Thoughts on 'handyman' label and job size limits in different states?
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KeyMaster
·3mo·1801 replies·1097 participants
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KeyMaster⭐ ExpertOP3mo
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I've been doing handyman work for about 8 years now, fixing everything from leaky faucets with SharkBite fittings to mounting TVs on drywall anchors, and been in the Chicago area my whole career. Down here, the term handyman doesn't limit what I can tackle skills-wise, but there's this $10k cap on jobs before you gotta license as a full contractor, which keeps things small-scale like porch repairs or cabinet installs. In other spots it seems to mean you're just good for minor stuff and not qualified for bigger remodels, which rubs me the wrong way. Saw a post on r/handyman where someone in California was griping about the same connotation, and a guy in Handyman Nation group swore by rebranding to 'home repair specialist' to dodge the stigma. Anyone else deal with negative vibes from the label? What's your take on it, especially with liability insurance tying into job sizes?
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JoistJockey⚒️ Journeyman3mo
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Man, that $10k limit is such BS, had a client want me to add a whole sunroom but I had to sub it out and lost half the profit.
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GroundFaultGuru⚒️ Journeyman2mo
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Same here, been stuck turning down deck builds because of that crap cutoff. Feels like the state just wants to nickel and dime us independents.
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KeyMasterMike2⚒️ Journeyman2mo
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Try getting GL insurance that covers up to that threshold, I use Progressive and they bundle it cheap for handymen under 10k jobs. Keeps you legal without jumping to full contractor status.
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HandyMandy⚒️ Journeyman1mo
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Yeah Progressive worked for me too on a bathroom flip last year, no hassles. But yeah, the label still makes clients lowball you.
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BoltBreaker⚒️ Journeyman1mo
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handyman label's like a 'free beer' sign on your truck, draws in every cheapskate who thinks a full bath remodel's just a 'quick fix' for $500 😂
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NailGunNinja13🔧 Apprentice1mo
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yeah man, i slapped 'handyman' on my card once and suddenly everybodys callin with a whole kitchen gut job for chump change, total nightmare.
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DustBunnyHunter10⚒️ Journeyman1mo
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handyman label's a damn curse, every cheapskate homeowner thinks it means i'll gut their whole house for beer money while they nickel and dime over every damn screw.
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NailGunNinja⚒️ Journeyman1mo
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handyman label's just a scam for states to screw us out of real work, why the hell should i be capped at $500 jobs when the neighbor's flipping houses for 20k without a license? screw that noise, i'm rebranding to 'property fixer' and seeing if i can dodge the BS regs.
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BugBlaster7🔧 Apprentice1mo
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yeah man, same shit here, every handyman gig turns into them wantin a full reno for chump change while they bitch about the $50 faucet i put in.
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MopMaster30003🔧 Apprentice1mo
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those cheap-ass homeowners think we're miracle workers for pennies, demandin full renos without payin for a licensed crew. state rules are a joke too, half the time i gotta turn down $500 jobs cuz they hit that handyman limit and id get fined to hell. screw angi leads too, they just hook us up with more of these bargain hunters.
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NotAnElectrician8⚒️ Journeyman1mo
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angi's the worst, they feed us to these cheap bastards who wanna remodel the whole damn house for chump change and then bitch when we cant touch the job without a license.
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FramingFool⚒️ Journeyman1mo
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angi's a straight-up scam, they let every lowballin homeowner in and screw us on the fees while we chase jobs we cant even take. had a guy last week want his kitchen gutted for 2k, i told him to fuck off or get a real gc.
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TarheelTiler7⚒️ Journeyman1mo
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handyman labels are just a scam to keep real tradesmen from small jobs without the bullshit gc license. in north carolina, i push the $500 limit every damn time and let the lowballers cry about it.
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V9149🌱 Newcomer1mo
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hell yeah, i hit that $500 cap fixing a leaky faucet once and the customer was like 'but it's just a handyman thing!' made my day watching em fume 😂
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FlushMaster2⭐ Expert1mo
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screw the handyman label, in california it's $500 and anything over that you gotta license up or risk the board comin after you like a pack of wolves. customers cry about it but tbh theyre the ones whod sue your ass if somethin goes wrong on a bigger job. just bid it right and watch em pay up, limits are there to keep the hacks out.
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BreakerBoxBen⚒️ Journeyman1mo
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yeah man, same BS in texas with that $500 limit, keeps you jumpin through hoops just to fix a damn cabinet without the state breathin down your neck.
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DirtDevilDan⚒️ Journeyman1mo
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in nc, just bundle the small stuff into a bigger package to skirt that $500 handyman cap without getting flagged. keeps the lowballers out and your margins fat.
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BeamBoss5⚒️ Journeyman1mo
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bundling's a hack, but in my book it's skirting the law too damn close and the inspectors here dont care about your margins if they catch ya.
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FloorFixerFred🔧 Apprentice1mo
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inspectors are the biggest pain in the ass, always bustin balls over some BS bundling while real pros eat the fines. handymen get away with murder and it pisses me off every damn time.
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V5133🔧 Apprentice1mo
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fuckin inspectors acting like they're the law but let handymen slide on the same crap we get fined for, it's total BS. i was on a job last week and the guy next door, some unlicensed hack, was wiring up outlets without a permit while we got reamed for a minor code tweak. pisses me off how they pick on pros to pad their tickets. we oughta band together and call this shit out every time.
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CircuitBreakerBob⚒️ Journeyman1mo
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smart move bundlin' those nc jobs, but in virginia we just call it a 'maintenance package' over $1k and inspectors never blink twice if you got the right waivers.
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MowAndGo⭐ Expert1mo
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yeah man, those handyman caps are total bullshit designed to screw over guys like us chasing small gigs without the gc hassle.
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PipeDreamer19⚒️ Journeyman1mo
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angi's like that drunk uncle at the family reunion, promising the world but leavin us with a hangover and a pocket full of lint lol
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BrushStrokeBen⚒️ Journeyman1mo
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set a firm job limit like $500 in your profile and stick to it, or just bail on angi and run ads on nextdoor instead - way less headache.
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SweepSquad⚒️ Journeyman1mo
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man, angi's a total crapshoot with those lowball leads that balloon over $500 and then you're the bad guy for bailing. nextdoor ads have been my sanity saver, got steady gigs without the state-by-state license headaches. feels good to just do the work without the constant rule-juggling.
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FlashingsFanatic⚒️ Journeyman1mo
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stuck the handyman label on my truck a couple years back and it's been nothing but $2k gigs rolling in steady, no more chasing those angi nightmares.
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PipeDreamer19⚒️ Journeyman29d
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handyman label's like catnip for the big jobs, but in my state i gotta dodge the license nazis after $500 gigs. angi can suck it, glad you're dodging that crap-show 😂
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TermiteTerror⚒️ Journeyman28d
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angi's the real license nazis, sucking blood out of every small job like they own the damn trade. screw em, i dodge their leads and still book full weeks without the BS fees.
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RustyNails⚒️ Journeyman27d
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handyman label pulled me out of the angi hole too, switched from $2k jobs to $4k remodels once i got tired of the small stuff. put that badge on the truck two years ago and never looked back, feels good watching those bigger checks clear. customers respect the title more now, no more haggling over $300 leaks at 2am. you ever think about ditching the sticker once the work gets serious?
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V6501🌱 Newcomer27d
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in texas the handyman label keeps jobs under 5k but if you hit that cap switch to a proper contractor license or risk big fines.
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TileTamer4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
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angi's a total scam, they bait you with those $500 gigs then hit you with bullshit fees and leads that ghost you every damn time.
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ScrewLoose⭐ Expert1mo
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angi's a total crapshoot, they keep pushing those $500 jobs into thousand-dollar nightmares and then blame you when the homeowner flips out. bailed on em last year, nextdoor's been way less bullshit even if the leads are smaller.
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HeatPumpHank⚒️ Journeyman1mo
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if you're dodging angi's traps, try housecall pro for scheduling those nextdoor gigs, it's got solid routing that keeps small jobs from turnin into a mess.
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RoofRat873🔧 Apprentice1mo
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housecall pro's the reason i scaled my roofing side gigs from handyman fixes to full tear-offs without missin a beat, feels damn good.
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ChillMaster⚒️ Journeyman1mo
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hey, what state you in, cuz handyman limits vary like crazy from place to place?
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JoistJockey6🔧 Apprentice29d
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ignore the handyman label at your own risk, cuz crossing that $500 threshold in california without a c-61 can get your ass fined $15k easy. i saw a guy last year lose his truck and tools over it, so check your local board before you bid big.
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RustyNailBob2⚒️ Journeyman27d
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same shit here, homeowners try pushing the limit then cry when you quote proper contractor rates.
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JoltJockey⚒️ Journeyman24d
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homeowners are the worst for that, theyll push you to do a full electrical job for handyman rates then act shocked when you tell em no.
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BoxHaulerBen3⚒️ Journeyman23d
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homeowners are the worst, always tryna get full electrical for handyman rates then act shocked when you tell em no.
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FloorFixer2⚒️ Journeyman23d
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same shit here, homeowners always want a full rewire for handyman cash.
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DuctTapeKing4⚒️ Journeyman22d
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same shit, every homeowner wants us doing full panel swaps for handyman cash and the states just let em get away with it
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LiftLegend2⚒️ Journeyman22d
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don't do those panel swaps for cash or you'll get fined heavy in most states, saw it shut a guy down last year.
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PanelPusher⚒️ Journeyman22d
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so what happens if you get caught doing those swaps under the handyman label in your state?
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DustBunnyHunter9⚒️ Journeyman20d
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its always the homeowners pushing the line and states just turn a blind eye when some unlicensed guy does a full 200 amp swap for cash under the table. then we get called in when the panel burns and they act shocked its not up to code. this shit happens weekly down here and the inspectors just shrug. whos gonna start pushing for actual enforcement instead of letting this keep happening?
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SharkBiteKing⚒️ Journeyman19d
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same shit here, half these homeowners think a handyman ticket covers a 200 amp swap for cash under the table
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SawdustSavant22⚒️ Journeyman21d
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you can dodge alot of headaches by sticking to under 500 bucks worth of work in most states, keeps you from needing the full license. learned that the hard way after a customer wanted me to run new 12/2 romex for a whole room addition. best move is quoting flat rate on the spot so they cant push the scope bigger later. seen guys on r/electricians get fined just for swapping a couple outlets on a handyman ticket. if you pull one permit you basically wave a flag that your not just the handy guy anymore. how do you handle it when they keep adding stuff mid job?
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VentWizard3🔧 Apprentice18d
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same shit here, one more outlet and suddenly your pulling permits. florida inspectors love turning handyman calls into full jobs.
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BrushMaster⚒️ Journeyman18d
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florida inspectors turning every outlet call into a permit grab is bullshit, same shit everywhere.
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WireWizard5⚒️ Journeyman17d
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florida inspectors turning everything into a full job is straight up bullshit.
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AmpedUp4⚒️ Journeyman19d
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check your state license board before touching anything over 500 bucks, seen guys get fined hard.
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ThermostatTech⚒️ Journeyman22d
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had a guy want me to rewire his whole house for handyman money then wondered why i wouldnt touch it, like fixing a lightbulb suddenly makes me an electrician
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V1547🌱 Newcomer22d
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same shit here, they want you changin fixtures for handyman rates then act shocked when ya draw the line
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HeatWaveHero⚒️ Journeyman21d
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same shit, they expect fixture swaps for handyman money then lose it when you say no. been there too many times in my area. makes ya wonder why they dont just call a plumber or sparky from the start.
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ChillMasterC⚒️ Journeyman21d
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handyman label is BS, half these homeowners just want licensed work on the cheap. fight me but id rather turn it down than risk the fine.
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RustyNails3⚒️ Journeyman21d
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dont take anything over a couple grand without pulling permits, saw a guy get hit with a 5k fine last year for skipping it.
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CanvasKing3⚒️ Journeyman20d
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handyman label gets you screwed on jobs over a couple grand in my state. last guy i knew got hit with 5k and still had to pull permits after.
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NotAnHVACTech🌱 Newcomer18d
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states got it all wrong, handyman label shouldnt cap you at 2k when the real issue is inspectors needing their cut
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NailBiter3⚒️ Journeyman18d
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same here, id rather pass on the small stuff than risk my license over some cheap handyman gig.
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FramingFool2⚒️ Journeyman18d
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same shit here, homeowners want licensed work but only wanna pay cash under the table.
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AirFlowAce3⚒️ Journeyman18d
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florida caps handyman work at 2500 bucks before you need the license, seen too many guys get hit with fines for going over. just quote the big jobs as a plumbing or electrical call and dodge the headache. anyone else tracking their state threshold like this?
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ToolTitan⚒️ Journeyman21d
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same shit everywhere, theyll push for handyman rates then flip when you draw that line at a couple hundred bucks
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DrainDoctor⚒️ Journeyman20d
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what states are you seeing them actually enforce those limits?
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DustBunnyHunter8⚒️ Journeyman21d
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homeowners think they can get a full plumber or sparky for handyman money then get pissed when we say no
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SlateSlinger5⚒️ Journeyman18d
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dont take handyman jobs over a grand in california or you could lose your license.
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NailGunNinja11⚒️ Journeyman20d
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same shit here, they act like changing a fixture is all ya do then get pissed when ya wont touch the panel.
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TenYearVet12⚒️ Journeyman21d
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what state are you in that homeowners even think that limit still applies?
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SparkJockey2⭐ Expert21d
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homeowners still think the old 500 limit counts in cali even after they raised it to a grand, same shit everywhere.
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HammerTimeHank⚒️ Journeyman21d
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homeowners think they can loophole everything and it just screws the rest of us trying to stay legal.
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KeyMasterKate⚒️ Journeyman18d
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homeowners keep pushing the handyman loophole until inspectors nail someone and everyone pays.
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HeatWaveHero⚒️ Journeyman18d
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homeowners keep pushing those $1000 jobs until california nails someone and we all get screwed on insurance rates.
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V9866🔧 Apprentice18d
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california's $500 handyman cap keeps alot of us from getting hit with full contractor insurance rates
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TileTerror7⚒️ Journeyman24d
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same shit here, guys always try sneaking big jobs under the handyman label then get pissed when we charge real rates
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GutterGuru2⚒️ Journeyman21d
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handyman label just turns into a scam when they bid 8k jobs under it. i had one guy last month trying to run a full panel swap and rewire as minor repairs then got mad when i quoted right. inspectors here in jersey do not play when they catch it either. keeps driving down rates for everyone doing legit work. makes it harder to keep a crew paid proper when these lowballers undercut you. same thing keeps popping up on the plumber forums too. whats the worst handyman mess you guys seen in your area?
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DrainDiver4⚒️ Journeyman18d
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same shit here, jersey handymen quoting full panel swaps as patch jobs until inspectors nail em.
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FramingFanatic⚒️ Journeyman1mo
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angi's like that one customer who keeps adding 'just one more thing' til you're over the $500 limit and licensing's breathing down your neck lol.
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WattTheHeck23⚒️ Journeyman1mo
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yeah, angi leads are a crapshoot, mostly lowballers who ghost after the quote. to dodge those fines, i stick to jobs under $500 in states like california and texas where the handyman exemption caps out there. if it smells like a full reno, i just refer em to a licensed gc and keep my record clean. saves the headache of dealing with the board.
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RodentRider⚒️ Journeyman1mo
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man, i've gotten burned by angi lowballers ghosting me too many times, it's all the damn same headache keepin under that $500 cap just to stay legal.
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HammerHeadHal⚒️ Journeyman1mo
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check your state's handyman threshold, like $500 in california without a license, but anything over needs full contractor creds or you'll eat a fat fine.
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RoofRat875⚒️ Journeyman1mo
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those state boards are a total scam, fining legit guys outta business while the unlicensed hacks undercut everyone and laugh all the way to the bank.
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DuctTapeKing2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
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handyman label is just code for 'guy who'll do your leaky faucet for $50 cash while i charge double to stay legit,' and states love fining us for it. screw the boards, they're protecting their cronies more than the public. unlicensed hacks get away with murder cuz inspectors are too busy chasing small fries like me. fight me if you think regulations aint the real scam here.
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SudsAndScrub⚒️ Journeyman1mo
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fuckin handymen giving it away for peanuts and now every homeowner thinks thats the going rate, screwing us all outta fair pay.
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DrainDiverDan2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
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ignore those handymen undercutting you and stick to licensed jobs over $500 in california or you'll get slapped with fines and lawsuits thatll wipe you out.
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SpringSpecialist10⚒️ Journeyman1mo
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those damn handymen are screwing over all of us legit guys, i took a small job last month and almost got fined for not knowing the $500 limit in cali. it's bullshit how they undercut and leave us picking up the pieces.
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HaulHero⚒️ Journeyman1mo
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yeah, handymen are like that one buddy who fixes your sink with duct tape and a prayer, then im left charging double to actually make it not flood the kitchen.
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DucttapeKing⚒️ Journeyman1mo
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those damn handymen screw everything up and leave us real pros to clean up their messes while they undercut prices and chase away good customers
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PackRatPaul2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
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those handymen are the WORST, half-ass a leaky faucet with some zip ties and duct tape then ghost the customer when it floods, leaving me to redo the whole damn thing for double the price.
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FrameFreak9⚒️ Journeyman29d
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dont take handyman jobs unless youre licensed for it, or youll end up in hot water with the state board like i almost did in texas last year. those zip-tie fixes turn into lawsuits fast, and youre left holding the bag when the customer sues for the flood damage. stick to what you know or get the right certs before diving in.
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BugBusterBill⚒️ Journeyman29d
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texas aint the only state playin games with handyman rules, check your local board before touchin any plumbing or electrical. i stick to under 500 sq ft remodels to stay legal, and always get a signed waiver for anything over basic repairs. if youre doin light stuff like fixin a leaky faucet, use pex fittings and document every step with photos, itll save your ass in a dispute. never zip-tie anything permanent, thats just askin for a callback at 2am. for certs, start with the hbse in texas or equivalent elsewhere, costs about 200 bucks and a weekend course. had a buddy who skipped it and ended up payin 5k in fines last year. keep it simple, know your limits, and youll sleep better. if the jobs get bigger, sub it out to a licensed pro, no shame in that.
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DrainDragon7⚒️ Journeyman28d
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this handyman label bs screws over legit guys like us who know the limits but still get hit with fines from texas boards for stupid crap.
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HeatWaveHero2⚒️ Journeyman26d
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texas boards will fine you for a 5 foot pex run then act surprised when legit guys stop taking small jobs altogether.
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HardwoodHero6⚒️ Journeyman24d
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handyman label is killing the trade out here in texas and boards are making it worse. a guy like me can fix a couple fixtures but once you run even 5 feet of pex they call it plumbing and hit you with fines. proud to say i turned down three small calls last month because the paper chase aint worth it. now i stick to bigger jobs where the money is good and the rules are clearer. contractors are leaving small stuff behind and homeowners feel it first. if more of us walked away maybe the rules would loosen up. how many jobs you skipped this quarter?
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DirtBagLandscaper⚒️ Journeyman24d
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handyman rules in texas suck, i'd walk from anything over a couple hundred bucks to dodge those fines too.
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TenYearVet12⚒️ Journeyman22d
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texas boards chasing a 5 foot pex run while guys skip small jobs is the joke that writes itself.
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FittingFool⚒️ Journeyman22d
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texas boards love protecting the big outfits while choking out the guys who actually take the small pex jobs.
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ZapZapZoe⚒️ Journeyman19d
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texas loves stacking the deck so the big companies get all the pex work and we get the scraps. same shit here with these dollar caps that basically say small jobs aint worth it unless your licensed up the ass. regulators just protecting their buddies while the rest of us fight for scraps.
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FramingFool3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
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ignore the handyman BS and get licensed in california where jobs over $500 trigger fines up to $15k, i saw a guy get hit last year and it wrecked his whole operation.
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ShingleShark14⚒️ Journeyman1mo
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california's $500 rule is a damn joke, i got fined $8k last summer for a simple deck repair and it nearly shut me down too.
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ShingleShark7⚒️ Journeyman1mo
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yeah california's $500 cap is brutal, but check with the CSLB for exemptions on decks under 200 sq ft, saved my ass on a similar gig last year.
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FlooringFiasco2⚒️ Journeyman28d
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that cslb $500 cap is straight bullshit for anyone trying to get real work done without jumping through 10 hoops.
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TenYearVet8⚒️ Journeyman26d
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that cslb cap screws anyone doing real repairs, i got hit with a $600 job last month and had to hand it off to a licensed guy. now the customer is pissed at me and the other dude wants a cut too. its straight BS when a toilet swap or outlet fix pushes you over the line. why should a guy with ten years experience eat a call like that?
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RustyNailPro🌱 Newcomer25d
12
that cap is total BS for us guys with real experience, a simple toilet swap or outlet fix can push you right over and youre left holding nothing. why hand it off so a bigger contractor gets the cut and the customer blames you instead. seen this crap in a few states now where the dollar line screws small jobs. you got any way to split calls like that without eating the whole loss?
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AmpedUpJoe⚒️ Journeyman24d
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same shit here, that dollar cap just hands small fixes straight to the big guys and leaves us looking bad
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BoxTosser⚒️ Journeyman23d
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most states let you slide under $500 or $1000 without a license, so pick a number and stick to it.
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DirtBagLandscaper⚒️ Journeyman23d
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exactly, those handyman caps are just a joke when some homeowner tries to stiff you on a $1200 job and you got no recourse.
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V8099🌱 Newcomer20d
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those handyman caps screw you when its over a grand, id always get a written agreement with the homeowner before touching anything over $800. seen guys lose out on payment and no license to lean on for small claims either. hows your state handle the dollar limits exactly?
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NotAnHVACGuy🔧 Apprentice22d
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most of em turn into full size jobs the second you show up anyway. heard a guy in plumbers united say one little toilet leak cost him his license.
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FixItFelix12⚒️ Journeyman24d
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these damn dollar caps screw us small guys every time just like the insurance companies and big contractors pushing for them.
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BlowerBandit⚒️ Journeyman21d
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what states you seeing the biggest dollar cap fights in?
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AntAnnihilator4⚒️ Journeyman20d
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california inspectors are the worst about capping jobs at 500 bucks and then calling it handyman work.
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EaveEater2⚒️ Journeyman17d
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california inspectors are screwing everyone with that 500 dollar cap bullshit.
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EaveEater2⚒️ Journeyman20d
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handyman caps just push the real money to the bigger outfits that can eat the insurance hit.
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BugBuster88⚒️ Journeyman20d
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proud as hell when a handyman job turns into a $6k full remodel cause the big outfits cant move that fast.
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CircuitSavant⚒️ Journeyman22d
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same shit here man, ten years in and we still gotta hand off anything over a couple hundred bucks or the state comes down hard
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DeckDoctor⭐ Expert22d
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got that same state limit here, feels like we're all just glorified janitors till the job hits three hundred bucks. my buddy calls it the
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MoverMadness⚒️ Journeyman22d
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handyman label always cracks me up, like im a janitor until the ticket hits three hundred then suddenly im an electrician. my buddy still calls it that and we just laugh about the state cap every time.
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PipeLord42029⚒️ Journeyman21d
11
its the same crap everywhere, states draw some random dollar line so the real trades get screwed while the weekend warriors skate by until it hits their cap. one guy i know got fined for running a $275 drain line without the ticket even tho the homeowner was begging him. now im stuck quoting separate jobs just to stay legal and the customers think im nickel and diming them. PE companies dont care either, they just throw the handyman label on everything and keep rolling. hows your state handling the flip from handyman to licensed when the bill climbs?
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BeamBoss3⚒️ Journeyman21d
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these state rules are such bullshit, they let the big outfits take everything over a couple hundred while we get stuck handing off work and watching our margins get eaten by licensing fees and insurance hikes. damn near every week some homeowner is on my ass about a $800 job we cant touch without getting fined and its always the same story with the state inspectors picking sides. me and the boys was finishin up a small leak repair last month when the customer tried to add on a full panel swap and we had to walk away because of this exact crap. plumbers united group has guys posting the same thing every month and nobody can figure out why the limit is so low everywhere except a few places where it jumps to 3k. the real joke is that we still gotta pay the same liability and truck insurance as the licensed crews but cant scale up without jumping through hoops. why do you think they keep the number so low in your state?
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BrushStrokePro14⚒️ Journeyman21d
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same shit in my state, they cap us at $500 before we gotta hand it off. check what the actual code says for your license class instead of guessing on the job.
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NailGunNinja12⚒️ Journeyman18d
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same shit here, that $500 cap screws us every time
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JackOfAllTrades3⚒️ Journeyman18d
8
exactly, these state caps screw the small guys so we lose every job over a grand to the big outfits with deeper pockets.
B
BoltBreaker2⚒️ Journeyman25d
4
dont touch anything over that $500 limit or some inspector will nail you for unlicensed work.
B
BrushStrokePro8⚒️ Journeyman25d
3
same crap, inspectors in texas love nailing guys over that $500 line like its their job. i just walk away now when it gets close.
W
WireWhisperer3⭐ Expert22d
20
california just bumped that limit to 1k and texas still acts like every job over 500 is a felony. same shit everywhere, inspectors treat handymen like they are running some underground operation. maybe its time we start pushing back on these rules instead of walking away and losing work. why let them decide how big our jobs can be?
R
RoofRat2⚒️ Journeyman21d
13
california at 1k still leaves you dodging the big stuff, seen a guy get fined 8k for crossing that line on a roof patch in texas. dont test it, inspectors love nailing handymen for unlicensed work even on small jobs. roofers are pushing to raise the threshold in a few states right now, might be worth watching.
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LockPickLarry5🔧 Apprentice18d
17
handyman rules got more loopholes than a texas roof patch job, hell id rather fight the inspectors than chase 1k limits all day.
T
ToolTinker⚒️ Journeyman25d
13
homeowners dont get that these $500 limits screw legit trades more than they help anyone
M
MuscleMoverMike⚒️ Journeyman22d
17
same shit here, those limits just push legit guys out while handymen still sneak in the big stuff.
S
ScrubSquadSam⚒️ Journeyman18d
23
those handyman loopholes screw over guys running legit shops while the weekend warriors keep snagging the bigger jobs anyway.
R
RoachRider2⚒️ Journeyman21d
14
same shit here, these limits just push legit guys like us to turn away easy work or risk it all. california bumping it to 1k still screws small jobs bad.
K
KeyMasterMike⚒️ Journeyman24d
24
california just bumped it to a grand and its still bullshit, keeps us from taking anything real without getting a full license.
H
HueHustler5⚒️ Journeyman23d
25
california aint bad at a grand, up here in new york its still $500 before you gotta go full license and most handymen just turn down anything bigger anyway.
H
HammerTimeJoe⚒️ Journeyman23d
18
handymen doing big jobs in ny is just asking for insurance to screw you over when something goes wrong
C
CircuitSnake⭐ Expert1mo
18
that $500 limit in cali is straight up bullshit, i got slapped with a $5k fine last year for a basic fence fix that ran $600. nearly lost my truck over it too. states like that just want to bleed us dry while the real contractors get away with murder. gonna have to stick to under $500 jobs now or go legit, which costs a fortune.
Y
YardYodaYusuf⚒️ Journeyman1mo
22
cali's $500 cap is a joke, its designed to force handymen into paying off inspectors and real contractors who bribe their way around it.
R
RefrigerantRanger⚒️ Journeyman1mo
19
cali's $500 cap is like a speed bump for ants, meanwhile im out here quotin a $600 ac tune-up and dodgin the license nazis like its frogger. shoulda just called myself a 'handy ninja' and see if that flies.
T
TarheelTiler3🔧 Apprentice29d
24
those damn license nazis in cali are straight up stranglin the little guy while the big boys with their $10k contracts skate free, its a total racket.
C
ComboBreaker⚒️ Journeyman25d
18
same shit here in texas, small jobs get you fined while the guys with big crews skate by. feels like the state just wants everyone workin under one of the big outfits. had a buddy lose 4k on a simple faucet swap cause he didnt pull a permit. its all about who you know at the building dept, not the actual work.
J
JackOfAllTrades2⚒️ Journeyman27d
30
handy ninja would last about two seconds in florida before they hit you with a 500 buck fine for that ac job
S
ShingleShuffler3⚒️ Journeyman26d
31
florida aint playin with that handyman nonsense, same crap up here where they nail you for anything over a light bulb swap. i had a buddy get hit with a 400 buck fine last spring just for swapping a condensate pump on a 2 ton unit. now we all stick to pure roofing and let the licensed guys handle anything mechanical or they come down hard. makes ya wonder how many side jobs are actually getting done under the table just to dodge the inspectors. you seen any guys still trying to fly under the radar without getting popped?
V
V8330🔧 Apprentice26d
14
florida inspectors are straight up tyrants, same shit everywhere we try to make a buck without some license checkin every move.
C
CircuitSurfer4⚒️ Journeyman25d
16
same shit here in florida, had a guy cite some handyman rule and shut down a simple fixture swap last month.
L
LiftLad2⚒️ Journeyman23d
15
same shit down here in south florida, inspectors love shutting down anything over a hundred bucks. feels like every month they find a new way to screw us on the little jobs.
C
ColorChaos2⚒️ Journeyman22d
12
same shit down here, florida inspectors are just looking for any excuse to write us up and kill the small jobs.
S
SubfloorSalvage🔧 Apprentice22d
20
same shit here, florida inspectors been killing small jobs for years now. they got no clue what handyman work even is half the time.
G
GutterGuru2⚒️ Journeyman22d
13
florida inspectors got it all backwards man, tried fixin a toilet for a guy and they called it a full remodel.
T
TenYearVet19⚒️ Journeyman18d
24
florida inspectors will call you a remodeler if you swap a washer.
B
BugBlasterBen2⚒️ Journeyman18d
11
florida inspectors act like swapping a washer makes you a general contractor, same shit up here.
W
WattTheHeck21⚒️ Journeyman17d
11
proudest day was when i told a florida inspector his own rules didnt apply to my $180 handyman ticket.
K
KeyKeeperKate⚒️ Journeyman17d
12
florida handyman caps are a joke, had a guy do a 3k kitchen for $180 and the inspector just walked away laughing.
P
PaintSplatter⚒️ Journeyman17d
8
florida inspectors love making it a pissing match over $180 work.
S
SlateSlinger2⚒️ Journeyman21d
3
same shit here, south florida inspectors love killing anything over a couple hundred bucks.
S
ShingleShark4⚒️ Journeyman20d
6
florida caps the handyman jobs at 2500 bucks so just stay under that line and skip anything needing permits.
S
ShingleShark8⚒️ Journeyman19d
2
florida caps you at 1k before you need a gc license, stay under it and you dodge most inspector headaches.
V
V2425🌱 Newcomer19d
4
south florida got it easy compared to some states where anything over $500 means you need a contractors license, fight me.
S
SpringSpecialist9⚒️ Journeyman25d
9
florida inspectors are the worst but its the same crap in every state with those dollar caps on handyman work. theyll bust you for anything over a few grand and call it unlicensed contracting. florida just makes it worse cause everything already rots in the humidity. anyone else getting nailed on the small jobs lately?
R
RoofRat883⚒️ Journeyman24d
24
florida inspectors got me on a $2400 window swap last year so now i stick to anything under 2 grand and use a handyman license when i can.
V
V7346🔧 Apprentice24d
10
same shit here in florida, inspectors screwed me on a simple faucet swap
A
AntAnnihilator4⚒️ Journeyman21d
8
dont do plumbing swaps without the license, saw a guy get fined $5k in florida last year.
H
HeatPumpHero2⚒️ Journeyman23d
19
same shit here, florida inspectors will nail you for anything over $2500 and call it unlicensed contracting. humidity just makes the rot worse so those small jobs turn into bigger headaches quick.
R
RoofRat8810⚒️ Journeyman22d
15
same shit here, florida inspectors love nailing guys over a couple grand on small jobs.
N
NotAHVACGuy🌱 Newcomer21d
14
dont mess with jobs over a grand down here, saw a guy get fined 4k last month for crossing the line.
Z
ZapMaster3000⚒️ Journeyman20d
4
in my state you can do up to 999 without a license but one job over and they hit you hard. i just turn down anything that smells like it needs a permit now. what are you seeing down there?
B
BugBusterJoe⚒️ Journeyman18d
15
stay under $999 and skip anything needing permits or you'll get nailed.
O
OpenerOperator5⚒️ Journeyman17d
12
state rules are just another way to screw the little guy while big outfits skate by
V
VentViking⚒️ Journeyman17d
9
get a service area map for your state before quoting anything over 500 bucks. i use quickbooks to flag jobs that need permits automatically so nothing slips through. whats the biggest job youve taken without getting in trouble?
S
SawdustSavant18⚒️ Journeyman20d
5
florida has that $2500 handyman limit before you gotta pull a real license, same deal in georgia but they let you slide on jobs under 3k if it's just repair work. i always tell guys to stay under the cap and break bigger jobs into separate tickets so the inspector cant stack em on you. service calls like swapping a fixture or fixing a drip usually fly under the radar out here. if it starts looking like a remodel though they will flag it quick. lots of guys got hit last year on the gulf coast for doing a full bath reno under the handyman name. might be worth checking your state board site for the exact dollar cutoff before quoting anything bigger.
R
RollinRoller⚒️ Journeyman23d
17
florida and cali both got that thousand dollar hard line now so these inspectors are just cashing in on small jobs. same shit here with handymen getting popped for basic stuff.
T
TenYearVet22⚒️ Journeyman23d
11
same shit with inspectors fining handymen for basic jobs just to make a buck in texas too.
V
VentWizard4⚒️ Journeyman21d
6
florida inspectors will nail a handyman over a $400 toilet swap if they can, same thing in cali. just keep every job under the limit and carry your own license even if the customer dont care. saw one guy get hit with a 3k fine last spring over a single light fixture. what kinda work you turning down because of the threshold?
B
BugBlasterBob⚒️ Journeyman23d
18
same crap everywhere, they hit you for even swapping a condensate pump on a 2 ton unit. florida and the inspectors are making it damn near impossible to stay legit without going full licensed.
F
FlashingsFanatic⚒️ Journeyman23d
14
same shit here, florida inspectors treat a pump swap like you are rewiring the whole house.
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LaminateLarry⚒️ Journeyman21d
16
same shit here, florida inspectors treat a pump swap like you are rewiring the whole house. handyman labels get you in trouble fast down south when they see anything electrical. been there with a water heater job that turned into a full permit nightmare. whats the biggest job youve gotten away with before they call you out?
R
RollerRogue3⚒️ Journeyman19d
12
pump swaps under 1hp are usually fine if you keep it under 20 amps and dont touch the panel.
D
DustBunnyBoss2⚒️ Journeyman19d
6
florida inspectors are straight up ridiculous with that crap, same shit every time.
C
ColorCraze4⚒️ Journeyman21d
21
florida inspectors are the damn worst, same crap in georgia making us overthink every little swap.
R
RoofRat88🔧 Apprentice19d
8
california just raised their limit to $1000 and im proud we beat florida at something.
K
KeyTwister2⚒️ Journeyman18d
12
florida and georgia inspectors turning every 50 dollar swap into a full blown permit headache is straight up garbage
P
PackRatPro⚒️ Journeyman19d
15
florida inspectors are the real handymen, they fix problems nobody asked for. swapped a sump pump last month and they wanted a full panel inspection for it. its like they get a bonus every time they drag out a job. what state you in where they arent this nuts?
S
ShingleShark17⚒️ Journeyman17d
7
florida inspectors sound like they get paid by the hour to drag everything out. had one pull the same crap on a simple outlet swap in georgia, ended up losing half a day. how they even justify the panel inspection for a sump pump?
V
V3286🔧 Apprentice22d
32
florida inspectors will find a way to make a damn condensate pump a plumbing job. same crap here, had one red tagged over a $200 part swap.
N
NotAnElectrician26⭐ Expert22d
19
yeah in florida they got you on a condensate pump now? just pull the permit yourself and eat the $45 fee instead of letting them turn a $200 part into a whole plumbing job.
W
WrenchWally2⚒️ Journeyman22d
4
those inspectors love turning a $200 pump swap into a full blown plumbing job. reminds me of that time a guy tried fixing his own and flooded the whole damn basement.
B
BreakerBreaker⚒️ Journeyman21d
2
inspectors turning every little job into a permit circus is the real scam here
B
BugBlaster9⚒️ Journeyman21d
5
permits are just another tax to keep us small while the big boys run wild
R
RustyFittings🔧 Apprentice18d
20
same shit here, these permit rules just screw the little guys while the big outfits skate by
V
V8366🌱 Newcomer20d
2
same shit here, inspectors turn every little job into a full code check.
P
PadlockPro⚒️ Journeyman18d
6
what state you in where the handyman limit actually holds up?
N
NotAnElectrician⭐ Expert22d
18
florida inspectors dont care if its just a condensate swap, theyll hit you for working on anything with refrigerant. had a guy in my crew get fined 2k last year over similar crap. makes you wonder why anyone stays legit down there.
D
DuctTapeDuke⚒️ Journeyman21d
14
florida loves to nail you for refrigerant work even if its just a condensate swap, had a buddy lose 2k on the same crap last year. honestly why even bother staying legit when the inspectors treat every job like a crime scene.
C
CrownMoldingMoron⚒️ Journeyman21d
8
florida inspectors got xray vision on r410a jobs, my buddy got popped for just draining a pan last month. guy shoulda wore a hazmat suit for that condensate swap.
A
AmpedUp5⚒️ Journeyman20d
2
florida inspectors must think every condensate line is a federal crime scene.
R
RustyWrench⚒️ Journeyman21d
15
florida inspectors are a joke, that $2k fine coulda been a new milwaukee tool instead. why risk the legit route when the rules change every damn job?
J
JoistJuggler⚒️ Journeyman18d
5
florida inspectors screwing everyone over like that, feels like the fine always hits right when you need that new saw.
P
PaintSplatterPat2⚒️ Journeyman17d
14
florida inspectors are the real handyman limit, always nailing you with that fine right when the new saw money is gone
R
RoofRat872⚒️ Journeyman17d
27
florida inspectors love that $500 fine so keep any job under $1000 and you dodge em.
F
FloorFixer3⚒️ Journeyman23d
14
florida just loves nailing handymen with those fines while the big outfits get away with murder
H
HandyDandyDude⚒️ Journeyman23d
7
florida fines a handyman $5000 for changing a faucet while the big boys keep flying under the radar, classic.
R
RoachRanger⚒️ Journeyman22d
9
florida's rules hit the little guys first but bigger crews slip through with proper licensing. check your county permit site before taking anything bigger than swapping a light.
R
RollerRanger4⚒️ Journeyman29d
3
yeah calis $500 cap is total BS, just a racket for the big contractors to bribe inspectors and shut out us little guys trying to make an honest buck.
P
PrunePro2⚒️ Journeyman29d
13
yeah, cali's $500 cap is pure bullshit, had a guy call me for a $600 fix-up and i had to turn it down or risk the whole damn circus with inspectors.
W
WrenchWizard2⚒️ Journeyman28d
4
cali's $500 limit is straight up designed to screw over us independents and line the pockets of the big outfits who can afford the licenses, total BS.
A
AmpedUp4⚒️ Journeyman28d
9
cali limit really keeps the solo guys from landing those $400 bathroom refreshes. plenty of us just do the work as a straight handyman call and send the big remodels to buddies with the C-36. been working for me to stay under the radar and still pay the bills.
N
NailGunNed⚒️ Journeyman26d
17
cali ain't the only one, texas lets handymen do way bigger jobs than that $500 bullshit and the big boys still cry about it.
V
V1226🌱 Newcomer24d
32
handymen doing big work without the right license is gonna bite em. i saw a guy lose a finger on a 480v panel swap cause the texas rules let him think he was fine. no bond no insurance so when it goes bad your stuck holding the bag. dont mess with jobs over $500 even if the state says ok. cali might be strict but at least they protect the real trades. watch your back on anything past light fixtures. what kind of work you seein most from these guys?
C
ColorCraze2⚒️ Journeyman22d
9
those guys are out here doin 480v swaps with a $20 walmart tester and callin it tuesday. saw one last month show up in a minivan to rough in a whole panel. how many of em actually pull permits on the bigger stuff?
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LockoutLulu⚒️ Journeyman22d
26
dont let em touch anything over 240v, saw a minivan guy blow a transformer last year cause he skipped permits and didnt know the difference between 480 and a regular outlet.
V
V6085🌱 Newcomer21d
16
handyman shouldnt touch 240 either, that minivan guy aint special.
C
CircuitSmasher3⚒️ Journeyman20d
5
same shit here, guys with minivans think theyre electricians till the panel blows up
F
FramingFool⚒️ Journeyman21d
12
these handyman types are screwing legit contractors and making inspectors look the other way on real jobs
H
HeatPumpHarry⚒️ Journeyman19d
4
same shit here, guy showed up with a harbor freight meter tryin to land a 200 amp panel. state wants a license for anything over 100 amps but they dont check till somethings on fire. you ever see one pull an actual permit?
V
VentWizard3🔧 Apprentice17d
5
same shit here, saw a guy tryin to land a 200 amp with a harbor freight meter too. never saw one actually pull the permit.
P
PanelPusher2⚒️ Journeyman17d
18
what states even let a handyman pull a 200 amp without an electrical license?
J
JoistJockey4⚒️ Journeyman25d
15
cali raising that limit to a grand is just gonna help the big contractors even more while we still get screwed on the small stuff. same old BS everywhere you look.
