What Can a Handyman Do Without a License 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.

The magic number in TX: $None. Jobs under $None (labor + materials combined) don't require a contractor license — you can take those as a handyman. Jobs at or above $None require a contractor license. Know your number, know your limit.

✅ 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)

Common Jobs Handymen Take in College Station

Based on the TX threshold, handymen in College Station commonly take on:

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)

What to Tell Clients About Your Scope of Work

In TX, you can take jobs under $None (labor + materials) without a contractor license. When a client asks, be straightforward: for jobs under this threshold, you're operating legally as a handyman. For larger projects, refer them to a licensed contractor or get licensed before bidding that work.

Business License — College Station

Not required at the city level.

Setting Up Your Business in TX

To get paid professionally and protect yourself, register your business. LLC filing fee in TX: $300 (one-time). You'll also need a free EIN from the IRS and a business checking account.

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.