What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Davidson in Davidson County, Tennessee?

In Tennessee (including Metropolitan Nashville/Davidson County), most “handyman” work can be done without a state contractor license only when each project is below the state’s contractor licensing threshold and you are not performing work that requires a separate trade license (electrical/plumbing/HVAC). For projects at or above the state threshold, Tennessee generally requires a contractor license issued by the TN Board for Licensing Contractors, and Metro Nashville permits may still be required even when you are exempt from state licensing.

The magic number in TN: $25000. Jobs under $25000 (labor + materials combined) don't require a contractor license — you can take those as a handyman. Jobs at or above $25000 require a contractor license. Know your number, know your limit.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

Projects under $25,000 total contract (labor + materials) that do NOT require a trade license/permit in Metro: interior painting and touch-ups
Minor drywall patching/repair (non-structural), texture repair, small holes
Basic carpentry: install/repair interior trim, baseboards, crown molding (non-structural)
Door hardware replacement (knobs, hinges), install deadbolts (no structural reframing)
Cabinet hardware replacement, minor cabinet adjustments/repairs (not full cabinet line installation tied to major remodel permits)
Tile repair or small backsplash work (not part of a larger permitted remodel and not affecting waterproofing in a way that triggers inspection)
Gutter cleaning and minor gutter reattachment/repair (no major roof structure work)
Pressure washing and exterior maintenance (non-structural)

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Davidson

Based on the TN threshold, handymen in Davidson commonly take on:

Projects under $25,000 total contract (labor + materials) that do NOT require a trade license/permit in Metro: interior painting and touch-ups
Minor drywall patching/repair (non-structural), texture repair, small holes
Basic carpentry: install/repair interior trim, baseboards, crown molding (non-structural)
Door hardware replacement (knobs, hinges), install deadbolts (no structural reframing)
Cabinet hardware replacement, minor cabinet adjustments/repairs (not full cabinet line installation tied to major remodel permits)
Tile repair or small backsplash work (not part of a larger permitted remodel and not affecting waterproofing in a way that triggers inspection)
Gutter cleaning and minor gutter reattachment/repair (no major roof structure work)

⚠️ What Requires a License

Any job at or above $25,000 total project cost typically requires a Tennessee contractor license with the appropriate classification/monetary limit
Electrical contracting/installation beyond very minor like-for-like swaps (and many electrical tasks require Metro permits/inspection regardless)
Plumbing work involving water supply/drain/vent modifications, setting water heaters, running new lines, or other work typically regulated/permits-required
HVAC/mechanical system installation, replacement, or refrigerant-related service (EPA 608 certification for refrigerants; local permits common)
Gas piping work and many gas appliance installations (typically licensed/plumbed/mechanical and permitted/inspected)
Structural work (load-bearing walls, beams, major framing changes) and work requiring building permits
Roof replacements and significant exterior envelope work often requiring permits and qualified/licensed contractors depending on scope

What to Tell Clients About Your Scope of Work

In TN, you can take jobs under $25000 (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 — Davidson

Required. Metro Nashville (Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County) Business Tax License

Setting Up Your Business in TN

To get paid professionally and protect yourself, register your business. LLC filing fee in TN: $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 Davidson

Step 1: Register your business entity (LLC recommended) with the Tennessee Secretary of State ($300 filing fee).
Step 2: Register for Metro Nashville/Davidson County Business Tax License and understand your gross-receipts filing obligations (minimum commonly ~$15 plus receipts-based tax).
Step 3: Get general liability insurance (and workers’ comp if you will have employees).
Step 4: If you plan to take projects near/over $25,000 or do regulated trades, confirm requirements with the TN Board for Licensing Contractors and Metro Codes (permits).

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