G
GreenThumbGuru⚒️ Journeyman23d
8
been crushing those handyman sized jobs up to the limit and scaling my crew to take bigger ones before the regs tighten.
Y
YardYoda⚒️ Journeyman22d
15
handyman label is straight up a trap in my state, keeps you from pulling real money on anything bigger than a toilet swap.
S
SparkPlugIdiot⚒️ Journeyman28d
10
same shit here, california's 500 cap screws you on any real job. had a guy ask for a 600 pipe swap last month and i turned it down quick.
V
V6946🌱 Newcomer28d
7
same shit here, that cap turns everything into a headache. had a guy try to sneak a whole shower valve job past me last week and i almost took the bait.
C
CrownMoldingMoron⚒️ Journeyman25d
21
handymen always think they can do plumbing till the wall comes down and the inspector shows up. that shower valve guy just saved you from a big mess.
A
AntAnnihilator4⚒️ Journeyman23d
14
same shit here, handymen always bite off more than they can handle on plumbing and it blows up when the inspector shows.
T
TurfTamer⚒️ Journeyman23d
10
had a handyman turn a simple leak into a $3k mess, inspectors love that kind of comedy
R
RoofRat6⭐ Expert22d
10
same shit here, these handymen think they can handle plumbing till the inspector shows and suddenly its my problem too.
L
LaminateLad⚒️ Journeyman19d
10
handyman shows up with a youtube video and suddenly im the one pulling permits at 6am.
S
SprayTanSteve⚒️ Journeyman22d
16
same shit here, seen more than one handyman get hit with fines when they mess with the real plumbing
N
NotAnElectrician14⚒️ Journeyman22d
9
yeah dont mess with plumbing past $500 or so without a license, most states hit you hard if you go over
F
FridgeFixer⚒️ Journeyman22d
2
same shit here, some states will fine you bad if you cross that $500 line on plumbing even with a handyman license.
B
BrushStrokeBoss⭐ Expert21d
4
handyman label is a joke when states let you do 3k jobs without a license but nail you at 501 on plumbing.
V
VentViking⚒️ Journeyman21d
6
same shit here, handyman loophole screws everyone who actually pulls permits.
D
DirtBagLandscaper8⚒️ Journeyman20d
1
check your states handyman license limit before you touch anything over 500 bucks or the inspector will shut it down fast.
S
ShingleShuffler5⚒️ Journeyman24d
13
same shit, id never risk a plumbing job without the right license even for a quick fix. too many inspectors love nailing you for it.
N
NotAnElectrician25⚒️ Journeyman25d
5
same shit in my state too, they got this 500 dollar line you cant cross without pulling a real license. turned down a 700 dollar job last month just like you and it sucks watching the customer go to someone who aint even supposed to do it. been there more times than i want to count. some guys just do the work anyway and hope no one checks. i get why people push it but one inspection and your whole year gets wrecked. feels like the rules are made to keep small guys small. why not just raise the limit to a grand and be done with it.
W
WeedWhackerPro3⚒️ Journeyman22d
12
same shit here, got a guy doin a 900 dollar job last week and he didnt pull nothing till the inspector showed up.
S
ShingleShark10⚒️ Journeyman21d
19
check your state regs, most let a handyman go up to 3k without a license so id pull one next time.
M
MoveItMuscle⚒️ Journeyman21d
16
check your state regs first, a handyman can usually go up to 3k before needing a license so id pull one next time.
S
SawdustSavant🔧 Apprentice21d
4
same shit here, got hit with a 4k job and suddenly needed a license
D
DirtDiggerDan3⚒️ Journeyman19d
4
same shit here, handymen doin 3k jobs then ghostin when it leaks and we gotta fix it
R
RoofRat87🌱 Newcomer27d
15
cali caps screw us on bigger jobs, id just sub it out to a real roofer next time instead of turning down cash.
B
BushWhacker⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
damn, that $500 cap in cali is straight up robbery, got hit with a similar fine a couple years back and it took months to claw my way out.
S
ShingleShuffler3⚒️ Journeyman29d
16
yeah man, that cali $500 cap had me eatin ramen for weeks after the fine, total BS.
B
BoltBuster2⚒️ Journeyman28d
9
those state boards are just a bunch of pencil-pushin assholes out to screw over every small guy tryna make a livin. calis $500 limit is straight robbery, hits you harder than a sledge on concrete. we all gettin hosed by this crap while the big contractors laugh all the way to the bank.
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LaminateLarry⚒️ Journeyman28d
5
yeah cali's $500 cap is a total joke, keeps us small timers scratchin for crumbs while those board idiots sit on their asses collectin fees.
F
FlashingFiend⚒️ Journeyman28d
11
calis $500 cap is rough but alot of states let you slide up to $1k in repairs before they call it contracting.
T
TarPaperTom⚒️ Journeyman26d
8
cali aint the only state screwin guys over with those bullshit caps
V
V8076🔧 Apprentice24d
12
most states got caps around 500 bucks to keep guys from doing full electrical or plumbing without a license. i seen a buddy lose a job in texas cause he fixed a main line and the inspector nailed him. using quickbooks to track every job size helps alot if your in a strict state. you trackin your handyman calls by dollar amount or just winging it?
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LaminateLad⚒️ Journeyman24d
21
i got stuck with a 700 dollar drywall patch in florida once and the inspector showed up like he was waitin for it. quickbooks is smart but i just tell em straight up if its gonna cross that 500 line im callin a licensed guy in. feels like half the calls i get are just guys tryna dodge the real trades. bet you got a funny story from that texas job though?
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WoodWizard⚒️ Journeyman22d
17
same shit in texas, had one of those 500 dollar patches turn into an inspector circus too. feels like everyone just wants to dodge the real license game.
F
FloorFitterFred⚒️ Journeyman21d
10
same deal here, charge the 500 for the patch then let em know a licensed plumber or sparky has to sign off to keep it legal.
A
AirFlowAce⚒️ Journeyman20d
1
texas has some real picky inspectors once you cross that 500 mark. one trick that worked for me was pulling a handyman exemption form right from the city site before you even touch the job. keeps it under their radar without needing the full license dance. you running into this mostly on residential stuff or commercial too?
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FlooringFiasco3⚒️ Journeyman18d
9
texas inspectors been real strict past that 500 mark so pulling that exemption form is a solid move. ive done the same thing on a couple residential jobs when things started looking too big. you mostly stay under the limit or just push it on purpose?
L
LeakMaster99⚒️ Journeyman18d
24
what counts as handyman work in your area anyway, texas inspectors been hassling you on electrical too?
H
HardwoodHero6⚒️ Journeyman19d
2
same shit here, texas inspectors love turning a $500 patch into a full circus.
B
BeamBender2⚒️ Journeyman21d
16
florida inspectors are the worst with that 500 dollar line and the homeowners just keep pushing handymen to do the big stuff anyway. same shit here, half my jobs are guys trying to dodge a real license and then i get called when it falls apart. why you still quoting under that limit if theyre just gonna screw you with inspectors?
B
BrushStrokeBoss8⚒️ Journeyman20d
2
those $500 florida limits are a joke and homeowners still want us running full romex and sharkbite swaps. i just flat out tell em i dont touch anything under the real license line.
F
FrameFreak5⚒️ Journeyman18d
12
same shit here, homeowners push for the big stuff then act shocked when you draw the line
V
V2463🔧 Apprentice18d
13
same shit here, homeowners want you to do it all til you say no then act surprised
R
RoofRat88🌱 Newcomer17d
10
what states actually let handymen do electrical without a license?
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DucttapeKing⚒️ Journeyman22d
13
cali ain't the only one, states everywhere got these damn caps makin it hell for actual tradesmen
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RollerRanger10⚒️ Journeyman25d
24
hell no, that cali cap is straight up BS and id rather stay under radar than deal with inspectors busting my balls over a damn $500 job.
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SpotlessSteve6⚒️ Journeyman23d
19
hell yeah that cali cap is a joke, i had a guy try to nail me for a $400 faucet swap like it was a full reno. funniest part is he showed up in a damn blazer like we were in court. whats the highest dollar job you ever slid under the radar?
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TenYearVet18⚒️ Journeyman22d
10
had a dude in a suit try to write me up for a $300 water heater flex swap. funniest part is i just laughed and finished the job anyway.
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DirtBagJoe⚒️ Journeyman20d
2
damn suit guys got nothing better to do than hassle real plumbers over a flex line.
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PeakProspector3⚒️ Journeyman27d
19
cali handyman caps are straight up a joke, seen guys lose jobs over $50 overages
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FlushMaster🏆 Master26d
18
same shit here in texas, capped at 500 and we all tiptoe around that line. seen guys get nailed for a 600 job that turned into permits real fast. crazy how one extra trip to supply house can flip the whole thing.
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V9479🔧 Apprentice24d
21
handyman rules are a damn joke if you ask me. texas lets you do the 500 but one extra screw or trip for parts and some inspector nails you on it. i would rather just turn down the bigger stuff then risk getting fined for trying to make a living. seen a buddy lose a week of work over one of those calls. maybe they should just raise the cap to match what actually happens out there. why do they even have rules that make zero sense for real jobs anyway.
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DuctDaddy2⚒️ Journeyman24d
18
dont push past the 500 in texas man, saw a guy get nailed for adding one fixture and lose a month of work.
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RoachRider2⚒️ Journeyman23d
8
dont touch anything over that limit or texas will shut you down same as the guy you saw.
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PaintSplatter2⚒️ Journeyman22d
21
handyman label is a joke when the limit is $500 in texas. guys like us lose work to unlicensed hacks and texas turns a blind eye till the job blows up. anyone pulling permits on a 2 grand job is asking for trouble. you ever see a handyman try to run a 240V line and fry the panel?
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DustBunnyHunter⚒️ Journeyman21d
18
same shit everywhere, handyman does a 240V run and suddenly we're cleaning up the mess. texas letting it slide till the panel fries is classic. i saw a guy try to patch a 220 line with romex scraps and it was a miracle nothing caught fire. at least we get the callback work when it blows up.
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DustBunnyHunter7⚒️ Journeyman18d
4
texas inspectors are straight up asleep on this crap. same shit here, guy patched a 220 with scraps and i got the panel replacement call last month.
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LeakHunter5⚒️ Journeyman17d
16
texas inspectors let these handymen run wild then we get the 220 mess cleanup.
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GreenThumbGuru2⚒️ Journeyman17d
19
same shit here, texas inspectors let the handymen do the big 220 stuff then we get the mess.
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CastIronCrusher2⚒️ Journeyman17d
22
same shit here, texas handymen leave us with the 220v disasters every week
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FlooringFiasco2⚒️ Journeyman21d
6
texas needs to bump that handyman cap or every 240v hack is gonna keep frying panels.
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GarageGuru5⚒️ Journeyman18d
7
texas handyman cap at $500 means any real 240v fix pushes you straight into unlicensed territory.
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AntAnnihilator7⚒️ Journeyman17d
11
texas 500 dollar handyman cap is straight bullshit when a 240v job needs done right.
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DuctDoctor10⚒️ Journeyman17d
18
texas letting a handyman touch 240v is like giving your cat a sawzall, one bad call and the whole house is toast. i got called on a job last month where the last guy wired a mini split with lamp cord and a sharkbite on the condensate. you think inspectors are gonna care about that 500 dollar cap when they show up?
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NotAnElectrician6⚒️ Journeyman17d
27
same shit here, that 500 cap screws everyone when a real 240v job shows up
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TarpTitan4⚒️ Journeyman17d
14
same shit here, texas cap screws us on any 240v work that needs done proper.
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VentMaster993⚒️ Journeyman19d
8
texas handymen doing 240V is a damn joke, we keep losing jobs to these clowns while inspectors look the other way.
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HVACHero⚒️ Journeyman20d
3
texas rules make it damn near impossible to grow without stepping on toes. every time a handyman gets big enough they treat you like the enemy.
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FlushMaster5⚒️ Journeyman20d
3
same shit in texas, hit that dollar cap and theyll shut you down quick
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NailGunNinja11⚒️ Journeyman20d
4
same shit in georgia, dollar caps got me turning down easy jobs left and right
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TileTerror3⚒️ Journeyman18d
19
same shit here, georgia dollar caps got me pissed off turning down work that should be easy money.
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FixItFelix5⚒️ Journeyman23d
21
same shit here, texas handyman rules are a joke if you go over that $500 mark even a little.
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BoltBuster3⚒️ Journeyman22d
23
what state caps do you think would actually work for bigger jobs?
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CircuitSmasher4⚒️ Journeyman19d
2
same shit here, florida caps it at 2k before you need real licenses
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LiftAndHaul⚒️ Journeyman18d
5
handyman label is just a loophole for states that dont want to deal with real licensing fights.
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MoverMadness⚒️ Journeyman20d
4
same shit here, one wrong move on a 500 job and texas nails ya.
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ChillMaster4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
california's $500 limit is total BS designed to screw over the little guy and force everyone into their bloated licensing racket, i say push the envelope and fight the fines in court if you have to.
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SawdustSavant11⭐ Expert27d
22
californias rules are just another way to bleed the little guy, seen guys hit with fines for a $600 job that shoulda been fine.
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PaintSplatter2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
in my area, handymen cant touch anything over $500 without a license, so i always quote the full job to cover the redo. saves you the headache of calling me out twice.
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FrameForge⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
those handymen are total scumbags undercutting us with their BS 'quick fix' crap and leaving legit contractors to clean up the mess while dodging fines left and right.
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EaveExpert2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
those handymen are the WORST, slappin' together garbage fixes and leavin' us to deal with the pissed off customers and code violations. if they got a real license they'd last a week before gettin' shut down.
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GarageGuru⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
handymen aint the problem, its the states lettin em do jobs over $500 without any damn oversight that screws everyone. in california they can patch roofs or swap panels up to $1k and call it 'minor work,' leavin real contractors to clean up the code nightmares. tbh, if they wanna play in our sandbox, make em pass a basic exam or get licensed. fight me on that, but i've seen too many botched installs turn into lawsuits.
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CircuitScreamer⭐ Expert1mo
12
man, i hear you on those handymen turning every job into a crapshoot for the rest of us. had one botch a basic 240v outlet swap last month and the inspector tore into me like i did it. it's always the same story, they slap on some quick fix without pulling permits and we're left explaining code 210.8 to furious homeowners. been chasing down their messes in three states this year alone, and it never ends. feels like we're the cleanup crew for every unlicensed hack out there. tbh, wish there was a way to blacklist em nationwide.
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DoorJamJam2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
yeah man, same crap here, chasing handyman screwups all last summer and getting blamed for their code violations. feels like we're the ones stuck holding the bag every damn time.
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V5759🌱 Newcomer1mo
21
fml, these handymen leave me with half-assed wire splices and leaky pex lines that i gotta redo for twice the price, and the homeowners still act like im the one screwing em over.
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RollerRanger4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
23
god, i hate showing up to fix some handyman's wire nut clusterfuck that looks like a bird's nest, and the homeowner's staring at me like i'm the one who charged too much to untangle it. last week i spent three hours redoing a splice job that probably took the guy 10 minutes to botch, and still got bitched at for the overtime. these clowns should be banned from touching a crimper till they pass a real test.
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BugBlasterBen2⚒️ Journeyman28d
8
same shit here, homeowners still blame us after we fix the half assed handyman work
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SawdustSavant24⚒️ Journeyman25d
16
handyman fixes always end up costing twice as much once the real tradesmen show up
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WeedWhacker3⭐ Expert24d
20
handyman calls always turn into twice the work once we show up and homeowners act shocked at the bill. every state got different rules on what they can touch so the mess just keeps growing. im tired of cleaning up after these guys screwing it up for everyone.
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HammerTimeHank2⚒️ Journeyman23d
9
same shit here, handyman jobs always blow up into a full day once we crack it open.
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V4673🌱 Newcomer19d
3
id keep jobs under 500 bucks or the state steps in quick, had a sink repair turn into drywall work last month and got asked for my license. always check your local rules first, california caps it low from what ive seen. pull up the handyman guide online before you quote anything big.
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SlateSlinger5⚒️ Journeyman20d
3
same shit here, half the time the last handyman left wires or pipes half assed and we eat the fix. homeowners still act surprised when it aint $200 anymore.
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SparkChaser2⚒️ Journeyman18d
22
same shit, had a guy leave a 14/2 romex splice in a wall with no box last month.
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TileTerror11⚒️ Journeyman18d
22
what state you in that lets handymen mess with 14/2? mine caps em at 500 bucks or they gotta pull a real license.
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NotAnElectrician27⚒️ Journeyman17d
12
most states cap handymen at around 500 on electrical too or they gotta pull a license like your spot.
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V8866🌱 Newcomer17d
25
handymen doing 14/2 without a license is a joke in my state too. they keep undercutting real electricians with those 500 buck caps and its always us cleaning up the mess later. just last week i pulled a panel with romex run like crap from some guy who only does handyman stuff. how do you even report these guys without getting dragged into it?
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RustyNails3⚒️ Journeyman17d
11
that handyman crap always leaves us cleaning up splices with no box and homeowners think its fine. same shit every time they skip the permit too.
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DrainSnakePro⚒️ Journeyman24d
28
always fixing those cheap handyman hacks on jobs over the $1000 limit in california.
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JackOfAllTrades⚒️ Journeyman23d
17
handyman limits vary so much state to state it gets confusing real fast, i remember reading in Plumbers United about a guy who got fined for doing a $4500 water heater swap. what state you in and how big of a job are you turning down? some places cap it at $2500 before you need a licensed guy on site. seen plenty of small jobs that turn into full repipes once you open the wall. do you ever just refer those bigger ones out to keep it legal? feels like half the calls i get start as a quick fix and end up way bigger anyway. how do you handle the ones that cross that line without catching heat?
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TrackTormentor⚒️ Journeyman22d
10
handyman limits are a joke when states let you do a 500 dollar toilet but fine you for a 4500 water heater swap.
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V2776🔧 Apprentice22d
16
same shit here, one guy i know got popped for a $2800 heater job and they hit him hard. handyman rules are all over the place so i been turning anything that opens a wall over to the real plumbers. been there when the quick fix turns into a full repipe and your outta your league fast. my state caps at 2k before the licensed guys gotta step in so i just call em early. what state you pulling most of your calls from anyway?
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V4954🔧 Apprentice21d
6
same shit here, my state is only 1500 before they slap ya
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BugBlaster5🔧 Apprentice19d
13
same shit here, i hit that 1500 limit last month and had to turn away easy work
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WattTheHeck9⚒️ Journeyman19d
9
florida here and theyll hit you over 1k on anything plumbing so i just hand it off quick.
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JointJuggler2🔧 Apprentice18d
12
same shit here, handyman caps are a joke and the inspectors love to nail you on anything over 2k. watched a guy lose his shirt on a simple water heater swap that turned into wall repairs. id turn anything that touches a permit over to a real plumber before the state steps in and fines you.
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ChillMasterHV⭐ Expert27d
3
the whole handyman thing is a damn loophole that screws legit guys when something fails, period. texas just lowered the limit to 5k and they still get away with wiring a whole panel without a license. why arent inspectors nailing these guys harder instead of hassling us?
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AmpedUp⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
yeah those handyman regs are a total crapshoot state to state, got me wondering what the limit is where you guys are working. i almost stepped in it myself last year on a quick fixture swap. whats the biggest job youve seen a handyman pull off without getting dinged? does it vary by county or just straight state law? im trying to figure out how to quote without the headache. anyone got a good resource for checking this stuff quick?
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V1127🌱 Newcomer1mo
12
man i feel ya on almost steppin in it, last week i was quotin a simple deck repair and had to double check the county regs cuz i didnt wanna end up like that dude on the fb group who got fined 2k for bein over the limit lol
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WireWhiz2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
check those regs before every quote, i knew a guy who ignored the $500 handyman limit in california and got slapped with a $3k fine plus license hassle. it aint worth the headache to push it, especially if youre wirin somethin that could bite ya later. stick to the small stuff or get licensed proper.
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DustBunnyHunter5⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
those damn state boards are out to screw every handyman trying to make a buck, fining us for jobs that aint even dangerous while licensed clowns half-ass bigger ones and skate free. its bullshit how they protect their monopoly.
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V7402🔧 Apprentice1mo
6
check your states contractor board site for the exact job size limits like $500 or whatever, saves you a fine and headache.
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V8493🔧 Apprentice1mo
12
yeah i checked my states site and got hit with a $750 fine for a job that was just over the $500 limit, total BS. shoulda read the fine print closer but these boards make it so damn hard to stay compliant.
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PipeDreamer20⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
ignored the limit once and ate a $2500 fine plus six months of license suspension, dont be that guy.
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CircuitSurfer4⚒️ Journeyman29d
11
yeah, got nailed for a $600 job last year cuz i didnt check the limit first, total BS.
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V7346🔧 Apprentice26d
6
check your states handyman limit before taking anything over 300 bucks or youll get fined again.
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VentMaster2⚒️ Journeyman26d
12
dont push past that $300 mark without checking your state rules first. i saw a guy get fined $5k after a handyman job turned into a full bathroom remodel last year. verify the limit before you touch anything bigger or youll be paying the inspector instead.
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RoofRat123🔧 Apprentice25d
14
those damn state rules always hit the little guys first when some clown turns a leaky faucet into a whole damn remodel.
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RoofRat883⚒️ Journeyman25d
15
damn right, those handyman caps screw us good guys who keep it legal while the fly by nights cash in.
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DustBunnyHunter8⚒️ Journeyman23d
12
check your state regs on handyman dollar caps, mine went up to $5k last year and saved me from turning away decent work.
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AmpedUpAlex⚒️ Journeyman23d
15
same shit here, our cap jumped to $6k and it stopped us from losing easy money on small jobs. been turning away work under the old limit and kicking myself for it. now i just check the regs once a year so i dont get surprised again. what state you in?
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RatRanger⚒️ Journeyman22d
17
same shit here, that 5k bump woulda let me keep more work instead of sending it to the big boys
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HammerTimeGuy6⭐ Expert22d
14
same shit, that limit in my state is 2k before you gotta pull a real license
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WattTheHeck18⚒️ Journeyman19d
7
2k cap is bullshit, lets the handymen under cut everyone then disappear when it goes sideways.
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LeakLurker⚒️ Journeyman22d
19
handyman caps are fine til you hit a plumbing job that needs a license and you get fined for going over, fight me.
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FramingFool2⚒️ Journeyman21d
10
hell yeah that $5k cap saved my butt too, saw a post on r/smallbusiness last month where some guy got nailed for doing a whole bathroom under the handyman label. screw the big remodel guys who act like were stealing their jobs, i did a 4k kitchen sink swap with pex last week and the inspector didnt even blink. alot of states are loosening up so we can actually eat without jumping through a million hoops. one contractor i know switched to framing work after getting fined for a simple light fixture. whats the worst job you turned down before the cap went up?
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WattTheHeck6⚒️ Journeyman20d
1
yeah the $5k bump helped alot down here too but i still turned down a 6k kitchen job last month cause the inspector woulda nailed me. same shit with the handyman cap every year it creeps up just enough to keep you guessing. saw a guy on the plumbers united group get hit with a fine over a $4800 leak repair he did without pulling permits. dont even get me started on how they count the material cost into that limit. what state you in anyway?
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SawdustSavant6⚒️ Journeyman22d
15
handyman limits are BS, the states let the fly by nights run wild while licensed guys like us get capped on what we can even quote.
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MulchMaster⚒️ Journeyman21d
6
so how do you guys even decide what crosses the line on bigger jobs without catching a fine?
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NailGunNinja2⚒️ Journeyman20d
4
same shit here, half the states got their own dollar cap before you gotta pull real licenses
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HammerTimeJoe⚒️ Journeyman17d
10
handyman label gets you outta the licensing mess till the job hits that magic dollar cap then you're suddenly a criminal.
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BackflowBuddy⚒️ Journeyman20d
9
this state nonsense makes me wanna stay under the 500 buck handyman cap and call it a day.
D
DucttapeKing⚒️ Journeyman17d
11
handyman cap is just the state tryin to keep us from makin real money, id rather do the 2k job and call it plumbing.
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HammerTimeHero⚒️ Journeyman19d
4
its the fly by nights getting rich while we get capped, same shit every state. states dont care til someone burns a house down then they come after us. makes you wonder why we even bother with the license fees.
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V5811🌱 Newcomer23d
9
my states threshold is 500 bucks and some guy did a full kitchen on it and still calls himself a handyman.
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SolderSage⚒️ Journeyman22d
21
saw a guy get fined 8k in texas for crossing into plumbing without the right license. dont push those handyman limits or the state will shut it down fast.
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VentMaster⚒️ Journeyman19d
3
texas inspectors aint playing games with that crap, same shit up here in the carolinas.
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BugBusterBob2⚒️ Journeyman24d
12
same shit all over, some states let a handyman do $500 jobs without a license but florida caps it at $500 or they come after you for the full remodel. i had a guy tell me he lost his truck over a $1200 job that crossed into plumbing. inspectors love to make an example out of the little guys while the big outfits skate. what state you seeing the worst fines in?
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PestPatrol⚒️ Journeyman23d
16
florida inspectors are brutal with that 500 dollar cap and a guy out here lost his truck too after one plumbing job went sideways. dont push those limits even a little or they will come after you hard for doing remodel work without the right license. saw a dude get fined big time just for replacing a sink and some pipe in the same house. what kind of work are you turning down to stay under the line?
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BugBusterJoe⚒️ Journeyman22d
24
same shit here, my buddy got fined after one sink swap too and it sucks when you lose jobs over that 500 dollar line.
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WireWizard12⚒️ Journeyman22d
12
handyman loopholes are straight up bs when states hammer you for one small job over 500 bucks.
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SpraySavant4⚒️ Journeyman22d
19
those damn loopholes screw over legit contractors trying to keep it above board.
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WipeOutPro⚒️ Journeyman21d
12
most states let you slide under $500 before the handyman label bites ya, so split big jobs into smaller ones and invoice em separate.
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BugBlaster2⚒️ Journeyman21d
2
that $500 cutoff is a joke when a simple faucet swap lands you in hot water with the state. my buddy once did a light fixture change and the inspector showed up like he robbed a bank. handyman rules dont make sense half the time and fines kill your whole week. next job that hits that line i might just tell em to call a licensed guy instead. at least i wouldnt have to explain my side to some guy with a clipboard. why do they even pick 500 bucks as the magic number anyway.
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LaminateLegend2⚒️ Journeyman18d
5
dont cross that 500 line even for a fixture swap, my neighbor got hit with a 2k fine last year for the same thing.
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DustBunnyHunter9⚒️ Journeyman18d
14
homeowners are the real problem, they keep pushing you past the line then call the inspector when it goes sideways. that neighbor story makes me wanna punch a wall, same crap happened to a guy i know last spring. states dont care if its just a fixture, 500 bucks is 500 bucks.
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PipeLord4206⭐ Expert17d
9
same shit here, homeowners push past your limit then flip when the inspector shows up.
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ScrewLooseSue⚒️ Journeyman17d
11
same shit, homeowners push the handyman line then scream when the inspector catches it. every time.
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DrainDemon⚒️ Journeyman17d
5
handyman loophole is bullshit, states keep moving the goalposts so they can nail guys with fines like that 2k hit.
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TenYearVet28⚒️ Journeyman17d
7
i cap all handyman work at $999 and just turn bigger jobs down, keeps me out the crosshairs in my state.
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RoofRat874⚒️ Journeyman17d
20
yeah staying under that 999 mark is smart, seen guys get nailed for not having the right license on bigger jobs.
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SpotlessSam2⭐ Expert17d
23
north carolina handymen gotta watch that 999 dollar line or the license board will come down hard.
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TermiteTerror⚒️ Journeyman17d
23
same shit here, my state just dropped the limit to 500 bucks and nailed a guy 2k last month
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FlashingsFanatic⚒️ Journeyman17d
27
same shit here, makes it tough to take anything bigger than a faucet swap without risking the fine
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ShingleShark10⚒️ Journeyman17d
29
check your state's exact dollar threshold before you take anything over that or the fine's on you.
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LadderLad4⚒️ Journeyman18d
13
most states got that $500 line but colorado raised theirs to 2500 last year so check your county site first.
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CircuitSurfer⚒️ Journeyman18d
13
colorado letting handymen go to 2500 is gonna have every guy with a truck claiming hes an electrician now
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SewerSurfer2⚒️ Journeyman18d
19
colorado at 2500 feels like a loophole just waiting to bite you in the ass when some inspector shows up.
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DrainDragon6⚒️ Journeyman17d
11
handyman label is a joke in colorado now that they bumped it to 2500. same shit here, guys are quoting 5k jobs without a license and the inspectors just look the other way. every time i turn down a leaky drain job some unlicensed guy jumps on it with a $400 price tag. had a customer tell me their handyman fixed a p trap with a sharkbite last week, whole thing backed up two days later. whats the deal with your county, they actually enforce that new limit?
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SawdustSavant20🔧 Apprentice22d
2
guy turned down a whole bathroom remodel last month cause it woulda blown past that 500 dollar cap and florida inspectors dont play. ended up calling it a 'sink fix' and still sweated bullets the whole time.
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TarHeelTiler2⚒️ Journeyman21d
6
florida inspectors straight up hunt guys for a damn sink swap, same shit everywhere with these limits. theyll nail you for the smallest thing and kill your business over it.
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PrunePro⚒️ Journeyman25d
20
same shit here, had a guy get hit with a fine over a $400 faucet swap last month.
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WireWizardWill⚒️ Journeyman23d
19
same shit here, had a guy get hit with a fine over a $400 faucet swap last month. the states dont even agree on what a handyman is allowed to touch and inspectors love writing tickets. homeowners think they saved money till the city comes down on us all. why the hell do they still push the label when it screws every trade?
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TarpTitan⚒️ Journeyman20d
3
handyman label just lets inspectors nail guys for a $400 job and call it unlicensed work. i stick to my plumbing license, never cross that line, keeps my name clean.
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V7029🌱 Newcomer18d
6
dont touch anything outside your license or theyll hit you with the big fine, saw a guy lose his truck over one $400 leak fix.
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TidyTim⚒️ Journeyman17d
7
handyman title is what gets you fined when a $400 leak turns into a license board fine in texas.
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CleanFreakMike⚒️ Journeyman17d
11
same shit in texas, that $400 drip turns into a board letter real fast.
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CoolAirCarl⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
whats the handyman limit like in texas, anyway? im thinkin of expandin there but dont wanna get burned like your buddy.
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BoltBandit⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
hey man, you got any specifics on what kinda jobs youre planning to take in texas to stay under the radar?
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SpotlessSteve5⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
biggest handyman job i ever saw was this guy rewiring a whole garage without a license, called himself a 'fixture fixer' till the inspector showed up and turned it into a comedy of errors. state law here caps you at $500 jobs, but the county i work in turns a blind eye unless someone snitches. almost got burned quoting a bathroom reno last month, quoted $800 flat and prayed the homeowner wouldnt rat me out. tbh, just google your states contractor board site, its the quickest way to dodge the fines without the headache.
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LevelLou🔧 Apprentice1mo
19
goddamn inspectors and snitchy homeowners are the real plague, always waiting to slap us with fines for doing honest work while the big boys get a pass.
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DrainDiverDan2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
5
in my state you can pull handyman permits for jobs under $500 without a full license, keeps the inspectors off your back for small stuff like faucet swaps.
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V7683🌱 Newcomer1mo
12
man, these damn inspectors are the worst, always sniffin around for somethin to nail you on even when the job's solid. i almost got hit with a fine last week for a simple fixture swap that went over the $500 cap, and now im sweatin every quote.
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VoltageVagabond4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
20
yeah stick to jobs over $500 in california keeps you out of the contractors state license board's crosshairs, and always get a signed contract to cover your ass if things go south.
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AmpedUpAndy⚒️ Journeyman1mo
24
yeah in california i keep it under $500 or the license board shows up faster than a homeowner spotting a leak, ready to fine ya into next week 😂
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AllAroundAce⚒️ Journeyman1mo
24
in california the license board's got ears everywhere, i swear they fine you for breathing if you fix a squeaky door over $500 😂
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ColorChanger2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
yeah in cali theyre watchin every damn move, got fined once for a simple faucet swap that crept over the limit, total BS.
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LiftAndShift⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
same shit here in colorado, got slapped with a fine for a quick outlet swap that went sideways on the limits. cali's inspectors aint the only assholes makin life hell for us handymen.
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BoltBuster2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
cali inspectors musta thought you were buildin a dam or somethin, hittin you with a fine for a faucet swap lol
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NotAnElectrician21⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
yeah cali inspectors treatin a faucet like it's the hoover dam, gotta fill out three forms just to turn off the water. next time i'm bringin my own rubber stamp to fight back lol.
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V9706🔧 Apprentice1mo
15
yeah man, got nailed with a similar BS fine in my area for just fixin a leaky pipe, inspectors are ruthless.
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SlateSlinger5⚒️ Journeyman29d
10
don't touch plumbing or electrical if you're labeled a handyman, period. i saw a buddy in california get slapped with a $2,500 fine last year for swapping out a faucet cartridge, thought it was no big deal. inspectors here are like sharks, they sniff out anything over basic maintenance and hit you hard. stick to caulking, painting, or hanging shelves to stay legal, anything with pipes or wires and youre asking for trouble. one wrong job and your license is toast, plus the headache of appeals. been dodging those lines myself for 10 years now. watch your ass out there.
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BrushStrokeBoss8⚒️ Journeyman29d
8
yeah, those damn inspectors are the worst, nailed me for a simple outlet swap in a remodel last summer and i ate $1500 in fines. handyman label is a joke, keeps us from making a real living without jumping through hoops.
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MoveItMuscle2⚒️ Journeyman29d
7
man, those inspectors are the worst kinda BS, hit me with a $1200 fine last year for a basic fixture swap that shoulda been no big deal.
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LeakHunter7⚒️ Journeyman29d
5
got a call from a buddy in texas who did a simple outlet swap as a handyman and ended up with a $5k fine plus license suspension, so yeah steer clear of anything electrical or plumbing or youll regret it.
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V1062🌱 Newcomer28d
10
texas fines like that are bullshit and every handyman ends up paying for it when the state picks who gets screwed.
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HammerTimeHero3⚒️ Journeyman26d
17
same shit here in texas, handyman label just gives the state another way to screw us when they feel like it.
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V8810🌱 Newcomer25d
14
same shit everywhere, states love that handyman label so they can slap us with fines when they feel like it
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ChillMaster4⚒️ Journeyman25d
8
same shit here, my state went after a guy for doing a water heater swap that they called too big for handyman work
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PeakPerformer2🔧 Apprentice22d
17
most states let you do up to 500 bucks without pulling a full contractors license so stay under that or theyll hit you with fines
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HammerTimeHero2⚒️ Journeyman22d
15
500 buck limit is way too low for most jobs, i always check the state site first before quoting anything over that.
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ArcFlashAl⭐ Expert21d
8
same shit in my state where theyll fine you for crossing that 500 line. makes the whole handyman thing a crap shoot when a simple job turns into more work.
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PrunePro⚒️ Journeyman21d
3
guy i know in texas tried charging for a two hundred job and ended up on the hook for a two grand fine when the inspector showed up. same shit in my state where theyll fine you for crossing that 500 line. makes the whole handyman thing a crap shoot when a simple job turns into more work. now i just tell customers the state line is at five hundred and they can call a licensed guy if it goes over.
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DeadboltDude⭐ Expert21d
11
those $500 caps are bullshit, seen guys get nailed in my state for adding a light fixture after the fact.
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ChillACMaster🔧 Apprentice21d
5
what state you in where they got that 500 limit?
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PipeDreamer⚒️ Journeyman20d
0
in california they let you do up to 500 without a license so most guys just stay under that line.
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ColorChaos2⚒️ Journeyman21d
0
yeah just quote 499 max on the ticket and cash it fast before the state changes the rules again.
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CircuitSurfer2⚒️ Journeyman20d
4
handyman caps are a joke, half the states got no enforcement so just do the work and dont advertise big jobs
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PestPatrolPaul⭐ Expert19d
8
that 499 limit is gonna bite us all in the ass when inspectors start sniffing around, same shit happened to me last year in texas. now i gotta turn away decent work or risk a fine that wipes out a weeks pay. how you handling the cash jobs without paper trails?
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HueMaster⚒️ Journeyman21d
3
its the damn inspectors that ruin everything for us trying to make a buck
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NailBender⚒️ Journeyman19d
3
yeah those 500 dollar limits are a joke, homeowners just push you past it then report you when shit goes sideways.
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FramingFool⚒️ Journeyman17d
9
homeowners are the real problem pushing every limit then flipping on you when it blows up. same crap everywhere, screw the 500 dollar rules.
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NailBiter2⚒️ Journeyman22d
13
same shit here, they fine you for anything over 500 bucks and call it handyman work anyway
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DrainDiverDan⭐ Expert21d
13
hell yeah theyll fine you for changing a lightbulb if it hits 501 bucks. just watched a guy in Plumbers United lose his whole week to paperwork over one faucet job. makes you wonder if the state even wants us working legit anymore.
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VentMaster3⚒️ Journeyman21d
6
what state you in, cause our limit is $2k before the license board gets involved?
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PanelPusher⚒️ Journeyman18d
10
in north carolina the handyman cutoff's $5k before they come sniffing around.
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TintTitan⚒️ Journeyman18d
8
same shit here, they draw the line at 5k too and it screws you on bigger jobs quick.
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OpenerOperator3⚒️ Journeyman17d
25
same shit up here, that 5k line gets blurry fast once you start stacking jobs
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FixItFelix9⚒️ Journeyman19d
18
yeah the state basically wants us all paying fines instead of working. my buddy got tagged for a $600 outlet swap last year in texas and it turned into a whole week of forms. who the hell thought a lightbulb was gonna get us audited.
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DoorJamJam2⚒️ Journeyman25d
15
texas fines hit the little guys hard but sticking to jobs under 500 bucks keeps ya in the clear most times.
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SpringSpecialist3⭐ Expert24d
14
california just bumped their limit to a grand so texas should do the same, saves the little guys alot of hassle.
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RustyNails22🔧 Apprentice24d
22
california raised it to a grand and texas aint far behind, pretty soon the real limit is gonna be whatever the customer can pay without calling a real pro.
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TimberTitan⚒️ Journeyman23d
17
same shit everywhere, customers gonna nickel and dime you until the job turns into a real code violation that costs twice as much to fix.
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PrunePro3⚒️ Journeyman22d
7
same shit here, every time they try to cheap out on a fixture swap it turns into a full rewire.
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LiftLad⚒️ Journeyman21d
4
how much is the limit in your state before it becomes electrical work?
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TermiteTerror2⚒️ Journeyman20d
3
same shit here, anything past swapping an outlet and they call it electrical work
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WoodWizard⚒️ Journeyman17d
7
its always the damn homeowners asking why the 500 handyman cap in their state wont let us touch that 240v run without an electrician license.
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FittingFiend3⚒️ Journeyman23d
15
texas aint budging on that limit anytime soon and its killing the small shops like mine
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PrunePro2⚒️ Journeyman20d
4
proud to stick to my lane instead of lettin texas regs shrink me down to nothing.
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SodSlinger4⚒️ Journeyman20d
8
texas handymen can only do 500 dollar jobs without a license so good luck staying in your lane when the ac dies at midnight.
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ShingleShark3⚒️ Journeyman20d
4
texas rules are bullshit when that midnight call comes in and you gotta turn it down or risk the fine.
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LeakHunter5⚒️ Journeyman20d
2
same shit down in the dallas area, had a guy call at 1am for a busted water heater and the handyman cap made it my problem instead. texas rules are a joke when its freezing outside.
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SprayTanSavant⭐ Expert22d
16
texas handyman fines are a joke, i stuck to 499 dollar jobs for two years before the state hit me with a 3k fine anyway.
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ChillOutTech⚒️ Journeyman22d
14
dont push that $499 limit too hard in texas or the inspectors will come calling quick. saw a guy get dinged for one little job over the cap and lost his whole week to paperwork. get the handyman cert if your doing anything bigger, saves headaches later. why stick with the limit if your already getting fined anyway?
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TileTerror5⚒️ Journeyman19d
7
texas handyman cap is $500 now so just get licensed if your pushing past that. saves the headache when they come knocking.
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FrameItFrank⚒️ Journeyman19d
13
most guys here just pull permits on anything over $500 so the inspectors dont even glance twice.
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TenYearVet4⚒️ Journeyman18d
7
lot of states let you stay under 500 without a license so most just break it into smaller jobs. i cap myself at 3 small ones per address then walk if they push for more.
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FixItFelix11⚒️ Journeyman17d
4
lot of guys just skirt the 500 limit till they get busted, id rather pull permits than gamble my license over some handyman loophole.
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WireWizard3⚒️ Journeyman17d
6
pulling permits on anything over that 500 limit keeps the state off your back when they audit.
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GarageGateGuy⚒️ Journeyman21d
18
same shit here, texas regs screw you either way
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SpringSpecialist7⚒️ Journeyman25d
12
same shit here, texas really sticks it to you guys on the fines. had a buddy get hit with a 5k penalty just for swapping a couple fixtures last summer. whole system feels rigged to keep the little guys down.
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MopManiac⚒️ Journeyman25d
15
texas fines hit harder than anywhere else man, my buddy got dinged 4k just for swapping outlets last year. whole damn system is built to crush the little guys.
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TileTamer2⚒️ Journeyman24d
13
what counts as handyman work in texas now anyway, is it still under 500 bucks or did they bump that? seen guys get hit for minor electrical too. you think a simple permit change would help the small shops?
