck. It cost more than 1000 dollars
It’s should increase with inflation. I’ve been getting hosed with the cost of materials going up so much.
Most definitely!! Thanks for your comment!
In AZ the limit is 750 dollars, but i never cared and neither did the people i did work. It is not the state's business
Imagine getting arrested for working. Good ol California 😂
HAHA! Really. We pay for people to not work but get arrested for working! :) Thanks for tuning in!
Happened to a friend, he gave a quote then a week later was raided like a drug dealer. I think he was given a slap on the wrist
#SOJ!!! Fuck California!
Trump will fix this soon 🤝🏼 should be 1500 easy
@@imd1b4u theres always one person like you in the comments. I don't know why liberals are so against consensual working relationships. You want govt in everything? Let people work.
The way I understood it, was no more than $500 per job, per customer, per year. Meaning you could not do more than $500 in work/materials for someone each year.. is this still the case?? I understand cost limit was reused but is it still limited to one job per year, for a single customer?
This has to be the outcome of gig economy tech companies lobbying the CA legislature.
A lot of these laws and limitations were set long before the tech companies came into California
@ I mean the change has to be due to recent lobbying because the $500 cap holds those tech companies back. Talking about TaskRabbit, Angie’s List, etc.
I don't understand why someone that has a the desire to be a handy man that they don't go their contractor's license? To each it's own I guess, good video thank for the info.
Does a Lic make you a better handyman? Or you just giving the government more of your tax money. To make Politicians richer for not helping you on the job.
@@prophetseven728does you primary care DR have a medical license? Would you hire a fake lawyer? CPA? Engineer? Why is our business stomped on by people like you that don't take it seriously? I guarantee if you sat the general contractors exam you would fail it 10 times
Warning to all homeowners make sure you request proof of liability insurance.
Handyman definitely need liability insurance!
That’s why I bill by the hour. Each hour - one project
By the way as a retired California contractor it is $1,000 per job for that one customer's residence Within the entire year so for one year you can only make $1,000 from that one customer if you do more than that you need a contractor's license
Thank you for your comment but I disagree. Nowhere in the lot is a state anything about a time frame or a residence.
this is incorrect. but, its still a cool story!
@@imd1b4u nobody is stealing anything. Can’t tell you how many unhappy customers I’ve met who had work done by licensed contractors. Both contractors and non alike can do crap work or have crap business practices.
Thanks for the info.
This is absolutely accurate. At least in the time when I got my license.
Is there a rationale why this law even exists? Does it exclude work like general cleanup, painting, etc. that we all did sometimes as teens? The fact that I even have to ask this tells what state I’m in.
your in the state of confusion.
The only rationale in California is the state practicing extortion. That’s the bottom line. Highest taxes in every category nationwide and they are proud of that.
Beware
"A quick review of the California Business and Professions Code section 7031 shows that unlicensed contractors are prohibited from taking legal action to enforce contracts for services requiring a valid contractor license - so if they don’t have a license, they can’t sue you!"
Yes you are correct
They can sue you if they fall off your roof though
You should really read this book before ever working in Ca. (California Contractors License Law & Reference Book 2024: With Rules and Regulations (Contractors State License Board)
if you are unlicensed the contractors board has no power over you. it would be a civil matter.
Not true
Well, even if the contractor is licensed, it doesn't mean much if the contractor does poor work and other issues that can occur. I have seen handymen out perform a licensed contractor as well as the reverse but the "license" here in CA means zip to the customer. Why? Because if the contractor does poor work or take the down payment then never returns or drags the job out for a paycheck each time they show up, the customer won't get any help from the state. Even when these poor actors are "bonded" and "insured" their policy limits are so low it isn't worth chasing. That is the states fault of course as the minimum liability coverage is $20,000 or close to it. These days, any small bathroom remodel will be $30,000 and up. Yes, the licensed contractor has a bond and a license at risk however, the public have to spend much time, money and effort to collect what they are entitled to or up to a limited amount when things go sour but no one is going to process that any time soon. BTW, $1,000 per job isn't enough and the stipulations aren't clear enough. Just like liability insurance for cars in most states, $25,000 won't help much when a couple of people are injured and in the hospital from another driver who is at fault. CA used to require $15/30 BI and $5,000 PD minimum coverage from the 1960's through 2024. Just recently they increased that requirement to 30/60 BI 15 PD. What a complete bunch of idiots...nothing changed since the late 1960's and now that they changed the limits, they are still way too low to be of any help to folks who will not properly insure themselves. Same is going on with contractors bonds and insurance limits to protect the public from contractors.
ty
Your welcome!
Hey everyone listen I'm not trying to create an argument! I am a licensed contractor that have been audited by IRS and used a retired IRS auditor of 40 years for a tax accountant. He explained to me how it works so that's what I go by experience, not trying to find loopholes do what you want. I'm trying to prevent other people from getting into challenging problems, non-licensed people be careful out there they do set up stings to catch people Contracting in certain counties. I personally know some people that have gone to jail for that for 30 days and had to pay thousands in fines then they got their license. People listen to experience! I'm trying to help not argue. I am retired now I want other people to succeed and not cheat the system. Licensing is not hard just go out and do it!! A license does not make you a good contractor, good people skills and quality work will.But remember take pride in what you do and have fun!!!!!!! I did.
Just work by the hour or by the day and bypass the entire law.
Unfortunately I believe that would still get you in trouble with the said law
@@handymanjourney BULL SH-T WHERE ARE THESE LEGAL EAGLES???
that's not high enough,prices of lumber etc have gone way up.
They sure have
I have amazing news for you too. Sadly I don’t think anyone enforces any of this.
