Are you planning to get a handyman license in the state of West Virginia, but you don't know where to start? Perhaps, you've asked someone you know or visited tons of websites already, but the process is still not clear?

Don't worry. I got you covered! I'll explain everything that you need to know on how you'll be able to get that West Virginia handyman license that you are dreaming of! 

Here's everything you need, and let's go straight to the point.‍

Do You Need a Handyman License in West Virginia? Here is the answer.

You can't obtain a handyman license in West Virginia. However, you need to have a West Virginian contractor license when handling any contract for a handyman valued above $2,500. Handyman experts may provide minor services such as interior painting, patching holes in walls, and repairing windows. 

West Virginia contractors can repair and replace roofs, perform structural changes to houses, repair steps, replace siding, supervise subcontractors, build driveways, and replace garage doors. Handyman experts may also need to get extra permits for each contract.

Here's some good news!

Did you know that by the end of the next decade, the handyman industry will increase by over 8%!

If you're looking at how to start a handyman business in West Virginia, you need to get a regional handyman license.

Licensed handyman experts earn livable wages. To learn how much a handyman can make from these opportunities, you can refer to these handyman blogs.

How can I apply for a Contractor License in West Virginia?

To apply for a West Virginia contractor license, you must:

• Possess a GED or a high school diploma and be at least 18 years old
• Be an owner, member, officer, or a full-time employee of a firm
• Be a registered candidate for the West Virginia contractor exam
• Be registered with the West Virginia Tax Department for receipt of your business registration tax number
• Have unemployment compensation for your employees and worker's compensation ( for business owners only)
• Submit an affidavit of a wage bond status
• Submit application fee and contractor license application

Handyman professional vs. licensed handyman contractor salary comparison

There's a huge advantage when you are a licensed contractor in West Virginia when we talk about wages. To give you an idea, a professional handyman in West Virginia earns an average hourly salary ranging from $12-$30. Meanwhile, a licensed handyman contractor can earn up to an hourly wage of $95.

What Is The Cost Of Obtaining A Handyman License In West Virginia?

The application for a handyman license in West Virginia costs $90. You also have to pay extra costs for tax applications, bonds, and other fees that come with handyman license applications in West Virginia.

How to Get a Handyman License in West Virginia?

I'm glad you stayed with me, and I assume you already have a glimpse of what you need to know when getting a Handyman License in West Virginia.

Let's go back to your question. 

I've itemized the different steps that you need to do to obtain a Handyman License in West Virginia:

1. Determine the classification of your desired license - You can do this by contacting the regional licensing board

2. Plan for your exam and get a Certificate of Authority and tax number.

3. Submit a wage bond affidavit and application fee alongside your application form to the West Virginia licensing board.

Remember that you don't need to take classes to submit your application to the licensing board of West Virginia. However, you can sharpen your expertise by enrolling in a class, which boosts your worth in the handyman marketplace.

‍Are there Handyman training programs in West Virginia?

Yes indeed! Here are the different handyman training programs in West Virginia to consider:

• Contractor Training Center
• West Virginia Laborers Training Center
• West Virginia University Extension Service

If you are interested in joining these training programs, there are a few requirements:

• You are at least eighteen years old
• You have a GED or high school diploma
• You possess the basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills

What are the different In-Service experiences of a Licensed Handyman in West Virginia?

The different Licensed In-Service experience in West Virginia includes:

• Replacement and repairing of residential and commercial roofs
• Demolishment of residential and commercial buildings and structures
• Submitting contract bids
• Windows and siding replacement

Some of the courses in West Virginia handyman programs include:

• CPR and First Aid
• Construction and Blueprints
• West Virginia Building Codes
• Project Operations and Management
• Asbestos Safety

Here's an important thing to remember:

You'll need to pay an hourly credit fee of at least $250 and community colleges and trade schools offering West Virginia Contractor Courses. You can also enroll in online classes, and if you are a student currently attending accredited schools, you can seek financial aid from your school.

I'm interested in taking up the West Virginia Contractor Exam

I wish you all the best, and if you are planning to take the West Virginia Contractor Exam, I want to share with you the different things you need to know when taking the exam.

First, The examination for West Virginia contractors costs $51.95 per exam. You take the exam at any designated examination center in West Virginia. You must pass both the knowledge and law/business exams at a park mass of 70%.

Here are the Contents of the West Virginia Contractor Exam:

• Masonry
• Multifamily
• Piping
• Repair and modeling
• General Building

I also recommend you check these resources to help you prepare for the examination:

• West Virginia Contractors Practice Exam
• Contractor License Exam Prep
• WV Licensing Candidate Exam Information

What if I got my West Virginia Handyman License? Will it help me get a job?

As a professional handyman or licensed contractor in West Virginia, many opportunities are available to you. With the following resources, you can maximize your chances of obtaining a job using your handyman license.

Places to find handyman jobs:

• Monster Jobs
• ZipRecruiter
• Glassdoor

Tips for searching for handyman jobs

• Create personal profiles on job boards
• Contact colleagues in the industry and ask them for contractor and handyman job opportunities
• After submitting resumes to hiring recruiters, send them follow-up emails
• Send applications for at least three jobs a day
• Advertise your services

Got a Job Interview? I got some Job Interview tips for you!

I wish you all the best for your handyman job interview and hope you get the job soon. To help you out and increase your chances of catching the job, here are a few tips:

• You must Communicate concisely and clearly
• You must Groom professionally and wear professional attire.
• Arrive early for the interview
• Practice your interview skills.
• Positively acknowledge previous employers.

Is there a trend in the Handyman Industry?

Yes indeed! Did you know that the handyman industry is growing at a rapid rate? Thanks to a strong U.S. economy, thousands of dollars are accessible to homeowners from financial institutions for home renovation. They use this money to hire handyman professionals to replace windows, renovate rooms, and perform electrical work.

Handyman professionals and general contractors do their work differently due to new technology. They learn about new tools and best practices by attending trade shows.

Is my Handyman License only valid in West Virginia?

You can use your West Virginia handyman license in various locations such as Alabama, Ohio, and North Carolina. You can obtain licenses from these states by submitting your application to their respective licensing authorities.

If you have a license but:

• You changed your name - Contact the licensing board of West Virginia to change your name on your card
• You misplaced your card - Contact the board to order a replacement card
• You changed your address - Contact the licensing board to change the address on your card

Each of the above three options requires you to pay $10.

How Often Do I Need to Renew My Handyman License in West Virginia?

Handyman professionals in West Virginia must renew their contractor licenses every year at a renewal cost of $90, with a late payment attracting a fee of $25.

Need more tips?

Are you an amateur handyman seeking to bag your business license or an experienced veteran looking to expand your business entity? Learn how ServGrow's all-in-one handyman software can help your endeavor fastest and easiest way. Remember, a successful handyman business is more than a catchy handyman slogan.