Q: How much work can a handyman do and accept money for it? I’ve been doing toilet and sink repairs for my neighbors, and they’ve been offering me money. I’m not a licensed contractor. So is it legal for me to take the money?
A: What you’re probably wondering about is the so-called “handyman exemption.” Arizona law allows an exemption from licensing laws so that unlicensed handymen — or women — can do home repairs or remodeling jobs. But they can do them only as long as the work involved does not need a permit from a city or county and so long as the total value of the labor and materials for the job do not exceed $1,000. You also are not allowed to do electrical or plumbing work. You can read more about this exemption and the rules in the state statues at 32-1121 A14. Most of the time, this type of work will include minor repairs only. So under the right conditions, you can probably be paid for your work.
For more do-it-yourself tips, go to rosieonthehouse.com. Rosie Romero is the host of the syndicated Saturday morning Rosie on the House radio program, heard from 8-11 a.m. on KNST-AM (790) in Tucson and from 9-11 a.m. on KGVY-AM (1080) and -FM (100.7) in Green Valley. Call 888-767-4348.