If that maximum limit doesn't include tips they're not going to tax tips so just quote the project is $1 plus tips
😂😂 that's an interesting thought
By the way it's illegal to advertise your services without your license number in the ad… Just saying no matter how big your projects are
Yep, if you are unlicensed you have to state that in your marketing
Great news!
🙌🙌🙌
If they do not have a written agreement AND get paid in cash, who will be the wiser? The H/O is not going to snitch.
That's the whole thing, who's really going to dig far deep into these jobs
It’s crazy that anyone would hire a tradesman that wasn’t licensed
What about tree work?
Have the owner to get a permit to do it themselves and do the hard part for a fee so your not getting the parts. Inspection is easier on owners.
This is for the homeowner. If you are hiring a handyman , will your insurance cover this person if injured while working on your property. It is my understanding that an unlicensed person and their employees become your employee’s while working on your property . You should ask your insurance agent. Or at least confirm that the handyman has the proper insurance/ workers comp. to cover himself or his employees if injured while working on your property.
Just a suggestion.
Definitely need to make sure that whoever you hire has the appropriate insurance or the homeowner will be liable. It's very important for handyman to have all the necessary and needed insurance to cover the homeowner
@@handymanjourney Rare to find a "handyman" who has insurance. That's their big selling point: they're cheaper because their bid/costs are lower and no insurance/bonding is one reason.
@@terry_willisbut they are not cheaper. These bustouts are demanding 800 per day
Thats awesome
This is still screwing the homeowner and handyman. The average landscape company can charge way more without a proper license and get away with hiring undocumented labor. 🤷🏼♂️ Licensed contractors will low ball a bid to get a signature on a contract then nickel and dime the customers charging for every little change or claim material prices increased. I stopped doing work because replacing a vanity and toilet left little to stay under that $500 mark when the customer chose a $300 vanity and $135 toilet. This forced them to hire a general contractor that charged $2000 minimum for labor.
I agree, the law only hurts the client
I'm surprised they didn't raise it to $501...
Handyman gets hurt working on your house , you are screwed
If they are uninsured, we always recommend handymen get insurance
And if he doesn't get hurt you made out, got a job for a reasonable price😂
That’s what homeowners insurance isfor
People don't pay, people starve and lose their people homes
❤
Homeowners insurance won’t pay for a civil judgement after he sues you for falling off a ladder
Guess what demographic group ignores this and all laws and taxes
Si si muy Bueno, mucho trabajo Para mi chavocho
Democrats
Licence is just another tax period.
Very true
That new limit is still too low.
Why is there any limit anyway? The more you profit the more tax you'll pay.
If you're running a handyman service business then surely that would require some form of registration and tax compliance anyway. Is that different to a licensed general contractor's requirements?
The only difference between a contractor and handyman is the license from the cslb.
@handymanjourney is this licence difficult or expensive to procure and maintain?
The license requires that you can pass 2 tests. Forget it
@@coreyfranco7060 just curious to know what sort of hoops our brothers and sisters in the US have to leap through. I'm in Cambodia ex Oz.
I feel your pain.
That is still only a water heater replacement or maybe 50' of fence. Yay.
Oh and without a contractor license you can't do anything that requires a permit so no water heaters!
@handymanjourney A straight swap (same size, type, and connections) doesn't require a permit. (Otherwise, it does.)
obviously you haven't priced out water heaters or fencing for quite a long time
@deltasquared7777 I looked them both up for the local Home Depot right before I posted. $500-600 for a 40 or 50 gal water heater. $4 each for 6" by 6' fence boards, so $8/foot plus posts, horizontal boards and sundries, for about $10-12/foot, or $500-600 for 50 feet. Both leave $400-500 for labor before going over the $1,000 limit. Of course, there are more and less expensive water heaters, and more and less expensive fencing options.
What prices did you see when you looked them up just now?
@@briant7265 110 x fence boards at $4., 7 x fence posts at $15., 10 x horizontal boards at $8., deck screws $75., concrete $20 plus tax comes to around $750. To this add shopping, delivery, demo, dump, permits and inspection.as basic costs. Thirty years ago the cost was around $25 per foot to replace a fence,
Angie's list gives: "Privacy fences cost $27 to $60 per linear foot, including materials and labor" also "Removing an existing fence for replacement will increase the cost of a fence installation project. For most fence types, expect to pay between $300 and $750 or $3 to $7 per linear foot."
I see low end 50 gallon gas water tanks starting at around $700 with tax.
Contractors in the SF bay area are charging upwards of $1500 to $2000 for replacing a water (tank) heater.
Have you noticed the price of gas, insurance, maintenance, and licensing for your truck recently, as well as the cost of tools and equipment, as well as workman's comp insurance as well as accounting/billling etc costs or do you do figure these as an included free services?
Here in the East Coast its $25K per contract no License Necessary. Code is about the same but not too scrutinized. Certain trades you can price out as high as you want no limit. For example as an independent excavator or grader. Landscape or Property care/improvements No License necessary and you could have a contract as high as the sky.
I have license in CT RI and MA and I have no idea what you are talking about
@@coreyfranco7060 I understand completely , different rules on the east coast. My husband is a retired contractor in California He was licensed & certified in many areas. He had his A,B General Contractor license along with 3 other ones and certs. He was surprised when we moved to our new home and wanted to pull a permit for a complete remodel. The Building Permit Inspector told him he only needed an electrical permit if there were any changes. So he asked other builders here and they told him the same thing. Things are just different here in the southeast. Alabama & Mississippi is even more lenient, practically no code enforcement in many counties.
The new limit is much too low.
I agree but at least it's better than it was!
Wrong. Its been 600.00. As a contractor, good, now i can hire more casual labor as "handymen" w/o workers comp.
Cant be part of a larger project
Should be 5k