As Coffee County continues to recover from Hurricane Helene, many residents may be considering home repairs, renovations, or building new homes. Before hiring someone for these tasks, homeowners should understand the difference between a handyman and a contractor.
The State of Georgia Secretary of State has a State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors (see O.C.G.A. Sections 43-41-1 through 43-41-17). In July 2008, the enforcement of the standards and licensing requirements was established. Some specialty occupations, such as roofers, painters, drywall contractors, and repair handymen, are exempt and do not have to be licensed by the state. The scope of work must be limited to jobs that do not require a State of Georgia “Contractors” License. Examples of work that a handyman is allowed to perform include changing out a light fixture or electrical outlet, installing an appliance, and repairing or repainting a porch or deck, not to exceed $2,500.00. However, a State of Georgia-issued Contractor License is required to install new, make additions, or alter any structure, including electrical, plumbing, and HVAC, in a significant manner.
Other specialty occupations, such as roofers, painters, flooring, and millwork, do not require a state-issued license. Utility-related occupations such as electricians, plumbers, and mechanical contractors must be licensed with the State of Georgia. Other utility-related trades, such as plumbers, electricians, and mechanical contractors, are regulated by the Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board. To determine if a tradesman needs a state license, please contact the Secretary of State’s office or visit their website: https://sos.ga.gov/licensing-division-georgia-secretary-states-office.
Anyone doing business within the City of Douglas should have a business license, including handyman and specialty contractors. Please check with the City of Douglas Code Enforcement Division (912-389-3460) to ensure a contractor has the proper licensing or to report someone operating without the required local license.
Homeowners should carefully review warranty information and follow the procedures as outlined for repairs if a dispute should occur with a contractor. Georgia’s Right to Repair Act (O.C.G.A. Sections 8-2-35 through 8-2-43) provides a notification process for suing a builder, subcontractor, or design professional for defective construction or remodeling of your home. Owners of new and old single-family homes, duplexes, and condominiums must follow all of the Act’s requirements(summarized in the link below) to file a lawsuit, and buyers must be given notice of these provisions in their sales contracts. Visit https://consumer.georgia.gov/consumer-topics/right-repair-act for the full information on the Right to Repair Act.