Get Quotes from Top Handymen in Oklahoma City, OK

Are You Licensed to Practice as a Handyman in Oklahoma?

Working as a handyman in Oklahoma City on any renovation, remodeling, repair, or construction project does not require a state license. However, any individual contracting to make or deliver any substantial change or addition, or enhancement of any new, proposed, or existing structure on private land must register as a residential building contractor with Oklahoma. The following must be submitted in order to register as a residential building contractor:

• Insurance against general liability (minimum of $50,000 per occurrence)
• Form for workers' compensation exemption (if applicable)
• Compensation for workers (minimum of $100,000 per incident)
• Affidavit of Immigration (if applicable)
• Payment of $100 for building contractor registration

A handyman who is obliged by the city to register but operates without doing so is considered guilty of a Class 'a' offense, which attracts a fine of not more than $500. Further offenses will be charged as a Class 'b' offense, which carries a maximum fine of $1200 and a maximum sentence of 6 months in prison. You can confirm your handyman's registration by using the Oklahoma City Citizen Portal.

It is also important that your handyman has a business license to operate in Oklahoma City. To get a business license, the handyman has to decide on a business structure and a business name, which may require the business to file a Trade Name with the Oklahoma Secretary of State to protect the use of that business name within Oklahoma. They may also need to establish a Federal Employer Identification Number from the Internal Revenue Service for the business, and the bank may require it to set up business banking accounts and services.

For more information regarding licensing in Oklahoma City, contact the Department of Development Services at:

How Much Do You Charge Compared to Handymen in Oklahoma?

The average cost of hiring a handyman in Oklahoma City is usually impacted by a number of factors, including the nature of the task, the type and cost of supplies required, and the expected labor requirements of the job. Before deciding on the best handyman to hire, getting quotations from at least two or three different handymen in Oklahoma City is a good idea. This is also a good way to avoid being taken advantage of by con artists or handymen who overcharge for their services.

Handymen in Oklahoma City make an average of $37,380 per year. The table below compares and contrasts the average hourly wages of handymen and other general maintenance and repair workers in Oklahoma with those of workers in this industry across the State of Oklahoma and major American cities:

Do You Require a Permit to Complete This Work in Oklahoma?

As a homeowner, you must ensure that your handyman follows all building and construction standards that may apply to your home repair project. According to the Oklahoma Uniform Building Code, a building permit is required when building, altering, repairing, enlarging, moving, or demolishing any primary or ancillary structure in Oklahoma. A building permit can be obtained online using the Oklahoma Citizen Portal.

Each permit issued for residential or commercial construction attracts an administrative fee of $0.50, which is collected and remitted to the Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission. You will receive a mandatory inspection list along with your permit; once you have received it, you are ready for inspections. To request an inspection, use the IVR Automated Phone System at (405) 316-5656. For more information about building permits in Oklahoma City, call the Development Center Plan Review at (405) 297-2525.

What Works Can You Do Legally as a Handyman in Oklahoma?

You might be asking what makes a handyman different from a contractor. Since these two types of professionals are not interchangeable, it is crucial to understand the distinction before hiring one for your next home renovation or repair project in Oklahoma City. A handyman differs from a contractor in that a handyman is a generalist who can install a ceiling fan and repair a door in your living room with equal ease. On the other hand, a contractor is an expert in a specific area of home services, such as plumbing or electrical repair. A handyman can also handle little work like art hanging or showerhead replacement, whereas a contractor is needed for larger projects. In most cases, a handyman will charge less per hour or per project than a contractor. Before making your final hiring decision, you may wish to compare price quotations from different providers.

While city handymen are not required to have occupational licenses, it is always in your best interest to ensure that the handyman you hire has the experience and equipment needed to finish the job. Working with professional handymen can also assist you in identifying tasks that require specific knowledge. The following are price estimates for some of the services provided by Oklahoma City handymen:

Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for Handymen in Oklahoma?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, general maintenance and repair employees in many cities across the country, including handymen in Oklahoma City, suffered 70 fatal work-related injuries and 23,400 nonfatal work-related injuries in 2020 alone. Making sure your handyman is properly insured protects you from any financial and legal obligations if something goes wrong during your home repair project. Damage to your property by the handyman and injuries to the handyman or other third parties as a result of the repair work in question are examples of these situations.

Even though handymen in Oklahoma City are not required by law to carry insurance, it is always in your best interest as a homeowner to make sure that your chosen handyman carries, at the very least, general liability insurance. Accidental damages or injuries are covered under this policy. To check this insurance's legitimacy, get coverage evidence and contact the relevant insurance provider.

Also, according to Oklahoma's Administrative Workers' Compensation Act, if your handyman has employees, they are mandated to maintain workers' compensation insurance for these employees. As a result, if your handyman employs an assistant or apprentice, you should also require proof of insurance. For more information regarding insurance in Oklahoma City, please contact the Oklahoma Insurance Department at (405) 521-2828 or visit their office at: