Insurance and the state
What I carry, and what the state requires
North Carolina licenses general contractors for large projects. Small repair jobs fall below that line, so there's no license number in my footer. Here is what I do carry.
Insurance
General liability insurance
Certificate sent on request
Scope of the work
Small repairs only
Jobs I can finish in a day or two, with my own tools, and nothing that needs a permit.
Specialty work is referred out
Electrical, plumbing, gas and roofing go to licensed firms. I tell you who to call.
Ask any handyman
Five questions to ask before anyone starts
- What's your hourly rate, and is there a minimum?
- What do you do if the job runs past your estimate?
- Do you carry liability insurance, and can I see the certificate?
- What will you refuse to do?
- Who comes to my house: you, or someone you send?
My answers are on this site. If another handyman can't answer the same five, think twice before you let them in.
Questions
About insurance and the state
Do you need a license to do this work?
North Carolina requires a general contractor license for large projects, not for small repairs. I stay within small repairs. If a job needs a license I don't hold, I tell you and refer you to a firm that has it.
Can I see your insurance?
Yes. I'll text or email the certificate before I start.
My house was built before 1978. Does that change anything?
It can. The EPA's lead rule covers paid work that disturbs more than 6 square feet of paint inside, or 20 square feet outside, in a house built before 1978, and any window replacement or demolition. I keep my patch work under that limit. When a job would go past it, I stop and point you to a firm that holds the EPA's lead certification.
Want to see the certificate?
Text me and I'll send it, along with the hours I expect for your job.