DIAY! What licenses should I get to really do it ALL myself?

Question

After a pipe broke in the attic of my two story multi-home, I faced a lot of issues with my general contractor and plumber in particular. Leaks still prevalent in pipes and refusing to fix them, contractors worker and his family squatting in my home without my permission, and lazy work done to finishes of the home. It was a nightmare to say the least and I had to figure out a lot of stuff to fix the problems myself.

I like to think of myself as someone who isn't afraid of getting down and dirty and doing the hard work. Someone who wants to know everything I can about the things I love, including real estate and home the  systems in a home work. As a new Realtor and someone who plans to buy and house hack many more multi-units in the future, I'm thinking about instead of using my GI Bill for a Masters, perhaps getting certified in multiple trades to further my education on electricity, plumbing, HVAC, and building. Even if I'm not the one who originally has to build a home from the ground up, I want to know the basics of how to do things myself or at least know enough to check and make sure things are done correctly.

Any thoughts or suggestions from anyone who feels like they have a great amount of knowledge about what goes into a home and any licensing they suggest is the most important? Or how to go about getting certified? Personal experiences dealing or feeling similar to me after a bad experience with several "professionals"?

Kevin Sobilo · Answer

@Jessica James, in my state (PA) you actually don't need a license per se to pull permits and be a contractor. You need to be insured and register with the state showing proof of insurance. That's all! Most municipalities charge a local license fee and a few are grandfathered in under an old law and actually require some testing for licenses, but VERY VERY few.

So, I myself am insured and registered as a contractor so I can pull permits and do work on my houses.

I considered getting some formal training, but I just did BRRRR rehabs and did more and more work myself on each rehab. Every project I found new things to learn and expand my knowledge and skill-set.

Also as a real estate agent, you can take advantage of your clients home inspections to learn a lot from the inspectors! I always talk with them as they do their work. I ask questions and learn and it helps me better serve my client because I better understand the issues the inspector is finding. So, its a win-win!

If I was going to actually take courses in a trade, it would be plumbing and HVAC. Basic plumbing isn't terrible, but HVAC is hard to learn on your own. Electric is not bad at all to learn to do on your own.

Will Barnard · Answer

He thing not mentioned and should be considered is this, is doing the labor of contracting above or below your pay scale? While I can demo the house myself, why would I when I can hire that out at $20 p hour when I make hundreds an hour doing other tasks like finding deals, raising capital, managing the business, etc. You should not waste your time doing work that you could otherwise hire out at lower rates than your value in time.

While you think you are saving money, you really are losing it doing these tasks yourself.

For this contractor that screwed you up, that is just a lesson for you on how to select the right person or team for the job. Consider the costs as education on your business, learn from the mistake and do your best not to repeat it.

Jerry V. · Answer

Henry, Ummmmm.... love your enthusiasm but, no! lol  I get it, I use the internet to look things up too.  But, I'm usually pretty adept in those things already and just need to know specifics on something I'm not familiar with, or something I've not done before (but is in the same trade).  Many people: aren't mechanically inclined; are scared of heights; get sick from small stinky black mold stuff (plumbing); etc etc etc ... IF you have the knack to do things, and it's not out of your comfort range, sure!  Go get em!  But, that's not always the case.

For small/simple things; changing out fixtures, changing light sockets or fixtures, Repairing and easy to reach place on the eaves, or painting them... again, go for it!  If you have to re-wire a room or house; replace an electrical panel; replace things on the roof (could be easy or complicated) .. better get someone you trust and know they warranty any work that they do.  But learn it all while it's happening of course! lol

ALL states are different in their licensing.  Here in Texas, there is no state license for Roofing or Foundation work.  So we always suggest to look for longevity and meet those people to see if they are actually knowledgeable, or just seem like they are blowing smoke! (not literally)  Other trades like  hvac, plumbing, electrical  ARE licensed.

There IS a wealth of information out there but... do what you can and what you are comfortable with.  I know this first hand as we've gone behind tons of people that wanted to fix things themselves, but it just made it more complicated for us to fix it all in the end. :P

Stay in touch and let me (us all here) know how it all goes!

Henry T. · Answer

Today there's no excuse for not doing things yourself. Everything you need to learn is on youtube. Everything! You don't need a license to work on your own home. You need permits if you're changing the structure, or adding more square footage. If you're just fixing what's already there, ceiling, sheetrock, roof, elec, plumbing, heating, fixtures, you go for it.  The only drawback is you'll be slower than a pro because you're learning as you go.  You can do it.  I did it, and if I can, anyone can. Now stop talkin' and get to work! Good luck!

Jessica James · Answer

@Mike Reynolds "I think in California you need a license just to get out of the truck with a hammer." hahaha

Thank you so much for your advice. I GREATLY appreciate it!

Mike Reynolds · Answer

I think in California you need a license just to get out of the truck with a hammer.

Just kidding of course. I have nothing against Cali.

I get the frustrations. I now do large commercial and industrial contracting. The area where "all" the bonded, insured are "professionals". It is just a pipe dream and the reality is you have hacks no matter the level. From handyman to international mechanical contractor. I think it is great that you want to do more. Even if you choose to step away later, the knowledge you will have gained will be priceless. The reality is you just need better contractors though if you are just tired of how you are being treated and want to use your time for other things that need doing.

But if you figure out how to hire a good sub 80% of the time you could make a fortune on classes. Sign me up.

DIAY! What licenses should I get to really do it ALL myself?

Most Popular Reply