If the job is ordinary maintenance under New Jersey's construction code (N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.7), like painting, flooring or a like-for-like fixture swap, a handyman can fit. If it needs a construction permit, new wiring or plumbing, or several trades in sequence, hire a contractor who brings licensed electricians and plumbers.
The permit test
New Jersey requires a construction permit for most work that alters a house (N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.14). The code lists what does not need one. That list is a good map of handyman work:
- Painting, wallpaper, trim and moldings.
- Replacing flooring, cabinets or built-ins.
- Patching drywall or plaster over less than a quarter of a wall.
- Replacing a faucet, shower valve or trap, or a fixture with a similar one without changing the piping.
- Replacing a switch, outlet or light fixture with a similar one.
Moving plumbing, adding wiring, cutting a bearing wall or changing an egress window is outside that list and needs a permit (N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.7).
The licensed-trade test
Electrical work needs a licensed electrical contractor (N.J.S.A. 45:5A-9), and plumbing work needs a licensed master plumber (N.J.S.A. 45:14C-12.3). A permit application has to name the licensed trades doing that work (N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.15). A handyman who is neither cannot legally run new circuits or move a drain, however capable.
Registration applies to both
Any business that offers or performs home improvements in New Jersey has to register with the Division of Consumer Affairs (N.J.S.A. 56:8-138). That includes handyman businesses doing home improvement work, not only general contractors. Look up either one in the state's License Verification System at newjersey.mylicense.com. More on that in how to choose a contractor in NJ.
A quick way to decide
- Is it on the ordinary maintenance list above? A handyman can fit.
- Does it need a permit? Hire a contractor.
- Does it touch wiring or plumbing beyond a like-for-like swap? You need licensed trades.
- Does it need more than one trade in order, like a kitchen or bathroom? A contractor sequences them.
Where MHG fits
MHG Contracting is a family-owned contractor at 2145 Nottingham Way in Hamilton, registered as a New Jersey home improvement contractor (#13VH13286900). It takes on kitchens, bathrooms, basements, whole-home renovations, additions and new construction. If your project is on that side of the line, call (609) 712-2474 or ask for a free estimate. The NJ permit guide covers the permit side in more detail.
