License/Permit Requirement

12/6/2019 at 1:17:25 AM

Not sure, I'm in Alberta and you need a business licence to have a business.

12/6/2019 at 6:42:31 AM

Hi Sebastian

If you are a handyman and posting Ads to solicit work you must make it clear to your customers that you are a handyman and you are not Licensed, if you don't you are committing fraud and can be easily sued.

If you are a customer, you can ask the handyman to see there License and than decide on what you would like to do. A License is not a requirement in the Province of Ontario but some Cities do require it. As a customer

ask lots of questions...you are the boss.

12/6/2019 at 7:56:53 AM

Try to find a job go work

12/6/2019 at 10:44:07 AM

As a handyman you can do all cosmetic upgrades.

For example:

Drywall/mud and taping

Flooring

Painting

Non structural framing

Brickwork

Waterproofing

Roofing

Windows and doors

Minor electrical and plumbing repairs to existing (changing taps or installing new light fixtures etc...)

Trim and doors

Decks and fences

Facia soffit eavestrophe

And more...

What you cannot do without a trades license is:

Structural work(needs Carpenters license)

Major electrical (needs electrical license)

Major plumbing (needs plumbing license)

Gas heat (needs gas license)

Most permits are depending on the city but even some of the unlicensed trades still need a permit.

Believe it or not your suppose to get a permit to do ur roof in some cases.

I would consult with your contractor about whether or not you will need one for your project.

12/6/2019 at 6:06:14 PM

Sebastian, In addition to the license, you are limited in certain areas. I too am in Alberta but as a general rule, you can't do electric or plumbing or gas fitting. To put it plainly, if you are not licensed in a particular trade, be cautious. You really should be familiar with building codes and basic limits for the trades I mentioned. Examples: plumbing also requires knowledge on venting, slopes, connections, proper sizes of lines (both water and drainage), and how to repair a variety if items. Electric requires knowledge on voltage, proper wire sizes, number of allowable outlets, and much more. Don't get caught in a law suit because you think you can "do the job". Apart from that, most everything else ... you can do.

12/8/2019 at 11:27:46 PM

Only one place to get your answer as certain tasks may require a permit in one province but not in another. Doesn't happen often but you never know.

Go visit the appropriate authority in your region.

1/4/2020 at 2:33:14 PM

Hi Sebastian,

To be clear, permits and licenses are completely different things.

In Mississauga, you are required to be licensed with the City which will require proof of insurance and a criminal records check and possibly an exam if you are doing any of the following for payment outside of your own home:

Builder / Renovator including Roofers or General Contractor

Drain Contractors or Drain Layers

Plumbing Contractor and appointed Plumbing Masters

Paving Contractors

Heating and AC contractors and appointed heating installers.

You are also prohibited from doing electrical work in someone's home. A homeowner can obtain their own permit to perform electrical work in their own home but cannot hire out the work under that permit. If you are going to perform electrical work you must have or be employed by a licensed electrician that has their Master rating to take out the permit.

Also, make certain that you have the right insurance to cover yourself and not the cheapest insurance that you can show someone.

Lastly, make sure you are registered with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) as well as any subcontractors you may employ from time to time.

As for permits, it is dependent on the work and they are NEVER subjective or optional. The City Building and Permit department can answer any questions you may have or for peace of mind even when another contractor claims you don't need one.

Don't take chances with your livelyhood, your clients safety or the laws in your area.

Best of Luck.