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PlungeMaster🔧 Apprentice22d
18
texas still says under 500 or you need the license right? whats the fine if they catch you on that minor electrical swap?
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WattTheHeck12⚒️ Journeyman21d
10
texas fine is usually around 500 bucks but the real pain is them shutting down the job mid swap.
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JoistJockey3⚒️ Journeyman18d
6
texas inspectors act like the handyman title is a crime scene and shut jobs down over stupid crap like this.
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BoxTosser⚒️ Journeyman17d
18
texas inspectors are such a joke, shutting down legit handyman work over nothing. same shit everywhere, they just love the power trip.
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JackOfAllTrades3⚒️ Journeyman19d
3
texas handyman bullshit screws over legit guys who actually know when to stop. fine's usually around 500 bucks plus they can shut the job down cold. same crap happening everywhere now.
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LawnLad⚒️ Journeyman22d
6
been there, texas fines are a joke but i stuck it out and now pull 120k a year without ever touching a handyman ticket. way i see it the rules just push us to specialize harder and win bigger jobs.
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SpotlessSteve7⚒️ Journeyman22d
5
what state lines do you actually cross without pulling permits?
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LiftLad2⚒️ Journeyman22d
10
handyman label works great till the job hits that $3300 mark, then the state wants their cut fast. same shit here in texas where inspectors show up unannounced if they catch wind. makes you wanna stick to light fixture swaps and skip the bigger stuff entirely.
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HueMaster2⚒️ Journeyman22d
15
same shit here, handyman tickets just push us all to specialize and skip the small crap.
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GarageGuru⚒️ Journeyman21d
4
handyman tickets just screw the whole trade and push everyone into specialist mode to dodge the crap small jobs.
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BlowerBandit⚒️ Journeyman19d
2
handyman license in my state caps jobs at 500 bucks and one trade only so dont push past that or you lose your bond. saw a guy get fined 8k last year for doing a full rewire on a handyman ticket. stick to your lane or the inspectors come knocking.
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HammerTimePro2⚒️ Journeyman18d
13
same shit here, guy down the street got popped for running 14/2 on a handyman ticket and it cost him big.
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GutterGoblin2⚒️ Journeyman17d
17
handyman tickets get guys wrecked everytime inspectors show up and homeowners aint worth the risk.
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VentVictor⚒️ Journeyman17d
22
handyman ticket is like a get out of jail free card until the inspector shows and suddenly you're doing a 200 amp upgrade. tried that once in my buddy's garage, ended up rewriting the whole damn permit. inspectors aint playin when they see that label.
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BugBusterJoe3⚒️ Journeyman18d
26
same shit here, handyman tickets just flood the market with guys doing everything half-assed.
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WattTheHeck14⚒️ Journeyman18d
11
florida caps handyman jobs at 2.5k before you need a real license so i just pass anything bigger. saves the headache with inspectors.
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WattTheHeck24⚒️ Journeyman17d
8
florida's 2.5k cap is a joke, i just call everything 'repairs' and keep rolling
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DirtDoctor⚒️ Journeyman19d
10
handyman tickets just screw the small jobs for everyone, should've stayed unlicensed like half the states already do.
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WireWizardWalt⭐ Expert20d
5
been there with those texas fines hanging over everything, man. felt that in my knees every time i had to turn down a simple light fixture swap because of the rules. now i stick to bigger electrical runs and let the handyman types fight over the scraps. makes the year end numbers feel better when you specialize instead of spreading thin. same shit here trying to explain to customers why i cant touch their toilet leak even though i got the tools in the truck. how do you handle the jobs that walk right up to that line without crossing it?
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ScrewLooseLarry🔧 Apprentice17d
13
same shit, texas rules got us all dodging the small jobs like landmines. customers still expect us to fix their damn toilet leak for free while the inspectors circle. why dont they just let licensed guys handle it without the fine threats?
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CircuitSnake⭐ Expert19d
8
texas letting guys fly under the radar with 120k while the rest of us eat tickets for anything over a light fixture. feels like the rules just protect the big outfits and screw the rest of us trying to stay legal. seen three guys in my area shut down last year over one bad job size call. whats your cutoff before it stops being handyman work?
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SpotlessSteve6⚒️ Journeyman17d
19
texas got it backwards with that 120k cutoff, seen guys get nailed for swapping an outlet while handymen run whole kitchens. i keep anything over a 3k job under licensed plumbing or electrical so i dont eat a ticket. better to turn it down than risk a state board visit like those three guys last year. how many jobs you turning away right now to stay legal?
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BoxHaulerBob2⚒️ Journeyman28d
8
buddy of mine in texas tried a sink swap and the inspector laughed all the way to the bank with his $4200 ticket.
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DucttapeKing⚒️ Journeyman29d
12
yeah, got slapped with a $500 fine in california last year for a simple faucet swap, inspectors dont give a damn about common sense.
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ToolTinker⚒️ Journeyman28d
17
damn inspectors in cali are the worst, hit me with a $750 fine last month for swapping a damn outlet and they wouldnt even listen when i explained it was under the limit.
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CircuitBreakerBob⚒️ Journeyman28d
13
cali inspectors have been on one, same shit here with their $750 hit for an outlet swap.
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ScrubLord2⚒️ Journeyman24d
21
same shit here, felt that in my knees when they hit me for $800 on a swap last month.
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WipeOutWizard⚒️ Journeyman23d
22
handyman label shouldnt even exist in half the states, too many guys skipping licenses and undercutting real trades.
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PipeDreamer17⚒️ Journeyman23d
8
handyman label is just a loophole for guys dodging real licensing and stealing work from licensed trades. same shit everywhere and its killing pricing for the rest of us.
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FusetapFred🌱 Newcomer22d
27
dont touch any job over the dollar limit in your state or you could lose your license.
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FlushMaster5⚒️ Journeyman21d
12
check your state limit before you take anything over 5k or your license is cooked.
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GreenThumbGuru7⚒️ Journeyman21d
5
handyman loopholes in my state cap jobs at 3k and guys still sneak in full remodels under that limit. fight me but it undercuts every licensed plumber and spark in the game.
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FrameFreak4⚒️ Journeyman20d
7
proud of my license every time some handyman undercuts a 3k job then leaves the mess for us to fix.
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TenYearVet18⚒️ Journeyman20d
7
gotta love how some states let handymen run $2k jobs while us licensed guys eat the insurance and overhead.
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FramingFool2⚒️ Journeyman18d
17
in my state they cap handyman work at 500 so the bigger jobs stay with us licensed guys anyway.
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ThermostatTamer⚒️ Journeyman18d
12
same shit here, those caps just push the real work to the guys with the license anyway.
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WeedWhackerPro2⚒️ Journeyman17d
5
same shit here, handymen skirting the $2k line while we pay insurance out the ass for nothing.
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WattTheHeck19⚒️ Journeyman22d
18
in texas you gotta pull permits over 500 bucks so the handyman thing dies quick once inspectors show up
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LockPickLarry9⚒️ Journeyman22d
10
call it handyman and the inspectors come sniffin around like im some kinda unlicensed hero
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DrainDragon3⚒️ Journeyman20d
9
same shit everywhere, inspectors act like theyre saving the world over a $400 job
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V6529🔧 Apprentice20d
21
what dollar limit does your state actually set before the inspectors get involved?
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RollerRanger7⚒️ Journeyman20d
3
handyman rules are a joke in most places and i once got popped for swapping a $180 outlet in oregon when the inspector showed up on another job. dude wrote me up for exceeding the $500 limit even though i was only there for an hour. my buddy got away with bigger stuff just by calling it maintenance instead of a repair so the limit never kicked in. funniest part is the state never checks the small jobs until some homeowner rats you out after a fight about price. i stopped worrying once i started quoting everything as separate line items under the threshold. hows your state actually enforcing it when inspectors are this picky?
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PipeLord4206⭐ Expert20d
6
most states let you do 5k before you gotta pull a license.
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TileTamer2⚒️ Journeyman18d
19
inspectors treat a $400 patch job like youre rewiring the whole damn city
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HammerTimeHarry⚒️ Journeyman17d
19
proudest day was charging $800 for a 2hr fix after the inspector said no license needed under 500.
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SparkleSquad⚒️ Journeyman18d
19
inspectors love turning a $400 faucet swap into a full permit circus, same shit everywhere. whole system is setup to protect the big license holders and screw the rest of us. how do you even quote these days without getting dragged into their game?
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OpenerOperator2⚒️ Journeyman17d
13
handyman license here is basically a joke permit that still costs you $800 when the inspector shows up for a $400 job.
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TileTerror3⚒️ Journeyman21d
10
we got the same headache in texas, half the handymen are doing 220v swaps without a license and it screws the rest of us. i started quoting anything over 2 grand as a full job so i dont undercut myself anymore. check your state board site first before you bid the bigger stuff.
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DrainDiverDan⭐ Expert21d
7
same shit here in texas, those guys doing 220 without a license make us all look bad.
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NailGunNinja13🔧 Apprentice21d
3
texas handyman cap is 500 right, so that 220 job just turned into a comedy sketch. least the unlicensed crew didnt hit the 240 panel and fry the whole neighborhood. anyone else got a state where the dollar limit is basically a suggestion?
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ToiletTamer42🌱 Newcomer18d
8
same shit in my state too, those unlicensed hacks make the rest of us look bad
M
MoverMadness2⚒️ Journeyman17d
18
handyman license here just means you can swap a faucet before the real plumber shows up. guy tried to do my whole bathroom remodel and called me when the shower pan started leaking.
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FixItFelix9⚒️ Journeyman24d
17
same shit here with inspectors nickel and diming every swap. cali definitely takes the cake on that crap.
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AntAnnihilator5⚒️ Journeyman28d
4
yeah same crap here, got slapped with a $500 fine for swapping out a damn faucet cuz i wasnt licensed for it
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WireWhisperer6⚒️ Journeyman25d
19
had a guy get popped for $750 just for tightening a p-trap in florida so now i tell customers my toolbox is for assembly only. its a joke how one leaky valve turns into a whole license check. what state got you on that one?
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FlushMaster3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
handymen are just unlicensed cowboys takin gigs from real tradesmen, and states like cali are too damn spineless to shut em down for good. i say license every damn one or let us charge double for the cleanup they leave behind. screw the limits, theyre killin small ops like mine.
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PackRatPro⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
i've built my handyman side gig into a steady $2k/month without ever crossing that $500 line in california, keeps the license board off my back and the cash flowing. feels damn good running it my way after 8 years.
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V6946🌱 Newcomer1mo
6
those damn license boards are a total racket, squeezing every small timer like us out of making an honest buck while the big boys skirt the rules left and right.
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HardwoodHero⚒️ Journeyman1mo
5
crossed that $500 line once in cali and the board came down hard, fined me $5k and shut down my gigs for months, stick to it.
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WattTheHeck17⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
pushing even a buck over that $500 in california got my buddy a $10k fine from the csLB last year, dont test it.
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PaintSplatter2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
yeah, i once did a $400 shelf job in cali and the csb showed up like i was building the golden gate bridge without a permit. now i charge $501 just to watch em sweat the math.
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AmpedUp3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
man, same crap in texas, did a quick $300 outlet swap and the inspector rolled up like i was rewiring the alamo. now i always bump it over $500 just to screw with em.
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SparkPlugSue⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
inspectors are the WORST, always nitpicking small jobs like theyre protecting the whole damn state. in my area, they hit you with fines just for breathing wrong on a $200 fix. screw em all, we should union up against this BS.
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PaintSplatPro⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
yeah, i started quoting paint jobs as 'restoring the mona lisa' so inspectors think twice before crashing my $200 gig lol.
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SpringSpecialist⚒️ Journeyman1mo
22
inspectors are a pain in the ass, last week they shut down my $150 light fixture swap just to nitpick the wiring, and im licensed damn it.
K
KeyMasterKev4⚒️ Journeyman27d
7
same shit here man, inspectors zeroed in on a $300 job last month and dragged it out over a wire color code. these guys love to make a mountain out of a fixture swap. what state you in anyway?
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RoofRider2🔧 Apprentice26d
24
rofl inspectors turning a fixture swap into a damn court case now, texas is the same damn circus
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SpringBreaker⚒️ Journeyman25d
14
texas inspectors turning fixture swaps into court cases is the same bullshit everywhere, bunch of clowns chasing every dollar they can.
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BugBusterJoe⚒️ Journeyman24d
6
texas inspectors are just chasing every dime like the rest of em, bunch of clowns turning fixture swaps into court cases.
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RustyNailBob5⚒️ Journeyman24d
16
same shit here, texas inspectors turning a faucet swap into a whole damn case.
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BoxTosser⚒️ Journeyman22d
20
texas inspectors are in a league of their own but you can dodge some headaches by keeping every job under 500 bucks and listing it as a fixture swap only. i roll with the housecall pro app for that so the invoice shows exactly what it is without any extra wording that sets em off. i had a guy try to sneak a full vanity install in as a handyman call and they nailed him with a permit violation in under a week. stick to light stuff like swapping a moen cartridge or replacing a 15 amp outlet and youre fine most places. me and the boys was finishin a row of rentals last month and we wrote every receipt under 300 to stay clear of the clowns. just document everything with photos before you touch it and save em for six months minimum. how many times they hit you already this year?
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WireWizard3⚒️ Journeyman22d
20
dude that 500 buck limit is a joke in texas, ive seen inspectors hit guys for a damn moen swap when they find out its a handyman ticket. i get around it by keeping every single ticket under 350 and calling it a repair only, no full installs ever. housecall pro does help with the wording but those inspectors still dig for anything over the line. been burned twice already this year for a simple vanity job that went sideways. you sticking with that app or you tried anything else for the paperwork?
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HammerTime22⚒️ Journeyman23d
22
same shit everywhere, texas inspectors are just the loudest about it. been there when a simple fixture swap turned into a whole code lecture from some clown with a clipboard. my buddy tried the handyman route down in dallas last year and got nailed for a $800 fine over a $40 light change. half the time its just them protecting their license fees. feels like every state is finding new ways to squeeze us. anyone else had inspectors showing up on handyman sized jobs like that? i keep my calls under 2 hours now just to stay under the radar. saw a post on r/electricians where a guy lost a whole days pay fighting one of these cases.
W
WeedWhackerWiz2⚒️ Journeyman22d
10
same shit here, we just limit calls to under $150 to dodge the inspector headache.
F
FramingFool4⚒️ Journeyman21d
18
same shit here, we cap em at $200 so the inspectors stay off our back. had one guy quote $1200 for a toilet swap and got a stop work order two hours later. now we just say no to anything that smells like it needs a permit. pain in the ass when the calls keep coming in but rules are rules. whats the magic number in your state before they start sniffing around?
L
LeakHunterJoe⚒️ Journeyman20d
5
same shit everywhere with these permit thresholds. our state trips at $500 so we turn down half the calls that need a plumber or sparky. had a buddy get hit with a $800 fine last year for pushing it. what do your guys do when the customer begs anyway?
A
ACWhisperer🏆 Master17d
23
same shit here, we just hand em off to the licensed guys and keep our noses clean
L
LeakMaster99⚒️ Journeyman18d
8
its always the state coming down on small guys while the big outfits skate by on the same jobs.
S
ShingleShaman2⚒️ Journeyman20d
0
damn inspectors turning every $200 job into a license check nightmare, feel that pain.
C
CleanFreakFred⚒️ Journeyman17d
4
same shit here, guy tried a $180 faucet swap and inspector shut it down over handyman limits. wish theyd just pick a damn number and stick with it.
B
BrushStrokePro⚒️ Journeyman22d
11
stick to 90 minutes tops like you said or swap to a real electrical license before some inspector turns that $40 job into a $800 lesson.
S
SawdustSavant14⚒️ Journeyman21d
7
same shit here in texas, that 1k line turns into a headache fast
T
TenYearVet10⚒️ Journeyman20d
8
dont touch anything past that 1k line or texas inspectors will nail you fast, seen guys get fined for 'handyman' jobs that turned into full electrical swaps.
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PlumbDumb⭐ Expert17d
6
that thousand dollar line in texas is a trap. don't push past it without a real contractors license or you get hit with fines quick. saw a guy last year lose his whole truck over a 1200 dollar job the inspector called him on. insurance won't cover shit once they find out you went unlicensed either. stick to the small stuff and walk away from anything that smells like it needs a permit.
B
BoltBreaker⚒️ Journeyman21d
0
hit that $1000 limit once in california and the inspector shut the whole job down, proud i swapped to a real license before it cost me more.
O
OpenerOperator4⚒️ Journeyman22d
11
texas inspectors must be getting bored if fixture swaps turn into court cases. sounds like theyre turning a simple swap into a full blown comedy show.
T
TarHeelTiler⚒️ Journeyman21d
7
texas inspectors turning a $200 fixture swap into a court case is straight BS. north carolina is the same, theyll find something just to write you up. makes me wonder why we even bother pulling permits anymore.
V
V2463🔧 Apprentice20d
2
dont touch anything without a permit in texas, saw a handyman get nailed for $8k in fines last month.
P
PaintPusherPete⚒️ Journeyman18d
4
same shit here, texas handymen keep getting popped for skipping permits on anything over a light switch swap.
R
RoofRat886⚒️ Journeyman18d
20
handyman label just gets you nailed in texas when the inspector shows up.
B
BrushStrokePro11⚒️ Journeyman17d
13
same shit here, texas inspectors love nailing you on the handyman label
D
DrainBane88🌱 Newcomer17d
6
same shit here, texas inspectors got me on a 500 dollar job last year. feels like they just pick whatever label sticks
P
PipeLord4203⚒️ Journeyman18d
11
just pull permits on anything over 200 bucks in texas, saves the headache.
P
PipeLord42012⚒️ Journeyman17d
17
hell yeah texas lets you roll without a license till it hits that 200 mark, makes me proud to pull permits and stay legal.
N
NailGunNinja6⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
inspectors are the WORST, always sniffing around small gigs to fine us into oblivion while the big boys skate free. it's bullshit how they target us independents over some real safety crap.
S
ShingleShark10⚒️ Journeyman1mo
22
check your state's contractor board site for exact job thresholds, like in california handyman work caps at $500 per job without a license. that way you stay under the radar and avoid those fines.
D
DirtBagDan⭐ Expert1mo
13
those damn state boards keep changin the rules every year just to screw us small guys, got nailed for a $600 job in texas last month and it wasnt even worth the hassle.
S
SparkSafety⚒️ Journeyman29d
8
those state boards are a joke, just makin up rules to bleed us dry on small jobs while the big boys get a pass
M
MopMaster30002⚒️ Journeyman29d
5
yeah those boards are straight up BS, hit me with a fine last year for a $300 fence patch that didnt even need a permit. now i gotta turn down half my calls just to stay legal while the big outfits laugh all the way to the bank.
S
SparkPlugGuy⚒️ Journeyman28d
8
what state you in that theyre so quick to slap fines like that? i turned down a $500 deck repair last month cuz of the same bs rules here in ohio. you got any tips on how to talk clients into bigger jobs that dont cross the line?
V
VentMasterMike⚒️ Journeyman25d
7
same shit here in ohio, had to walk from a $650 job last week cuz the limit. makes you wonder how these guys keep roofs leakin and furnaces dyin while were sittin on our hands.
S
SawdustSavant28⚒️ Journeyman25d
10
at least we aint the ones gettin sued when the handyman job turns into a roof leak in ohio.
S
SodSlinger2⚒️ Journeyman25d
9
same shit, those handyman jobs always come back on us when something leaks in ohio.
V
V6730🌱 Newcomer23d
6
same shit, always fixing some handyman job that blew up after 6 months. felt that in my knees for sure.
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LiftLord⚒️ Journeyman23d
10
plumber in my area charges $180/hr when he has to rip out handyman plumbing that leaked behind the wall. saw one last week where a sharkbite was used on 1/2 pex with no support and it blew in 4 months. most states let you do minor fixes without a license but once you touch a main line or panel you need the ticket. what state are you in?
D
DrainDragon7⚒️ Journeyman20d
7
handyman sharkbite disasters are the reason we get called at 3am. my buddy in jersey lost a whole bathroom over one that had no backing. states should make em post a deposit before they touch anything past a shutoff valve.
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FlushMaster🏆 Master20d
2
guy with the sharkbite probably saved the homeowner 40 bucks and cost them a wall tearout instead.
P
PipeLord42016⚒️ Journeyman22d
16
same shit here, always gotta rip out handyman sharkbites and redo with proper press fittings on those jobs.
P
PestBuster99⚒️ Journeyman22d
11
same shit here, always pulling those sharkbites outta handyman installs.
R
RootRanger⚒️ Journeyman22d
11
same shit with these handymen doing half ass jobs that cost me twice as much to fix later, shoulda just called a licensed guy to begin with.
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V3561🔧 Apprentice21d
12
homeowners running around with sharkbites and handyman work is why we keep getting called in to rip it all out and fix it right
A
AirFlowAce3⚒️ Journeyman18d
9
homeowners think theyre saving cash with sharkbites until we get called to rip it all out again
C
CanvasKing5⚒️ Journeyman23d
13
same shit here, handymen get called in for quick fixes then the next guy cleans up their mess in ohio. saw a guy last week do a quick toilet swap and it leaked into the ceiling two days later. makes our bids look high when the customer already paid someone else half as much. we been there too many times.
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PipeLord42016⚒️ Journeyman23d
10
handymen keep taking the small jobs and still screwing up big enough to get all of us dragged into lawsuits, same crap everywhere.
D
DuctDoctor4⚒️ Journeyman20d
5
yeah the real fix is state laws setting dollar caps like texas at 500 per job so small fry cant touch anything bigger.
V
V8493🔧 Apprentice23d
8
try stayin under that ohio 1000 dollar limit or the state comes after ya.
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SawdustSavant20🔧 Apprentice23d
10
id just pull the permit myself and call it a day if the job aint over 2 grand.
W
WattTheHeck17⚒️ Journeyman22d
9
don't try that under 2 grand in my state, you can catch a fine quick and inspectors been cracking down on handyman stuff.
V
VentMaster⚒️ Journeyman21d
12
same shit here, under 2 grand and inspectors are all over it
S
SpotlessSteve8⚒️ Journeyman28d
7
same shit here man, got popped on a $250 drain fix in florida last spring
T
TermiteTerror⚒️ Journeyman27d
17
same shit here in florida, they got me on a $180 faucet job last month too
T
TileTitan⚒️ Journeyman27d
9
funny how florida hands a plumber a $180 faucet job while the real fix is just the cartridge. been there, pulled the same one out and charged triple next time. customers think any tool in the house makes you a handyman huh?
D
DoorJammer2⚒️ Journeyman26d
16
handyman label is just cover for guys doing real trades work without licenses, florida lets em skate by on small jobs but they still screw up the big fixes.
T
TenYearVet10⚒️ Journeyman25d
13
handyman is basically a florida hall pass for half-assed work until a toilet floods the house.
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RodentRidder3⚒️ Journeyman25d
12
florida handymen doing 10k baths without a license is some real BS. they get away with it till a drain line cracks and suddenly everyones calling a real plumber at midnight. i quoted a job last month where the last handyman used sharkbite on a main line and it leaked into the drywall after six months. homeowners save a couple hundred and then they pay double to fix it. does your state actually enforce the dollar limit or is it just on paper?
M
MoldMilitant⚒️ Journeyman25d
13
same shit in texas, those handymen get away with it until the pipes burst.
M
MopMaestro⚒️ Journeyman24d
16
texas handymen think they can do full repipes and then we get the call when the pex bursts at 2am and everyone's pissed.
T
TileTerror7⚒️ Journeyman23d
17
texas handymen think they can run full repipes but the pex always bursts at 2am when were on call. they should stick to swapping a faucet or two.
G
GreenThumbGuru4⚒️ Journeyman23d
14
handymen doing repipes in texas is a joke, pex bursts and theyre long gone when the water hits the floor.
R
RoofRat3⚒️ Journeyman21d
10
same shit up here in texas, had a pex job blow last month from some handyman hack
V
V3561🔧 Apprentice17d
11
gotta check your states handyman license limits before taking anything over a couple fixtures.
W
WrenchWizard2⚒️ Journeyman23d
17
same shit here, these unlicensed clowns run sharkbite on mains and homeowners eat the double repair bill every time.
T
TarHeelTiler2⚒️ Journeyman24d
22
florida homeowners always want the cartridge swapped for free. what states are capping your handyman work the hardest?
B
BrushStrokePro9⚒️ Journeyman23d
15
florida homeowners sure know how to push the limits on that one. same shit here with them expecting free swaps on every little job.
F
FurnitureFlipper⚒️ Journeyman22d
10
florida homeowners act like a quick swap is just a favor till the permit guy shows up. same shit here when they want you to swap a 2 dollar fixture and call it maintenance. they hit you with the whole i got a guy who does it for free bit then ghost when it fails. had one last week who swore their buddy fixed the outlet with tape and wire nuts. ended up pulling the whole run because the inspector caught it on a follow up. handyman label is just a loophole till the job hits a thousand bucks in most states. feels like half the calls are just testing how far they can push before we say no. does your state cap it at a set dollar amount or is it more about the trade type?
T
ThermoTech⚒️ Journeyman22d
16
same shit here, florida homeowners act like a $200 job is maintenance then scream when the inspector shuts it down.
D
DustBunnyHunter⚒️ Journeyman19d
8
florida homeowners swear a 20 min light swap is maintenance till the inspector shows up and its suddenly a $800 electrical job.
V
V3714🌱 Newcomer19d
4
handyman loophole is straight bullshit, had florida guy try that tape outlet fix last month and inspectors still nailed me for it.
F
FumeFighter⚒️ Journeyman19d
8
florida aint even the worst, i charge 850 to fix handyman tape jobs and sleep fine at night. had a guy try the 999 dollar loophole last month and still needed my license stamp to close. proud we draw the line early instead of playing that game.
P
PaintSplatterPro🌱 Newcomer23d
14
florida handymen are screwed the worst, california aint far behind with their stupid license caps.
V
V9102🔧 Apprentice25d
12
handyman label gets you fined quick if you touch plumbing over a $100 fix in florida.
C
ColorCraze⚒️ Journeyman24d
6
yeah florida's got it rough on that, same shit in jersey too. handymen gettin nailed for touching anything over a couple hundred bucks.
M
MoveItMuscle⚒️ Journeyman23d
18
handyman label is such bs, i pulled in 180k last year doing small jobs without the red tape.
S
ShingleShark7⚒️ Journeyman21d
7
same shit here, pulled in just over 120k last year dodging the license hassle on anything under 2k.
C
CleanFreakCarl⚒️ Journeyman22d
2
this whole handyman bullshit is just another way for the state to milk money out of us. seen guys in florida get hit with fines just for replacing a faucet and some drywall. jersey aint any better with their rules either.
M
MulchMaster⚒️ Journeyman22d
8
same shit here, jersey just wants their cut on anything bigger than a lightbulb swap.
V
VentWizard3🔧 Apprentice19d
6
friggin jersey always gotta grab their cut on anything over a bulb swap, same story everywhere
P
PipeDreamer17⚒️ Journeyman17d
14
same shit in jersey, theyll fine you for anything past a switch plate swap
S
ShingleShark19⚒️ Journeyman17d
19
same shit with jersey inspectors, theyll hit you for swapping a single receptacle if they catch wind. been there with a guy who got nailed for running one new 14/2 romex run without pulling a permit. ended up costing him more in fines than the whole job paid. never worth pushing it on anything electrical once theyve got their eye on you. heard the same story from a couple guys in Plumbers United last month. what are the handyman rules like where youre at now?
P
PipeDreamer23⚒️ Journeyman20d
10
florida fines for a damn faucet, jersey got the same racket, hell i'd rather just stay under the table and fix my buddies toilets
P
PrunePro3⚒️ Journeyman20d
3
same shit in every state, just another excuse for them to fine us over a damn faucet swap.
P
PipeDreamer3⚒️ Journeyman19d
1
same shit up here in jersey, cant even swap an outlet without the state wanting their cut. feels like theyre just protecting the big boys.
R
RollerRandy⭐ Expert21d
15
same shit here, florida handymen get busted quick if the ticket creeps over a couple hundred bucks.
W
WeedWarrior⚒️ Journeyman22d
11
florida inspectors act like your just trying to steal every plumbers job over a $100 fix.
M
MiterMaster⚒️ Journeyman22d
9
same shit in florida, they treat a $75 toilet repair like your stealing a plumbers whole truck.
V
V9820🔧 Apprentice21d
17
florida treats every damn toilet repair like your trying to steal a plumbers truck, its bullshit.
F
FreonFiend2⚒️ Journeyman18d
14
florida aint the only one, damn regulators act like were all out here trying to jack plumbers work for a $200 toilet fix
E
EaveEater3⚒️ Journeyman19d
7
florida aint the only state making a toilet swap feel like grand theft. home owners dont get it until the inspector shows up.
S
ShingleShark7⚒️ Journeyman18d
8
florida homeowners act like a $75 toilet swap is taking food off their table, same crap everywhere.
P
PickMaster⚒️ Journeyman21d
4
florida inspectors acting like your stealing plumbing jobs over a hundred bucks is wild, like my buddy got dinged for swapping a washer.
R
RootRider2⚒️ Journeyman21d
11
florida lets you pull a plumbing permit under handyman for fixes under 500, just skip anything over a dfu or two.
W
WeedWhacker2⚒️ Journeyman17d
13
hows that dfu limit working out when a job creeps over $500?
S
SolderSavant⚒️ Journeyman21d
9
florida handyman rules are a joke, i cleared 9k last month on jobs under the limit and inspectors still hassle me.
J
JoltJester2⭐ Expert18d
26
same shit here in texas, inspectors ride you for anything over 5k even when your under the limit. theyll find something to hassle you about just to justify the trip out. feels like they got nothing better to do some days.
J
JoistJockey⚒️ Journeyman17d
23
texas inspectors are the worst, had one try to red tag a $4k job just cause he was bored.
C
CrownMoldingMoron⚒️ Journeyman22d
18
florida inspectors love nailing you on a $99 toilet fix like its a felony.
H
HardwoodHero4⚒️ Journeyman21d
10
florida inspectors will hit you with that felony shit over a $99 job while homeowners still expect us to fix everything for free.
W
WireWizard6⚒️ Journeyman21d
6
california just bumped that limit to 1k so might wanna check your state rules before the next small job.
V
V6655🔧 Apprentice19d
6
same shit here, im in arizona so that 1k limit already screws us on anything bigger
W
WireWhiz2⚒️ Journeyman17d
11
arizona 1k cap is such bs when a simple panel swap runs you over that in an hour. i quoted a 240v circuit last week and walked because the license line kept me from finishing it right. every time some landlord wants the cheap route they just end up calling us anyway after the handyman screws the permits. wish the state would bump it or at least clarify what counts as maintenance versus improvement. you seeing alot of guys skirting it with the new cali rules or is it still a crap shoot down there?
S
SparkPlugSue6⚒️ Journeyman18d
7
these handyman caps are such bullshit, california at 1k still screws legit trades who get undercut by weekend warriors. same shit everywhere with the state boards protecting nobody but the big companies. what state you dealing with that has the lowest cap?
B
BoxHaulerBen2🔧 Apprentice18d
12
same shit here, florida will burn you over one little job while homeowners still want it all for free.
N
NotAnElectrician15⚒️ Journeyman17d
14
florida aint the worst, texas will hit you with a felony over a 500 dollar job. fight me on that one.
A
AmpedUpAndy2⚒️ Journeyman17d
22
florida's $1k cap screws you while homeowners still expect everything for free.
M
MulchMogul⚒️ Journeyman17d
16
florida handymen cant touch the $999 limit but still get called for whole house renos at 2am like we got magic wands.
T
TarHeelTiler3⚒️ Journeyman25d
4
florida gonna pop you on anything over a fixture swap, these inspectors are riding every handyman like the damn devil.
V
V2453🔧 Apprentice21d
22
same shit here, florida inspectors love nailing handymen over a simple fixture swap like its a crime.
B
BrushStrokePro8⚒️ Journeyman21d
10
florida inspectors are such a joke, ive had em write me up for swapping a faucet.
V
V3894🌱 Newcomer21d
18
same shit here, florida inspectors love to nail you over the smallest job. got popped last week for just swapping out a faucet.
C
CanvasCowboy⚒️ Journeyman29d
7
screw the state boards, those $600 limits are just a scam to force us into gettin full licenses for every damn patch job. in texas especially, its all about squeezin small guys outta business while big contractors skate by.
P
PipeLord4207⚒️ Journeyman29d
12
yeah man, those $600 caps are total BS, squeezin us small timers while the big boys laugh all the way to the bank.
R
RatRacer⚒️ Journeyman25d
12
check your states limit before taking anything over $600 or you'll get fined quick. saw a guy hit for 2k on a $900 job last month.
S
ShingleShark14⚒️ Journeyman25d
11
had a roofing buddy hit with a 1500 fine for a 800 job last year, pride in our license lets us take the bigger ones without sweating it. saved me from taking on sketchy handyman limits in texas. why risk it when you can charge proper rates?
W
WireWizard11⚒️ Journeyman22d
10
exactly, got hit for 1200 bucks in jersey over a 700 dollar job and it sucks. inspectors are quick to fine when the handyman label dont match the work.
S
SawdustSavant12⚒️ Journeyman22d
23
those inspectors are just looking for an excuse to hit you guys hard.
S
SawdustSavant28⚒️ Journeyman21d
6
same shit here, those inspectors always find a way to screw you on the small jobs
B
BrushStrokeBoss11⚒️ Journeyman19d
6
inspections on handyman work in my state cap it at one fixture or two valves then youre a plumber. ive seen guys get hit with a fine just for swapping a shutoff so i keep a $250 limit on those calls and only touch what the license allows. saves the headache when they start digging for permits. what state you running into this in?
D
DrainDiver7⚒️ Journeyman28d
9
man that $600 rule in texas is total crap for guys like us just tryin to make ends meet. had a small leak repair last month that went over by $100 and the inspector acted like i robbed the place. same shit happens in oklahoma too where theyre always watchin for any job past handyman scope. i just stick to under that limit now and turn bigger stuff down to stay outta trouble. you ever got hit with a fine or is it mostly scare tactics out there?
B
BoxHaulerBob2⚒️ Journeyman28d
8
those state boards are just a bunch of pencil-pushin bureaucrats out to bleed us dry with their endless rule changes, texas aint the only one pullin this crap.
W
WeedWhackerWiz2⚒️ Journeyman28d
13
yeah man, these pencil necks got their hands in every damn pie, chargin us for breathin air anymore. texas aint alone, every state i swing through got some new bullshit limit or fee to keep us handymen on a short leash. feels like they wanna turn us all into licensed slaves just to fix a leaky faucet.
W
WrenchWizard4⚒️ Journeyman25d
10
texas caps handyman work at $500 per job or you gotta get the full plumbing license or they hit you with fines.
H
HammerTimeGuy2⚒️ Journeyman23d
8
those texas rules are total bullshit. youre one busted pex fitting away from a 5k fine if you even touch anything over their 500 dollar cap.
T
ThermostatTitan⚒️ Journeyman21d
9
texas handyman caps sound like a joke until you are the one explaining to a customer why a $600 pex swap now needs a licensed plumber.
M
MuscleMoverMike⚒️ Journeyman20d
3
texas rules got me turning down jobs that shoulda been simple pex swaps too
B
BrushStrokePro10⚒️ Journeyman19d
9
same shit here in texas, had to walk a guy through why his $600 pex job needed a license last week.
B
BugBusterJoe⚒️ Journeyman17d
15
same shit here, texas inspectors dont play on pex jobs over a certain size
F
FlashingFox⚒️ Journeyman17d
20
texas inspectors are the worst, they treat every pex run like its gonna flood the county.
V
V9051🌱 Newcomer21d
15
texas handyman cap at 500 is straight up bs, fight me.
V
V4848🌱 Newcomer21d
8
texas limit at 500 bucks is way too low, me and my boss just split jobs into 450 dollar chunks last month to stay legal. heard florida's at 2500 so we might head that way next year. what states yall been looking at?
J
JointJockey2⚒️ Journeyman26d
14
florida caps it at $1000 before you need the license, so alot of guys just split bigger jobs into pieces.
T
TenYearVet12⚒️ Journeyman26d
11
same shit here in georgia, we split jobs too just to dodge the license hassle.
R
RoofRat889⚒️ Journeyman25d
10
in texas you can do up to $10k without a gc license, just gotta split the bigger ones like everyone else.
D
DrainDragon⚒️ Journeyman23d
16
texas rules feel like a joke when your from a tighter state. we can only go to 2k before the state wants paper everywhere. split jobs like everyone else or they flag you fast. had one last week where the guy wanted me to do 15k in one shot and i had to say no. feels like they make it hard on purpose so the big outfits win. wish it was just straight forward numbers across the board. what do they cap you at in your area exactly? same bullshit for us.
V
V3356🔧 Apprentice21d
1
same shit in my state, one dude wanted 12k and i had to walk
N
NotAnElectrician23⚒️ Journeyman21d
18
handyman label is a joke when states let em do 12k jobs without pulling permits, fight me.
L
LaminateLegend2⚒️ Journeyman20d
1
same shit here, guys doing 12k renos with a handyman license and zero permits screws us all.
L
LockPickLarry9⚒️ Journeyman20d
2
same shit here, guy wanted me to do a 8k job as a handyman and i walked too
P
PipeLord42030⚒️ Journeyman17d
12
these homeowners think 8k handyman jobs are fine until the inspector shows up. same crap every damn time.
L
LockPickLarry9⚒️ Journeyman17d
14
homeowners are the real villains here pushing that 8k crap until inspectors nail us all. same fight every state with those damn dollar limits.
S
ShingleSlinger3⚒️ Journeyman17d
4
dont cross that dollar line, seen a guy get hit with a 12k fine in texas last year.
R
RoofRat8810⚒️ Journeyman17d
8
homeowners pushing the 8k limit are the real problem every damn time.
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PaintSplatterPat3⚒️ Journeyman18d
27
dont touch jobs over 5k unless youre licensed for that trade. saw a guy get hit with a 8k fine in illinois for doing a full bath remodel solo. ask your state licensing board before you take another one that big.
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SawdustSavant2⚒️ Journeyman22d
14
florida aint the only spot doing that, me and the boys split jobs over $1000 into 2-3 smaller ones all the time to stay legal.
S
SprayMaster2⚒️ Journeyman18d
10
sounds like the ultimate loophole, florida style. bet your truck's got more job tickets than miles on it.
V
V2805🔧 Apprentice29d
20
what states you workin in that inspectors hit small gigs hardest?
V
VentMaster2⚒️ Journeyman28d
10
florida capped handymen at 2500 last i checked so anything bigger pulls a licensed guy in.
S
SawdustSavant15⚒️ Journeyman26d
26
same shit here in texas, they nail you on anything over a grand even if its just swapping a faucet.
T
TarPaperTitan⚒️ Journeyman26d
13
so what dollar limit you gotta stay under in texas before they call it contracting?
A
AmpedUp5⚒️ Journeyman23d
5
texas is a joke they let the handymen do anything till it costs someone their house.
P
PipeLord42016⚒️ Journeyman22d
6
texas handymen out here wiring whole houses and nobody cares till the fire starts
C
CleanFreakPro⚒️ Journeyman22d
7
same shit here in texas, saw a handyman pull 14/2 all the way through a whole house last month
V
V1188🔧 Apprentice19d
4
seen the same crap in texas too, handymen think they can run wire anywhere.
R
RollerRogue9⚒️ Journeyman18d
16
same shit here, handymen pulling 12/2 without a permit is how houses burn.
P
PipeLord4206⭐ Expert17d
14
texas handymen running 240v like its a light switch is comedy gold till the inspector shows up.
T
TenYearVet22⚒️ Journeyman22d
5
proud of my license and the way i run my shop, no way id risk a whole house job on a handyman ticket.
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NotAHVACGuy🌱 Newcomer21d
6
handyman tickets just let homeowners lowball real work and screw legit shops like ours.
S
SweepKing2⚒️ Journeyman21d
2
same shit here, every homeowner wants us to do the real work for handyman rates. we been turning down anything over two fixtures cause of the state limits and it still gets us painted as expensive. felt that one.
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CrownMoldingMoron⚒️ Journeyman20d
2
dont take those handyman tickets past a light fixture or leaky toilet or youll get fined in most states. saw a guy lose his license over a $800 job that crossed the line.
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PestPatrol⚒️ Journeyman18d
11
handyman tickets are why my neighbor keeps calling me to fix his handyman special at 2x price.
C
ComboBreaker⚒️ Journeyman17d
16
handyman work is why my wife calls me at 7pm for a leaking valve the neighbor slapped together with sharkbites last year.
B
BrushStrokeBoss14⚒️ Journeyman20d
3
same shit here, handyman ticket always ends up costing more hassle than its worth
V
V9706🔧 Apprentice18d
12
handyman ticket always turns into some bs nightmare, same shit here
D
DustBunnyHunter⚒️ Journeyman19d
5
handyman tickets are a joke, had a guy in my state get fined $8k for crossing that dollar line last month.
C
CleanFreakFred⚒️ Journeyman18d
15
same shit here, handyman gigs always creep past the limit.
S
ShingleSlinger🔧 Apprentice21d
5
texas handymen doing whole house wiring is gonna burn someone's house down one day.
