Hiring a handyman in Colorado is simpler than hiring a general contractor — but "simpler" isn't the same as "no rules." Knowing where the lines are protects your home, your insurance, and your wallet. Here's the short version, from the handyman's side.
This is general information, not legal advice. Rules vary by city and county and change over time — always check with your local building department.
There's no state handyman license
Colorado doesn't issue a statewide handyman or general contractor license. That's why handymen can legally do a wide range of repair and maintenance work — patching drywall, fixing doors, repairing decks, installing shelving, painting.
But electrical and plumbing are state-licensed
Electrical and plumbing work is licensed at the state level. That applies regardless of job size. A handyman who isn't a licensed electrician or plumber shouldn't be doing that work in your home — even if it seems small.
A good handyman will handle everything around that work — the drywall, the trim, the cabinet — and bring in a licensed partner for the part that requires it.
Counties and cities license contractors for permitted work
Most jurisdictions require a building permit for structural work, larger remodels, and many deck projects — and only licensed contractors can pull those permits. Examples:
- Park County requires a county contractor license to contract for construction work in unincorporated areas like Bailey.
- Jefferson County licenses contractors by class for permitted work in unincorporated areas like Conifer and Evergreen.
- Denver requires a supervisor certificate and a contractor license for permitted work, and most other metro cities have their own rules.
Why it matters to you
- Insurance. Unpermitted or unlicensed work can complicate a claim if something goes wrong.
- Selling later. Unpermitted work can show up at inspection and become your problem to fix.
- Safety. Permits exist mostly for electrical, gas, structural, and egress work — the stuff that hurts people when it's wrong.
Five questions to ask any handyman
- Are you insured, and can you send a certificate?
- Does this job need a permit? Who pulls it?
- Who does the electrical or plumbing part, and are they licensed?
- What's included in the price — and what isn't?
- What happens if the scope changes once you open things up?
A handyman who answers those clearly, in writing, is one worth hiring. That's the standard I hold myself to — here's how I work.