In Alberta, a handyman can handle repairs, installations and maintenance that don't require a trade licence or permit, such as drywall, doors, assembly, mounting and like-for-like fixture swaps on existing connections. New electrical wiring and circuits, new plumbing lines, and any gas connections need a licensed electrician, plumber or gas fitter, and often a permit.
One of the most useful things a handyman can do is tell you when a job isn’t for them. In Alberta, electrical, plumbing and gas work are regulated under the provincial Safety Codes Act, and in Edmonton many of those jobs need a permit from the City. Here’s how we think about where the line falls. It isn’t legal advice, and the rules can change, so when in doubt, check with the City of Edmonton or a licensed trade.
Jobs a handyman is a good fit for
- Drywall patching, trim, baseboards and paint touch-ups
- Interior doors, hardware, locks and adjustments
- TV, shelf, mirror and blind installation
- Furniture and product assembly
- Caulking, grout and weatherproofing
- Small flooring and tile repairs
- Fence, gate and deck board repairs
- Dryer vent ducting and exterior vent covers
None of these require a trade licence, and they’re the bread and butter of what we do.
Electrical: the grey area people ask about most
We do like-for-like replacements: taking down an existing light fixture and putting up a new one on the same suitable box, or swapping an old switch, outlet, GFCI or hardwired smoke alarm for a new one on the same wiring.
What should go to a licensed electrician:
- Adding a new light, outlet or switch where there wasn’t one
- Running new wire or adding a circuit
- Anything inside the electrical panel
- Installing a ceiling fan where the box isn’t fan-rated
- Hot tubs, EV chargers, basement suite wiring
- Older wiring like knob-and-tube or aluminium branch circuits
Homeowners in Alberta can sometimes get a homeowner’s permit for work in their own home, but that’s for the owner doing the work, not for a hired handyman.
Plumbing: fixtures yes, systems no
Replacing a faucet, a toilet, a shower head, a P-trap or a fill valve on existing connections is typical handyman work. Moving a drain, adding a new fixture, running new supply lines, roughing in a basement bathroom, or replacing a hot water tank are jobs for a licensed plumber and usually need a permit.
Gas: always a licensed gas fitter
There’s no grey area here. Connecting a gas stove, gas dryer, natural gas BBQ, fireplace or furnace must be done by a licensed gas fitter. A handyman can assemble the BBQ, install the dryer vent or move the stove into place, but the gas connection is not our job.
Building permits: decks, structural work and more
In Edmonton, building a new deck that’s more than about 0.6 m (2 ft) above the ground generally needs a building permit (see the City’s uncovered deck permit page), as do structural changes like removing walls or adding windows. Replacing deck boards or fixing a railing on an existing deck usually doesn’t. Basement development, secondary suites and major renovations involve permits and usually a general contractor.
Why this matters to you
Work done without the right licence or permit can cause problems with home insurance claims, home inspections when you sell, and of course safety. A cheaper quote from someone willing to “just do it” isn’t a bargain if it means redoing the work later.
The handyman’s job around licensed work
There’s often plenty for a handyman to do alongside a licensed trade: patching the drywall after the electrician has run new wire, mounting the TV once the new outlet is in, rebuilding the vanity after the plumber moves the drain. If you’re planning a project with several parts, we’re happy to help you figure out who does what.
Not sure if your job needs a licensed trade? Text a photo to 780-566-1352 and we’ll give you a straight answer.