O
OpenerOperator5⚒️ Journeyman20d
1
texas handymen doing whole house wiring without a license is why we keep getting called in to fix their fires.
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RoofRatKing⚒️ Journeyman17d
15
handymen think they can rewire a house till the inspector shows up with the fine and we get the repair call.
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V3676🌱 Newcomer17d
12
texas handymen doing full panels without licenses is a recipe for the fires we end up fixing.
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FlushMaster3000⚒️ Journeyman17d
13
damn right, texas inspectors are too busy with real jobs to catch these guys till the place burns down.
V
VoltageVampire⭐ Expert24d
19
dont push past that grand limit in texas or the state board will hit you with unlicensed contracting fines.
V
V2425🌱 Newcomer23d
15
this texas grand limit crap is straight up BS for anyone startin out, feels like the board just wants to crush small guys like us.
J
JoltJester3⚒️ Journeyman21d
16
what happens if you cross the grand by a couple hundred in texas, any enforcement stories?
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LeafBlowerBandit2⚒️ Journeyman24d
16
proud as hell we stay under that $999 limit in texas, keeps the inspectors off our back and the jobs rolling in without the license headaches.
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PanelPusher3⚒️ Journeyman23d
18
same shit here in texas, we just keep the big electrical and plumbing work off the books so inspectors dont bother us.
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SawdustSavant22⚒️ Journeyman21d
4
texas handyman cap is a joke when you gotta turn down $2k bathroom jobs that any idiot with a milwaukee could knock out.
T
TarpTitan3⚒️ Journeyman20d
6
texas caps are BS when legit techs gotta walk away from real money while some yahoo with a sawzall cashes in.
N
NewbieNailBanger⚒️ Journeyman17d
17
texas caps got me turnin down 6k kitchen jobs cause some handyman with a sawzall undercuts us all day
W
WattTheHeck30⚒️ Journeyman17d
8
texas rules letting handymen undercut us while we lose real jobs is straight up garbage.
H
HueHustler⭐ Expert27d
17
these damn inspectors are straight up picking on the little guys while the big outfits run wild, same shit happened to me in texas last month. they hit me with a $2k fine over some minor electrical swap that shoulda been fine.
P
PipeLord42016⚒️ Journeyman27d
4
same shit with these inspectors, they hit me for a $3k fine on a simple fixture swap in texas last month too.
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WattTheHeck9⚒️ Journeyman26d
19
texas inspectors are on a power trip with that crap, got fined last year over a $800 light swap. handyman label is a joke in half the states cause they just move the dollar limit around whenever they feel like it. fight me but id rather pay for the license than risk another fine like that.
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NailGunnerNed⚒️ Journeyman24d
17
damn texas inspectors are straight up revenue collectors, they hit me for $2k last year on a fixture swap too. feels like they just pick a random number and call it a day.
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PaintSplatterPat3⚒️ Journeyman24d
13
those texas inspectors are straight up crooks taking whatever they can. same shit here in louisiana, hit me for $1800 on a simple outlet swap last spring. they make up rules on the spot just to pad their pockets. why the hell do we even bother pulling permits for small jobs anymore?
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RoofRat99⚒️ Journeyman24d
12
what handyman limit are you bumping into down there?
S
SudsAndScrub⚒️ Journeyman22d
21
most states let you slide under 1k before the license hammer drops and i say ignore it till they come knocking
D
DripStopper🔧 Apprentice22d
9
same shit here, i just stayed under the 1k line till the state finally knocked.
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ShingleShuffler3⚒️ Journeyman21d
10
same shit, i got dinged on a $1100 vanity swap and they made me pull a contractors license the next week. now i just tell folks im a roofer who does side work on the side. funny how a state can turn a $900 job into a full blown felony overnight.
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RustyNailPro🌱 Newcomer19d
4
check your states dollar limit on google before quoting anything over 800 bucks
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NotAnElectrician21⚒️ Journeyman21d
13
man the state always finds a way to screw the little guy. same here, i stayed under that 1k mark for years till they caught on. why they gotta make it so hard to just fix a toilet without a license?
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BlowerBandit⚒️ Journeyman22d
20
i made it to 120k last year doing the small jobs most guys skip and never worried about that 1k line.
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PalletPro⚒️ Journeyman23d
16
texas inspectors got me too last year on a simple pex swap, always felt like a cash grab. check your local rules before calling it handyman work, saved me a couple grand since.
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DustBunnySlayer2⚒️ Journeyman24d
17
that $3k fine is straight bs, texas inspectors love swinging for the fences on tiny swaps like that. instead of pushing the handyman label try pulling permits under a general contractors license for anything over fixtures to stay clean. if your doing alot of small jobs grab a service titan add on for tracking limits per job. how many of those swaps turned into full replumbs for you last year?
R
RoofRat4⚒️ Journeyman26d
16
had a buddy in texas get hit for swapping a ceiling fan, inspectors love pickin on the small dogs while the big crews slide.
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WireWizard99⚒️ Journeyman23d
11
handyman label is just the inspector's way of saying 'easy fine today' instead of chasing real crews
V
VentMaster3⚒️ Journeyman23d
11
every states got its own inspector with a quota and handymen make the easiest targets
T
ThermostatTamer2⚒️ Journeyman25d
17
dont do any electrical swaps without pulling a permit, saw a guy in texas get hit for the same thing plus extra fines on top.
V
VoltVampire⚒️ Journeyman25d
11
texas inspectors love to stack fines so yeah always pull one for swaps. i usually run a quick check on the local code before even quoting the work.
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HammerTimeHank⚒️ Journeyman23d
15
handyman label is just a way for texas inspectors to hit you with more fines if you dont pull permits on anything bigger than swapping a fixture.
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VentKing⚒️ Journeyman23d
22
texas inspectors just love that handyman label so they can fine the hell out of you for skipping permits. same crap everywhere else, theyll keep moving the goalpost till your broke.
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DrainDoctor⚒️ Journeyman22d
4
texas inspectors slap that handyman label on you like its free money, screw em and just pull the damn permit before they show up.
M
MoveItMuscle⚒️ Journeyman21d
10
texas inspectors are straight up predators with that handyman label.
J
JoltJester3⚒️ Journeyman20d
7
texas inspectors act like they get a bonus every time they nail someone over that damn label.
S
SpotlessSteve6⚒️ Journeyman20d
2
what dollar limit they using in texas anyway?
B
BrushStrokePro3⭐ Expert19d
2
texas is rough but out here in arizona the limit is 1000 bucks before you gotta pull real licenses.
B
BoxBoss⚒️ Journeyman20d
2
tell em your just fixing an outlet and they still hit you with the handyman label. check your state license board site before quoting anything over $500.
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PipeLord4206⭐ Expert18d
22
same shit here, hit em with the $499 cap and they still call it handyman work.
R
RustyNailBob4⚒️ Journeyman21d
13
same shit here in texas, theyll fine you for changing an outlet if they feel like it.
C
CircuitSavant3⚒️ Journeyman22d
15
texas inspectors are such a headache theyll nitpick every swap like its a full remodel. i got hit last year for doing a simple 14/2 run without pulling one and it cost me a bunch. how do you even keep up with their code changes without getting fined every time?
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BrushStrokePro8⚒️ Journeyman23d
23
texas fines are a joke, handymen get tagged for everything while the real licensed guys eat the same BS from homeowners who cheap out.
T
TrimQueen⚒️ Journeyman21d
8
handymen catch all the fines while homeowners still try to lowball licensed guys on real jobs.
Z
ZapZapZoe⚒️ Journeyman20d
4
yeah and then the homeowner gets pissed when you quote real licensed rates after they already tried to lowball with some handyman cap.
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PolishPro2⚒️ Journeyman20d
8
same shit here, texas handymen catch all the fines while homeowners still try to lowball the licensed guys.
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LiftLegend⚒️ Journeyman22d
7
dont mess with electrical without a permit, texas is cracking down hard on that stuff and the fines will kill you. saw a guy get tagged for swapping outlets and they came back for the whole house. always pull the paper first if you're calling yourself a handyman.
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SweepItClean⚒️ Journeyman25d
9
handyman licenses in texas are capped around 500 bucks worth of work per job, double check before you touch anything electrical.
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CircuitScreamer2⚒️ Journeyman22d
6
yeah texas will hit you with a $10k fine before you even finish the light switch swap.
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LockPickLarry8⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
man, inspectors crashing every little $150 paint touch-up here has me dodging them like the plague, been there way too often.
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SpringSpecialist4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
23
yeah man inspectors been breathing down my neck for every damn $200 patch job here lately feels like theyre just waiting to slap us with fines
V
V7346🔧 Apprentice29d
13
man i feel ya, inspectors here are on my ass for every little $150 fix too, its like they got nothin better to do
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PolishPro3⚒️ Journeyman26d
15
what dollar limit are they enforcing on those fixes?
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FlashingsFanatic⚒️ Journeyman26d
24
same shit here, my state caps handyman work at 5k before it turns into a license hassle.
B
BoltBreaker⚒️ Journeyman24d
18
handyman label is just a loophole states use to keep real trades out of small jobs so they can tax and regulate us harder.
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FrameFreak8⚒️ Journeyman24d
25
handyman label is basically a punchline, i watched my buddy lose a bid over a $400 faucet swap because some inspector called it 'plumbing work'.
S
ShingleSlinger🔧 Apprentice22d
15
same shit here, handyman rules just let em tax small jobs without touching the big ones.
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LockPickLarry4⚒️ Journeyman22d
13
yeah i get it, but setting a hard $300 job limit keeps ya outta trouble with inspectors here. pick one like quickbooks to track every ticket and flag when stuff crosses that line. you pulling much work under that cap or just trying to stay clean?
C
ColorChaos⚒️ Journeyman20d
7
same shit, my quickbooks flags hit that $300 wall every other week. had to turn away a customer who just needed a fixture swap cause it woulda pushed me over. inspectors here love to nitpick anything that looks like plumbing or electric. you tracking it with any specific report or just watching the totals?
C
ChillMaster8⚒️ Journeyman17d
7
my quickbooks loves to flag anything over $300 too, its like the damn thing wants you to stay a handyman forever.
T
TarPaperTitan2⚒️ Journeyman21d
4
yeah exactly, these handyman loopholes screw the real trades while the fly by nights grab everything under 5k. we keep losing small service calls to guys with no license and no insurance and then we get the callbacks when it leaks. it is bullshit how the states let them skirt the big jobs but still take our bread and butter.
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NailBender2⚒️ Journeyman21d
9
yeah its why i cap my handyman jobs at $800 so im not stepping on any license requirements.
B
BrushStrokePro3⭐ Expert20d
6
dont push that $800 cap too far, saw a guy get fined 3k for a job that looked handyman at first.
S
ShingleShuffler5⚒️ Journeyman20d
5
check your state license board site before taking anything over that amount.
S
ScrubLord⚒️ Journeyman18d
7
same shit here, i just tell em anything over $600 needs a real license anyway. keeps the state off my ass.
S
SubfloorSam⚒️ Journeyman22d
9
yeah man same shit here the handyman loophole just screws us on anything bigger than a toilet swap.
N
NewbieNailBanger⚒️ Journeyman21d
18
in texas the dollar limit is 500 before you gotta pull a real license.
S
SafeCrackerSam⚒️ Journeyman18d
12
what state you in where the dollar limit actually gets enforced?
D
DirtBagDan3⚒️ Journeyman21d
11
handyman loophole is just states squeezing us so they can collect on every little job.
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WireWhisperer3⭐ Expert18d
27
same shit here, handyman label keeps the state out our pockets on the small stuff.
F
FlangeFanatic⚒️ Journeyman17d
5
california just bumped that limit to 1k so you gotta watch the total on every job or risk getting nailed.
S
ShingleShark4⚒️ Journeyman17d
19
same shit here, that 1k cap makes every little add-on a headache
W
WirePuller420🌱 Newcomer17d
23
that 1k cap screws us on every other call, florida here and theyll hit you with fines if you go over. tried breaking jobs into smaller invoices but inspectors still call it bullshit. anyone else just walking away from the small stuff now?
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RollerRanger🔧 Apprentice17d
12
dont do anything over that 1000 mark or you will catch a fine in california.
V
V8019🔧 Apprentice23d
22
made 3k last month just doing those small jobs myself and it feels damn good.
B
BumpKeyBandit⚒️ Journeyman21d
3
3k on small jobs sounds like the sweet spot till some state inspector shows up asking about that $1000 limit in california.
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PipeLord4204⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
yeah, inspectors around here are the same damn hassle, had to bail on a $200 drywall patch last month to avoid the bullshit.
A
ACAvenger4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
inspectors are the biggest cockblock in this trade, turning a quick $200 gig into a paperwork nightmare just to flex their bullshit rules.
C
CastIronCurser⚒️ Journeyman28d
8
yeah inspectors love turning your $200 toilet swap into a 3 hour paperwork circus while the real handyman in the next state is already gone.
F
FloorKingpin⚒️ Journeyman25d
22
florida lets you do under $2500 without a license so alot of us just cap jobs there and avoid the paperwork headache.
M
MiterMaster2⚒️ Journeyman22d
13
florida handyman cap at $2500 makes sense til you hit a job that needs a permit and your buddy calls you out on it.
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ShockJockElec⚒️ Journeyman19d
8
florida's $2500 cap screws every legit guy when a permit job shows up and the homeowner still wants you to handle it. been there with an electrical panel upgrade that crossed the line and the gc threw us under the bus. now every inspector in my area asks if we're
N
NotAnElectrician22⚒️ Journeyman24d
11
sounds like your state has that $200 or $500 limit before it turns into a licensed job. i just tell folks upfront how the rules work in our area and move on if they push back. lot of guys i know stick under the threshold so they never deal with the paperwork mess.
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SpringSpecialist5⚒️ Journeyman27d
2
same shit here, i turned down a $150 patch last year because the inspector wanted a permit for it
B
BumpKeyBandit2⚒️ Journeyman29d
14
check your state's licensing board site for handyman exemptions, like calif allows up to $500 per job without a contractor license to dodge those inspector headaches.
A
AmpedUp2⭐ Expert28d
15
yeah, that $500 cap in cali sucks when youve got a simple fix turning into a whole afternoon. been dodging those exemption limits for years, same bs everywhere i go.
J
JoistJockey8⚒️ Journeyman26d
15
same shit, these caps turn every job into a game of hide the invoice.
B
BeamBender2⚒️ Journeyman25d
14
screw these caps, the jobs just get split into two invoices to dodge em.
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LawnLad420⚒️ Journeyman23d
8
haha splitting invoices is the new olympic sport out here.
V
V6085🌱 Newcomer22d
16
splitting invoices gets you fined quick in texas, seen it happen to guys last month. id check your states license board before pushing those jobs.
D
DrainDevil2⚒️ Journeyman21d
9
texas fines hit quick if you split those invoices wrong, seen it cost guys 5 grand last year. i'd check your board for the dollar threshold before taking anything bigger than a toilet swap or faucet job. most states let you do under 500 without a license anyway.
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SpringSpecialist4⚒️ Journeyman21d
6
texas fines hit hard on split invoices so i just stay under the 500 limit and keep it simple. check your county too since they stack on top of state rules.
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PipeDreamer10⚒️ Journeyman21d
8
texas hitting you with fines on split jobs is brutal, ive seen guys get nailed for that exact thing last year. stick to that 500 cap but id also check if your county pulls permits on anything over 300 even for handyman stuff. one trick i picked up is grouping the smaller repairs into one callout so it stays under the line without splitting the invoice. never seen a state that didnt stack the rules, they love that crap. saw a post on r/smallbusiness where a florida guy got hit with both levels at once. what county you in? might save you some headaches if i know the spot.
D
DirtDiggerDan3⚒️ Journeyman20d
2
texas counties love stacking fines so grouping calls into one invoice is the only way to stay under 500 without getting nailed.
S
SparkPlugGuy⚒️ Journeyman17d
25
texas counties are straight up the villain, stacking fines like they get a bonus for it.
W
WireWhisperer2⚒️ Journeyman23d
15
most states will call that splitting into two invoices fraud if they catch it on bigger jobs. just pulled permits for a 3k bathroom job in texas and the inspector wanted to see the full scope up front. check your local licensing board site before risking it.
D
DrainDiver6⚒️ Journeyman23d
21
thats why i stick to jobs under $500 without permits, saves the headache when texas inspectors start asking for the whole scope. my buddy got hit with a fine last year for splitting it so he could stay in the handyman lane. funny how the rules change depending which state you cross.
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WireWizard882⚒️ Journeyman23d
11
texas has some of the loosest rules but still watches for splitting jobs to dodge permits. ive seen guys get nailed for doing 3 or 4 separate $400 calls on the same house within a week. stick to one trade per ticket if you can, keeps inspectors off your back when they pull the scope. my buddy uses jobber to log every small call separately and it helps prove theyre not all one big project. never push over 500 bucks without pulling the permit yourself or youll regret it quick. i always quote the permit fee up front so the customer knows its coming and cant blame me later. if you cross into oklahoma or louisiana the limits drop fast and you need to adjust same day. what kind of small jobs are you turning down right now to stay safe?
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SpringSpecialist4⚒️ Journeyman22d
18
texas handymen got it good at that $500 line, i always pull permits early and quote em right so customers cant complain later.
C
CleanFreak⚒️ Journeyman21d
15
texas got it easy at 500 bucks, here in florida the inspectors nail you for anything over a faucet swap.
D
DirtBagJoe⚒️ Journeyman19d
16
same shit here in texas, guys get away with way more before the inspectors even blink.
V
V5133🔧 Apprentice22d
12
damn, splitting jobs like that in texas to dodge permits is such bullshit, had a buddy get hit with fines for doing exactly that on small repairs.
M
MoverManic⚒️ Journeyman22d
21
texas inspectors love nailing guys for that split job trick. had a buddy do the same and it cost him more than the job was worth.
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FlangeFixer⚒️ Journeyman19d
4
texas inspectors will keep hammering that until guys stop trying to game the system. same shit everywhere, just different badge numbers.
D
DrainDemon⚒️ Journeyman22d
8
in texas i stick to fixes under 500 bucks to dodge the permit hassle, keeps the jobs flowing without the state breathing down your neck.
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WireWhiz2⚒️ Journeyman21d
22
texas got it easy, most states hammer you with regs once you hit 300 bucks.
V
V8866🌱 Newcomer20d
4
texas handyman loophole is bullshit when the rest of us get fined for sneezing past 300 bucks.
V
VoltVampire2⚒️ Journeyman20d
0
yeah man, texas handymen are undercutting everyone while we get the book thrown at us for real work.
T
TermiteTamer⚒️ Journeyman20d
4
texas handymen got it easy, up in minnesota theyd bust you for changing a lightbulb if it went over 200 bucks
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PanelPusher4🔧 Apprentice18d
12
texas lets you push 500 before needing the full license, check the state board site for the cutoff.
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NotAnElectrician18⚒️ Journeyman17d
11
handymen down in texas can swap a whole panel before anyone blinks and minnesota gonna hit you with a fine for a damn outlet cover. regs are straight up stupid across the board and half the states just pick numbers out their ass. same shit everywhere, guys like us end up either breaking the rules or turning work away. i had a job last month where the customer wanted two new switches and the handyman backed out cause he hit his 300 dollar cap. shit like that just pushes people toward unlicensed hacks. some states set it at 500 bucks some at 200, hows a guy supposed to plan around that. how do they even track that crap anyway?
V
V3286🔧 Apprentice21d
4
dont split jobs like that man, texas will nail you on it quick.
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BrushStrokePro6⚒️ Journeyman21d
11
texas inspectors love catching guys who split one big job into handyman sized pieces, they got a $5k fine out last year for that. keep everything under the 500 dollar handyman cap per visit if your license says so. i just route the bigger stuff to a licensed plumber buddy so it stays clean. how big are the jobs your getting hit on?
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PestPatrol⚒️ Journeyman20d
4
texas inspectors been nailing guys left and right over that split job crap, same shit here. why even risk the 5k fine when you can just hand it off?
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TileTamer2⚒️ Journeyman20d
3
same shit here, inspectors down in texas love nailing the split job stuff. just hand it off and keep the fines off your back.
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HueHustler3⚒️ Journeyman20d
3
handyman label is bullshit when guys get nailed for splitting 2k drain jobs into 3 visits. texas inspectors arent wrong on the $500 cap, people just hate getting caught. why route the big stuff instead of getting the proper license?
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GutterGuru4⚒️ Journeyman20d
0
texas handyman rule is basically a trap door for bigger jobs, one bad split and you're fighting the licensing board instead of collecting.
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ShockJock87🌱 Newcomer17d
3
texas handymen get nailed for crossing that line all the time, id stay under the limit or get the license. seen guys lose a $4k job and still catch a fine from the board. anyone else just skip texas jobs altogether?
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WireWizardess⚒️ Journeyman20d
2
texas rules got me pissed too, splitting a $600 water heater swap into two calls so the city dont catch on is just asking for trouble. i had a buddy lose his license over the same crap last year, whole van got impounded for a day. now i just tell folks straight up if its over 500 bucks it needs a permit, period. keeps me out of the inspector crosshairs when they roll through unannounced. handyman label feels like a loophole that only works until someone rats you out. why do they even bother with the gray area instead of just pulling the damn permit from the start?
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ShingleShark7⚒️ Journeyman19d
4
handyman label is bullshit if you're splitting calls just to stay under 500 bucks, texas already busted guys doing exactly that last year.
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HueHustler4⚒️ Journeyman17d
12
proud of what we do, i just pulled in 8k last week on one job in texas without ever calling myself a handyman.
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ShingleSharkSam⚒️ Journeyman19d
6
texas inspectors are straight up forcing us to pull the full permit now, cant split shit anymore. same crap here with every damn job over 2 grand.
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WeedWhackerPro⚒️ Journeyman24d
7
what state you in that keeps changing the handyman cap numbers on you?
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GreenThumbGuru2⚒️ Journeyman24d
11
fucking california with its $500 cap keeps pushing guys like us straight into licensing hell.
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BrushStrokeBoss4🔧 Apprentice24d
7
california's $500 cap forces alot of us into full licensing just to finish jobs that should be simple fixes.
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TileTerror4⚒️ Journeyman22d
20
california's $500 cap is straight up stupid and screws over legit guys who could knock out a simple repair in an afternoon. ive seen jobs that shoulda been 2 hours turn into full licensed headaches because some inspector wants his cut. same thing happened to a buddy of mine last month when he tried fixing a cracked tile and the customer asked for the whole shower wall redone. id rather stay under the radar with cash jobs than deal with all that paperwork nonsense. does your state let you stretch the limit at all if its just one room?
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CanvasKing4⚒️ Journeyman22d
28
california's rules sound like a damn trap for anyone trying to work honest. ive watched jobs balloon from a quick tile fix into full remodels just to dodge the inspector hassle, same crap my buddy caught last month. out here in texas we mostly stay under the radar with cash deals under five hundred too but it gets old fast. one thing that helps is keeping a few go to subs on speed dial so you can split the bigger pieces without turning it into licensed headaches. why do they even make these caps if legit guys are just gonna ignore em anyway?
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KeyKeeper⚒️ Journeyman19d
5
same shit in california, caps just push everyone into cash deals under the table.
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FreonFiend2⚒️ Journeyman18d
10
handyman label just gets you in trouble when jobs creep past that dollar cap, saw a guy lose his license over a 600 job that turned into tile and electrical.
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CircuitSurfer⚒️ Journeyman19d
5
whats the dollar cap where you are, heard it gets sketchy fast when you hit that line?
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NailGunNinja5⚒️ Journeyman24d
21
try setting up your invoices to itemize under 500 and you wont trigger the cap so easy in california.
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TenYearVet15⚒️ Journeyman23d
21
california's $500 limit is pure bs, had a guy up in oregon just bill flat for anything under $1k to stay legal.
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RoofRat99⚒️ Journeyman22d
14
handyman limit in cali is basically a joke when guys in oregon are raking it in under 1k flat.
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FloorKing99⚒️ Journeyman22d
14
cali handymen can barely touch anything over $500 without a license, so most of us stick to small fixes under that line. oregon guys are pulling jobs up to a grand and still legal, which is why theyre raking it in on quick turnarounds. try checking your state threshold on the dol site before quoting anything bigger.
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V4195🔧 Apprentice22d
7
cali handymen get screwed by that $500 cap every time a simple job turns into more work.
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Insul8r⚒️ Journeyman18d
14
whats the new $1000 cap gonna do for jobs that start small and balloon?
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LawnLizard2⚒️ Journeyman18d
16
that 500 dollar cap in cali is straight up garbage, half the time the job snowballs and you're stuck eating the difference or breaking the law.
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V5811🌱 Newcomer22d
7
handyman rules are just a way for licensed guys to protect their cut, orgeon guys know the game and run circles around cali limits. id rather take the 1k flat rate jobs than sit around waiting for permits on every toilet swap. alot of states got it worse than us though, just makes you pick sides quick. whats the biggest job youve actually turned down cause of the limit?
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SawdustSavant25⚒️ Journeyman20d
4
same shit here man. turned down a 5k bathroom gut last month because oregon caps us at 2500 without a license and i aint risking it for a handyman gig. we run circles around the rules but a job that big just aint worth the fine. felt that in my knees when i had to walk away from easy money. whats the biggest one you passed on recently?
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HammerTime22⚒️ Journeyman20d
0
oregon's 2500 cap is rough man, had a 4k water heater swap that i split into two jobs last year to stay legal. just book the second one a week later and use the same materials list. still feels stupid but beats a fine.
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SlateMaster⚒️ Journeyman21d
15
same shit here, california handyman rules are a joke compared to what guys up in oregon pull off.
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SprayAndPray⚒️ Journeyman19d
10
cali handyman limit keeps you under 500 per job or you need a license.
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WireWhisperer🌱 Newcomer18d
10
so what happens if you go over the 500 in cali, they fine you or just make you get the license? my buddy tried doing a small electrical fix on a water heater and got nailed for it last month. is the rule the same in other states or just california? heard some places let you do more if its just repairs. whats the cutoff look like where you are at?
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DoorOpenerPro2⚒️ Journeyman17d
16
california will fine the hell out of you and force the license, idaho just looks the other way on anything under 2k.
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DirtBagLandscaper5⚒️ Journeyman17d
8
california fining you over a busted toilet while idaho lets you swap a roof for 1800 bucks is peak contractor chaos.
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FlushMaster3000⚒️ Journeyman17d
31
california's the worst for this crap, idaho's way more chill. homeowners love pushing us on that line then act shocked when it bites us.
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RoofRatKing⚒️ Journeyman17d
20
idaho's rules let me take on bigger jobs without the headache california guys deal with daily.
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PipeDreamer24⚒️ Journeyman17d
14
what states yall seeing the biggest gap between the dollar limit and what guys actually get away with?
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DustBunnySlayer3⚒️ Journeyman17d
13
florida guys doing $15k jobs under the handyman label and nobody blinks, fight me.
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VoltageVirgin⚒️ Journeyman17d
15
same shit here, idaho is chill till that 2k line and then its a whole different ballgame.
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SawdustSavant20🔧 Apprentice17d
15
cali keeps yall under 500 but id push that limit every damn time til they catch up.
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WireWizard6⚒️ Journeyman22d
23
yeah those state limits turn into a damn joke when your $800 job gets split into three trips to stay legal
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SparkJockey3⭐ Expert21d
8
these handyman caps are total BS, california at 500 bucks is screwing everyone who actually wants to work legit. oregon letting guys bill flat under a grand is the only sane spot ive seen, we got stuck at 300 here last year and lost two solid jobs. every state acts like we are crooks until a homeowner calls us at midnight for a clogged line, then suddenly were the only ones who can fix it. anyone else hit these dumb limits and just eat the fine?
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FrameFreak6⚒️ Journeyman21d
14
same shit here, capped us at 500 last year and lost a solid water heater swap over it.
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ShingleShark9⚒️ Journeyman23d
21
in michigan its like 600 bucks before they slap you with a license. my buddy tried sneaking a 3k job under the handyman tag and the inspector laughed him outta the county.
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SpringSpecialist9⚒️ Journeyman23d
29
michigan inspectors are straight up the worst, theyll hit you for a $300 toilet swap if they feel like it.
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TidyTim⚒️ Journeyman23d
21
michigan inspectors love nickel and diming handyman work over that $300 toilet swap. call the state licensing board first and ask what job size triggers a real plumber pull.
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PipeLord42019⚒️ Journeyman21d
5
michigan pulls that crap on $300 toilet swaps cause they can, stick under a grand total per job and you dodge most of em.
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SpotlessSteve6⚒️ Journeyman17d
16
michigan aint special, idaho pulls the same handyman cap BS and screws guys doing anything over 800 bucks.
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MoveItMuscle2⚒️ Journeyman22d
9
michigan's 600 limit is crazy low, just quote everything as separate small jobs to stay under it.
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NotAnElectrician13⚒️ Journeyman22d
6
dont pull that stunt in michigan, theyll fine you quick for splitting jobs like that to dodge the 600 limit.
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LockPickLarry4⚒️ Journeyman20d
8
dont split jobs under that 600 limit in michigan or youll get hit with a fine quick.
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VentMasterMike⚒️ Journeyman21d
9
same shit here in michigan, these inspectors act like they're busting up the mob over a 3k handyman job.
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JackOfAllScrews⚒️ Journeyman20d
4
same shit in michigan, over a 3k job they act like its a federal case.
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PipeLord42012⚒️ Journeyman20d
0
same shit in ohio, guys think they can slide a 2k job and inspectors love to flex on em.
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JointJockey⚒️ Journeyman20d
2
what states you covering mostly?
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RodentRider⚒️ Journeyman17d
14
same shit here, the handyman title gets real blurry once you cross state lines. in texas a guy doing a toilet swap plus a light fixture might be fine but move to florida and your suddenly pushing electrical limits without the right license. been there where a job starts small then turns into pulling permits and you either walk or get fined. i just cap myself at anything needing more than a 15 amp circuit or 1/2 inch pex and tell them to call a licensed guy. clients always push for the cheap fix anyway so its easier to draw the line early. whats the worst state line mess youve run into so far?
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DustDevil⚒️ Journeyman29d
4
those damn inspectors are the worst, hit me with a fine last month for a $200 fence repair that didnt even need a permit. its like they got nothing better to do than harass us small timers.
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DuctTapeKing⚒️ Journeyman28d
9
handyman label is bullshit when states let inspectors hammer a $150 touch up but skip the real sloppy electrical hacks.
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BrushStrokeBoss13⚒️ Journeyman27d
13
exactly, inspectors go after the little $150 fix while some bozo wires a panel with no permits and nobody cares.
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WattTheHeck23⚒️ Journeyman26d
16
id say stick to jobs under $500 without pulling permits or you risk inspectors nailing you on the small stuff like that.
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FilterFanatic⚒️ Journeyman24d
13
in texas you can go up to 5k before needing a contractor license so stick with that.
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KeyMasterMike2⚒️ Journeyman28d
4
same shit here, state caps handyman jobs at 3k so i been turning down anything bigger to dodge the inspectors. feels like every small paint job turns into paperwork hell.
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WattTheHeck15⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
man, same crap here in colorado - did a quick $350 outlet swap and the inspector rolled up like i was rewiring the whole damn state without a license.
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SodSlinger⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
in colorado you can do handyman work up to $500 per job without a contractor license, just dont touch anything structural or major electrical/plumbing to stay under the radar.
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FrameFreak6⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
yeah man, same shit here with these handymen undercuttin us left and right, makin it impossible to get a fair quote anymore. homeowners come to me expectin that cheap crap and i gotta explain why real work costs more. sucks big time, been losin jobs over it lately.
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DeadboltDude⭐ Expert1mo
23
stick to jobs under $500 in most states to stay in the handyman lane without needin a full contractor license. that way you avoid the fines and keep the small gigs rollin without the hassle.
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AntAnnihilator6⚒️ Journeyman1mo
20
those state boards are just money grubs, fined me $1200 last year for a $600 deck job that was barely over the limit and now im stuck on tiny gigs that dont even cover gas.
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PipeLord420🔧 Apprentice1mo
18
screw those state boards, they just wanna nickel and dime us on every little job while the real crooks with no license do full renos under the table and nobody says shit.
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SweepSquad3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
yeah, got hit with a $500 fine last year for a $400 deck repair in colorado, but the unlicensed hacks are out there flipping houses for 50k and the boards couldnt care less.
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BrushStrokeBandit🔧 Apprentice1mo
12
sticking to my handyman limits in colorado kept me out of that $500 fine mess, and now im pulling in steady $2k gigs on small fixes without the licensing headache. feels good knowin i play it smart while those house flippers get away with murder.
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WireWizard7⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
smart move stickin to the rules in colorado, ive built my whole biz on those $1k handyman jobs without ever dodgin a fine. feels damn good sleepin easy while the reckless ones chase big scores and end up screwed.
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DirtBagLandscaper6⭐ Expert1mo
14
it's all BS how they nail us little guys with fines but let those unlicensed flippers rake in thousands without a peep. got screwed on a similar job here last summer, cost me two weeks' pay to fight it.
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CircuitSnake⭐ Expert1mo
17
stick to jobs under $500 and no permits to dodge the handyman fines in most states. i always check the local board's site first to know the cutoff, saved my ass more than once.
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TarPaperTiger2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
stuck to that $500 rule in my state for years and built a solid rep without a single fine, feels damn good.
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PipeLord420🔧 Apprentice28d
7
those damn state boards are the real crooks, actin like they own every nail we drive while handymen get away with half-assed fixes that screw over homeowners. ive seen buddies get fined $1000 just for uncloggin a sink over the limit, all cause some bureaucrat wants to protect the big contractors wallets. its BS how they let cheapos with no license flood the market and undercut us legit guys. we bust our asses gettin certified and they slap us with rules that change every year. angi and those lead gen sites make it worse, pushin handyman BS on clueless clients who then call us for the mess. pissed me off last month when a neighbor got hosed by one, had to redo the whole leaky faucet job for free. we gotta fight back against this crap or theyll run us all outta business.
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PipeDreamer3⚒️ Journeyman28d
3
dont touch anything over that $3300 line in your state or youll get the same $1000 fine the op mentioned.
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LeakHunterPro2⚒️ Journeyman27d
16
handyman label is BS anyway, most states draw the line at 1500 bucks or theyll hit you with the fine like that op said.
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TileTerror7⚒️ Journeyman25d
19
ha, the handyman loopholes got you paying for their sloppy work. in my state handymen can do 500 bucks of work max before they gotta get licensed.
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VentMasterMike⚒️ Journeyman24d
20
same shit here, arizona lets handymen slide under 1k without any contractor license so theyre all over the small jobs.
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HueHustler⭐ Expert23d
15
same shit here, every time a handyman undercuts us on those small jobs it just screws the rest of us trying to stay legit.
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GutterGuru3⚒️ Journeyman22d
27
handymen in arizona dodging the 1k limit is a joke, had one try to install my gutters last year and left me fixing his mess.
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LeakHunter4🔧 Apprentice20d
7
arizona's $1k rule is a joke, half these guys are doing full gutter jobs anyway. just write up the permit yourself if the job hits that number or use a licensed buddy to pull it. saves headaches when the inspector shows up.
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TermiteTerminator⚒️ Journeyman23d
20
handymen doing 500 bucks of electrical work in your state just means theyre getting away with half a job thatll fail inspection. dont let em touch 240V stuff, saw one guy almost burn a house down last month.
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SawdustSavant10⚒️ Journeyman23d
9
in texas a handyman can only do 500 too before they force a license on you, i just sub the big jobs out instead of chancing it.
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ShakeShingler⚒️ Journeyman21d
6
texas handymen dodging that 500 dollar line is like tiptoeing around a live wire.
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WattTheHeck7⚒️ Journeyman20d
2
texas inspectors will still nail you for unlicensed work even if the customer swears it was just a 300 dollar leak fix.
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CircuitSurfer⚒️ Journeyman23d
16
same shit here, these guys blow 500 bucks on a half-assed outlet swap then im stuck fixing their mess.
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HammerTimePro3⚒️ Journeyman22d
18
yeah, these half-assed outlet swaps always leave me cleaning up the mess for triple what they charged.
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RollerRabbit2⚒️ Journeyman21d
11
had a guy pull the same stunt on a bathroom fan last month, now i steer clear of anything over a grand in permits without a license.
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SweepKing⚒️ Journeyman21d
7
same shit here, these handyman gigs turn into permit nightmares and cost you more than they pay.
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OddJobOtto3⚒️ Journeyman20d
5
handyman gigs always turn into the permit nightmare that screws the rest of us over.
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GreenThumbGus⚒️ Journeyman19d
8
handyman gigs under 5k fly under the radar but cross that line once and the inspectors show up with fines. fight me but id rather stay legal than chase cheap jobs that turn into lawsuits.
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DoorOpener99⚒️ Journeyman17d
11
handyman label is just asking for trouble once the job goes past swapping a fixture, seen guys get fined hard in my area for skipping permits. most states draw the line at anything needing a licensed trade and inspectors dont care that you quoted it cheap. why fight the rules when you can just turn down anything over a couple hundred bucks and keep your license clean?
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LiftLord⚒️ Journeyman20d
2
same shit here, these handymen leave romex with no box and then i gotta explain to the customer why im charging em $600 to fix it.
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SpringSpecialist2⚒️ Journeyman20d
6
handyman label lets these hacks screw up romex and then we eat the $600 fix.
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TileTerror11⚒️ Journeyman20d
2
same shit, handymen in my state cant touch anything over 500 without a license anyway.
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WeedWhackerWarrior⚒️ Journeyman20d
8
same shit here, had one blow out a gfci swap and i caught the backfeed on it
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DuctTapeKing2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
19
yeah i stuck to that $500 rule until i fixed a leaky faucet for $600 and the inspector showed up like 'handyman who?'... spent more on the fine than the damn job 😂
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LeakHunterX⚒️ Journeyman1mo
17
those inspectors are the real crooks, fining us for doing honest work while they sit on their asses collecting a paycheck.
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SparkleSquad2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
yeah man, inspectors are the WORST, always nitpicking our asses while they rake in that easy money. been fined twice last year for some BS paperwork i didnt even know about. its like theyre out to kill the little guy doin honest jobs. same shit everywhere, feels rigged against us.
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SpringSpecialist2⚒️ Journeyman29d
24
yeah man, got slapped with a $500 fine last month for some paperwork BS i didnt even know existed, inspectors are straight up out to bury us little guys.
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WrenchWizard4⚒️ Journeyman29d
27
inspectors are just money-grubbing assholes out to crush us small operators, got hit with a BS fine myself last year and it pisses me off every time.
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RustyNails3⚒️ Journeyman28d
3
dont get caught without that license, i know a guy who ignored the $500 threshold in his state and ended up with a $5k fine plus court time. inspectors aint messin around anymore, stick to the limits or pay the price.
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ChillTech⚒️ Journeyman26d
14
bet the guy with the $5k fine tells everyone he was just doin handyman work till the inspector showed up.
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ScrewLooseLarry🔧 Apprentice24d
11
what state are you in where the handyman line is drawn so tight?
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PipeLord42014⚒️ Journeyman24d
19
homeowners thinking any guy with a hammer can do 15k jobs is the real bullshit.
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PickMaster2⚒️ Journeyman24d
6
homeowners thinking a hammer and a van makes you a 15k plumber is straight up delusional.
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SpraySquad2⚒️ Journeyman23d
13
handyman label gets some guys thinking they can tackle a 15k plumbing job with a hammer and a van, which cracks me up every time.
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SawdustSavant19⚒️ Journeyman23d
20
same shit here, had a guy with just a hammer try to quote a whole bathroom reno and it was a mess. seen it way too often where they skip the plumbing permit and mess up the rough in. yeah man, some states need to crack down on that.
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ColorChaos2⚒️ Journeyman19d
0
handyman label is a gray area in alot of states, had one try to redo a shower valve without a permit last month and flooded the whole floor. call the state licensing board first, they'll tell you exactly what you can touch without a full contractors license.
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LockJock⚒️ Journeyman17d
7
same shit here, handyman tried a whole bathroom remodel without a license last year and it was a total mess.
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RollerRogue8⚒️ Journeyman23d
18
in jersey i stick to jobs under 2 grand so the plumbing board stays off my back and i keep my license clean.
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SafeCrackerSam2⚒️ Journeyman22d
8
same shit in jersey man, keep it small so they dont come after you
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DrainDevil3⚒️ Journeyman22d
19
yeah man i get it, same shit in my state too where anything over a grand flags the inspectors. its like the boards just waiting for guys like us to slip up on a toilet swap or fixture change so they can hit us with fines. i usually cap my handyman stuff around 1500 bucks and keep it to light plumbing or outlets to stay clean. seen too many guys lose their side gigs over one big ticket job they shoulda walked away from. the rules are different everywhere but they all feel stacked against the small operators. how you handling the ones that try to push you past that limit?
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GarageGuru8⚒️ Journeyman21d
6
i just quote 1250 max and tell em straight up if they want more than that its a licensed plumber or sparky job. saves me the headache when they push for the whole bathroom.
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LawnLordLee⚒️ Journeyman21d
13
damn jersey rules got us all tip toeing around real work just to dodge the board.
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HeatWaveHero⚒️ Journeyman21d
6
i just bill under 3k a pop and stick to small jobs like swapping a faucet or fixture to stay legal.
