What Can a Handyman Do in College Station, Texas?

In Texas, there is no single state-issued “general contractor” or “handyman” license for basic repair/remodel work, but Texas does require state licenses for specific regulated trades (especially electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and fire protection). In College Station (Brazos County), you typically must pull permits for many building/MEP jobs even if you don’t need a state license, and you must follow city registration rules if the city requires contractor registration for certain scopes.

In TX, jobs under $None typically don't require a contractor license. Always verify with your local licensing authority.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

Interior/exterior painting (no lead-based paint certification exception—pre-1978 homes may trigger EPA RRP requirements for paid renovators)
Minor drywall patching and texture repair
Trim work and basic carpentry that does not alter structural members (baseboards, casing, shelving)
Cabinet hardware replacement and door adjustments/repairs
Gutter cleaning and minor gutter repair (not full structural modifications)
Fence repairs that do not require engineering/structural permit triggers (verify city permit rules for new fences or height changes)
Tile setting and flooring (laminate/LVP) where no structural subfloor/framing changes occur
Deck/porch surface board replacement-in-kind (verify permit requirements; structural repairs/new decks usually require permits and may require engineered plans)

⚠️ What Requires a License

Electrical contracting/installation/alteration/repair regulated by TDLR (including many panel-related tasks, new circuits, and often fixture installation where wiring modifications occur)
Plumbing work regulated by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (including water heater replacement in many jurisdictions, moving/adding lines, drain/vent changes, and many fixture replacements beyond simple like-for-like swaps)
HVAC/R installation, service, and repair (TDLR ACR contractor licensing; EPA 608 for refrigerants)
Fire sprinkler work (Texas State Fire Marshal / licensed fire protection contractors—often required for systems work)
Asbestos abatement (licensed/regulated)
Structural changes/additions that require building permits and inspections (even if no state GC license is required)

State Licensing Rules (TX)

Even without a state handyman/general contractor license, you cannot perform regulated trade work without the appropriate Texas trade license. Separately, cities (including College Station) can require permits and/or local contractor registration for building and certain MEP work.

Business License — College Station

Not required at the city level.

Permit vs. Contractor License — What's the Difference?

A license is a state-issued credential that legally authorizes a person/company to perform a regulated trade (like electrical, plumbing, or HVAC). A permit is job-specific approval from the city/county building authority to perform work at a specific address; permits trigger required inspections. You can be ‘unlicensed’ at the state level for general handyman work yet still be required to obtain permits (or have the homeowner/GC obtain them) for many projects.

Important Notes for College Station, Texas Handymen

Insurance: Texas generally does not mandate general liability insurance for handymen statewide, but it is commonly required by customers, property managers, and for city registration/permits. Typical GL limits requested are $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate.
Workers’ comp: Texas is unique—workers’ compensation is not universally mandatory for all private employers, but many GCs/property managers require it by contract. If you opt out, you may have notice obligations and higher liability exposure.
Sales tax: If you sell taxable tangible personal property (materials/items) you may need a Texas Sales & Use Tax Permit (Comptroller; commonly $0 fee) and must collect/remit sales tax as applicable.
Permits/inspections: Even when a homeowner says ‘no permits,’ the city can require them; unpermitted work can lead to stop-work orders, rework, and fines.
Advertising: Do not advertise or contract for ‘electrical/plumbing/HVAC’ services unless properly licensed; Texas enforcement can include administrative penalties.

Your Next Steps to Operating Legally in College Station

Step 1: Form your entity (optional): Texas LLC filing fee is $300 with the Texas Secretary of State.
Step 2: Confirm College Station requirements: ask Development Services if contractor registration is required for the scopes you perform and obtain the correct permits for each job.
Step 3: Set up tax accounts as needed: Texas Sales & Use Tax Permit (if applicable) and any employer accounts.
Step 4: If you plan to do any electrical/plumbing/HVAC work, obtain the proper state trade license or subcontract to licensed trades.
Step 5: Obtain general liability insurance (and workers’ comp if required by your clients/contracts).

Research generated by AI. Verify all requirements with your local licensing authority before making business decisions.