FAQs • Manhattan • CivicEngage

Do I have to be a certified tradesperson to work on my own home or a friend/relative's home?: You may perform construction activities without having a trades certificate provided you are both the owner and occupant of the home. However, you must still obtain a permit, if required, and have inspections completed during construction. If you are doing work on your secondary residence or a friend/relative’s property, you need to have a contractor or trades license as well as the proper permits and inspections. Please call Risk Reduction at 785-587-4506 for permits and inspections.

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Risk Reduction — Licensing

1. Do I have to be a certified tradesperson to work on my own home or a friend/relative's home?: You may perform construction activities without having a trades certificate provided you are both the owner and occupant of the home. However, you must still obtain a permit, if required, and have inspections completed during construction. If you are doing work on your secondary residence or a friend/relative’s property, you need to have a contractor or trades license as well as the proper permits and inspections. Please call Risk Reduction at 785-587-4506 for permits and inspections.

2. What contractor licenses are issued by Risk Reduction?: The following licenses are issued by Risk Reduction: Sign Contractor, General Contractor, Demolition Contractor, Electrical Contractor, Plumbing Contractor, Drainlaying Contractor, Irrigation Contractor, Mechanical Contractor, Fireplace Installer Contractor, and Plumbing/Mechanical Contractor. For more information on licenses and requirements, please see the Risk Reduction web page.

3. What certificates does Risk Reduction issue to tradespersons?: The Risk Reduction Division issues licenses for the following trades, upon successful completion of a Prometric or ICC exam: Journeyman Plumber w/Gas, Master Plumber w/Gas, Journeyman Electrician, Master Electrician, Journeyman Mechanical, Master Mechanical, Journeyman Drainlayer, Master Drainlayer, Master Pipefitter, Journeyman Pipefitter, Journeyman Sheetmetal, Master Sheetmetal, Journeyman Refrigeration, Master Refrigeration, Irrigation License, and Certified Fireplace Installer. For more information on licenses and requirements, please visit the Risk Reduction web page.