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FlushKing2⚒️ Journeyman17d
7
same shit here man, tried billing over the limit once and got a letter from the board in 3 days flat. kept it under 3k too but the inspector still showed up on a simple toilet swap because the homeowner filed a complaint. ended up paying a fine and had to redo the permit as a plumbing job anyway. i just stick to fixtures now and send anything bigger to a licensed guy i know. costs me jobs but the headache aint worth it. youre smart keeping the cap low, that label will bite you quick if the state decides youre playing contractor. what state you working out of anyway?
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JoistJester⚒️ Journeyman18d
20
jersey aint the only state making us dance around real jobs just to stay legal, whole damn system screws the little guy
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DeckBuilderDan⭐ Expert18d
21
same shit up here in new york, they got us splitting jobs just to dodge the handyman cap too.
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LeakHunter2⚒️ Journeyman18d
13
same shit here, we been splitting jobs too just to stay under the cap.
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SpotlessSteve6⚒️ Journeyman17d
16
same shit, half my jobs get turned down cause some dickhead at the state board decided what a handyman can touch
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TileTerror5⚒️ Journeyman21d
16
dont push that 2k limit or the jersey plumbing board will hit you with fines quick.
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V8019🔧 Apprentice18d
7
jersey board already hit my buddy last year for 2100 in pex work and it was pure bullshit
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ColorChanger⚒️ Journeyman22d
18
exactly, these handyman types think a van and a hammer means they can do big plumbing without pulling permits or knowing code.
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DuctDoctor9⚒️ Journeyman21d
5
these guys with a hammer and a van think they can run big plumbing without pulling permits or knowing code and its the same shit everywhere. homeowners hire em cheap then call us when the whole place is flooded or the inspector shuts it down. saw one last month flood a kitchen cause he skipped the vent and used the wrong fittings on a 3 inch line. now every legit outfit has to explain why we charge more and why we pull permits while these weekend warriors undercut the real work. its collective rage for sure when states dont crack down harder on the label. how do you handle it when one shows up on a job you already quoted?
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ShingleShuffler3⚒️ Journeyman21d
9
same shit here, these guys roll up with a hammer and think they can rough in a whole bathroom without pulling permits. felt that in my knees when we had to rip everything out last month. how many states are you dealing with this in?
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BeamBoss5⚒️ Journeyman21d
7
which states you hitting where the handyman dollar cap is actually enforced?
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DustBunnySlayer5⚒️ Journeyman21d
1
same shit here, texas inspectors gonna hit you hard over that 500 dollar limit on handyman work.
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SawdustSavant12⚒️ Journeyman18d
27
texas inspectors got nothing on the california ones, theyll fine you for a 200 dollar faucet swap. handyman license basically just a fancy business card down there.
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RustyNailBob5⚒️ Journeyman20d
13
just had a florida guy hit with a 5k fine for a 1500 handyman job, whole states a joke.
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V6501🌱 Newcomer23d
19
same shit here, they figure any guy with a hammer can swap a water heater and charge fifteen grand.
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OddJobOutlaw⚒️ Journeyman21d
21
handyman label gets thrown around too easy and some guys clear fifteen grand before lunch.
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LaminateLegend🔧 Apprentice19d
9
yeah man, gotta know your state limits before you touch anything bigger than a 2k job or the license board comes knocking.
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CircuitSnafu⚒️ Journeyman18d
14
handyman label just lets guys skirt the license and charge real electrician money for half ass work.
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DirtDiggerDan⚒️ Journeyman21d
8
so what dollar limit does your state actually set for a handyman before you gotta pull a full license?
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PaintSplatterPete⚒️ Journeyman21d
7
texas lets handymen go up to $500 on a single job before needing a license. anything bigger and you're playing with fire on the inspection side.
S
SawdustSavant24⚒️ Journeyman21d
16
damn texas handymen dodging the license racket while the rest of us get buried in red tape and fees
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HammerTimeHank⚒️ Journeyman20d
2
texas inspectors will still hit you for unlicensed work even under $500 if they feel like it. had a buddy get fined last year for a $380 job they called electrical.
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HammerTimeHank2⚒️ Journeyman18d
18
texas is basically tellin handymen to stay under 500 or the inspectors get real nosy, kinda like hidin a deer stand from the game warden.
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CoilCooler2⚒️ Journeyman17d
11
texas handymen playing under that 500 limit is basically the same game as everyone else, just dont get caught stacking jobs to dodge it.
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FixItFred🔧 Apprentice23d
12
damn straight, handymen get hammered with fines while homeowners just call the next guy off nextdoor and keep it movin. whole system screws the licensed guys trying to play by the rules.
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CircuitSnafu2⚒️ Journeyman23d
23
handymen dodge the rules and still pull jobs from us, then homeowners run to nextdoor the minute we say no. every time a guy skips the license just to undercut us it screws the rest of us who pay for insurance and inspections. damn system keeps protecting the shortcuts while we carry the weight. why do inspectors even bother checking licensed crews when the real violators just keep rolling?
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SweepStakeSue⚒️ Journeyman21d
3
handymen working under 5k is legal in half the states so inspectors aint the real problem, its the homeowners chasing the cheapest bid every time.
C
ChillMaster2⚒️ Journeyman22d
10
handyman rules are bullshit in texas, i did a 3k job and nearly got fined last year
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ShingleSlinger🔧 Apprentice26d
25
a $500 fine on a $2k job aint worth it, stick under 1000 bucks per job in most states to dodge the license mess.
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ShingleShuffler3⚒️ Journeyman23d
24
how much are you charging per hour when you hit that 1k cap?
C
CircuitSavant2⚒️ Journeyman29d
9
yeah same shit here, got nailed with a $500 fine last month for some paperwork crap i didnt even know existed, inspectors are just out to screw the little guys.
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LumberLad⚒️ Journeyman26d
15
what state you in and did they hit you on the handyman license or just the paperwork?
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DoorDoc2⚒️ Journeyman25d
13
same shit, states are cracking down on us to push everything through licensed contractors so they can take their cut
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PeakProspector3⚒️ Journeyman23d
23
handyman label lets em dodge licensing in alot of states but when shit hits the fan they just pass the blame to real contractors.
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PipeLord42030⚒️ Journeyman20d
4
handyman shit always ends up on our plate after they botch the job and run. texas inspectors been calling me out for other guys messes for years now. feels like were just the cleanup crew for their shortcuts.
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ShingleShuffler2⚒️ Journeyman22d
27
handyman rules make about as much sense as a cat owning a hardware store. some states will let you swap a lightbulb and call it illegal if you blink wrong.
D
DoorOpenerDave⚒️ Journeyman18d
19
in nc you can pull a handyman permit up to 5k per job without a license.
C
CanvasCowboy⚒️ Journeyman25d
17
same shit here in arizona, handyman rules got so damn tight that any job over 500 bucks lands you in paperwork hell with the state board.
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SolderSniper⚒️ Journeyman23d
24
handyman regs in texas cap you at 499 on paper or they hit you with a full license check.
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VentVagabond⚒️ Journeyman23d
20
texas inspectors love to use that 499 dollar cap to bury any handyman who steps on a real contractors toes.
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PlumbDumb⭐ Expert20d
3
texas inspectors love that 499 dollar line to shut down any side work fast. i'd stay under 400 on the invoice and call it repair not install, keeps the paper trail clean. same crap here in the dallas area, they hit you with unlicensed contracting quick if you push past it. you running into this on bigger service calls or just small fix ups?
C
ComboBreaker⚒️ Journeyman22d
17
texas inspectors are straight up stingy as hell, always lookin for any reason to slap you with full contractor rules over some dumb 500 dollar job.
C
ChillChampion2⚒️ Journeyman19d
6
texas inspectors love to turn your $500 handyman gig into a full contractor deal, fight em on it or stay small.
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SparkleSquad2⚒️ Journeyman17d
14
texas inspectors turning everything into a contractor job is such bullshit, they hit me with that last year on a simple faucet swap. same shit everywhere, the state just wants their cut no matter how small the work is. handyman label dont mean shit once they decide to rewrite your ticket. how many times they pulled that on you?
D
DrainDemon2⚒️ Journeyman19d
2
hit 40k last year on jobs under the 500 dollar line in texas without touching the full contractor headache.
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SweepItClean⚒️ Journeyman18d
5
texas rules gonna bite you if you touch plumbing or electric over that $500 line.
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WireWizard7⚒️ Journeyman18d
22
texas inspectors will call your 500 dollar fix a full remodel if it makes their day better.
T
TenYearVet22⚒️ Journeyman17d
10
texas inspectors will call your $80 toilet swap a full gut job just to make quota.
T
TrimTim⚒️ Journeyman17d
14
texas handyman limit is $500 per job before you need a license, so i just break it into two invoices if it's over.
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SparkPlugStan2⚒️ Journeyman21d
9
texas pulling that 499 crap is just another way to keep the little guy from making real money without jumping through every hoop. same shit everywhere, regs always end up protecting the big outfits that can afford the licenses and insurance. half the time the customer is the one asking you to do more than the limit anyway then they act shocked when you say no. i had a guy last month wanting me to swap a panel and a couple outlets but wouldnt go over the cap so i walked. now hes probably on nextdoor complaining about handymen being useless. we keep getting squeezed by the state and the customers both and nobody wins except the guys with the full contractor licenses. how many of you actually got popped for going over in texas?
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FixItFelix⚒️ Journeyman21d
8
texas'll hit you with a fine quick if they catch the overage, saw a guy get popped last year for swapping a panel under the cap.
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NailGunNinja2⚒️ Journeyman19d
12
check your states handyman dollar cap before quoting anything electrical bigger than a switch swap.
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SpotlessSam2⭐ Expert19d
10
handyman label keeps the inspectors off ya till you hit that texas dollar cap, then its felony bingo. saw one dude try sneaking a 200 amp swap and pay double in fines.
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SawdustSavant9⚒️ Journeyman17d
16
that texas cap screws the small guys when the inspectors decide your 200 amp job is felony territory.
N
NotAProYet🌱 Newcomer21d
2
don't push that 499 limit in texas man, saw a guy get fined hard for swapping a panel.
S
SpraySquad⚒️ Journeyman20d
7
texas inspectors are straight up predators, saw a guy lose his truck over a damn 499 job too.
G
GateGuard⚒️ Journeyman19d
11
texas $499 limit is bullshit, set up an llc and pull a handyman permit in nc like the charlotte guys do.
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LockPickLarry6⚒️ Journeyman18d
3
same shit in my state, had a guy want a whole subpanel swap last year and just walked when he tried pushing past the cap.
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NotAnElectrician2⚒️ Journeyman17d
16
handyman caps are a joke, guy wanted a whole 200a service and acted shocked when we walked
C
ColorCraze4⚒️ Journeyman17d
15
dont touch that 200a job or youll end up explaining yourself to the inspectors.
E
EaveExpert⚒️ Journeyman18d
16
texas and the homeowners are both screwing the little guy on purpose.
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PaintSplatterPat4⚒️ Journeyman17d
12
same shit here in texas, these handyman rules got homeowners thinking anyone with a drill can do electrical without pullin permits. seen too many jobs where they skip the licensed guy and then call us when it goes sideways. had one last month where they paid some dude cash for a panel swap and the inspector shut it down. theyll learn the hard way but it always costs us time.
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SparkleSquad⚒️ Journeyman18d
21
texas caps and pissed off homeowners on nextdoor both suck, we all get squeezed the same way
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PipeLord42016⚒️ Journeyman18d
15
texas has it rough but i pulled $14k last month on three jobs that handyman outfits turned down so the label aint slowing me down.
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ShockJock_E🌱 Newcomer17d
14
same boat here, handymen keep passin on anything past $2k and im grabbin it all
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ScrubLord2⚒️ Journeyman17d
17
same shit here, texas nextdoor homeowners bitchin about price and size caps then expect you to do a full remodel for handyman money. i just quote anything over 6 hours as a real job now and let em walk. really dont blame the other trades for gettin fed up with it.
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V6145🔧 Apprentice17d
11
same shit here man, texas homeowners want full remodels for handyman rates then act shocked when you walk
V
V2463🔧 Apprentice22d
18
arizona handymen got it rough but at least your limit is 500 bucks, here in new jersey its only 200 and you still catch hell for anything electrical. i seen guys get hit with 5k fines just for swapping an outlet on a saturday call. states keep raising the bar so only the big contractors can play the game. feels like they want everyone to register as a full plumber or electrician even for basic fixes. you guys running into the same pushback when a customer asks for a quick bathroom repair? honestly im thinking of just calling myself a limited scope contractor to dodge some of this. dont know if that helps or makes it worse though.
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WrenchWizard3⚒️ Journeyman22d
18
same shit here in jersey, had a guy threaten to report me over a quick toilet swap last month.
T
ThermoTech⚒️ Journeyman21d
1
dont touch plumbing work without a real license even for a toilet swap, saw a guy in jersey get fined 5k and lose his van for that exact thing.
Z
ZapMaster3000⚒️ Journeyman21d
8
that jersey guy learned the hard way, my buddy got tagged just for swapping an aerator without a license. rules change state to state but the fines sure dont. whats the limit where youre at?
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ShingleShark3⚒️ Journeyman18d
8
handyman label gets you fined quick for touching a toilet in jersey while texas guys swap whole panels before lunch. fight me on that one.
J
JoltJockey⚒️ Journeyman18d
10
jersey boards treat handyman like a four letter word, hit em with the full license or stay under 500 bucks.
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NailGunNed⚒️ Journeyman20d
1
that jersey fine shoulda been a warning to every handyman out there. don't touch a licensed trade even for small jobs or youll lose more than a van.
C
ColorChanger⚒️ Journeyman18d
12
these homeowners really out here acting like the damn permit police over a toilet swap.
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V2805🔧 Apprentice27d
7
dont fix nothing over 500 or you'll eat a fine bigger than the job like that guy in georgia did last year.
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ChillMaster3⭐ Expert29d
11
i know a guy who pushed a $600 deck repair in california without a license and the board slapped him with a $5k fine plus had to redo the whole job, dont risk it.
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DrainDiverDan⭐ Expert28d
2
california caps handymen at 500 bucks per job without a license, so anything bigger means pulling the permit or risk that 5k hit again.
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HammerTimeHank2⚒️ Journeyman25d
13
california just loves to go after the little guys while big outfits skate by. handyman label gets you in trouble fast if you touch anything structural or over a certain dollar amount. same shit in most states, they wait til you finish the job then hit you with the fine. hows it handled where you are?
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LockLord⭐ Expert24d
10
california's the worst but id still take their rules over letting handymen touch anything structural anywhere.
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FixItFelix4🔧 Apprentice23d
9
same shit in texas, handymen keep messing up simple jobs and making us fix em later.
H
HardwoodHero5⚒️ Journeyman22d
10
same shit here, texas handymen botch simple leaks and im left fixing their crap for half the day.
C
CircuitSnafu⚒️ Journeyman22d
27
texas handymen keep undercutting us and leaving half ass electrical work that i have to fix every damn time. saw one last week that wired a 240v dryer with 14/2 romex, almost started a fire. why do homeowners still hire these guys when they always cost more in the end?
F
FlushMaster3000⚒️ Journeyman22d
14
same shit in texas, had to redo a dryer circuit last month that some handyman ran with 14/2 and left the homeowners holding the bag
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TileTerror11⚒️ Journeyman21d
12
same shit here, texas inspectors are always bustin someone for 14/2 on a dryer circuit after the handyman ghosts
A
AmpedUp⚒️ Journeyman19d
2
handymans always ghostin and leaving us electricians to fix their 14/2 dryer runs, classic texas move
B
BrushStrokePro3⭐ Expert18d
21
tell em its 10/3 or nothing on a dryer, saves the callback headache.
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LockPickLarry7⚒️ Journeyman17d
11
10/3 is definitely the move, way less callbacks on dryers when the voltage drops. just ran into that last week on a 30 amp circuit someone tried to stretch with 12/2, swapped it out and used a square d 30a breaker. if youre in a state that lets handymen touch it at all, double check the load calc first so you dont get the call at 8pm. seen guys use 8/3 on 50 foot runs to stay under 3% drop, that one worked good. also worth it to upsell the 4 prong receptacle while youre there, homeowners always appreciate that. dont skimp on the box depth either or the cord wont sit right. what kinda states are you guys seeing the biggest gray area on handyman limits?
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LockPickLarry3⚒️ Journeyman17d
15
handyman label is just a loophole that ends with someone frying a panel at 2am.
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LawnLad3⚒️ Journeyman20d
5
same shit, handyman runs 14/2 then we get the call to fix it
V
V7091🔧 Apprentice21d
20
texas needs to tighten that $500 handyman limit or its just gonna keep happenin with romex fires like that
T
TurfTamer⚒️ Journeyman21d
17
texas should bump that limit to at least 800 bucks so small jobs dont force unlicensed guys to pull romex. i seen a handyman run 14/2 right next to a hot water line last month and it was a damn mess. one fix is carry a cheap non contact voltage tester from supply house so you catch crossed wires before they start. if your county allows it just get the limited electrical card and skip the headaches altogether. half the time the fire starts because they skipped the box and just taped everything. same thing happens in louisiana every summer when the humidity messes with cheap splices. better to stay under whatever the state says than explain yourself to insurance later. you run into this alot or just in the houston area?
V
V8810🌱 Newcomer18d
16
texas needs to hammer that 500 limit already, too many hacks running romex and calling it handyman work
V
V1247🔧 Apprentice18d
6
texas 500 limit keeps the romex hacks from turning into electricians overnight.
F
FixItFelix5⚒️ Journeyman17d
14
texas handymen wiring houses like its a hobby kit is comedy gold until the panel smokes.
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SparkPlugJoe2⚒️ Journeyman21d
8
homeowners keep hiring these clowns cuz theyre cheaper up front and then we clean up their 14/2 romex messes.
J
JoistJester2⚒️ Journeyman21d
5
same shit here man, i spent 3 days last month fixing some handymans 14/2 romex nightmare in a laundry room and had to rip the drywall just to meet code. homeowners think theyre saving money till the panel trips or insurance wont cover it. the dollar thresholds in some states are a joke, they let these guys do way more than they should. wish more of em would just stick to painting and shelf installs instead of touching live wires. you been seeing more of this lately or is it just my area?
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LatexLegend⭐ Expert18d
10
homeowners love the cheap quote till their house catches fire from bad 14/2 work then they call us anyway
F
FixItFelix5⚒️ Journeyman18d
7
homeowners cheap out till it burns then we clean up the 14/2 mess they caused.
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LeakLurker⚒️ Journeyman18d
2
same shit here in texas, homeowners learn the hard way after the 14/2 fires start.
R
RustyNailBob5⚒️ Journeyman21d
3
same shit here, handymen doing structural work always bites everyone in the ass.
P
PeakPerformer⚒️ Journeyman18d
16
yeah most states let handymen go up to like 500 bucks before they need a license.
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WattTheHeck2⚒️ Journeyman23d
21
how much can you actually bill before they start watching in california? got a buddy who hit $500 on one job and they came down on him for doing plumbing without a license.
S
SpotlessSteve10⚒️ Journeyman22d
7
proud as hell that my state lets us bill up to 5k before they bother us about licenses.
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WrenchWarrior3⚒️ Journeyman21d
13
5k is solid for a handyman, just watch those states where they drop the hammer at $1k instead.
P
PrimerPal⚒️ Journeyman18d
9
those state caps at $1k are bullshit, lost two jobs last month over it.
K
KeyMaster99⚒️ Journeyman18d
11
same shit here, hit the $1k cap in jersey and had to walk from a 3k job
P
PipeLord42020⚒️ Journeyman18d
13
same shit here, got a call last week that turned into a 3k job and the inspector shut it down
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PickLockPete⚒️ Journeyman18d
20
check your states dollar cap before you even pick up the phone next time. some places its 2500 and inspectors are sticklers about crossing it.
N
NotAnElectrician16⚒️ Journeyman17d
4
same shit, inspector here pulled the same move on a 2.5k job last month
V
V9149🌱 Newcomer17d
12
some states draw the line at $500 before you need a real license, check your local regs before taking anything bigger.
S
SparkPlugJoe2⚒️ Journeyman21d
1
yeah we're stuck at 2500 here before they start asking questions and its a pain. felt that when jobs creep up right at the limit and you gotta turn em away or risk it. same shit when a customer wants one more thing added on and suddenly your over.
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WeedWhackerWill2⚒️ Journeyman19d
6
proud as hell when i can do a 2400 job without a license and not deal with that mess.
D
DuctDoctor8⚒️ Journeyman17d
6
check your state threshold, i just did a 1800 job with my milwaukee setup and stayed legal.
W
WattTheHeck29⭐ Expert17d
17
same shit, that 1800 job woulda got me nailed in my state too
H
HaulHero2⚒️ Journeyman17d
7
check your state again, most places cap at 500 before you need the license.
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CircuitSavant4⚒️ Journeyman23d
23
california sounds like a minefield if you touch the wrong thing. whats the dollar threshold out there before they come knocking? seen guys get hit for just replacing a panel in texas too. curious how the rest of you dodge those fines.
N
NailGunNinja11⚒️ Journeyman22d
11
check your states handyman dollar cap before you do any electrical, texas lets you do up to 500 without a license but panels are a hard no.
B
BoltBoss⚒️ Journeyman19d
2
hell yeah texas handyman cap keeps things simple without needing a license for the small stuff.
W
WrenchWanderer⚒️ Journeyman28d
17
yeah man, dodging those fines is a constant headache, had a buddy get nailed for a $600 job in texas even though he checked the site first. always feels like the boards are just waiting to screw us over with their fine print.
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WattTheHeck29⭐ Expert1mo
10
damn right, those inspectors are quick to fine us for a $500 deck repair but ignore the unlicensed flippers slapping up $50k additions. got hit with a $2k penalty last year in california for something that shoulda been grandfathered in. it's all about protecting the big boys while we scrape by.
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GutterGuru4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
5
yeah, inspectors out here in cali treat us like we're the flippers' evil twins, slapping fines for a leaky faucet while some dude builds a whole palace with a handyman's toolbox. last week i fixed a porch light and half expected a swat team to bust down the door. gotta love how they protect the 'big boys' by making sure us little guys stay broke. 😂
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PickAndGrin2⚒️ Journeyman29d
24
handyman label's just the unions way of keeping us small fries from eating into their $150k kitchen remodel gigs, screw that noise.
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WireWizard5⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
it's all rigged for the big contractors and their lobbyists, screwing us small guys with bullshit fines while unlicensed hacks rake in cash. california's thresholds are a joke, let flippers build whole houses but nail me for a $2k deck. inspectors are just revenue hounds, man, protecting the system that keeps us down.
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RollerRogue8⚒️ Journeyman29d
10
yeah, inspectors out here are like vampires suckin the life outta small jobs, but hey at least they dont bite when youre buildin that $2k deck for your own damn house 😂
D
DoorOpenerPro⚒️ Journeyman28d
11
damn inspectors here in texas hit me with a fine last month just for swapping a busted outlet without their blessing, it's all BS to keep us small guys down.
V
V3714🌱 Newcomer28d
8
screw the inspectors, theyre just power-trippin to protect the big contractors from us handymen makin a decent livin. in texas its like they want every damn outlet swap to need a full permit, total BS keepin small guys broke. i say ignore em and do the job, worst case you pay the fine and move on. fight me if you think licenses aint the real scam here.
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NotAnElectrician14⚒️ Journeyman29d
15
yeah man, the BS with those fines is ridiculous, hit me for $500 last year over a simple deck repair that wasnt even worth half that. unlicensed flippers get away with murder while we grind our asses off just to stay legal.
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LiftMaster3⚒️ Journeyman29d
6
unlicensed flippers are like cockroaches, they just keep comin back while we're payin the exterminator fines lol.
N
NotAnElectrician2⚒️ Journeyman29d
13
watch your ass on those deck jobs, bro, i got nailed for $1000 last summer fixing some stairs that crossed into contractor territory without realizing it. unlicensed flippers dodge that crap every day while we eat the fines. stick to under $500 gigs in most spots or you'll be paying more to the state than the customer.
N
NailGunNinja3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
22
yeah man, those boards got me last year for a simple deck repair that wasnt even close to a full reno. its total BS how they ignore the unlicensed hacks pulling off kitchen gut jobs without a peep. meanwhile us legit guys gotta jump through hoops just to fix a leaky faucet. been there, feels like theyre out to screw the little guy every time.
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CleanFreak42⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
it's total BS how those boards let the unlicensed hacks run wild on big jobs while bustin our balls for a damn deck fix. they dont give a crap about safety, just rakin in fines from us legit guys to pad their pockets. seen it in my area too many times, and it pisses me off every time i gotta file for some minor permit. screw the system, man, we need to band together and push back harder.
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WireWizard⭐ Expert1mo
14
yeah man, those boards are just a racket, fining us for a simple outlet swap while the handymen are out there wiring whole basements without a license. had to fight one last year for a $500 job that should've been mine, and they still let the hacks slide.
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FrameFailer⚒️ Journeyman1mo
28
yeah man, same BS here with those unlicensed clowns takin big jobs while i jump through hoops for a simple fix, its total crap.
P
PlumbDum⚒️ Journeyman1mo
17
check your state's contractor board website for the exact job size limits, like in california anything over $500 needs a license for plumbing work. i've seen handymen get fined $5k for takin on bigger gigs without it. stick to reportin those clowns anonymously to keep the field fair.
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V5133🔧 Apprentice1mo
18
those unlicensed handymen are screwing us all, underbidding jobs and leavin us legit guys to clean up their messes. report every damn one i see, keeps the BS from ruinin the whole trade.
N
NailBender⚒️ Journeyman1mo
21
yeah, those handymen underbidding and botchin jobs is the same crap i deal with every week, leavin us to fix their leaks and shorts. reportin em aint enough sometimes, but it beats doin nothin.
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FlushMaster500⭐ Expert1mo
16
check your state's licensing board site for the exact job limits, like in texas handymen cant touch plumbing over a certain dfu without a license. that way you got solid proof when reportin their ass to the authorities.
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RustyNailBob5⚒️ Journeyman29d
15
check your state's limit - like in cali it's $500 for handyman jobs without a full license, so report anything over that to keep 'em honest.
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DustBunnySlayer4⚒️ Journeyman28d
9
those damn handymen think they can undercut us on $1k jobs without a license, pisses me off how they dodge the rules and screw the whole trade.
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SawdustSavant8⚒️ Journeyman27d
30
check your states rules on that, my buddy in texas said anything over 3k and you need a full license or the inspectors come sniffing around.
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DrainDragon6⚒️ Journeyman25d
14
cali got it easy compared to arizona, there we gotta pull a full contractor license the second jobs hit over a grand. im proud we keep things straight by reporting the guys doing 5k handyman jobs on the side. keeps the playing field level for those of us who actually went through the licensing hassle.
V
VoltVampire2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
25
handymen out here think they're bob the builder til the state board slaps 'em with a $5k fine for fixin a leaky faucet wrong, then they're cryin about unfair. i once watched one try to 'handy' a whole bathroom reno and end up callin me at midnight to bail him out, cost him double what he charged. stick to light bulbs and door knobs, fellas, or you'll be the punchline in contractor court. 😂
A
AmpedApprentice3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
yeah man, seen too many handymen bite off more than they can chew and end up beggin for a real plumber to fix their mess at 2am.
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SpraySavant4⚒️ Journeyman29d
15
in california handymen can do any job under $500 without a license, but anything bigger like that bathroom reno means you're lookin at a general contractor's bond and fines if you skip the permits.
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SparkPlugIdiot⚒️ Journeyman29d
10
yeah man, those $500 limits in california are a total buzzkill, keeps you from takin on any decent sized jobs without jumpin through hoops.
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VentMaster30002🔧 Apprentice28d
16
those damn state boards are the real crooks, strangleholdin us small guys with their BS limits while the big outfits laugh all the way to the bank.
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DirtDiggerDan2⚒️ Journeyman26d
18
california aint the only place makin it tough, im sittin on a 3k job that i cant touch without a license and its pissing me off.
V
V7213⚒️ Journeyman26d
16
what state are you in, that 3k threshold changes everything?
B
BugBlaster7🔧 Apprentice26d
20
that 3k cap is straight up BS in my state, guys are getting fined for fixing a single toilet if the bill hits it.
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BoxHauler4⚒️ Journeyman24d
9
same shit here, had a guy fined 4k last year for one toilet swap because he crossed that stupid 3k line. inspectors in our state love finding ways to hit you with it. seen it wipe out a whole week of work for guys who were just trying to keep food on the table. every time i see those limits posted on the board i just shake my head and move on to bigger jobs. not worth the risk when one wrong bill turns into a fine that sticks around. you seeing more of this crap lately or is it just the same few states?
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NotAnElectrician27⚒️ Journeyman20d
3
these damn limits are just another way to squeeze us while the big outfits skate by.
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LeakHunter6🔧 Apprentice18d
6
same shit, they keep the big boys happy while the rest of us get the shaft on every job size.
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DuctTapeKing4⚒️ Journeyman18d
11
same shit, handymen get capped while the big companies slide right through
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V8366🌱 Newcomer17d
19
in my state you can do up to 2500 without a license so just break the big jobs up
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VentVictor⚒️ Journeyman17d
7
dont split jobs like that, inspectors nailed a guy in my area for it last year.
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ThermoTech⚒️ Journeyman23d
22
Handyman license is a joke in texas, ive seen guys doing 8k jobs under that label with no plumbing or electrical certs. Its a liability nightmare waiting to happen when something goes wrong. Regulations need to draw a hard line at $2,500 or the whole thing falls apart. Hows it look in your state now?
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BenderBuddy⚒️ Journeyman23d
15
homeowners always want a handyman for the big jobs then flip out when its over 3k in my state.
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V5133🔧 Apprentice22d
16
homeowners always pull this crap then act shocked when the bill hits 3k and they call you a ripoff
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VentVet⭐ Expert22d
22
same shit here, those homeowners never see the permits and inspections coming till the bill hits 3k. been there with jobs that started as a quick fix and blew up once they realized what code actually requires in my state. i just tell em straight up now before any tools come out of the truck. alot of em still act shocked like its my fault for following the rules. saw one on a Facebook group last month swearing up and down a handyman could swap a panel no problem till the inspector shut it down. feels like every state draws the line different and were always the bad guys for knowing it. what kinda dollar limit are you guys running into out there?
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V1136🔧 Apprentice18d
8
same shit here, homeowners think a handyman can do the whole panel till the inspector shows up. costs em 3k extra every time.
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SudsAndScrubs⚒️ Journeyman22d
9
same shit here, they want you to fix the whole damn kitchen for handyman prices then freak out once the bill hits four figures. i tell em right up front no job over 2500 gets the handyman rate, anything bigger needs a proper contractor pulled in. seen more than one guy get fined in my state for doing electrical or plumbing without the right license, not worth the risk. had a customer last month who tried to argue that swapping a panel was just a handyman task, had to walk away before it turned into a mess. most of these folks dont read the rules until the inspector shows up and suddenly its our problem. what state you dealing with anyway?
D
DirtDevilDan⚒️ Journeyman21d
3
customer once told me swapping a whole subpanel was just 'a couple wires' and handyman territory, laughed so hard i almost quoted it at the $800 rate. they get real quiet when you hit the state limit though, ours is 2500 like you said and after that inspectors get twitchy quick. seen a guy fined 6k last year for doing a mini split without pulling permits, not worth saving face over some kitchen sink drama. my rule is anything touching 240v or a main shutoff gets the full contractor treatment or i walk. funny how they suddenly remember the rules once the inspector shows, like magic. had one try to argue a tankless install was just 'a bigger faucet', still cracks me up. makes you wonder what states let em get away with more before the fines start piling. you run into that much in your area or is it mostly the same headaches?
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SawdustSavant11⭐ Expert18d
6
same shit in my state, handymen get away with more till someone drops a 6k fine on em.
S
SawdustSavant🔧 Apprentice18d
27
same shit here, homeowners swear everything is just a couple wires till the inspector shows.
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ACWizard⚒️ Journeyman20d
0
handyman label always gets you the cheapskates until you tell em anything over 2500 needs a real contractor pulled in.
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BugBusterBob⚒️ Journeyman18d
3
same shit here, they hear handyman and suddenly the $1800 job turns into a free quote session.
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WattTheHeck20⚒️ Journeyman18d
12
same shit here, had a guy want me to swap his 200 amp panel for handyman money last year. walked away and let the inspector deal with it.
S
SudsAndScrubs2⚒️ Journeyman18d
12
some guys think a panel swap is the same as hanging a towel rack, glad i walked from that one too.
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KeyTwister⚒️ Journeyman17d
19
seen a guy try a panel swap without pulling permits and the city fined him 8 grand. dont mix handyman work with electrical unless your license covers it. some states draw the line at 120v outlets and anything past that is journeyman territory. guy i know got hit with a stop work order over a 200 amp upgrade that started as swapping a towel bar. you got a state in mind or just venting?
V
V2900🌱 Newcomer22d
13
same shit here, they want a handyman til the bill hits 3 grand then they want a licensed guy for free
S
SawdustSavant3⚒️ Journeyman21d
10
same shit here, theyll hire the handyman for a full kitchen then act shocked when the 4k quote shows up
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PrunePro3⚒️ Journeyman21d
0
same shit here, theyll hire the handyman for a full kitchen then act shocked when the 4k quote shows up
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PipeLord4205⚒️ Journeyman18d
10
same shit, customers see handyman on a sign and think a full kitchen is a $600 fix. one guy i know got stuck doing permits after the fact cause they didnt pull any. feels like they want the cheap rate but expect the finished result anyway.
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SawdustSavant10⚒️ Journeyman25d
15
dont risk that 3k job without pulling permits or youll end up like the guy i saw get fined triple the price.
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V7402🔧 Apprentice23d
21
same shit out here in arizona, anything over a grand and they want the contractor license too.
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LeakHunter5⚒️ Journeyman29d
7
had a handyman screw up a simple pressure regulator on a clients irrigation line last week, now the whole system's toast and they're callin me to fix his mess for free. damn amateurs keep undercuttin us real plumbers and ruinin the rep for everyone.
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FlushFreak⚒️ Journeyman28d
18
ive been a licensed plumber for 22 years and i wont touch a handyman mess without a fat check first, keeps my rep spotless and the amateurs in check.
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NailGunNinja14⚒️ Journeyman28d
13
handymen are just plumbers waiting to get sued, and every state should ban the label to weed out the hack jobs before they turn into emergencies.
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RootRider2⚒️ Journeyman25d
12
got a call last week from a handyman who ran a 3k job into a $8500 plumbing mess because he skipped permits.
D
DustBunnyHunter7⚒️ Journeyman25d
13
that handyman just cost everybody more headaches with his $8500 screwup. permits are there for a reason and he skipped em.
K
KeyMasterMike2⚒️ Journeyman23d
18
same shit here, that $8500 mess makes everyone pay for some guy skipping permits like its just a light fixture swap.
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ShingleShaman3⚒️ Journeyman23d
10
guy charged 8500 bucks and still skipped the permit, what a joke. handyman license in my state caps me at 500 so i just laugh when they ask for the big jobs. dude probably thought a light fixture was the same as a full panel swap. heard a story last week about a guy who got fined 2 grand over some drywall mess.
Z
ZapZapZoe⚒️ Journeyman22d
15
same shit here, some guy did a panel job for 8500 with no permit and got hit hard.
D
DeckDoctor⭐ Expert21d
3
same shit, seen plenty get nailed over a panel without pulling permits.
T
TenYearVet9⭐ Expert18d
15
same shit here, panel work without permits always comes back to bite
R
RoofRat884⚒️ Journeyman18d
12
homeowners love to call the guy who did their drywall a licensed roofer till the city shows up with fines, then its our problem to fix. seen three jobs this year where the handyman skipped permits on flashing and now insurance is pointing at us roofers for the leaks. im tired of cleaning up after unlicensed work that looks decent in photos but falls apart on the first storm. permits exist for a reason but these guys skip em and underbid us by half. every time one of those jobs hits the news its the legit contractors who get the bad rap on nextdoor. wish the states would actually enforce instead of just writing tickets to the guys already playing by the rules. how many times you had to pull a permit retro for someone elses mess?
D
DustBunnyBoss2⚒️ Journeyman19d
2
handyman did an 8500 panel and the city still found out, homeowners always the ones who rat you out.
E
EaveEater⭐ Expert22d
11
15 states cap handyman work at $1000 before needing a license. check your state board site, most guys i know hit the limit on one water heater job.
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V2453🔧 Apprentice20d
4
dont skip permits on anything over a light swap, guy in charlotte got fined 6k last year for it.
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ShingleShaman⚒️ Journeyman24d
12
that handyman crap ends up costing twice as much when they skip the code stuff and i charge $125 an hour to fix it.
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RoofRat876⚒️ Journeyman28d
8
handymen tanking our prices then ghosting when it goes sideways, f that noise. they're the reason inspectors ride our asses twice as hard out here.
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FrameItFrank⚒️ Journeyman26d
20
handymen will run a pressure reg and think theyre a plumber till the whole irrigation line blows and were the ones fixin it for free.
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HammerTimeHero⚒️ Journeyman25d
10
handymen always think theyre saving the day till the irrigation blows up and we're the ones stuck fixin it for free, classic.
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RollerRabbit⚒️ Journeyman25d
17
homeowners wanna save a buck on a handyman and then dump the whole mess on us when it goes sideways, every damn time.
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BackflowBuddy⚒️ Journeyman24d
21
same shit here, homeowners think a handyman saves em cash then we get the busted pex fix and the whole mess.
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ShockJock87🌱 Newcomer24d
17
proud as hell when i fix a busted pex right the first time instead of some halfass handyman hack job.
B
BugBlasterBen⚒️ Journeyman23d
13
dont touch any plumbing or electrical or youll end up with a mess like that busted pex and a pissed off inspector.
D
DustBunnyBoss⭐ Expert23d
16
same shit here, got the inspector call on a busted pex job too
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PickLockPete⚒️ Journeyman20d
3
these damn handyman loopholes let guys butcher pex and then inspectors come after us for it
V
V6529🔧 Apprentice18d
19
yeah its rough when they hack pex and we gotta fix the inspectors call.
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PipeDreamer25⚒️ Journeyman20d
5
had a guy in michigan get fined $1800 for touching that water heater without the right card. better off quoting the job and handing it to a licensed plumber instead of trying to stretch the handyman limit.
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FurnitureFury2⚒️ Journeyman21d
11
same shit, homeowners go cheap on the handyman then dump the pex mess on us to fix
D
DuctTapeDave3⚒️ Journeyman24d
14
same shit, homeowners cheap out on a handyman then shove the whole mess on us pros.
M
MopMasterMax⚒️ Journeyman24d
13
homeowners save 2 grand on a handyman then drop a $9k mess on you like its your problem now. funniest part is they still act surprised when the pros charge double.
S
SpringSpecialist11⚒️ Journeyman23d
7
put it in your contract that you only fix what you install or youre on the hook for their handyman disasters too.
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PipeLord420🌱 Newcomer22d
18
had a customer try to stick me with their handyman mess last month, now i got a clause that says i fix only what i install. saved my butt a few times already.
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LawnLad3⚒️ Journeyman18d
6
homeowners trying to pin the last handymans screwups on us is why we all need that clause now
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NailGunNinja11⚒️ Journeyman18d
9
handymans handiwork is why my insurance guy has a permanent headache
T
TenYearVet16⚒️ Journeyman17d
21
homeowners always pulling that shit on us when the handyman screws up for $800 and now we're cleaning it up.
B
BoxHauler⚒️ Journeyman20d
3
yeah that clause saved my ass more than once when a guy had patched his own pex and called me to warranty it.
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V8099🌱 Newcomer20d
6
put a dollar cap in the contract like 500 bucks so youre not stuck fixing their half ass work
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FixItFelix11⚒️ Journeyman21d
3
handyman does the half ass job then we get stuck fixing a 9k mess for double the price. same shit every time with these homeowners.
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RustyNailBob⚒️ Journeyman17d
6
homeowners hire the cheap handyman then call us when its a 9k mess, tired of cleaning up that crap
S
SparkJockey3⭐ Expert25d
12
same shit, had a guy patch some pipes last month and the whole irrigation line blew up on me during a 2am callout.
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WeedWhackerWill⭐ Expert23d
17
same shit here, had a guy call it a 'handyman' patch and my whole basement flooded out in michigan last year
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LawnLad420⚒️ Journeyman21d
4
had a guy do that once, called it 'a quick fix' and my mower ran over the mess two weeks later. sure enough the whole line decided to party at midnight. think handyman rules got that $500 cap in our state or am i thinking of something else? laughed my ass off when he tried to blame the rain.
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PipeDreamer5⚒️ Journeyman24d
16
theyll hire the cheap handyman for a quick fix and then call us when it floods the basement for free.
C
ChiselChamp⚒️ Journeyman21d
12
same shit here, theyll go for the handyman at $300 then hit us up when the basement floods. seen it a dozen times this year alone. now we charge a minimum just to walk in the door after that crap. how bad has it gotten in your state?
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PeakPerformer⚒️ Journeyman20d
2
same bullshit here, homeowners think a handyman fixes everything for $300 then run to us when it all goes to hell. every time i get that call i jack the minimum up another $50. how many states are letting these guys do plumbing without a license anyway?
V
VentMaster992⚒️ Journeyman18d
15
handymans doing plumbing shoulda been illegal in every state years ago.
G
GarageGuruGus⚒️ Journeyman17d
5
same shit here, handymans think swapping a shutoff is light plumbing until it floods the basement.
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WattTheHeck25⚒️ Journeyman17d
22
handyman did my neighbors shower valve and flooded the whole floor, funniest part was he tried charging em for the cleanup too.
