The Costly Lesson of an Unlicensed Handyman

Every once in a while, a story comes along that reminds me how critical it is to take the extra step to protect yourself as a homeowner. A client of mine recently learned this lesson the hard way.

He needed some work done around the house—nothing major, just a few repairs and improvements. Wanting to save a little money, he hired a handyman recommended by a friend. The man seemed capable, the price was fair, and everything looked fine—until it wasn’t.

During one of the repair jobs, the handyman accidentally started a fire that caused significant damage to the home. What should have been a few days of minor work turned into a months-long ordeal and tens of thousands of dollars in damage.

When my client filed a claim with his homeowner’s insurance, he expected it to be covered. Unfortunately, the insurance company denied the claim. Why? Because the person he hired was not licensed and not insured.

That distinction makes all the difference.

A licensed contractor has met the state’s requirements for training, experience, and financial responsibility. They’re accountable to the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection and must follow certain standards. An insured contractor carries both liability and (often) workers’ compensation insurance—protection that covers damage or injury that might occur during the course of the work.

When you hire someone who is unlicensed or uninsured, you’re essentially taking on all the risk yourself. If something goes wrong—an accident, an injury, or damage to your property—you could be left footing the bill.

Thankfully, it’s very easy to confirm whether a contractor’s license is valid and current. Before you hire anyone, go to the official Connecticut license lookup site at:
👉 https://elicense.ct.gov/Lookup/LicenseLookup.aspx

Just type in the person’s name or business name, and you’ll see their license status, expiration date, and any disciplinary history. It takes only a minute, and it can save you from heartbreak, financial loss, and legal trouble later.

So before you hire a handyman, electrician, plumber, painter, or anyone else to work on your home, do yourself a favor—verify their license and insurance. It’s a simple step that can prevent a world of trouble.

My client’s experience was an unfortunate reminder that trying to save a few dollars up front can end up costing far more in the long run. Protect yourself, your investment, and your peace of mind: hire only licensed and insured professionals.