General Handyman Licensing in Ontario

No specific handyman licence is required in Ontario for general maintenance and repair work. However, handymen cannot legally perform work that falls under compulsory trades - this includes electrical work (requires ESA licence), plumbing (requires C of Q), and gas fitting (requires TSSA certification). Business registration and HST registration (if revenue exceeds $30,000/year) are required. No trade certification is needed for general tasks like painting, drywall patching, furniture assembly, or fixture installation.

Ask about their experience and areas of expertise. Confirm they will not perform any compulsory trade work (electrical, plumbing, gas) without the proper licensed tradespeople.

(1) Claims to do electrical, plumbing, or gas work without proper licensing (2) No liability insurance - even minor work can result in accidental damage (3) Cannot provide any references or online reviews (4) Quotes seem unreasonably low - may lack proper insurance or intend to cut corners

(1) Do you carry liability insurance? (2) What is your minimum service fee and hourly rate? (3) Are there any tasks on my list that require a licensed tradesperson instead? (4) Do you supply materials, or should I purchase them? (5) Can you provide references from recent clients?

While not legally required, it is strongly recommended that general handymans carry liability insurance. Ask for proof of coverage before hiring.

Typical rates for general handymans in Ontario range from $50-$100/hour. Job complexity, time required, materials needed, travel distance, and whether the work requires specialized tools. Most handymen charge a minimum service fee of $150-$400 to cover travel and setup. Bundling multiple small tasks into a single visit is more cost-effective. Specialized skills (minor plumbing, basic electrical) command higher hourly rates. Toronto and GTA rates are at the higher end.