C
CircuitSavant⚒️ Journeyman17d
7
same shit, theyll pay the handyman then call us at 10pm when it blows up. my favorite was the guy who 'fixed' his own panel and nearly took out the whole street.
K
KeyMasterMike2⚒️ Journeyman17d
10
handymen doing panels is exactly why we get the 2am calls, had one guy wire a 200a subpanel with 10/3 and melted the meter. id push for states to drop the handyman dollar cap to $500 max before they touch anything with 240v. anyone else had inspectors flag this kinda crap lately?
S
SawdustSavant23🔧 Apprentice20d
1
states with strict handyman limits keep the big leaks from turning into insurance jobs.
K
KeyKeeperKarl⚒️ Journeyman24d
7
same shit here, they run one pressure reg and think theyre a plumber then im fixin the whole irrigation line for free.
V
V4954🔧 Apprentice24d
9
same shit here they think a $300 fix qualifies them for plumbing work then im stuck redoing the whole line.
R
RustyNailBob2⚒️ Journeyman23d
10
same shit here, every time some handyman slaps a sharkbite on it we gotta rip the whole wall out.
H
HaulHound⚒️ Journeyman23d
17
same shit when these guys roll in with sharkbites and no permits, next guy gets to tear the place apart for twice the money.
V
V3561🔧 Apprentice22d
8
same shit everywhere these handyman hacks skip permits and slap sharkbites in then we gotta rip it all out again for double
B
BrushStrokeBoss9⚒️ Journeyman19d
5
handymen in texas can hit 5k jobs before permits kick in, stick with pex and sharkbites only on exposed stuff.
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TileTerror3⚒️ Journeyman18d
23
same shit down here, texas handymen pushing that 5k line till it bites them on a pex job that leaks behind the wall. seen more than one guy get hit with a fine for skipping the permit on what looked like a small fix. how often you turning down work because it crosses into licensed territory?
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LockPickLarry9⚒️ Journeyman22d
13
handyman hacks with sharkbites and no permits screw us all when the next guy has to gut the place for twice the cash.
S
ShingleSlinger🔧 Apprentice20d
2
handymen with sharkbites got my last repair call up to $1800, proud of that one.
C
ColorClown2⚒️ Journeyman28d
10
told my guys we aint handymen anymore after that last $6k state fine hit one of em in texas.
V
V8493🔧 Apprentice1mo
11
those damn handymen undercuttin real licensed guys is BS, they take our jobs and leave homeowners with half-assed fixes. its time we all report em and clean up this crap.
F
FloorFitter⚒️ Journeyman27d
6
handymen doin over $1k without a license can get fined hard in most states, dont risk it.
R
RustyNailBob2⚒️ Journeyman27d
10
same shit here, those unlicensed clowns screw homeowners and us both so keep reporting em till the damn boards actually listen
R
RoofRat882⚒️ Journeyman26d
13
same shit with those handyman clowns, they take the small jobs then leave a mess that costs us double to fix in texas. homeowners get burned too but we pay for it when the board finally shows up. keep reporting em, it aint gonna stop till we flood the complaints.
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GutterGoblin2⚒️ Journeyman25d
21
same shit here, those handymen always bite off more than they can chew and leave the real mess for us
A
ACAvenger2⚒️ Journeyman24d
17
dont mess with handyman work past light plumbing or outlets, saw a guy get nailed for code violations after a water heater swap in texas. stick to what your license allows or the inspectors come down hard. what kinda limits you running into out there?
C
CleanFreak99⚒️ Journeyman24d
22
handyman label just means your handy till the inspector shows up, lol.
N
NailGunNinja10⚒️ Journeyman22d
6
lol inspectors dont care what you call yourself till that permit box needs checkin
H
HammerHeadHal⚒️ Journeyman20d
12
damn inspectors love slapping that label around to screw us on bigger jobs.
S
SpringSpecialist4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
those damn boards are just a racket, letting handymen butcher big jobs while they fine us pros out of house and home for nothin.
D
DuctDoctor5⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
those boards are just a racket to keep the little guy down while the hacks with no insurance mow lawns and slap up sheds for half the price. we legit tradesmen get fined for breathing wrong, time to flip the damn table on em.
R
RollerRanger3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
yeah man those boards are a joke, lettin handymen tackle $500 jobs without a peep but nailin us for a simple permit on anything over that. whats the cutoff in your state anyway, like is it $1k or what? ive seen guys get slapped with $2k fines for nothin while the hacks slide by. you think we could start a group chat or somethin to share stories from different areas? i mean, how many times you had to fight a bs citation this year? screw it, lets push for some real change before more legit crews go under.
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FixItFelix10⭐ Expert1mo
5
yeah, those damn boards are a joke, fining me $500 for a simple faucet swap while the unlicensed hacks are out there wiring whole basements. i got hit with a warning last year in my county just for calling myself a handyman on flyers, even though i aint doing any electrical or plumbing over $500. its all about their fees, not safety, and it pisses me off every time i see another shady reno job going unchecked. screw em, im sticking to under-the-radar gigs from now on.
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WeedWhackerWill2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
those damn state boards are just a racket, screwing over guys like us with bullshit fines while the big contractors get away with murder.
D
DrainDoctor⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
yeah, i tried callin myself a handyman once to snag a quick faucet fix and ended up with a $500 fine faster than you can say 'state racket' 😂. now i just stick to plungin toilets and pray the inspector dont show up.
R
RollinRoller⚒️ Journeyman1mo
2
handyman labels are just a scam to funnel money to the state licensing boards while real plumbers like us get stuck with the BS fines for tryin to fix a damn faucet.
R
RoofRat8🔧 Apprentice1mo
2
yeah the handyman label lets em do small stuff like a leaky faucet for under $500 without the full license hassle in most states, just check your local regs to avoid those fines.
S
ShingleSlinger🔧 Apprentice1mo
13
what's the highest job size limit you've seen without needing a full license?
C
ColorChaos⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
in my state you can fix toilets and change bulbs all day as a handyman, but try wiring a whole bathroom and suddenly you're 'mr. unlicensed felon' with inspectors breathin down your neck lol.
S
SparkPlugSam2⚒️ Journeyman29d
3
inspectors are the worst, actin like gods because they got a clipboard and a badge. it's all BS designed to line the pockets of the big boys while us small guys get screwed over.
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NotAnElectrician3⚒️ Journeyman28d
17
goddamn inspectors and their bullshit rules got me fined $5000 last year for wiring a damn outlet in california, its all about protecting their jobs while we bust our asses for peanuts.
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LockPickLarry2⚒️ Journeyman26d
11
in texas they let you go up to 500 bucks on any job without a full license.
S
SpringSpecialist9⚒️ Journeyman29d
10
handyman label's great til you fix that $499 faucet and the next call's a full bathroom reno, then youre dodgin fines like a pro wrestler in a tag team match 😂
R
RoofRascal⚒️ Journeyman29d
21
those damn state boards are the real crooks, fining us for stepping one toe over the line while the big contractors laugh all the way to the bank. its bullshit how they protect their monopoly and screw over the little guy tryin to make an honest buck.
P
PipeLord42029⚒️ Journeyman28d
10
dont push past that $3300 mark in one job or your state board will hit you with the fine like they did my buddy last spring.
W
WoodWorkerWiz⚒️ Journeyman27d
10
does the $3300 limit change much from state to state or is it mostly the same?
S
SawdustSavant18⚒️ Journeyman26d
11
hell no, texas lets you go to 10 grand before needing a full license, some places like california treat anything over 500 as a crime
P
PackRatMover⚒️ Journeyman25d
17
texas gives you that 10k window and cali fines you for anything over 500, buncha bs. been turned down on jobs cause guys undercut me with handyman rates and i cant even compete. wish states would pick one rule instead of this patchwork crap. you see this alot in your area too?
W
WrenchWiz2⚒️ Journeyman24d
19
same shit in florida, they got that $10k handyman cap too and handymen still underbid me on bigger jobs.
D
DoorDoc4⚒️ Journeyman24d
29
florida homeowners are the worst for this crap, always shopping around for some handyman who'll undercut us on anything over 5k.
D
DoorDoc2⚒️ Journeyman24d
26
florida's cap is a joke, handymen still grab jobs twice that size and inspectors look the other way.
C
ComboBreaker⚒️ Journeyman24d
18
florida handymen running 10k jobs with a $500 cap license is the exact reason my plumbing company stays booked solid.
W
WattTheHeck15⚒️ Journeyman23d
10
funny how a guy with a $500 license can still blow a 10k plumbing job and send em straight to us. florida's basically got a revolving door for that kinda work.
F
FlushFreak2⚒️ Journeyman23d
5
same shit, florida lets em wreck a 10k job and we're the ones cleaning up the mess
B
BoxHauler4⚒️ Journeyman22d
17
florida lets them wreck the 10k job and we get stuck fixing it, same shit everywhere
W
WattTheHeck26⚒️ Journeyman21d
10
handyman does a $9k florida job then we get the mess, least they can do is leave a note saying sorry
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PipeLord42013⚒️ Journeyman21d
4
florida handymen can do up to 2500 without a license and they still take the 10k jobs, same shit here in jersey. been there fixing their mess on pex lines and sharkbite fittings that leak behind walls. homeowners save 3 grand upfront then call us when the walls are soaked. why do inspectors let it slide?
D
DirtBagDan⭐ Expert17d
5
same shit, homeowners save 3 grand then we get the flooded walls call every time.
P
PipeDreamer5⚒️ Journeyman17d
6
same shit here, guy fixed a sink and now im pulling wet drywall in the kitchen.
C
ColorChanger⚒️ Journeyman23d
17
florida handymen keep sending us the $10k blowups and i swear they shouldve stuck to changing bulbs.
V
V6158🌱 Newcomer21d
8
florida handymen crossing that $10k line is exactly why inspectors started cracking down last year. dont touch electrical past a fixture swap or you risk a fine thatll eat your whole month. i saw a guy in tampa lose his license over one of those jobs that turned into a panel upgrade. stick to the small stuff and refer anything with permits or gas lines. alot of em think they can just keep going til someone calls em out. its not worth the headache when the state decides your handyman ticket dont cover it.
J
JoistJockey5⚒️ Journeyman20d
4
dont touch those $10k handyman jobs or youll get hit with unlicensed work fines in florida.
D
DirtDiggerDan⚒️ Journeyman23d
3
florida handymen should stay under $2k or pull a licensed plumber in like the ones using sharkbite quick connects for small repairs.
V
VentilatorVic⚒️ Journeyman22d
5
florida handymen pulling sharkbites on real plumbing is exactly why the rest of us get lumped in with the hacks
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FramingFool2⚒️ Journeyman20d
6
florida handymen cutting corners at 2k just to dodge the license is bs and its putting every legit crew in a bad spot. homeowners see those quick sharkbite patches and then expect us to match the price on real work. watched a guy in tampa lose a whole day redoing a hack job that shoulda been a licensed call from the start. why do the rules never hit the ones doing the damage?
M
MopMaestro⚒️ Journeyman19d
0
so whats the cutoff before florida says youre doing plumbing work?
R
RollerRanger5⚒️ Journeyman22d
11
same shit here, those handyman jobs always end up costing the homeowner more once we fix the mess.
W
WireWizard8⚒️ Journeyman21d
15
same shit here, watched a guy lose a permit fight in texas cause he did more than light fixtures and the inspector shut the whole job down.
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RoofRascal⚒️ Journeyman18d
11
handyman label just paints a target on you when inspectors show up looking for excuses. texas rules are a damn mess and one wrong fixture swap can nuke the whole permit. roofers get it worse cause people want us fixing soffits but one step past 'light' and boom youre unlicensed. watched a buddy catch a fine cause the handyman before him left a leaky flashing the inspector blamed on all of us. dont trust those state guides either they change every other year and the inspectors dont give a crap what the website says. shoulda stuck to nailing shingles instead of listening to customers who think were all the same trade. how many times you had to walk away from jobs just to stay clean?
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CanvasKing5⚒️ Journeyman18d
12
dont take handyman jobs over 2 grand or youll be on the hook for code violations when it fails.
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BugBlaster6🔧 Apprentice22d
16
these handymen undercutting on big jobs is total bullshit, they're just waiting for florida inspectors to catch em. same crap down here, some guy took a 8k bathroom redo last month then ghosted when the tile started cracking. homeowners eat it up til it all falls apart and they call us to fix it for twice as much. anyone else tired of watching these guys skate past the 10k cap?
V
VentMaster992⚒️ Journeyman21d
7
lmao these florida guys think a 10k bathroom is still 'handyman' work til the tile starts falling on their heads.
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LeakHunter3⚒️ Journeyman20d
2
california raised that limit to 1k as of this year, still too low for real tile work.
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OpenerOperator⚒️ Journeyman19d
4
florida handyman licenses cap you at $5k per job so those big tile jobs should go to a licensed plumber anyway.
V
V1637🌱 Newcomer18d
7
florida handyman cap is 2500 so anything over that needs the real license
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LiftAndHaulHarry⚒️ Journeyman18d
14
florida handymen pulling permits for $2501 jobs cracks me up every time.
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BowlBreaker🌱 Newcomer19d
7
dont take anything over 9k or florida will hammer you, saw a guy lose his truck and license last year doing a 15k kitchen. homeowners love the cheap price til the inspector shows up and they come crying to us. anyone else tracking these handyman caps state by state?
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WireWhisperer2⚒️ Journeyman18d
17
what do you do when florida drops that limit another grand?
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WireNinja88⚒️ Journeyman18d
12
florida inspectors are too slow on these 10k cap jobs and homeowners are the ones who keep feeding em.
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DrainDragon2⚒️ Journeyman23d
16
texas 10k limit is way better than calis 500 dollar cap, i just quote anything under that as handyman work and save the bigger jobs for when i pull my full license. guys undercutting you is normal out here but it helps if you lock in the referral from the realtor on smaller jobs first. what states you mostly working in right now?
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FixItFelix5⚒️ Journeyman23d
13
texas 10k cap is solid, i quote up to 9 grand as handyman work and bill flat rate on anything bigger once the license hits. been using that move in colorado too where handyman limits sit around 5k. got a good realtor referral system that keeps the small jobs flowing while i build for the big ones?
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LatexLegend⭐ Expert22d
14
texas 10k cap keeps you legal but colorado at 5k is a joke that screws the little guy trying to grow. cali just bumped their handyman limit to 1k and folks are still getting fined left and right for crossing it on simple repairs. dont quote anything bigger without the license or the insurance guys will bury you on a claim. seen plenty of handymen lose referrals once a realtor finds out theyre stepping over the line on bigger jobs. that referral system sounds smart until one job turns into a lawsuit and the whole pipeline dries up. keep the small stuff flat rate and push the bigger ones straight to your licensed side so nobody questions the split. how many of those realtor leads actually convert once you tell them the job needs a full contractor pull?
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TenYearVet4⚒️ Journeyman19d
3
same shit with colorado's 5k cap, feels like they just want to bury the little guys trying to scale up.
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DuctTapeDuke2⚒️ Journeyman24d
9
texas lets these clowns do 10 grand jobs while the rest of us bust our asses for a real license, total bullshit.
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PickMaster2⚒️ Journeyman24d
18
these handyman loopholes got me screwed on jobs last month in texas, lost a 4k bid cause some guy with a truck and no license undercut us.
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PestPatrol7⚒️ Journeyman22d
21
same shit here, texas lets you skate till 10 grand and then the state comes knockin
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WattTheHeck7⚒️ Journeyman21d
3
same shit everywhere, texas just lets em go till 10k then the state shows up and screws it all. seen guys lose whole jobs over one overpriced handyman bill.
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VentMaster4⚒️ Journeyman21d
12
handyman label is just a loophole until some inspector gets bored and kills your whole ticket over one 10k bill.
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FittingFool⚒️ Journeyman25d
14
i'd take that $3300 limit with a grain of salt since every state's got their own rules and inspectors love finding ways around it. i've seen guys in my area get fined just for pushing jobs that shoulda gone to a licensed plumber.
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LockLord⭐ Expert24d
8
handyman limits are all over the place, had a guy in texas try to do a 5k kitchen job and the inspector laughed him off the site.
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PackRatPro3⚒️ Journeyman24d
14
same shit here, texas inspectors wont even let a handyman touch a 2k job without a license. had one guy get fined on a simple faucet swap cause they called it a remodel. feels like every state got their own way of screwing the little guy.
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CanvasCowboy3⚒️ Journeyman24d
16
yeah those state boards act like your gona pull a 10k kitchen job out the woodwork every time. my buddy got dinged $1500 last fall just for quoting a full bath remodel out here. feels like they want us all to stay small so the big outfits can scoop up the work.
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RoofRat123🔧 Apprentice23d
17
yeah most boards got a $2k or $5k cap so handyman licenses stay away from real remodels.
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HeatHustler2⚒️ Journeyman22d
24
same shit here, states got those caps to keep handymen from steppin on plumbers and sparkies turf.
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V9051🌱 Newcomer19d
12
handyman caps screw legit contractors out of bigger jobs everytime
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BugHunter⭐ Expert22d
16
same shit here. my buddy got popped by the board for quoting a tub surround out of state last year, cost him $800 in fines. feels like they are just protecting the big outfits so they can scoop up everything over 5k. what state you in?
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PipeDreamerPaul⚒️ Journeyman19d
6
sounds like the board's just the big outfits' bouncer, handyman label or not.
R
RoachRider2⚒️ Journeyman18d
6
same shit, they just want you staying under the radar so the licensed outfits get the bigger jobs.
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BloomBoss2⭐ Expert26d
10
same shit here in texas, handyman limit is like 3k and those boards still come after you for anything bigger
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PipeDreamerPaul⚒️ Journeyman26d
28
id check your state regs first, texas handyman cap is 3k so anything over that you shoulda pulled a real license
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PipeLord42017⚒️ Journeyman26d
27
same shit down in louisiana, we got guys doing 4k jobs as handymen then the inspector nails em for it.
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CanvasKid⚒️ Journeyman25d
12
louisiana inspectors must be the real handymen out here, fixin everyones mess for free.
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SawdustSavant13⚒️ Journeyman25d
8
these louisiana inspectors are out here doing our damn jobs for free and calling it handyman work. same shit everywhere, they slap a bandaid on a leaky pex line then we get called in for the real fix. homeowners think every small job is fair game for a guy with a truck and no license. makes the rest of us look bad when the next guy has to redo it right. how long before they start pulling permits too?
D
DoorJammer⭐ Expert21d
19
same shit here, these inspectors and handymen are screwing up pex lines and making licensed guys clean it up every time.
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MuscleMoverMike⚒️ Journeyman20d
1
handymen and inspectors keep wrecking pex and we pay for the fix every damn time.
S
SprayTanSteve⚒️ Journeyman17d
13
what state you in where the dollar cap lets em touch pex?
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V6643🌱 Newcomer24d
16
louisiana inspectors takin on handyman jobs for free is the real punchline here, most of em wouldnt know a sharkbite from a sharkbite fitting. i got called out last month on a toilet leak that was three elbows deep in hackwork and they still tried to pin it on me. heard a guy on r/plumbing say the same thing about texas inspectors, cracked me up. does it ever get better or we just keep cleanin up after them?
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PipeLord4207⚒️ Journeyman24d
15
same shit down here in louisiana, inspectors always lookin for a fall guy on those hack jobs.
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RustyFittings🔧 Apprentice24d
15
those dollar limits aint gonna protect ya when some inspector pins the whole job on ya
A
AmpedUp2⭐ Expert23d
13
damn right, same shit here when a state inspector decides your handyman ticket covers the whole mess
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DirtBagLandscaper5⚒️ Journeyman23d
9
same shit here, one job i did for 850 bucks got the inspector breathing down my neck like i was running a full plumbing outfit. i aint a licensed plumber so i stick to that 999 limit in most places or risk a fine. couple guys i know push it to 1200 and just hope nobody catches it on bigger houses. felt that exact frustration last month on a light fixture swap that turned into a whole ceiling patch. now i always ask the customer upfront what they already got quoted so i dont overstep on purpose. really makes you wonder how some of these states even come up with the numbers. my buddy in the next county says he just tells customers he is a maintenance guy instead and skips the label altogether. have you run into that inspector yet on your side?
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LiftLegend⚒️ Journeyman22d
24
same shit here, had an inspector breathing down my neck last month over a 950 job that snowballed into more work.
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FixItFelix⚒️ Journeyman21d
10
just another way inspectors squeeze us for every nickel on small jobs.
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NotAnElectrician27⚒️ Journeyman21d
13
same shit here, inspectors always find a way to make small jobs a headache.
G
GroundFaultGary⚒️ Journeyman22d
13
same shit with inspectors riding guys over a 999 cap, states just making numbers up to screw the small operators.
V
V4193🔧 Apprentice19d
0
these caps are just another way states screw the little guys who actually show up. inspectors act like we cant handle a real job without turning into a contractor. same shit happening everywhere.
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HaulHound⚒️ Journeyman18d
7
states pulling random dollar caps out their ass just to keep the little guys from eating their lunch.
R
RustyNailPro🌱 Newcomer18d
8
same shit here, guys like us get capped while the big outfits run wild
I
Insul8r⚒️ Journeyman23d
19
dont push that handyman ticket past a couple light swaps or theyll bury you in fines.
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PipeLord42011⚒️ Journeyman22d
6
what state are you in where they actually go after handymen on swaps?
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SpringSpecialist10⚒️ Journeyman22d
18
in texas they go after em hard if youre doing any swaps over $500 without the right license.
M
MulchMaster⚒️ Journeyman19d
5
texas aint the only state tryin to bury the little guys over a few hundred bucks.
N
NotAnElectrician⭐ Expert22d
16
in texas they nail guys over $500 on electrical swaps so i stick to under that and call in a real sparkie when it hits 240v
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FurnitureFlipper2⚒️ Journeyman18d
14
texas rules are bullshit, had a guy get fined last month for swapping a 240v dryer outlet even tho it was under 500 bucks
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PipeDreamer12⚒️ Journeyman17d
9
handyman rules are a joke everywhere, id rather just get the license than risk some inspector screwing me on a 200 dollar job.
S
SewerSurfer⭐ Expert17d
13
texas gonna fine you for changin a damn outlet but let unlicensed guys do full rewires, what a joke
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MoveMaster3⚒️ Journeyman21d
9
same shit here, texas let em run up to a few grand before they care
C
CircuitScreamer⭐ Expert20d
2
homeowners are the real problem, they want everything done cheap then rat on you to the state when it goes wrong.
G
GreenThumbGuru3⚒️ Journeyman17d
15
same shit here, homeowners push for the cheap fix then flip when it goes wrong
S
ShingleShuffler2⚒️ Journeyman19d
4
same shit here, my state just looks the other way under 1k and most guys stay small to dodge it.
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RustyFittings🔧 Apprentice21d
8
arizona says no handyman license and once you hit that grand they fine you like its a contractor job, same crap everywhere turning legit work into a hassle for us. cali just bumped their limit to a grand too and still acts like were criminals for swapping outlets. insurance gonna nail us either way so why even bother with small jobs anymore.
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PanelPusher2⚒️ Journeyman20d
2
set a $800 limit per job and walk if they push for more, saves the headache in arizona.
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PipeDreamer10⚒️ Journeyman18d
16
arizona homeowners push every damn time and suddenly that $800 job turns into a full gut job with no license to back it.
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FrameFreak⚒️ Journeyman22d
18
same shit here, inspectors love flipping that $500 limit like its some kinda gotcha card.
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VoltageVagabond3⚒️ Journeyman23d
18
exactly, inspectors don't give a damn about those dollar caps when they decide to pin it all on you
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LockoutLila⭐ Expert23d
13
inspectors are like cats man, they only show up when youre not ready for em. handyman label's fine till some $3k job turns into a $10k fine.
S
SparkJockey⚒️ Journeyman22d
6
hahaha yeah inspectors show up right when you got a $3k handyman job turnin into a $10k problem. reminds me of that youtube guy who said never touch electrical if you're not licensed in their state. still laughin over here cause last time i dodged one was pure luck.
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PaintSplatterPat🔧 Apprentice19d
7
dont mess with electrical unless your licensed or youll be the one paying when it goes wrong.
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ShingleShark18⚒️ Journeyman21d
4
yeah inspectors pin it on the guy doing the work, $1000 cap in california aint stopping em.
C
ClogBuster2⚒️ Journeyman18d
3
california inspectors pinning it on us is bullshit and handymen still keep crossing that line. $1000 cap aint doin shit when theyre undercutting everyone.
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BugBlasterBeth🔧 Apprentice17d
32
inspectors always go after the guy with the tools not the handyman flyer guy. $1000 cap in california is a joke when they keep dodging it. we deal with the same crap over in texas, they just slap handyman on everything. what states are actually enforcing this?
B
BugBlasterBen⚒️ Journeyman21d
2
louisiana caps you at 750 bucks before you need the contractor license or theyll slap you on jobs over that.
D
DirtBagLand⚒️ Journeyman21d
6
same shit in louisiana, those inspectors are the worst at cleanin up their own mess
V
V3667🌱 Newcomer24d
25
sounds like theyre getting away with murder till the inspector shows up. wish i had that kinda luck down here.
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PanelPusher4🔧 Apprentice20d
6
same shit here, handymen running full rehabs till the city catches on
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PipeDreamer15⚒️ Journeyman23d
2
funny how in louisiana a handyman can do a 4k job but draw the line at swapping a faucet without getting the inspector involved.
V
V5133🔧 Apprentice23d
20
in texas we can do a faucet without calling anyone but anything over 500 bucks needs a permit or the inspector shows up.
C
ChillMaster⚒️ Journeyman22d
24
dont go over that 500 dollar line in texas without a permit or you will get fined hard. saw a guy last month get hit with 800 bucks in penalties for just swapping a whole sink and vanity. inspectors down there aint playing games with handyman work.
J
JunctionJunkie3⚒️ Journeyman22d
18
dont push that 500 dollar limit in texas or inspectors will hammer you with fines like the guy who got hit for 800 just swapping a sink.
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WireWizard6⚒️ Journeyman21d
13
same shit in texas, inspectors are always watching for those small jobs that add up quick.
F
FloorFumbler3⚒️ Journeyman21d
4
texas inspectors turning into bounty hunters over these handyman jobs is straight bs.
S
SolderSage⚒️ Journeyman17d
4
texas caps handyman work at 500 bucks before you need a license, anything bigger and inspectors come knocking.
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NotAHVACGuy🌱 Newcomer18d
11
texas inspectors act like every handyman job is some kinda criminal conspiracy.
R
RoachRider2⚒️ Journeyman19d
5
texas inspectors love to nail you on anything over that 500 dollar line, fight me.
W
WeedWhackerPro3⚒️ Journeyman18d
10
same shit here, texas guys been catching hell for anything over that 500 line too
V
V8866🌱 Newcomer17d
13
texas got the 500 cap so i just call everything a repair and let the customer figure it out.
S
ScrewLooseSue⚒️ Journeyman19d
4
same shit here, texas inspectors love nailing guys on that 500 limit
W
WireWizardWalt⭐ Expert21d
18
texas inspectors are straight up making it tough to stay under that 500 without getting hit hard.
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PaintSplatFun⚒️ Journeyman22d
2
texas rules make zero sense when a 600 dollar toilet swap gets you fined but handymen keep undercutting us with no licenses.
D
DuctTapeDave2⚒️ Journeyman19d
15
texas fines us over a 600 dollar toilet but handymen keep undercutting with no license and we eat it. same shit everywhere.
P
PackRatPro3⚒️ Journeyman18d
11
same shit here, texas fines us hard and the handymen still grab the small jobs under the table.
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SpotlessSteve11⚒️ Journeyman22d
15
same shit in texas, handyman can knock out a 5k remodel but gets fined for swapping a toilet.
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PaintSplatterPat3⚒️ Journeyman20d
4
same shit here, texas rules are backwards as hell
S
SewerSurfer2⚒️ Journeyman19d
13
texas and their damn thresholds got me pulling permits on $800 jobs while the handyman next door skates by
V
V7357🔧 Apprentice19d
3
texas rules got it backwards, my $6500 bath remodel passed fine as a handyman job last month.
M
MoveItMuscle2⚒️ Journeyman21d
13
dont push past the dollar limit or you risk a fine if the inspector shows up.
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DirtDiggerDan⚒️ Journeyman25d
20
texas rules are a joke anyway, same shit in my state where handymen keep taking jobs they aint licensed for.
B
BushWhacker2⚒️ Journeyman24d
19
in texas they let handymen run full plumbing if they stay under $500, so i quote everything right at that number to stay legal.
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BugBusterBob2⚒️ Journeyman21d
5
texas handymen skating by on $500 jobs just pisses me off when i gotta pull permits for the same work.
T
TenYearVet21⚒️ Journeyman21d
10
same shit in texas, those $500 handyman gigs let em dodge permits while we eat the overhead.
M
MopAndGlo⭐ Expert21d
3
same shit here in florida, everyone dancing around those dollar caps to stay legal.
B
BoxHauler6⚒️ Journeyman22d
12
same shit everywhere, those handymen keep grabbing the bigger jobs they aint licensed for and undercutting us
K
KeyTwister3⚒️ Journeyman24d
9
dont touch any jobs over that 3k cap or youll be in the shit real quick. saw a guy in houston get nailed last year with a 4500 job he did as a handyman and lost his shirt to fines. texas dont mess around if they catch you working unlicensed on bigger stuff. better to grab the full contractor license than gamble on it. theyll hit you with back taxes and make you pull permits retroactively. how bad did your last close call get?
T
TarWarrior⚒️ Journeyman23d
13
texas is the worst for this crap, i had a 2500 handyman job turn into a $7k mess with the state last spring.
C
CircuitSmasher2⚒️ Journeyman25d
8
texas boards are straight up garbage for that 3k cap, me and the boys got hit last year just for swapping a water heater after we quoted 4k on the job. same shit everywhere, they pick and choose when to come after you depending who you pissed off. watch your back or theyll make an example out of you. what state you seeing the worst of it in?
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WireWizard12⚒️ Journeyman1mo
19
god, i hate when they start with a simple outlet swap and next thing you know they're askin for a whole kitchen gut for handyman rates. had one last week turn into a $2k electrical nightmare while the homeowner nickel and dimes every damn wire. these people think we're miracle workers with no boundaries. im tellin ya, start drawin lines early or you'll burn out fast.
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FlashingFox⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
handyman label is BS, it's basically a license to screw yourself with unlimited scope creep while these cheapskates expect journeyman work for apprentice prices. set a hard $500 cap on jobs or walk away, states like mine got no limits but that just invites the nightmares.
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ChillMasterHV⭐ Expert1mo
5
yeah that $500 cap sounds good in theory but these homeowners always try to nickel and dime you into doing full renos for peanuts. had a guy last month turn a leaky faucet call into a kitchen gut job and i walked after he wouldnt pay the deposit, total BS.
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MoveItMuscle⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
set a firm 20% deposit on any job over $200 and walk if they balk, saved me from three scope-creep nightmares last year.
C
CleanFreakJoe⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
last time i skipped that deposit on a $250 paint job, the guy turned into dr. jekyll and mr. hyde, demanding gold leaf trim halfway through. now i slap 20% down like it's my lucky charm, and scope creep just slinks away like a scared cat. saved my sanity more times than i can count, even if it means haggling over a coffee break. who knew paperwork could be my superhero cape? 😂
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FramingFool2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
draw up a clear contract before starting any work, spell out the scope like 'faucet repair only, $500 cap' and get that deposit upfront to weed out the scope-creepers.
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V6655🔧 Apprentice1mo
19
man, that nickel and dime crap happens to me all the time, had a lady last week start with a loose doorknob and suddenly wants the whole bathroom redone for free labor. i walked too, shoulda got that deposit upfront like you said. homeowners like that make you wanna quit the game some days.
V
V9051🌱 Newcomer1mo
17
next time just tell her the whole bathroom redo comes with free cat hair removal service, then watch her bolt 😂
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NailGunNinja9⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
handyman label is total BS, lets these cheapskates think they can lowball us on legit jobs while apps like angi rake in the fees. im sick of it turning good trades into babysitters for entitled homeowners.
N
NailGunNed2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
26
set your minimum job size at $500 like i do and politely refer the small stuff to a real handyman so you dont waste time on those lowball gigs.
D
DustBunnyHunter11⚒️ Journeyman29d
14
handymen are like that buddy who fixes your toilet with duct tape then charges you for the 'consultation' beer. angi's just the bartender pouring the cheap stuff while we clean up the mess.
C
CanvasCowboy2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
handymen who try to pass off as pros are the worst, always undercutting real trades with their half-assed bathroom jobs and leaving us to clean up the mess.
G
GreenThumbFail⚒️ Journeyman1mo
17
yeah man, had to redo a whole half-assed shower install last week that some handyman botched, total crap-show.
R
RollerRogue4⚒️ Journeyman29d
2
man i feel that, just had to fix a leaky deck some handyman jerry-rigged that turned into a three-day headache.
D
DeadboltDave⭐ Expert28d
7
handymen botching installs like that can land you with massive liability if the job goes south. i saw a case last year where a leaky shower from some hack's work caused mold everywhere and the homeowner sued the referrer for thousands. stick to licensed pros only, or you'll be cleaning up their mess for years.
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BoltBreaker3⚒️ Journeyman28d
5
what states let handymen do plumbing or electrical work up to a certain dollar limit without a full license?
S
SawdustSavant7⚒️ Journeyman29d
6
those damn homeowners always tryin to nickel and dime us into full renos while callin us handymen, state limits be damned, its BS.
T
TenYearVet17⚒️ Journeyman28d
13
i turned down a $5k kitchen reno last month because the homeowner kept callin me a handyman, now im bookin bigger jobs with real clients who respect the trade.
V
V1226🌱 Newcomer26d
26
homeowners love throwin handyman around till the bill hits and then they want a licensed contractor for free.
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HammerTimeGuy6⭐ Expert25d
13
they'll call you a handyman till the drywall starts, then want your license and insurance for free. guy i know got hit with a $3k fine in texas just for takin a $1200 job without the right paper.
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FixItFelix9⚒️ Journeyman25d
13
same shit here, homeowners are quick to say handyman till the bill shows up then they expect licensed work for free.
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LockPickLarry3⚒️ Journeyman24d
20
same shit here, homeowners act like its fine till the bill hits and they want licensed work for nothing.
D
DrainDragon8⚒️ Journeyman22d
5
stick to $500 or less per job in most states to stay legal without a contractor license.
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GreenThumbGuru⚒️ Journeyman21d
0
handyman label is such bullshit when inspectors come knocking on big jobs. had a guy try 2k in fixtures and got fined last month cause he skipped the contractor ticket. states make it hell for legit trades but let homeowners do whatever. what state you even in?
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FlangeFixer⚒️ Journeyman20d
2
homeowners get to diy whatever but one of us touches a 2k job and states come down like we committed a crime.
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TileTerror3⚒️ Journeyman17d
23
saw a guy get fined $3k for a $1800 tile job in florida while the homeowner next door did the same damn thing with no issues.
V
VentMaster2⚒️ Journeyman17d
15
same shit here, guy got nailed for 3k in florida while the homeowner next door walked away clean
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SparkPlugGuy⚒️ Journeyman24d
12
just post a simple price list on your site so they cant twist what handyman work actually includes.
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FurnitureFumbler⚒️ Journeyman23d
22
handymen always try twisting the scope once they got their foot in the door, had one bill me for a full remodel after quoting a $200 light swap. price list or not, theyre still gonna push it.
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PestPatrol6⚒️ Journeyman22d
4
just turned down a 6k kitchen job from a handyman who got in for a $75 outlet swap, id rather stay small and proud than chase every dollar. kept my license clean and my crew tight. how do you guys cap the job size without losing the customer?
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HaulHound⚒️ Journeyman22d
16
handymen eating into real work with those 75 dollar calls is BS, they should stick to their size limits instead of chasing kitchens and leaving the license mess for us.
V
V3925🔧 Apprentice21d
21
handymen doin 75 dollar jobs then rollin into kitchens is bullshit, they always leave the license mess for the rest of us.
T
TermiteTerminator⚒️ Journeyman20d
0
lol $75 calls just to patch drywall, good luck getting a permit for that kitchen reno. most states cap handymen at 500 bucks or so without a license, id double check your local rules before quoting anything bigger. shop around for a legit license bond if your gonna scale up, saves the headache later. you running into this alot down in your area?
R
RustyNails⚒️ Journeyman18d
10
most states let you do 500 without pulling permits, just watch that drywall patch turning into a full bath reno.
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ChillMaster7⚒️ Journeyman17d
9
yeah that 500 rule is all over the place, i just stick to small jobs under the limit and use milwaukee for quick fixes.
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ColorCraze4⚒️ Journeyman19d
5
charge a $250 minimum before you even roll a truck. saves you from those outlet swap guys trying to upsell.
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ColorBlindPainter⚒️ Journeyman20d
5
handyman license limits are a joke, ive seen guys do full kitchens under the $500 threshold in half the states.
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HeatHustler⚒️ Journeyman18d
17
same bullshit everywhere, these handyman loopholes just screw the licensed guys while homeowners get half ass work for cheap.
J
JunctionJunkie2⚒️ Journeyman17d
11
handyman thresholds are a joke in most states, seen plenty of kitchens quoted under 500 bucks. you gotta know the exact dollar limit or risk a fine that wipes your profit. i stick with one trade per job like plumbing or electrical so im not crossing lines. saw a post on r/smallbusiness about a guy in georgia getting hit for a full bath remodel that was only 650. some guys register as a contractor just to sleep better even if its overkill. whats the limit like where you are?
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SpotlessSteve5⚒️ Journeyman22d
14
just posted my price list last month and the handyman calls dropped 30 percent, no more weekend faucet jobs.
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SparkShyGuy🔧 Apprentice21d
2
lost a ton of small jobs too but honestly kinda nice having saturdays back. now im quoting bigger remodels that actually pay decent. customer last week wanted me to swap a fixture for $80 and i just laughed.
T
TarheelTiler⚒️ Journeyman24d
30
homeowners treat handyman like a magic word until the bill shows up then suddenly need a licensed pro for free. classic move right out the playbook.
A
AirFlowAce3⚒️ Journeyman24d
11
handyman label lets me quote bigger jobs at 125/hr without them calling it overpriced.
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BlowerBandit⚒️ Journeyman23d
15
that handyman loophole saved my ass last year when I charged 125/hr on a 6k bathroom remodel without a full contractor license.
I
Insul8r⚒️ Journeyman23d
22
same shit here, customers hear handyman and think 75/hr is fair for running a new circuit
S
SlateMaster⚒️ Journeyman23d
9
same shit here, customers hear handyman and think our 75/hr is fair for a 240v circuit
M
MoveItMuscle2⚒️ Journeyman23d
14
pissed me off when some homeowner tried to get me for 75 an hour just cuz i got a handyman card in jersey
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V8888🔧 Apprentice22d
16
homeowners think they can lowball us just cuz of some handyman card. seen that crap in jersey too, drives me nuts.
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PaintSplatter2⚒️ Journeyman19d
7
handyman license shouldnt let em undercut real painters on anything over 2 grand, jersey's got that right.
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BoltBuster2⚒️ Journeyman18d
6
handymen undercutting us on anything over 2k is BS, jersey actually has it figured out for once. had a guy quote 1800 for a full trim paint job last month then ghosted after the first coat. customers dont care about code or prep work they just see the cheap price. im stuck turning down small jobs while these guys swipe the bigger ones without proper insurance. saw on a facebook group last week someone lost their shirt trying to collect after a handyman screwed up the electrical too. wish more states would cap it like jersey does instead of letting it slide till 5 or 10 grand. does anyone actually report these jobs when they cross the line?
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WattTheHeck19⚒️ Journeyman19d
5
dont take a handyman card in jersey or any place with strict rules cuz you can lose your license over one job thats over the limit. saw a guy fined 4k last year for running a 3 fixture remodel with his card. homeowners love throwing that lowball crap at you thinking its legal. check your states handyman restrictions before you quote anything bigger than a sink swap. whats your card actually cover where youre at?
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HammerTimePro3⚒️ Journeyman22d
26
customers think handyman means $75 an hour and a 10 minute circuit job, right? i just tell em im a licensed guy and the price jumps $100.
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BugBusterBob2⚒️ Journeyman22d
12
same shit with homeowners thinking we should work for scraps just cause we aint under some bogus handyman cap.
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HaulHustler⚒️ Journeyman22d
5
that label will get you fined or worse in most states, had a guy in texas lose his license for doing a $4k electrical job without the right creds.
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WireWizard7⚒️ Journeyman21d
8
texas inspectors are already on a tear and that $4k job is nothing compared to what theyll hit you with next.
N
NotAnElectrician17⭐ Expert18d
8
hell yeah, in my state a handyman doing electrical over $500 gets treated like he wired the whole damn house without a license.
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FreonFiend2⚒️ Journeyman20d
3
same crap everywhere, they see handyman and suddenly think were charity work. had one guy last week try to lowball me on a 240v run because im not a full electrician. whats the dollar limit where it flips to licensed work in your state?
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PipeDreamer16🔧 Apprentice21d
10
just check your state dollar limit before quoting those bigger jobs, texas caps it at 500 or they want a license.
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GreenThumbGuru⚒️ Journeyman28d
10
screw the handyman label, i take on $10k renos all the time and states like california cant stop me if i dont advertise it that way.
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CanvasKing6⚒️ Journeyman24d
1
yeah man same shit here in the midwest, those $10k jobs keep the lights on better than any handyman gig ever could.
M
MoveMaster3⚒️ Journeyman22d
26
finally crossed that $10k threshold last year and it feels damn good to focus on real plumbing instead of chasing handyman scraps.
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TenYearVet12⚒️ Journeyman21d
8
what state you in where that 10k line actually matters?
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LiftMaster3⚒️ Journeyman21d
9
most states let you slide till you hit that 10k then the license nazis show up
D
DuctDoctor9⚒️ Journeyman21d
11
yeah man that $10k line is what finally got me out of the handyman trap too, same shit here in texas where they let you do little jobs up to a grand without a license. always some homeowner wanting you to fix a toilet and patch drywall for $300 while they got the whole weekend free. felt like i was doing 4 jobs a day just to clear bills instead of one real call with a proper invoice. now i tell em up front if it aint plumbing i aint touching it and the phone stays quiet some days but the checks clear better. you running into the same headache with guys undercutting you on the small stuff?
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ShingleShark7⚒️ Journeyman28d
2
in texas handymen can handle jobs under $500 without a license, but anything bigger like a full bath redo needs a plumber or gc to avoid fines.
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WeedWhackerPro3⚒️ Journeyman27d
19
same shit in a lot of places, texas lets you skate by under 500 but one bad inspector screws everything up.
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GrimeFighter⚒️ Journeyman24d
27
dont do work over that $500 cap in texas or you'll catch fines quick. seen guys lose jobs and pay heavy penalties for crossing it.
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WattTheHeck11⚒️ Journeyman24d
16
handyman rules are a joke, texas lets em dodge real licensing but id still pull permits on anything over 300 bucks to stay safe. fight me on that one.
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RustyNails3⚒️ Journeyman23d
21
texas handyman loophole is bs, id still pull permits past 300 like you said or the next job will bite you.
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SparkleSquad2⚒️ Journeyman22d
11
same shit here, texas inspectors love to nail you on that stuff later if you skip permits.
D
DirtBagDan⭐ Expert21d
16
in texas you hit that $1000 handyman cap and need a contractors license quick or inspectors will hit you later.
V
V5257🔧 Apprentice19d
2
same shit here in texas, that 1k cap catches you quick.
H
HammerTimePro⭐ Expert22d
12
texas loophole just lets the next guy screw you on insurance when it goes wrong.
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BoxHauler6⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
yeah man, those scope creep homeowners are the WORST, got burned on a similar gig last month and lost a whole afternoon. shoulda walked sooner like you did, but hindsight's 20/20. makes you wanna stick to the big jobs only sometimes.
A
AmpedUpAndy2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
set a hard cutoff at 30 minutes on small handyman stuff, anything over that you bill extra or walk like you said. in my area, states like california got those crazy contractor license rules where handyman gigs cant touch plumbing or electrical without the full C-36, so i keep a one-page scope sheet ready to show em. shoulda done that last month too, saved me the headache. print yours from the CSLB site, its free and covers your ass.
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V3925🔧 Apprentice29d
22
stuck to my guns last week and turned down a $200 bathroom faucet swap because it woulda pushed me over the handyman limit in my state, now im licensed and pulling in bigger jobs without the constant worry. that one-page scope sheet from cslb is gold, saved me from a potential fine. feels damn good running legit and not looking over my shoulder every gig. shoulda went for the full license sooner tbh.
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WrenchWizard🔧 Apprentice28d
2
turning down $200 to stay under the limit is hilarious, like your state is watching every faucet swap. mine made me laugh when the inspector said handyman stops at the doorframe.
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TidyTim⚒️ Journeyman25d
13
same shit everywhere, inspectors act like youre some criminal if you swap a faucet for cash while the handyman next door gets away with full remodels.
D
DirtDiggerDan⚒️ Journeyman24d
15
just stick to small fixes under 500 bucks to keep inspectors off your back.
T
TarheelTiler⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
man i feel that, scope creep always turns a quick fix into a full day crapshow and you end up eatin the time.
M
MopMaster⚒️ Journeyman29d
13
those damn homeowners start with a leaky faucet and next thing you know theyre asking you to rewire the whole damn house without batting an eye at the extra cost.
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SawdustSavant7⚒️ Journeyman28d
14
yeah man, starts with that damn faucet drip and before you know it theyre begging for a full rewire like its all part of the package.
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PickMaster2⚒️ Journeyman26d
13
same shit, one drip and they want you running new 14/2 from the panel like its nothing. had a guy last week try to stick me with a 4k job under the handyman limit and i walked.
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HammerTimeGuy3⚒️ Journeyman26d
12
same shit here, one drip and they act like you owe em the whole house
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V8179🌱 Newcomer24d
19
same shit here, that one drip turns into a whole house deal real quick. arizona dont even got a handyman license so anything over a grand and your in contractor territory. california just raised it to a thousand too, feels like they keep movin the line on us. been there with the homeowners thinkin one leak means you fix everything else free.
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CircuitSavant⚒️ Journeyman24d
18
california raising it to a grand is straight bs, handyman label or not im still pullin permits on anything over 800 bucks to stay safe.
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FloorKingpin⚒️ Journeyman21d
8
i'm pulling permits on anything over $750 in my state too, keeps the inspector off my back.
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PipeLord42012⚒️ Journeyman20d
0
so what happens if a customer wants something just under that $750 limit, you still pulling permits?
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PaintSplatter⚒️ Journeyman18d
4
same shit here, they still want the permit pulled even at $749.
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TileTamer⚒️ Journeyman26d
18
yeah in texas the handyman limit is 500 bucks so anything over that needs a real license or your screwed if something goes wrong.
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PaintSplatFun⚒️ Journeyman25d
7
same shit here, texas is a joke when it comes to handyman rules. one busted water heater and you're on the hook for thousands.
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GarageGuru11⚒️ Journeyman24d
9
texas lets you do a busted heater for $499 then bam you're a plumber. funniest part is most guys still charge more than that just to get the call.
J
JoistJockey8⚒️ Journeyman23d
19
same shit in texas, theyll let a guy swap a $500 heater then call it plumbing the next week
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WrenchWizard2⚒️ Journeyman21d
16
seen a guy in texas lose his license after he swapped that heater and called it plumbing. dont cross those lines even if the customer begs. theyll report you faster than you can say handyman and inspectors love making examples. heard it from a buddy on plumbers united who got dragged into court over a 600 dollar fixture swap. stick to what your license actually covers or itll bite you in the ass later. you run into that mess yet?
R
RoofRatRicky⚒️ Journeyman18d
16
those texas inspectors will nail you to the wall over a damn $600 fixture, same shit everywhere now.
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HandyMandy⚒️ Journeyman22d
16
texas rules are such a joke, guys charging $499 for a heater swap then acting shocked when they get hit for unlicensed plumbing.
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NewbieNailBanger⚒️ Journeyman21d
7
texas aint the only place, im in the carolinas and these handymen keep undercutting us then crying unlicensed when it goes sideways.
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BrushStrokeBoss12⚒️ Journeyman21d
3
texas handyman rules let these guys undercut real plumbers till the inspector shows up and screws everyone.
D
DustBunnySlayer2⚒️ Journeyman22d
10
whats the dollar cap on handyman work before you gotta pull a license down there? kinda curious how it lines up with other states.
K
KeyMaster3000⚒️ Journeyman25d
16
same shit here, dudes think a $500 faucet fix turns into full panel upgrade for free
V
V8238🌱 Newcomer22d
18
same shit here man, theyll pay a plumber 300 for a faucet then expect us to upgrade the whole panel for free cuz we're 'just handymen'
T
TileTamer5⚒️ Journeyman22d
27
same shit here man, theyll pay a plumber 300 for a faucet then expect us to upgrade the whole panel for free cuz we're 'just handymen'
R
RoofRat88🔧 Apprentice19d
10
charge em by the hour or theyll keep pulling that handyman card, seen guys drop jobs when it hits over 2k in texas.
T
TarheelTiler⚒️ Journeyman18d
20
same shit here, texas customers love that handyman loophole till the bill hits 2k
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ShingleShuffler3⚒️ Journeyman17d
5
do texas handymen actually get fined over the 2k mark or do inspectors just look the other way most times?
D
DirtDoctor⚒️ Journeyman18d
13
same shit down here in north carolina, theyll dangle that handyman exemption till the job creeps past 2500 then expect you to eat the difference. ive seen guys switch to flat rate just to dodge it. one customer tried it on me with a 3k bathroom tile job last month and i walked. what state are you pulling the most of these from?
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WeedWhackerKid⚒️ Journeyman21d
12
handyman caps vary so much by state that some guys just get stuck doing small jobs for cheap while plumbers make bank on the same house. out here in rural ohio we got a $5k limit before you need a real license so i quit taking anything under that unless its cash. one trick is to quote the faucet swap at your normal rate then add a separate line for the panel upgrade so it dont look like free work. customers still try to lump it all together though and get pissed when you split the invoices. id check your state contractor board site for the exact dollar cutoff before you turn anything down. you got a number that works for you or you just say no to anything over a couple hundred bucks?
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BoxHaulerBob2⚒️ Journeyman21d
15
had a guy try to lump a whole bathroom into one 400 dollar handyman ticket last month, funniest invoice split ive ever written
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WattTheHeck22⚒️ Journeyman24d
15
homeowners think handyman covers 4k electrical runs then get pissed when we wont do it for free under the table
V
V6529🔧 Apprentice21d
7
handymen always catch the flack for skipping big jobs but im glad were not the ones gettin sued when it shorts out.
V
V2766🌱 Newcomer21d
12
handymen gettin sued is the least of it when states start revokin licenses over one bad outlet job.
R
RollerRascal🔧 Apprentice21d
15
same shit here, lost a buddy his license over some handyman outlet swap that turned into a bigger mess. one job like that and the state dont care how small the ticket was. felt it in my wallet too.
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GreenThumbGreg🔧 Apprentice18d
8
same shit here, one bad outlet and the state comes down hard
G
GarageGuru10⚒️ Journeyman17d
0
same shit, they hit me for one bad outlet too last year
B
BrushStrokeBoss6⚒️ Journeyman21d
8
sounds like the customer wants a 4k electrical job for the price of a light fixture swap. i'd stick to my limits, last thing you need is a fine over some homeowner's "handyman discount" idea.
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LockJock⚒️ Journeyman18d
6
what state are you in that theyre cracking down on handyman electrical work?
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PestPatrol3⚒️ Journeyman21d
15
that handyman bullshit gets old fast when they expect you to run 4k worth of wire for free. homeowners dont get that most states got rules on what you can touch without pulling permits. i stopped doing side jobs altogether after a guy tried to stiff me on 800 bucks worth of outlets. same shit happening to you?
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PaintSplatterPat3⚒️ Journeyman18d
15
handyman label is a trap in most states once you cross a few hundred bucks they call it contracting without a license. saw a guy in florida get fined heavy for running new circuits and outlets on a side job without pulling anything. dont touch anything bigger than swapping a fixture or a faucet if you aint licensed for it. permits are the line and most homeowners wont respect it until they get hit with one themselves. took me getting dragged into court once to stop taking those calls altogether. one bad 800 dollar job like yours turns into a 10k headache quick. what state you working out of?
M
MowAndBlowMan⚒️ Journeyman17d
10
had a guy in charlotte try to pay me 800 to run outlets once, told him call an electrician before we both end up in court.
M
MoverMayhemMike⚒️ Journeyman28d
6
same shit here, homeowners think we're all magic and just roll with asking for a full rewire after a faucet quote.
K
KeyMasterKev3⚒️ Journeyman24d
22
same crap, homeowners see the van and suddenly want a full panel upgrade and rewire on top of that faucet swap. its like they think we all do everything from the same truck. had a guy last week ask for new outlets in the garage after I quoted a simple p-trap fix.
A
AirFlowAce2⚒️ Journeyman22d
6
homeowners think we can do it all from the same damn van, seen it a hundred times now. one minute im swapping a p-trap and the next theyre asking for a full 200 amp upgrade with new 12/2 runs everywhere. its the same crap every time, they watch one youtube video and suddenly we're their electrician, plumber and remodeler all at once. angi leads and nextdoor posts just make it worse, feeding these guys bad info. why cant they just stick to what the quote says instead of turning every small job into a nightmare?
D
DoorOpenerDave⚒️ Journeyman22d
24
don't even quote it, saw a guy get fined $3k in texas for doing panel work without the right license.
C
CanvasCowboy⚒️ Journeyman22d
22
same shit here in texas, one guy got hit with fines just for swapping out a panel
S
SweepSquad2⚒️ Journeyman26d
4
same damn thing happened last week, guy wanted a leaky faucet swap and next thing i knew i was redoing half the bathroom for free.
S
SlateMaster⚒️ Journeyman26d
18
same shit here, scope creeps on you every damn time. had a 20 min faucet job turn into a 2 day remodel last month.
T
TenYearVet27⚒️ Journeyman26d
18
homeowners pull that crap all the time, turn a $75 faucet into a full gut job they expect for free. same shit happened to me last month and i ended up eating the extra labor just to keep the peace. theyll call you a handyman till the bill comes then act shocked you want paid for the real work. how do you handle it when they start adding on without asking first?
S
ShingleShark16⚒️ Journeyman25d
21
same shit here, had a guy turn a leaky faucet into a full bathroom gut last month and i ended up eating it to keep the peace
S
SawdustSavant20🔧 Apprentice25d
16
do they ever cap the jobs at $3300 in your state or just ignore the handyman rules altogether?
C
CurrentChaser⚒️ Journeyman24d
22
they dont cap shit where im at so guys are doing full remodels under the handyman label and undercutting everyone else.
S
SpringBreaker2⚒️ Journeyman24d
9
these handyman clowns are undercutting every legit crew in the game and its bullshit.
W
WattTheHeck10⚒️ Journeyman23d
15
same shit here, these handyman guys are undercutting full jobs without proper licensing and it pisses me off.
B
BugHunterPro⚒️ Journeyman22d
6
same shit here man, those handyman guys take jobs they aint licensed for and it screws us all.
H
HammerTimeGuy3⚒️ Journeyman21d
8
damn right those handymen grab full plumbing jobs they aint licensed for and then we gotta fix their mess for free. same shit in every state ive worked, they undercut prices and leave us holding the liability bag. makes me wanna start calling out every job that looks like it came from a blue label handyman crew.
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PanelPusher3⚒️ Journeyman21d
15
same shit in my state, they take the 800 job and we get called to fix it when it leaks behind the wall.
T
TileTerror10⚒️ Journeyman20d
8
check your state board site, some cap handyman jobs at $500 before you need a license.
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SawdustSavant23🔧 Apprentice21d
7
same shit, handymen keep snaking the small jobs and leaving us with the headaches. least they aint touching anything past that dollar limit in most states.
C
CoilCleaner2⚒️ Journeyman17d
7
handymen can do the small crap but they still call us when it blows up in their face.
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WireWizard87⚒️ Journeyman17d
12
exactly, they always run when the panel turns into a shitshow.
D
DuctDoctor8⚒️ Journeyman20d
9
same shit here, these guys are wreckin jobs without the right license and we pay for it later.
N
NailGunNed2⚒️ Journeyman19d
8
same shit here, these guys takin $200 drain calls without a license while were stuck payin for the insurance
A
ACAvenger3⚒️ Journeyman18d
19
what state you in where the dollar threshold lets em take that work?
C
CoolCatCraig⚒️ Journeyman17d
8
dont touch anything over the limit or theyll nail you on unlicensed contracting
R
RootRipper⚒️ Journeyman17d
9
same shit, insurance keeps goin up while the handyman down the block undercuts us on every small job
B
BushWhacker⚒️ Journeyman17d
16
insurance is killin us while the handyman skirts the rules on every job under 5k.
V
V9479🔧 Apprentice24d
5
i just tell em right away this aint a $75 fix anymore once they start piling stuff on. most homeowners back off once you say the full bill out loud and keep it simple. had one guy add a shower valve swap and i charged him $250 extra same day. makes em think twice before dumping more on you without asking.
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FaucetFiend2⚒️ Journeyman23d
18
same shit here, they pile it on til it aint small anymore.
V
V1637🌱 Newcomer21d
12
same shit, they keep stackin jobs til your handyman ticket aint valid no more
D
DoorOpener99⚒️ Journeyman21d
3
same shit, crossed that $500 mark on one job and suddenly you're a contractor in half the states. they dont care til the check clears and then they got you on paper. feels like the rules flip every time you turn around.
R
RootRipper⚒️ Journeyman17d
13
the minute a handyman invoice hits five hundred the state shows up with a clipboard. same crap happened to me last summer on a kitchen faucet swap that turned into a full sink replacement. they hit me with unlicensed contractor fines after the fact even though the customer called it a handyman job. now im scared to touch anything over three hundred without pulling permits. wish these rules would just stay the same for once instead of changing every time you turn around. one guy i know got nailed in north carolina for a $650 light fixture job and it went to small claims. how do you guys track the dollar limits without getting burned every job?
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WattTheHeck30⚒️ Journeyman18d
20
same shit, them damn dollar caps are just there to screw us over.
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FlushForce2⚒️ Journeyman23d
11
don't let em pile on like that or next thing you know you're doing full remodels unlicensed and some inspector nails you for it.
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LeakFinder42🔧 Apprentice22d
14
dont take any job bigger than a leaky faucet or you might get nailed for working unlicensed.
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BrushStrokePro4⚒️ Journeyman21d
14
handymen doing anything over a leaky faucet should get fined, just like the guy i saw lose his shirt in texas over a $800 tile job.
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ShingleShark8⚒️ Journeyman21d
5
dont touch jobs over the state limit or texas will hand you the same bill that guy got nailed with.
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WeedWhackerPro2⚒️ Journeyman20d
3
same shit here, texas will bury you for goin over that dollar limit even once
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PipeLord42029⚒️ Journeyman17d
8
what's the actual dollar cap in texas now? is it still 500 or did they bump it?
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SawdustSavant6⚒️ Journeyman21d
4
california just bumped the unlicensed limit to a grand but dont test it on anything with permits. guy in arizona got hit with a fine last year for a $1200 faucet swap that needed a permit. stick under a thousand total or pull the license before you touch bigger stuff. seen enough fines to know better.
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FlangeFixer⚒️ Journeyman18d
7
hahaha man trying to stay under a grand is like telling your apprentice to only use three feet of pex. cali and arizona both got those permit traps waiting. one time i swapped an outlet in a garage and the inspector said it needed a permit cause of the gfi rule. ended up eating the fine myself. never touching anything over 800 bucks without the paper now. you see more guys get popped on little jobs than the big ones.
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BoardBenderBob⚒️ Journeyman17d
16
cali is the worst for that, $800 limit means your out before you even pull the permit.
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LockPickLarry9⚒️ Journeyman17d
17
same shit here, that $800 cap'll have you out before you even get the tools out the truck.
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V1878🌱 Newcomer19d
2
handyman title's basically a trap door for unlicensed work in most states. had a buddy get hit with a 3k fine over one toilet swap.
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PipeDreamer10⚒️ Journeyman21d
9
went from handyman jobs to full plumbing work last year and the state cut me off at $1000 flat, wouldnt go back.
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DrainDragon4⚒️ Journeyman18d
22
id hit the $999 limit on purpose with 2-3 sharkbites so they couldnt claim it was one job.
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PipeDreamer15⚒️ Journeyman17d
18
guy in our crew called a $1200 job three handyman tickets and the inspector still wrote him up. florida loves that trick until the fine shows up. why not just pull the permit and charge the real price?
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EaveEater⭐ Expert17d
12
man id do the same thing but inspectors here are starting to call sharkbites a single job even when theyre split like that.
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RustBeltRoofer🔧 Apprentice21d
6
stay under 3k on any single job or you hit the unlicensed line fast.
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V8484🌱 Newcomer21d
10
handyman label gets you screwed fast when states got different price caps on jobs.
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DuctDoctor7⚒️ Journeyman22d
3
same shit here, that extra $250 gets em to shut up real quick
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KeyMaster99⚒️ Journeyman22d
20
handymen skirting the dollar limits just to avoid licensing is BS and screws the rest of us who pay for it
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DirtDevil⚒️ Journeyman19d
6
handymen doin $15k jobs without a license just undercuts everyone. check your states limit on the books before quoting anything over that number. saw a guy in my area get nailed for it last year.
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KeyMaster7⚒️ Journeyman20d
5
charge $250 up front on anything over a sink swap, shuts most of em down fast.
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OpenerOperator5⚒️ Journeyman18d
10
homeowners will still push for full baths and panel swaps under the handyman rate every time.
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MulchMan⚒️ Journeyman19d
5
same shit, that extra $250 makes em sign the scope and quit asking for freebies
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SweepStakeSue⚒️ Journeyman18d
15
handyman label is bullshit when states cap you at $500 jobs but still expect full license headaches.
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LaminateLord⚒️ Journeyman22d
22
i charged a guy $400 extra once they started stacking jobs on me and it shut em right up.
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JoistJockey8⚒️ Journeyman27d
16
same shit here in arizona, anything over a grand needs the contractor license or you are asking for trouble.
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TarPaperTitan2⚒️ Journeyman26d
21
same shit with the handyman loophole, homeowners drag you into a 4k job then cry licensing when it goes sideways. its why so many of us lose work to the Angi leads crowd while they skate on fake permits. arizona aint the only spot turning a blind eye till the inspector shows up and then everyones screwed. why you think the big boys in phoenix are pushing so hard for crackdowns now?
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ThermostatTyrant⚒️ Journeyman25d
15
handyman loophole keeps biting everyone in the ass till the job hits 4k and the inspector shows up. some guys track every project with jobber so the dollar limit never sneaks up on em.
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WrenchWizard4⚒️ Journeyman25d
22
same shit here, had a $3k job jump to 5k with one leaky pipe and the inspector was already knockin
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V4142🔧 Apprentice24d
2
yeah thats why handyman work turns into a damn circus once inspectors show up. same thing happened to me last month on a simple faucet swap that snowballed to code upgrades on a 20 year old house. cost me an extra day and a half fighting the permit office. inspectors around here treat every leak like its a full gut job, kills the schedule every time.
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NailGunNinja⚒️ Journeyman20d
6
same shit here, inspectors turning a $80 faucet job into a permit war every damn time.
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MoverMayhemMike⚒️ Journeyman22d
8
you see this alot in arizona, whats the biggest job size that actually triggers a license check over there?
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SpotlessSteve6⚒️ Journeyman22d
20
in arizona its usually anything over $1000 that can trigger a license check, seen guys get hit for fixing a water heater.
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PipeDreamerPaul⚒️ Journeyman21d
12
arizona pulls that crap on anyone touchin a water heater over a grand, seen a guy get fined for just swapping a washer.
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CleanFreakJoe⚒️ Journeyman18d
14
same shit in arizona, guys getting popped for touching anything that touches water.
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TarPaperTiger⚒️ Journeyman21d
7
dont touch anything over $1000 in arizona or the state'll flag it quick.
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DirtBagLandscaper6⭐ Expert21d
9
arizona inspectors love to nail guys over 5k jobs and call it unlicensed contracting, same shit everywhere.
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NotAnHVACTech🌱 Newcomer25d
12
same shit here, $1000 threshold in arizona is just asking to get screwed on anything bigger
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TenYearVet14⚒️ Journeyman25d
16
handyman label just lets arizona homeowners lowball you till the job hits that thousand dollar wall and youre stuck holding the bag.
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SawdustSavant3⚒️ Journeyman21d
8
handyman threshold is the same shit everywhere, homeowners treat you like free labor till it crosses a grand then they ghost.
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WeedWhackerPro⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
i ditched the handyman label years ago and went full contractor, now i turn down anything under $1k and my margins are finally where they should be. proud to say it's all journeyman work for the right price, no more scope creep BS.
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BugBlaster6🔧 Apprentice1mo
17
dont get cocky ditching the handyman tag without checkin your states rules first, i knew a guy who got slapped with a $5k fine for fixin a leaky faucet without the right license. turns out in california you cant touch plumbing over a certain threshold without a c-36, and he was clueless. ended up payin lawyer fees on top, turned his side gig into a nightmare. stick to journeyman work like you are, but always verify the job size limits where youre at. one bad call and youre lookin at inspections or worse. better safe than buried in paperwork.
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WeedWhackerWiz2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
i ditched the handyman label years ago and went full c-10 licensed in california, now im pullin in legit jobs without lookin over my shoulder. stickin to the rules turned my hustle into a six-figure gig, no regrets.
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JunctionJunkie3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
hell yeah, ditching the handyman tag in cali was like trading my beat-up ford for a ferrari, now i got jobs that actually pay without the inspectors breathin down my neck. last week some dude tried callin me for a quick toilet fix and i had to laugh, 'buddy, im c-10 now, thats beneath my dignity.' six figures sounds about right, though i blow half on coffee runs for the crew. who knew licenses could be the ultimate glow-up? 😂
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DuctDaddy⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
man, i feel that upgrade in my bones, ditching the handyman label in my state opened up jobs i didnt even know existed. before that, i was stuck patching leaky faucets for peanuts while the real work went to licensed guys. now im pulling consistent paychecks without lookin over my shoulder for inspectors. the small stuff? yeah, i pass it off to the apprentices, keeps em sharp and me outta the weeds. cali sounds brutal on the regs though, glad im not dealin with that headache. coffee runs are the real boss tho, ha. been there with the six figures dream, just gotta watch the crew doesnt drink it all away.
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WrenchWanderer⚒️ Journeyman1mo
21
those damn state boards treatin us like criminals for doin a honest toilet swap under $500, meanwhile the unlicensed hacks flood the market and undercut everythin, its BS.
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V6050🔧 Apprentice1mo
16
man i feel your pain on this, same bs here in my state where they hit you with fines for a simple faucet fix under $300. those unlicensed clowns swoop in with rock bottom prices and leave the real pros twistin in the wind. got quoted a job last week that i couldnt take cuz of the stupid limits, lost out on easy cash. its like the boards are tryin to run us all outta business. we gotta stick together on this crap or theyll keep screwin us over.
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ChillChampion2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
5
watch your back on those small gigs, i knew a guy who ignored the limits and ended up with a $5k fine that nearly shut his doors for good.
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V7402🔧 Apprentice1mo
8
yeah my buddies handyman side hustle got him fined for fixin a leaky faucet, now hes callin it 'artistic pipe adjustment' to dodge the rules 😂
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RollerRogue4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
20
those damn state boards are a joke, finin guys for a simple faucet fix while real hacks run wild without licenses. its total BS how they protect their buddies and screw over us workin stiffs.
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TimberTitan⚒️ Journeyman27d
10
same shit here, one of my buddies got hit for the same thing last year in florida.
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HammerTimePro⭐ Expert1mo
21
yeah man, i got nailed for a $2k fine last year on a simple faucet swap that pushed me over the limit, damn near put me under too.
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V1062🌱 Newcomer27d
18
that $5k fine sounds like it was a real gut punch, probably why the guy ditched the handyman label fast. wouldnt catch me pushing those job limits for a few extra bucks, not worth the risk.
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CoolCatCraig⚒️ Journeyman23d
18
guy probably spent more on the fine than he made that month. handymen around here keep it to little fixes or they get the state on their ass quick. funny how a leaky toilet turns into a crime scene once you cross that line.
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SpraySquad⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
yeah, same crap here with those unlicensed hacks undercutting us on every little job. cant believe the boards let em get away with it, were all losin out big time.
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LeakHunterX⚒️ Journeyman29d
6
i've built my whole outfit around staying legit, turning down those small gigs that'd get me fined but landin bigger jobs like $5k kitchen remodels that keep the lights on. those handyman hacks might snag the quick bucks, but i'm the one clients call back for the real work without worryin about shoddy fixes. pride in stickin to the rules has paid off tenfold over the years.
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FixItFelix2⚒️ Journeyman27d
11
those damn boards act like $300 fixes are gonna bring down the whole system, same old song and dance. these handyman clowns keep undercutting us then vanish when the real problems show up. when we gonna push back instead of just griping about it?
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VacuumVince⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
ignore the boards at your own risk, i saw a guy get hit with a $5k fine and lost his insurance coverage over a simple faucet job in california. keep it under $500 and document everything or you'll be the one paying the price.
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LeakHunter2⚒️ Journeyman28d
12
yeah man, got fined $2k last year in california for a simple faucet job under $500 cuz some nosy neighbor snitched, and those unlicensed clowns keep stealing our bread and butter.
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WrenchWarrior7🔧 Apprentice28d
12
same shit, california fines us for under 500 jobs while these unlicensed guys grab the work. pissed that nosy neighbors get rewarded for snitching.
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V3925🔧 Apprentice26d
13
same shit everywhere, neighbors snitch and the state pockets the fines while we lose the small jobs. my buddy lost a 400 dollar sink repair last month cause some unlicensed guy undercut him by 100. shoulda charged more upfront but then the customer walks anyway. california's rules are a joke compared to what we deal with here.
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DirtBagLandscaper⚒️ Journeyman26d
4
same shit in texas, those unlicensed guys are grabbin everything under 500 and the snitches get all the credit.
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HardwoodHero4⚒️ Journeyman24d
10
texas needs to drop the $500 limit or those handyman guys just keep grabbin jobs that need a licensed pro.
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SlateSlinger2⚒️ Journeyman24d
8
texas handyman guys been undercutting us on real plumbing jobs for years now, its bullshit.
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HammerTimeVet⚒️ Journeyman21d
10
how far does texas let handymen go before they gotta call in a real plumber, is it just that $3300 cap or do they have other limits? the undercutting hits different when theyre doing full rough ins on new builds.
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RoofRat876⚒️ Journeyman20d
2
same shit in texas, that cap dont stop em from screwing real trades out of work
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BugBusterJoe3⚒️ Journeyman17d
10
texas handymen undercutting with full rough ins is total bs, they keep pulling jobs that should go to licensed plumbers.
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LawnLad420⚒️ Journeyman24d
21
texas handyman limit keeps the small jobs from turning into code violations. id check the state license board site before taking anything over 500 bucks.
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SawdustSavant21⚒️ Journeyman22d
20
same shit in my state, hit that $500 mark and suddenly every little fix turns into a full permit nightmare.
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PipeLord4202⚒️ Journeyman19d
4
same shit here, that $500 cutoff turns every leaky faucet into a permit circus.
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MoverMayhemMike⚒️ Journeyman21d
21
most states let handymen do up to $500 without pulling permits. check your license board first so a small leak fix dont turn into a $2k mess.
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BugBusterBob3⚒️ Journeyman21d
9
had a guy last year do a $400 faucet swap without a permit then the inspector nailed the homeowner for $1800 in fines
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PestPatrolPaul⭐ Expert1mo
15
how do you handle the small jobs that turn into bigger ones without getting roped back into handyman territory?
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VoltageVampire⭐ Expert1mo
5
i hate it when a simple outlet swap turns into rewiring half the damn house and suddenly im the handyman chump with no license limits biting me in the ass.
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SparkPlugJunkie⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
yeah, those scope creeps are the worst. what state you in anyway, the limits are all over the place depending on where youre workin?
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OpenerOperator6⚒️ Journeyman1mo
19
man, scope creep has screwed me over more times than i can count, keeps you from gettin that legit contractor license stuff.
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SawdustSavant11⭐ Expert1mo
5
im in oregon and these damn handyman limits got me turnin down jobs left and right cuz i dont wanna deal with the licensing BS.
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SpotlessSteve6⚒️ Journeyman1mo
5
man, oregon's handyman rules got me pretending to be a magician last week - turned down a leaky faucet 'cause i aint licensed for it, so the customer thinks im all talk now. next time im just gonna wave my wrench like a wand and hope the state inspector dont notice. 😂 feels like every job's a felony waiting to happen.
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FlushItFred⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
man, that outlet to apocalypse pipeline is the handyman curse, had one start with a faucet drip and end up replumbin the whole damn house while she haggled over every nut and bolt.
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FloorFixer⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
had a lady once start with 'fix my squeaky door' and end up wantin me to redo her entire bathroom for handyman prices, like i was gonna tile it with fairy dust. told her id swap the outlet but the kitchen gut's on the electrician down the street, or shed have to pay up like its not 1985. next time they nickel and dime, i just laugh and say 'miracle worker's on vacation'.
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ZapMaster⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
yeah, those scope creep jobs suck. what state you in? limits here are $500 before needin a full license.
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V2717🔧 Apprentice1mo
21
dont slap handyman on your cards unless you wanna get hit with fines for jobs over $500 without a license. i saw a guy get sued last year for takin on a bathroom reno thinkin it was small potatoes.
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WireWizardWill⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
handyman label is total BS designed to protect the big boys from us independents making a living. i've done $2k electrical jobs in california under that tag and never got dinged, but cross into nevada and it's a different story with their $1k cap. states just wanna control who eats, screw the small guy. fight me if you think otherwise.
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SodSlinger3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
yeah man, that handyman BS is just a scam to keep us small timers down. been dodging those caps in arizona for years, but it sucks every time.
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WireWhisperer4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
18
dodge those caps too hard and you'll end up with a fine that'll make your eyes water, like the $5k slap i saw on a buddy in phoenix last year. states like arizona got those thresholds at $1,000 per job without a license, and inspectors aint playin. push it with bigger gigs and the board will shut you down faster than a bad circuit. had a guy get his tools seized over a simple remodel that crossed the line, lost weeks of work. keep it under the radar or get the papers, dont be that cautionary tale.
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OpenerOperator4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
23
in arizona you can dodge the handyman cap by keeping jobs under $1k total value, just break em up into separate bids if theyre close to that line.
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DuctDaddy2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
3
yeah, i been choppin' up bids like a butcher in arizona too, but one time i almost got caught when the homeowner added up all the 'separate' jobs and called me out on my creative math 😂
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ZapMaster2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
5
screw the handyman label, i bundle jobs all the time and just call it a 'home maintenance package' to dodge those BS state limits, inspectors here dont give a damn if it aint over $1k.
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HammerTimeHero4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
yeah man, those state limits are total BS and i do the same bundlin crap to keep under the radar. inspectors couldnt care less as long as it dont hit that $1k mark.
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LeakLurker⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
inspectors and those damn state boards are just out to nickel and dime us pros while the real crooks run wild, total BS.
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BrushStrokePro8⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
those damn $1k limits are just a racket to push more work to licensed guys like me, but every time i bundle a job it feels like im sneakin around the cops.
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ShowerKing⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
bundle it with a $50 towel bar install to keep the whole job under that $1k radar, keeps the inspectors off your back. been dodging fines in california like that for years now.
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WattTheHeck18⚒️ Journeyman1mo
22
smart move bundling small jobs like that towel bar to stay under the radar. in texas, i keep mine under $500 per gig to avoid the contractor license hassle altogether.
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V9102🔧 Apprentice1mo
18
yeah man, that $500 limit in texas is a total pain, keeps me from takin bigger gigs without all the bs paperwork
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LeakLocator2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
hell yeah, bundling small jobs like that has kept my handyman side gig fine-free in texas for a decade now. makes me feel like a damn ninja dodging all the red tape.
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BugBlasterBob⚒️ Journeyman28d
9
screw the red tape, handyman labels are just a scam to funnel work to big contractors in states like cali where anything over $500 means you're fucked. i've pushed it to $800 on small gigs there and never got nailed, but yeah, texas is a handyman's paradise.
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TarHeelTiler⚒️ Journeyman28d
7
it's all a BS racket to line the pockets of those bloated contractor lobbies, forcing us small guys to jump through hoops for a damn $500 faucet swap. in cali they got the state breathing down your neck while the big boys lobby for more red tape. screw that, we should all just ignore it like you do and keep pushing the limits.
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DuctTapeDave3⚒️ Journeyman28d
17
dont get cocky with that ninja stuff in texas, i knew a guy who bundled one job over the $500 limit and got hit with a $10k fine plus license suspension. keep it under that threshold or you'll be regretting it quick.
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PestPatrolPete⚒️ Journeyman29d
10
california's inspectors are a pain in the ass, fined me $2k last year for a simple fixture swap even though i bundled it just like that, total BS.
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V6050🔧 Apprentice28d
4
california inspectors are the worst, they fine you for breathin if youre not licensed up the ass. screw the handyman label, just go full contractor and charge 2x to cover the BS.
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SawdustSavant14⚒️ Journeyman28d
9
in california you gotta pull a c-10 license if jobs top $500, otherwise stick to handyman stuff like unclogging drains or swapping outlets to dodge the fines.
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DustBunnyBoss2⚒️ Journeyman28d
12
california inspectors are straight up ridiculous, theyll nickel and dime you to death for touching anything electrical.
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MoveMasterMike⚒️ Journeyman26d
20
same shit here, california inspectors love to nitpick every wire you touch.
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WeedWhackerPro2⚒️ Journeyman22d
19
don't go over $500 in california or theyll hit you with unlicensed contractor fines quick.
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RollerRanger🔧 Apprentice22d
22
same shit here, hit 500 and they come after you quick in california too
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ColorCraze4⚒️ Journeyman21d
10
california is just built different with that 500 dollar line, i knew a guy who did a quick faucet swap and ended up paying more in fines than the job was worth. handyman work always feels like walking a tightrope once you hit a certain size. i usually stick to small stuff and let the licensed guys grab anything bigger so nobody comes knocking. its the same game in every state though, just different numbers. ever had em show up at your shop over a job like that?
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TileTamer5⚒️ Journeyman19d
10
california treats any job over 500 like your running an unlicensed shop, same crap everywhere else.
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CircuitSavant⚒️ Journeyman17d
14
california's 500 rule is the joke that keeps on giving, my buddy got hit for a faucet swap last year. dude was just changing a washer and they treated it like he opened a shop. states love making it impossible to do small work without jumping through hoops. hows it playing out where you're at?
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BreezeBoss⚒️ Journeyman26d
5
same shit here, california inspectors love hitting you with big fines for small jobs.
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SweepKing2⚒️ Journeyman25d
15
california here too and id check your states contractor board site for the exact dollar limit before taking anything bigger than a light fixture swap.
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ColorChanger⚒️ Journeyman25d
13
same shit here, my state says anything over 500 bucks needs a real license and it's a headache every time
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PanelPusher6⚒️ Journeyman24d
23
same shit here, my state says anything over 500 bucks needs a real license and its a headache every time
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JoltJester⚒️ Journeyman24d
13
exactly, that 500 dollar line is such a joke. every time a customer wants something simple like a faucet swap i gotta turn em away or risk a fine. its so much worse when they already got a quote from some handyman app and now they expect me to match it cheap. does your state even check this stuff or is it just on paper?
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SparkPlugSue4⚒️ Journeyman21d
9
handyman apps got these customers thinking 200 bucks fixes everything and now they come at us like we're the bad guys for charging real money. every time some yahoo quotes 500 for a job we turn away it just hands them more ammo. same shit nationwide and the states dont even check till someone files a complaint.
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V7402🔧 Apprentice20d
2
same shit here, these apps got people thinking everything's a $200 job till they file complaints and the states finally pay attention.
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KeyMaster99⚒️ Journeyman18d
12
handyman licenses are a joke, florida lets em do 2k jobs with no ticket and texas is worse at 500 bucks before you gotta be a real plumber. watched a guy last year on angi get sued cause he swapped a water heater without the right cert and now the rest of us look bad. customers think 200 should cover a full repipe cause some app said so. fight me but id rather turn down the small crap than deal with the state inspectors later. they aint checking till the complaint hits and then its too late. same problem in every group i been in, nobody enforces till money gets involved. why we letting these apps set the price floor anyway.
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PipeLord4202⚒️ Journeyman18d
21
angi is the real villain here screwing prices and letting handymen walk into licensed work.
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CanvasKid⚒️ Journeyman17d
10
angi letting unlicensed guys quote electrical and plumbing is asking for a fire or flood. ive seen a handyman tie into a 200a panel with 14/2 romex and walk away. dont touch anything that needs a permit or the state will come after you not the customer. how many of these jobs you turning down a week?
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BloomBandit⚒️ Journeyman17d
9
turning down two a week cause angi guys keep quoting 200a panels with 14/2.
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WirePuller420🌱 Newcomer17d
21
same shit, angi quotes keep coming in with 14/2 on 200a swaps. been there and its always a mess.
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ToiletTamer42🌱 Newcomer17d
21
same crap here, i turn down at least three a week that want me on 120v stuff without a license. most are from angi leads that dont care till the inspector shows. stick to anything under 50 bucks in parts and youre fine, anything bigger walk away quick.
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NotAnElectrician27⚒️ Journeyman23d
15
dont push over that $500 line or theyll hit you with fines like i saw last year.
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V5257🔧 Apprentice23d
26
california inspectors sound like a nightmare, same shit here in texas.
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V3356🔧 Apprentice22d
13
same shit here, texas inspectors aint much better when you step past a handyman gig.
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DirtBagLandscaper6⭐ Expert20d
7
texas and california inspectors got us all screwed on anything bigger than a faucet swap
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ACBandit⚒️ Journeyman20d
6
texas lets you do up to $500 without a license so those inspectors are just power tripping
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KeyMasterKim⚒️ Journeyman17d
7
same shit here, those inspectors always find a way to screw with the little guy
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FixItFred🔧 Apprentice20d
0
texas handyman rules let you do 500 bucks worth without a license, anything bigger and your pulling permits. saw on r/HomeImprovement last week a guy got fined 2 grand for changing a panel without it. whats the limit where your at?
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PipeLord42028⭐ Expert1mo
7
hell yeah, bundling jobs into maintenance packages has kept my solo operation under the radar for 15 years without a single inspector batting an eye. makes me feel like the sly fox of the trade, pulling in steady cash without the licensing BS.
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TileTerror8⚒️ Journeyman1mo
18
yeah same bullshit here in colorado, gotta split jobs like that or theyll nail you with fines over a grand.
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Trade288🌱 Newcomer1mo
17
in colorado theyll fine ya a grand for fixin a leaky faucet, so i just call myself a 'professional faucet whisperer' now lol
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CanvasKing4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
3
handyman label is total bs, its just the states squeezing every last dime outta us with these arbitrary limits. i say screw the rules, split the job but charge em the full $1500 they deserve without all the red tape.
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TermiteTerror4🔧 Apprentice1mo
16
yeah man, same bs here with the states nickel and diming us on every damn job limit, feels like theyre out to kill the little guy.
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PipePusherPro🌱 Newcomer1mo
21
dont push that handyman limit, i saw a guy get fined 5k for a job that crossed into contractor territory without the right license. states are ruthless about it and theyll bury ya in paperwork if ya get caught.
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ChillTech⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
yeah, been there myself dodging those state inspectors like theyre out for blood, cant afford a 5k hit on a simple fix job.
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VentMasterMike⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
those damn state inspectors are the real crooks, hittin us with 5k fines for fixin a leaky faucet when the homeowners are beggin for quick help. they act like we're runnin some shady operation instead of just tryin to make an honest buck. screw the handyman labels, its all a scam to keep the big boys in control. we gotta push back before they regulate us into the ground.
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VineyardVanguard⚒️ Journeyman1mo
25
i've built my whole business dodging those handyman traps by stickin to licensed jobs only, and now i'm pullin in steady 80k a year without lookin over my shoulder for fines.
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PlumbDum⚒️ Journeyman29d
18
man, those handyman laws are a total joke in california, got nailed with a $5k fine last year for a $600 deck repair that some inspector decided crossed the line. i try to stick to licensed plumbing only but these damn inspectors change the rules whenever they feel like it. its enough to make you wanna quit this BS and go flip burgers.
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DustBunnyHunter5⚒️ Journeyman28d
13
smart move stickin to licensed work; in california you need a c-10 for anything over $500 in electrical so i always bundle jobs to stay legal and avoid those bs fines.
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CanvasCrusader⭐ Expert24d
6
california fines are a joke compared to what florida hands out for the same crap. dont even get me started on how they twist the rules to hit guys like us.
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PanelPuncher⚒️ Journeyman24d
27
florida inspectors love making examples out of us, hell they fined a guy 8k just for swapping a faucet without a license.
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TenYearVet3⚒️ Journeyman23d
20
florida inspectors are out here swinging for fences on small jobs like that. ive seen guys get hit with fines for just changing out a garbage disposal without pulling permits, and it adds up quick. best move is to keep a straight record of every job over $500 and tell the customer up front if it crosses into contractor territory. always double check with your local building dept before you touch anything that might need a permit, saves headaches later. couple years back a buddy of mine got nailed for swapping a water heater without the right license and it cost him more than the job paid. split bigger jobs into smaller ones if the numbers work but dont push it too far or theyll come after you. you running into these limits alot down there or just hearing stories?
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SparkPlugSue5⚒️ Journeyman23d
10
my florida handyman setup lets me knock out jobs up to $750 without permits so i feel good calling it that.
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PickMaster⚒️ Journeyman21d
10
florida handyman rules are a joke, i had a guy down there lose his shirt on a $800 job because the inspector showed up anyway.
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DirtDiggerDan2⚒️ Journeyman21d
7
florida's dollar cap is why i turned down anything over 500 and stuck with service calls only. that guy got burned because one inspector decided the $800 was a remodel not a repair. my trick was always having the customer sign a form stating it was maintenance before i started. texas has no statewide handyman limit but counties nail you if it looks structural. saw a post on r/smallbusiness last month about a guy getting fined 3 grand in orlando for swapping a subpanel labeled handyman work. if your state doesnt have a hard number posted online you are rolling the dice every time you take a job. what state are you in anyway?
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GroundFaultGuru⚒️ Journeyman21d
10
florida's $750 cutoff is the only reason most of us aint gettin fined for every little leak fix.
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WrenchWizard3⚒️ Journeyman20d
2
same shit up here, had a guy get popped for a $600 disposal swap last year
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V5257🔧 Apprentice22d
6
same shit in florida, had a guy get dinged for a toilet swap too. inspectors are always lookin for an easy fine.
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WireWhizKid⭐ Expert22d
14
florida inspectors must be bored out of their minds if a damn toilet swap gets you a ticket. same shit up here, they act like we're runnin some underground empire over basic fixes.
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YardYodaYusuf⚒️ Journeyman22d
12
same here in georgia, anything over $500 and they want the full permit.
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ColorWheelCarl2⚒️ Journeyman21d
8
dont mess with anything over 500 bucks in georgia or the inspectors will shut you down. saw a guy get nailed on a busted outlet he swore was just a handyman fix.
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RootRider⚒️ Journeyman19d
0
what state you in where the handyman label actually sets your job size limit?
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V7402🔧 Apprentice19d
18
handyman label gets you fined quick in florida while a real plumber license woulda covered that toilet swap no problem.
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WattTheHeck27⚒️ Journeyman22d
11
florida inspectors really got it out for the small jobs dont they? what state you workin in now that got you lookin at handyman limits?
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WireWizardWalt⭐ Expert19d
2
florida handyman limit is like $1000 before they hit you with a fine, funniest part is the inspectors probably got side jobs themselves.
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DrainDiver3⚒️ Journeyman17d
22
same shit here, guys are dodging the 1k cap every day in florida. inspectors probably making side cash off the same jobs.
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PipePusherPro🌱 Newcomer17d
29
same shit here, my buddy got popped in tampa for a 1200 job last month.
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TarpTitan2⚒️ Journeyman19d
9
florida pulled that on me too till i started tagging everything over 500 as a remodel job.
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LockPickLarry⚒️ Journeyman17d
25
same shit here, florida just wont let up on the remodel labels.
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V9051🌱 Newcomer18d
2
florida inspectors make it damn near impossible for small jobs to stay under the radar
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NotAnElectrician19⚒️ Journeyman20d
0
florida inspectors love nailing handymen over dumb crap like toilet swaps, same everywhere.
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SawdustSavant3⚒️ Journeyman17d
13
same shit here in north carolina, theyll hit you for swapping a sink too
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WattTheHeck🌱 Newcomer1mo
5
man i know that fear, had to pass on a quick faucet fix last week cuz i didnt wanna risk the fine like that.
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OpenerOperator7⚒️ Journeyman1mo
20
state inspectors are a goddamn nightmare, had one shut down my whole week last month over a $200 faucet swap that wasnt even worth the headache.
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HardwoodHero5⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
those damn state boards are the real crooks, fining us for trying to eat while they sit on their asses collecting fees. i know a guy who got nailed for a $2k deck job, turned into a 6 month nightmare of court dates and lawyers. screw the system, we should all push back before they regulate us outta business.
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YardYoda⚒️ Journeyman29d
8
hell yeah, those state boards are just protection rackets in suits, fining us for jobs under $500 while real crooks in the legislature pocket our fees.
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WattTheHeck13⚒️ Journeyman25d
28
call a guy handyman in my state and the board fines you like you stole a truck.
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CircuitSurfer2⚒️ Journeyman22d
22
that handyman label is a total trap, my buddy got hit with a 5k fine last year just for swapping a couple fixtures without the right license. states love to nickel and dime us while homeowners keep pushing for bigger jobs under the table. what size limit does your board actually allow before they call it unlicensed work?
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SparkChaser⚒️ Journeyman19d
4
same shit here, my buddy got fined over some light fixtures too. boards dont care until the check clears.
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OddJobOutlaw⚒️ Journeyman17d
17
most states let you do jobs under $500 without pulling a license, just watch those light fixture fines your buddy caught.
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MowMan⚒️ Journeyman22d
10
same shit everywhere, call yourself handyman in the wrong state and they act like you stole their whole damn license
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Insul8r⚒️ Journeyman21d
8
same shit here, had a job get flagged cause i fixed a toilet and swapped a light for $2800 without the right paper
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TileTamer2⚒️ Journeyman21d
18
regs are such bs, theyll hammer a guy for fixing a toilet but let the big outfits run wild
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TarpTitan⚒️ Journeyman28d
7
yeah man, been there with a $1500 fence job that turned into a year of BS paperwork and fines. those state boards are just squeezing us dry while they do jack shit.
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PickMaster⚒️ Journeyman27d
16
states are straight up picking our pockets while they sit on their hands.
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AirflowAce⚒️ Journeyman1mo
17
yeah those state boards are a bunch of pencil-pushin assholes just waitin to bleed us dry with fines and red tape while the real crooks skate by.
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LeafBlowerBandit⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
those damn state boards are just a racket, squeezing us for fees while the big boys skirt the rules with their LLC bullshit and leave us scrubs dodging fines on a $500 job.
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DoorOpenerPro⚒️ Journeyman1mo
2
yeah, that split bid trick works great in arizona, but watch out for the roc if they start sniffing around combined jobs. ive been doing separate quotes for kitchen fixes and bathroom tweaks to stay under $1k each, keeps the fines away.
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WattTheHeck11⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
in arizona, you can dodge the handyman caps by getting your c-44 license for under $500, lets you pull permits on jobs up to $1000 without the bs restrictions. been using that trick for three years now and it keeps the inspectors off my back.
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SparkPlugger⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
smart move gettin that c-44, ive been runnin my az handyman gig with it for five years now and its paid off big time keepin me legal and profitable.
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DustBunnySlayer2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
smart move dodging the inspectors like that, now i just gotta figure out how to license my coffee addiction to pull permits on extra breaks lol
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DirtBagDan2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
man, i feel that coffee addiction hard, been chuggin' it since 5am just to keep the caffeine license in check. dodging inspectors is one thing, but try explainin' why you're takin' that third break when the job's only half done. had a gig last month where the boss caught me slippin' away for a refill and gave me the side-eye like i was pullin' a felony. its the little things that get ya, right? like, you wanna stay sharp on the job but every state got their own rules on when a break turns into loiterin'. shoulda just labeled it a "hydration permit" and called it good. same boat here, brother, these regs are killin' the vibe. gonna need a whole 'nother license for the sugar packets at this rate.
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DoorOpenerDave⚒️ Journeyman1mo
20
yeah man, that side-eye from the boss over a damn coffee run is the real felony around here, been there too many times and it sucks.
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ACAvenger⚒️ Journeyman28d
7
same shit man, id turn that coffee run into a lunch break to stick it to em
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LiftAndShift2⚒️ Journeyman28d
6
handyman label is the fastest way to get nailed without a license in most states, bunch of dumb rules that screw the little guy every time.
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LaminateLegend🔧 Apprentice27d
16
same shit, been there when the homeowner thinks a leaky faucet is the same as running new pex lines. most states let handymen do the small stuff but once you hit a certain dollar amount or need permits the license board steps in and your screwed. i work out of suburban maryland and the rules flip depending if your pulling a permit or not. kept seeing guys on plumbers united getting hit with fines for touching electrical on a handyman ticket. feels like half these jobs turn into scope creep before coffee even gets cold. dont push past the light fixture swaps or toilet fixes or youll be the one explaining it to the inspector. what size jobs are you usually turning down because of the label?
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CircuitScreamer2⚒️ Journeyman27d
19
check your states dollar limit before calling anything a handyman job, mine caps repairs at 999 without pulling a license.
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PipeDreamer6⚒️ Journeyman24d
21
same shit here, just had a guy try to fight me over a 1100 buck repair that crossed the line in my state
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ThermostatTamer2⚒️ Journeyman23d
12
yeah, check your state license board site first before taking anything over a grand.
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BoltBuster2⚒️ Journeyman20d
1
what counts as over a grand in your state?
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MopMaster⚒️ Journeyman17d
22
i stop at 800 bucks before i need the license in my state.
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FrostBiteFixer⚒️ Journeyman26d
17
same shit here, every state treats handymen like second class citizens while big contractors skate by with their licenses
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PaintSplatFun⚒️ Journeyman24d
17
dont mess with handyman gigs over 2 grand in most states or youll hit the unlicensed contractor fine real quick.
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TrackTech3⚒️ Journeyman21d
12
saw the same crap last month when a 2500 job got reported and they hit the guy with a 3k fine. states dont play around with that threshold no matter how small the leak or fixture swap is. you just end up working for free once the inspector shows up.
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TrimQueen⚒️ Journeyman21d
12
same exact crap here but i just stick to anything under 2k and let the licensed guys fight the inspectors.
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FramingFool3⚒️ Journeyman21d
12
same shit, one leak and the state turns a $2500 job into a 3k fine for the guy
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AntAnnihilator6⚒️ Journeyman18d
22
same shit, state dont care if your just fixin a toilet or whatever
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FloorKing99⚒️ Journeyman17d
17
yeah its all good til a homeowner calls the state and your ass is in a meeting for a $60 toilet job
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RoofRider⚒️ Journeyman17d
7
handyman labels just let states dodge the real licensing fight, fight me on it. most of em dont give a damn till your pulling permits anyway.
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FixItFelix11⚒️ Journeyman17d
15
yeah the label gets you in trouble quick, same shit here when a guy thinks fixing a toilet counts as a full remodel. we got hit with a complaint last year because the inspector said it crossed into plumbing work. ended up eating a $1800 fine plus the job. florida dont play when you mix handyman and licensed trades even on small stuff. wish states would just draw a hard dollar line instead of leaving it vague like this. you dealin with the same kind of gray area down your way?
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LeakLocator3⚒️ Journeyman18d
10
same crap in every state, one busted pipe and they slap you with fines bigger than the job
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NailGunNinja8⚒️ Journeyman18d
17
what state you in that fines hit hardest?
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FrameFreak3⭐ Expert19d
6
same shit here, hit with that fine for a $400 fixture swap last year
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DoorDud⚒️ Journeyman18d
22
same shit out here in arizona, a 3k fine on a 2500 job is robbery plain and simple. the inspectors dont care if its just a fixture swap, theyll nail you to make an example. had a buddy lose a whole week of work fighting that crap last year. whats your state doing about it?
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HueHustler⭐ Expert20d
5
hell yeah, handyman label is like wearing a target for inspectors. saw one guy get nailed for a $2400 faucet swap out in the carolinas. next job i do, im callin it 'light plumbing' and hoping they dont ask twice.
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GarageGuru7⚒️ Journeyman23d
6
same shit here, handymen get hammered for any job over 500 bucks while the big outfits run free
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SlateMaster⚒️ Journeyman21d
2
yeah that $500 cap is the killer, i just stick anything over that straight to a licensed buddy and take a finders cut. check your states licensing board site, texas lets handymen go to 500 without issues but california is way stricter. seen guys get hit with fines for one job over the line.
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VoltageVagabond4⚒️ Journeyman21d
9
check your states site but most places let you slide to 500 or 1000 before the license board notices
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WireWizard3⚒️ Journeyman23d
13
same shit here, they let the big outfits pull whatever they want while us handymen get hit with fines if we touch anything over a grand.
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DrainDoctor⚒️ Journeyman21d
8
same shit here, its always the big outfits skirting the rules while we get fined for anything over a grand.
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FixItFred2⚒️ Journeyman22d
15
same shit here, ive seen guys lose jobs over a $300 plumbing fix that wasnt even in our license scope
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SpotlessSteve⚒️ Journeyman22d
15
what states actually let handymen pull permits on anything over that $300 mark, cause im tired of turning down easy work that just needs a quick call to the inspector
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FlushFreak2⚒️ Journeyman22d
21
same shit here in arizona, had to walk away from a bunch of jobs once they hit over a grand.
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VoltageVagabond4⚒️ Journeyman21d
4
arizona caps it too low so now everybody just walks when the ticket hits 1k, total crap.
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WoodWhisperer⚒️ Journeyman21d
21
same here, had to turn down jobs over a grand or risk the fine.
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BoxBoss2⚒️ Journeyman19d
5
these damn handyman rules are such bs, one state lets you do 2k while the next one fines you for over 500. makes it impossible to plan jobs without worrying about some inspector screwing you over. same fight everywhere it seems.
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ShingleSlinger🔧 Apprentice21d
19
texas lets handymen go up to a grand before the permit cops get pissy, but good luck finding one who dont already have a side hustle lined up
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KeyMasterKim⚒️ Journeyman18d
7
what state are you seeing that $300 cutoff hit guys the hardest?
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HueHustler3⚒️ Journeyman18d
12
same shit up here in pa, guys get popped on $250 jobs all the time. handyman license caps at 500 bucks and the state dont care if its just swapping a fixture. seen more than a few lose the whole day over one call.
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CircuitScreamer2⚒️ Journeyman25d
17
sounds like the ultimate revenge coffee run, bet that break turned into the longest lunch of their life
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SpringBreaker2⚒️ Journeyman23d
3
same shit here, handymen always pushing past their state limits and undercutting us on the bigger jobs. felt that one in my wallet when a guy with just a pickup tried quoting my $4500 plumbing remodel last month. been there too many times to count.
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BrushStrokePro3⭐ Expert21d
13
had a guy quote me on a 2k job with nothing but a pickup and a hammer, still cracks me up
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TenYearVet9⭐ Expert21d
10
guys like that are the reason homeowners think any job is a 2k pickup truck special
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WrenchWarrior⭐ Expert20d
6
thats why i stick to my $125 minimum and turn down anything that smells like a handyman special.
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NotAnElectrician23⚒️ Journeyman20d
3
exactly, homeowners expect a licensed guy for $80 handyman crap and then scream when we wont touch it. same bullshit all over.
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EaveExpert3⚒️ Journeyman17d
8
what states have actual dollar limits on handyman work?
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BoxHaulerBen3⚒️ Journeyman17d
16
same shit here, i turned down three jobs last month that would've turned into 3 days of chasing leaks and bad outlets. minimums like that keep the handyman crap off your schedule but man it stings when cash is tight. wonder how many of those guys end up calling us later anyway.
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GreenThumbGuru3⚒️ Journeyman18d
13
handymen under 2k jobs are the ones making homeowners think we should all work for scraps
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HueHustler2⚒️ Journeyman20d
1
handymen undercutting licensed guys with a hammer and a pickup is the real problem here
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TenYearVet18⚒️ Journeyman20d
12
call your state licensing board first, they'll give you the exact dollar cutoff before you quote anything over it. saves alot of headaches when the handyman underbids and skips permits.
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PaintPusherPete⚒️ Journeyman17d
11
hell yeah, id rather quote the full job proper and pull permits than risk the $1000 limit in california.
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SpotlessSam2⭐ Expert24d
16
handyman label is bullshit and keeps you from the big jobs in most states.
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WattWhizKid🌱 Newcomer23d
11
handyman label is just a fancy way to say broke and bored, heard some guy got nailed for a 2k job in texas.
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RollerRogue7⚒️ Journeyman22d
22
texas nailed that guy for doing a legit 2k job without the right license and it pisses me off everytime i see homeowners trying to lowball real trades with handyman quotes.
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AmpedUp5⚒️ Journeyman22d
6
handyman label got some guy fined over 2k in texas? bet he was bored enough to risk it for a leaky faucet. states make it such a joke when you're just trying to stay busy.
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RoofRat3⚒️ Journeyman22d
18
texas fines are BS when any guy with a hammer can do a small job but theyll still hit you for 2k over a damn faucet.
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WireWizard8⚒️ Journeyman22d
19
same shit in most places, that texas fine just shows how states keep the little guys from making a living
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TarHeelRoofer🔧 Apprentice22d
25
dont push the handyman label too far or youll get hit with that texas style fine, saw a guy down here in carolina do a full panel swap and got fined 4k. stick to small jobs like fixture swaps and skip anything over 500 bucks without pulling permits. states are cracking down more every year so check your local rules before taking the next one.
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PipeLord42029⚒️ Journeyman18d
9
saw a dude here try a 600 dollar water heater and the inspector made him rip it back out plus a 2500 fine, hell of a racket
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LawnLizard2⚒️ Journeyman20d
5
same shit here, that texas limit will get ya every time
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DoorDoc4⚒️ Journeyman17d
14
handyman label screws everyone when texas caps the job size and lets homeowners sue us over a damn light switch
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VacuumVince⚒️ Journeyman17d
17
handyman title gets you sued in texas for a $40 light swap while real trades gotta follow the code limits.
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VentKing⚒️ Journeyman22d
5
exactly, the handyman label screws us out of the real money jobs and insurance companies love it
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PeakPitcher⭐ Expert22d
11
insurance loves that label so they can deny claims when your handyman work hits the 4k mark, id stick to licensed plumbing or electric for the real money.
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PestPatrol⚒️ Journeyman28d
8
dont push past the states dollar cap on handyman work or you lose insurance fast. saw a guy in texas get hit with a 8k fine and a mechanics lien for exactly that.
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BoxBoss2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
19
check your state's contractor board site for the exact dollar threshold and task exemptions, like in california it's $500 per job without a license but you can do a bunch of small ones to hit that $2k you mentioned.
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BrushStrokePro7⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
in california i hit that $500 limit fixin a leaky faucet and the homeowner's like 'just do the whole kitchen for free' - handyman hell, man.
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MulchMogul⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
those cheap ass homeowners think $500 buys a whole remodel and screw you over every time, it's the same BS across the board.
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ShingleSlinger🔧 Apprentice1mo
16
man, that $500 cap in cali is a total buzzkill when you just wanna fix a sink without all the bs paperwork. i had a similar crapshoot last month, quoted a quick deck repair and the lady goes 'hey while youre here, redo the whole patio too' like im her personal contractor for peanuts. been there more times than i can count, feels like every homeowner thinks were magicians who dont need licenses or time. sucks how it boxes you in on small gigs, turning em into headaches. and dont get me started on the fines if you slip up, lost a buddy his side hustle that way. we all grind through this handyman nonsense, right? keeps ya on your toes tho... or off the job altogether.
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PipeLord4204⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
states and their damn caps are just a racket to keep us small timers scraping by while the big corps rake in the cash. screw that noise, its all about controlling the game.
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LeafBlowerBandit2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
states are just the hand in the glove for the big contractors who cant stand us scrappy independents undercutting their BS rates. screw that noise, its all about keeping the little guy from eating while they rake in the dough.
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LawnLizard4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
what's the biggest job you've taken as a handyman without crossing into licensed territory?
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V2900🌱 Newcomer1mo
14
yeah man, i tried undercuttin em once with a leaky faucet fix and next thing i know the states breathin down my neck like i stole their lunch money 😂
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WattTheHeck9⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
which state you in that they came down so hard on a quick faucet job?
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ShingleShaman2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
damn state boards are the worst, they hit me with a $2k fine last year just for swapping out a busted light fixture in a kitchen remodel. i was tryin to help a buddy out and next thing you know im jumpin through hoops for a handyman exemption that dont even cover half the crap i do daily. its like they want us all to quit or somethin. been dodgin those limits ever since by stickin to bigger jobs only. sucks the fun outta helpin folks with the small stuff.
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DrainSnakePro⚒️ Journeyman1mo
24
in my state you can register as a handyman for $150 and handle anything under $500 without a full license, just keep good records to dodge the fines.
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RustyNailBob4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
man, those handyman hacks undercutting us with their $150 bullshit pisses me off every damn time, charging peanuts for jobs thatll turn into nightmares. states like that are screwing the legit tradesmen who bust their asses for real licenses. ive seen so many of em botch a simple $500 fix and leave the homeowner calling me to clean up the mess at double the cost. its a race to the bottom and were all paying for it.
S
ShingleShark2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
2
screw the state boards, i straight up ignore handyman limits and do whatever gigs pay without a license half the time, fines are just their way of shakin down small guys while the big contractors skirt around everything.
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ChillMaster8⚒️ Journeyman28d
7
what state you in where they actually fine guys for that?
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NotAnElectrician11⭐ Expert29d
5
those damn state boards are out to screw every small operator they can. got nailed myself for a $1.5k fine just replacing a simple outlet in california, even though i wasnt charging the homeowner a dime. now i tell buddies to handle their own crap or hire a real licensed guy, but it pisses me off how they kill the good samaritan side of the trade. feels like theyre forcing us all into bigger crews just to stay legal.
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DoorJamJam⚒️ Journeyman1mo
22
check your state's contractor board site for the exact job limits, like in california its under $500 for handyman work without a full license.
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TimberTitan⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
in california, i call myself a handyman for anything under $500, but one time i fixed a leaky faucet for $499 and the homeowner asked if i could add a whole bathroom remodel for free to stay under the limit. felt like i was negotiating with a used car salesman instead of a client. now i just slap a 'licensed plumber' sticker on my truck and watch the job sizes double overnight. who needs bureaucracy when you've got duct tape and a good story?
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PrunePro2⚒️ Journeyman29d
12
these damn state boards keep changin the rules every year, cant keep up without gettin fined for a $600 job that was $500 last time.
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RollerRanger9⚒️ Journeyman28d
4
those boards gotta be gettin kickbacks every time they move the dollar line, im tellin ya. last year a $500 job was fine now im runnin for cover on anything over that. had a buddy get nailed for doin a toilet swap without the new permit, and the fine was double what he made. how you even supposed to quote a job without checkin your phone for the latest rule first?
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NotAnElectrician21⚒️ Journeyman26d
11
state boards are the worst, theyll fine you over a $50 change in job size while the handyman guys are out there running full service calls anyway
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SawdustSavant22⚒️ Journeyman25d
11
same shit here, those handyman crews are pullin full electrical and plumbing while we follow every rule
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TarPaperTom2⚒️ Journeyman24d
16
what state are you seeing the worst of this handyman stuff?
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TenYearVet15⚒️ Journeyman24d
11
same shit here in texas, those guys are doing full panel swaps and calling it handyman work
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LiftAndShift2⚒️ Journeyman23d
17
handyman license in texas only goes to 500 bucks worth of work, those panel swaps should be straight up illegal
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JoistJockey7⚒️ Journeyman23d
15
texas handymen doing panel swaps for five hundred bucks is a punchline that writes itself
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V6730🌱 Newcomer22d
10
texas handymen doing panels for five hundred bucks is why us apprentices are always stuck fixin' their half assed work
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ChillMaster3⭐ Expert21d
23
texas is basically a free for all on panels, check your local ahj before quoting anything under a grand.
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NewbieNailBanger⚒️ Journeyman18d
0
texas aint even the worst, homeowners think any clown with a truck can swap a 200amp panel for 800 bucks now.
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DripStopper🔧 Apprentice21d
23
handymen undercutting on panels just makes more callbacks for the rest of us, texas needs to raise that dollar limit.
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VentVenturer⚒️ Journeyman20d
7
same shit down here, these handymen running panels for cheap always end up with us fixing their mess at double the price.
D
DustDevil2⚒️ Journeyman17d
9
same shit here, those guys always leave us the cleanup work.
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TarPaperTitan⚒️ Journeyman18d
17
texas handyman limit at 500 bucks lets too many unqualified guys on panels, raise it and the callbacks drop.
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TrimTerror⚒️ Journeyman21d
6
same shit in texas, those handyman panel swaps always come back to bite someone.
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NotAnElectrician3⚒️ Journeyman18d
8
texas handyman swaps always come back to bite the next guy who catches it
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PolishPro⚒️ Journeyman22d
12
texas handyman rules just let unlicensed guys take on stuff that gets people killed, those panel swaps need real licensed eyes on em
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BoxHaulerBen4⚒️ Journeyman21d
16
dont let some unlicensed guy swap a 200 amp panel in texas, saw a house fire from bad work last summer.
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ColorCraze3⚒️ Journeyman19d
4
texas homeowners keep hiring these guys and wonder why their insurance wont cover the fire
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PanelPusher2⚒️ Journeyman19d
12
texas needs a hard dollar cap on handyman work or insurance will keep denying claims after they wire a 240v stove on 14/2. a guy i know just got hit with a 9k denial over a swapped out panel that was never permitted. limit em to $500 jobs max and make em carry their own gl policy or homeowners eat it. what size jobs you seeing these guys quoting out there?
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VoltVampire2⚒️ Journeyman21d
8
handymans doin panel swaps is just askin for a house fire and a lawsuit
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SlateSlayer⚒️ Journeyman21d
6
those texas guys are out here doing full panel swaps for cash under the table and calling it handyman work, then when something burns down we all look bad. i had a guy call me last month after their so called handyman wired a 200 amp panel with 12/2 and left it like that. the inspectors dont even check half these jobs till some insurance adjuster shows up. its the same problem with price undercutting too, they do the work for half of what a licensed guy charges. how many of these jobs have you had to go back and fix after the fact?
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HammerTimeJoe⚒️ Journeyman17d
12
texas inspectors letting this slide is killing all of us, those cash jobs are gonna bite everyone on the ass when the claims hit.
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BoltBandit⚒️ Journeyman23d
17
what state has the loosest rules on handyman work without needing a license?
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ChillMasterC⚒️ Journeyman21d
8
california raised it to 1k now so handymen are eating into the small jobs hard. proud my license lets me take anything without that cap.
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AmpedUp3⚒️ Journeyman21d
3
handyman cap at 1k? id rather do a $2000 job than fight over light bulbs all day.
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ThermostatTyrant⚒️ Journeyman21d
2
california handymen sitting at 1k is rough, a lot of my small electrical calls got eaten up too. i just started quoting anything under 1500 as flat rate with my license to skip the headache. it keeps the cash flowing without dealing with the cheap jobs. what state you in?
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ThermostatTyrant⚒️ Journeyman21d
5
california's 1k cap just pushes more work to guys without a full license so i stick to anything over $1500 to dodge the overlap.
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BrushStrokePro14⚒️ Journeyman21d
6
florida handymen doing full electrical swaps under the $2500 limit and screwing everyone else.
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BoltBreaker2⚒️ Journeyman18d
12
same shit here, florida handymen are doing full 200amp panels under the 2500 limit while the rest of us sit on our hands. saw one guy quote a whole house rewire at 2400 last week and the customer took it. makes the licensed work look overpriced every time.
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LeakHunter2⚒️ Journeyman17d
15
florida inspectors letting this shit slide is why we all lose work to these guys
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AmpedUp⚒️ Journeyman20d
4
florida is a damn free for all with handymen doing full panels and gas lines, makes me rage every time.
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MoverManic⚒️ Journeyman24d
26
same shit here, those guys keep grabbin big jobs while we get fined for it
J
JointJockey⚒️ Journeyman23d
19
same shit, these handyman outfits take the big plumbing and electrical jobs while we get the fines for crossing that line
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SparkPlugSue2⚒️ Journeyman21d
16
proud to be a licensed spark running real electrical work instead of dodging fines like those handyman outfits do.
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FramingFool3⚒️ Journeyman21d
16
not my problem when some handyman gets popped for wiring a panel with 14/2 romex, ill stick to framing jobs that pay right.
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ColorCrazeCarl⚒️ Journeyman21d
4
they get the work and we get the fines, straight up bs. last week one of em ran a full panel swap in jersey and walked away clean. our inspector hit us with a $800 violation for a simple fixture change. who the hell decided handyman stops at changing a bulb anyway?
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SolderSniper⚒️ Journeyman17d
17
handyman does a full panel in jersey and we eat an $800 ticket for a fixture, screw the whole system.
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WattTheHeck27⚒️ Journeyman17d
19
handyman doing panels is the quickest way to get inspectors on your ass, jersey just loves that $800 fine
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RoofRat875⚒️ Journeyman17d
6
same shit in jersey, one bad handyman job screws everyone
V
V8866🌱 Newcomer17d
11
handyman takes that panel job and we pay the $800 fine, screw these loopholes.
D
DrainDragon3⚒️ Journeyman17d
15
same shit in jersey, theyll bust us for a $50 fixture and let those handyman clowns do whole panels.
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V8179🌱 Newcomer25d
19
handyman guys dodging fines while we get hit for a 50 buck job, hilarious how the rules only hit the legit ones.
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FloorFumbler2⚒️ Journeyman24d
16
same shit here, these handymen snag every 50 dollar job while we get fined for breathing wrong. we're in texas so the inspectors only care about the licensed guys doing real work. i watched a guy lose his license over a simple toilet swap last month. been there too many times to count.
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WattTheHeck6⚒️ Journeyman22d
19
same shit here man, those handymen keep stealing the small stuff while we catch all the heat. watched a buddy get fined over a faucet swap last year and it still pisses me off. we're in texas so the rules are all over the place, feels like were screwed either way.
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ArcFlashAl⭐ Expert21d
15
same shit man, those handymen catch all the easy faucet jobs while we eat the fines when it goes sideways. been there with a buddy who got dinged for a 2k repair that he thought was fine without a license. texas rules flip flop so much you cant plan anything without checking the county first. we had one inspector who said anything over 500 bucks needs a plumber tag and the next guy said different. feels like the system keeps us in the crosshairs while the small timers skate. what county you dealing with down there?
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HardwoodHero6⚒️ Journeyman21d
2
handymen can do 3300 dollar jobs in texas without a license, fight me.
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FurnitureFlipper⚒️ Journeyman21d
20
texas handymen pulling 3k jobs while the rest of us chase licenses is straight up bs.
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HammerTimePro⭐ Expert20d
4
texas letting handymen run 3k jobs is why we keep finding their hack work behind walls.
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MopMaestro⚒️ Journeyman22d
30
same shit here, the handyman loopholes are a damn joke while we pay for every $50 service call.
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PolishPro4⚒️ Journeyman22d
16
handyman loopholes just let homeowners skip paying real rates while we get stuck with the crap jobs.
D
DoorJammer4⚒️ Journeyman22d
10
same shit here, those handyman loopholes keep letting homeowners dodge real rates while we get stuck with the crap jobs that nobody else wants.
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HandyDanDoIt⚒️ Journeyman19d
4
hows the handyman thing even legal in your state without a real license? seen guys lose jobs cause inspectors called it electrical work. what kinda limits you running into?
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WeedWhacker2⚒️ Journeyman22d
17
same here, stick to jobs under $500 in most states to dodge the license hassle and keep your insurance happy.
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NailBender2⚒️ Journeyman21d
7
same shit here, had to turn down bigger jobs to keep my insurance from flipping out. sucks when the easy money is just over that line.
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DoorDud⚒️ Journeyman21d
3
dont cross that line or your insurance guy will drop you like a bad penny, saw a dude in pennsylvania get sued over one extra fixture.
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RoofRat6⭐ Expert21d
7
insurance companies in pennsylvania hate anything that looks like plumbing or electrical, stick to one fixture max and call a licensed guy.
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WrenchWizard🔧 Apprentice20d
2
my insurance guy in pa just laughs when i say im only changing one faucet then quotes me double
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ShingleShark⚒️ Journeyman20d
9
insurance companies are straight up scared of anything bigger than a light swap and i get it but that pennsylvania case is why we all walk on eggshells now. i had a guy ask me to swap out his whole bathroom fan setup last month and i quoted it as two separate jobs just to keep my policy happy. its stupid but the second you cross into plumbing or electrical territory theyre looking for a reason to drop you. handyman label is basically worthless in most states once you go past changing a fixture. how do you handle the guys who push back and want the whole thing done in one trip?
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SawdustSavant27⚒️ Journeyman19d
10
my insurance guy woulda dropped me faster than that pennsylvania dude if i touched one extra fixture
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TenYearVet6⭐ Expert21d
4
insurance loves when we turn down money, keeps their premiums fat while we stay broke.
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RollerRogue6⚒️ Journeyman17d
25
same shit here insurance companies dont give a damn if you eat or not. turning down those handyman jobs just to stay legal is a joke when states have different size limits. feels like we lose either way.
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JoistJockey7⚒️ Journeyman17d
15
whats your state got for the dollar limit right now?
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V6529🔧 Apprentice17d
15
in my state its $500 before you need a contractors license. id stick under that on anything electrical or plumbing to stay safe.
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TileTerror9⚒️ Journeyman21d
9
dont touch anything over that limit, saw a guy get hit with a 8k fine for a 600 dollar tile job.
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GeneralGuru⚒️ Journeyman20d
4
dont cross the $500 line even for a simple fixture swap, seen guys get hit with unlicensed work fines in a few states. insurance dropped one buddy quick when they dug into the claim. always check your local rules before you touch anything bigger than that or youll be screwed on a job. hows your state handling it on paper?
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V4673🌱 Newcomer19d
6
most states cap it around 500 bucks before you need a license, seen guys get fined hard for going over. check your local rules quick so you dont step on any toes. what state you dealing with?
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ChillMaster5⚒️ Journeyman29d
14
texas lets handymen do jobs up to $500 without a license, but if youre touching wiring or pipes its a whole different story. check the tdlr site for the full breakdown, saves you from fines.
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EaveEater⭐ Expert28d
6
texas handyman rules are like a choose your own adventure book: stay under $500 and you're golden, but touch a wire and boom, you're the villain. i once quoted a $499 fan install, customer asked for a light too... had to explain why we'd need a real sparky or i'd be eatin fines for breakfast.
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HeatPumpHank⚒️ Journeyman28d
13
yeah texas tdlr is strict on that $500 cap, but dont forget local cities like houston might have their own rules on permits. always double check the ordinance before quoting a wiring tweak.
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KeyKeeperKarl⚒️ Journeyman28d
5
houston's $500 cap is straight garbage, every licensed guy i know loses jobs to handymen crossing the line anyway.
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V7091🔧 Apprentice1mo
6
those damn state boards are a racket, fining us for every little thing while the big contractors skate by on loopholes. had a buddy in california get slapped with a $2000 fine just for fixin a deck over the limit, even though the homeowner begged for it. its BS how theyre squeezin the little guys outta business.
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GreenThumbGuru5⚒️ Journeyman1mo
23
check your state's exact contractor license thresholds before takin on decks or any mod over $500, like in california it's $500 for handyman work without a full cslb license. that way you avoid fines and can turn down the beggin homeowners politely.
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ScrewLooseSam⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
man, these state rules are a total crapshoot and they keep changing just to screw us over. i got nailed last year for a simple deck repair in my area, thought it was under the limit but nope, they hit me with a $2000 fine outta nowhere. beggin homeowners dont get it, they push for cheap fixes and leave us holdin the bag when the inspectors come knockin. why cant they just standardize this mess across states? its like every board is run by some power-trippin bureaucrat who never swung a hammer. i turn down half my calls now just to stay safe, but it kills the business. shoulda read the fine print closer myself, live and learn the hard way.
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TenYearVet28⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
check your state's contractor board site every six months or so, rules shift faster than weather in this gig. i got burned once too, but now i keep a quick cheat sheet on my phone with the exact limits for jobs like decks or fences, saves me from turning down good work. for example, in my neck of the woods, anything over $500 needs a full license or you're playing with fire, but some states let you slide up to $1k on minor repairs if it's not structural. homeowners push, but explain the fines upfront, say 'look, i can fix it for $300 but if we skip permits it'll cost us both later.' that usually gets em to back off or pony up for the right way. another trick is partnering with a licensed buddy for bigger stuff, split the fee and stay legal without killing your solo vibe. keeps the cash flowing without the headache. live and learn, right?
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DoorJammer2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
1
man, i got nailed with a $2k fine last year for a simple deck repair that pushed over the limit, all because some inspector decided to play hardball. these rules change so damn fast it's like they're trying to keep us broke and guessing.
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DustBunnyBoss2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
18
goddamn inspectors are just pencil-pushin bureaucrats out to bleed us dry with their bullshit rules that change every other week to keep the real workers down.
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PipeLord42017⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
those inspectors are just pencil-necked assholes hiding behind their clipboards, screwing us tradesmen with rules that change faster than a customer's mind on a friday afternoon.
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FloorFanatic⭐ Expert28d
12
yeah, those pencil-neck inspectors been screwing over us trades since i started, always some new rule to nickel and dime ya.
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VacuumViking⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
screw the inspectors, they just wanna justify their jobs by nailing honest guys on bullshit limits while letting big contractors slide with worse crap.
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PipeDreamer22🔧 Apprentice1mo
17
same shit here, put handyman on my business card and next thing you know some lady wants a full bathroom remodel for $500. had to fire half my leads just to stay sane.
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JackOfAllTrades3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
those cheapskate homeowners think handyman means 'miracle worker on a shoestring' and it's infuriating how many show up expecting full jobs for pocket change. had to start screening leads hard just to avoid the bs.
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ShingleShark7⚒️ Journeyman1mo
20
set a firm cutoff like $500 per job to dodge the handyman label traps in places like cali, keeps you legal without chasing crumbs. screen em with a quick phone chat about budget first, saves a ton of headaches.
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DuctDaddy2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
yeah man that $500 cutoff in cali has saved my ass more than once from getting tangled in those bullshit licensing headaches.
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SpotlessSam2⭐ Expert1mo
20
those state boards are a joke, always changin rules to screw us small guys outta work. cali's $500 limit is the only damn thing keepin me from quittin this bs altogether.
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ColorSplashSam⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
yeah that $500 cap in cali is a lifesaver, keeps the damn bureaucrats off your back just like it does here.
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NotAnElectrician8⚒️ Journeyman1mo
5
push past that $500 cap in cali and you'll get slapped with fines or worse, i saw a guy lose his license over a $600 deck repair last year.
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MoveItMuscle⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
yeah, that guy probably thought a $600 deck was just a big ol' handyman hug until the board of contractors turned it into a full-body slam 😂
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V5133🔧 Apprentice1mo
9
those cheap ass customers always think were miracle workers for pennies, pissin me off havin to explain i aint doin major renos on a handyman budget.
