What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Franklin, Tennessee?

In Franklin (Williamson County), most “handyman” work can be done without a Tennessee contractor license as long as each job stays under the state’s contractor-license threshold (based on the total contract price including labor and materials). However, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and gas work are regulated separately and typically require a licensed trade contractor and permits even when the project is under the contractor-license threshold.

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

Punch-list / minor repairs under $25,000 total contract price (labor + materials), such as fixing doors that don’t latch, replacing interior trim, and adjusting cabinets
Interior painting and patching small drywall holes (non-structural)
Basic carpentry like replacing baseboards, installing shelves, and assembling prefabricated furniture
Replacing like-for-like light fixtures or switches ONLY where local code/permit rules allow and where you are not altering wiring/circuits (many jurisdictions still restrict this—verify before offering it)
Replacing faucets or toilets like-for-like ONLY if no plumbing lines are moved and local rules allow (many areas treat this as plumbing work requiring a licensed plumber—verify locally)
Gutter cleaning/repair and minor exterior maintenance not affecting structure
Caulking, weatherstripping, minor window/door hardware replacement (not full window/door replacement that affects egress/structure)
Deck staining/sealing and minor non-structural repairs (no ledger/structural changes)

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Franklin

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

Punch-list / minor repairs under $25,000 total contract price (labor + materials), such as fixing doors that don’t latch, replacing interior trim, and adjusting cabinets
Interior painting and patching small drywall holes (non-structural)
Basic carpentry like replacing baseboards, installing shelves, and assembling prefabricated furniture
Replacing like-for-like light fixtures or switches ONLY where local code/permit rules allow and where you are not altering wiring/circuits (many jurisdictions still restrict this—verify before offering it)
Gutter cleaning/repair and minor exterior maintenance not affecting structure
Caulking, weatherstripping, minor window/door hardware replacement (not full window/door replacement that affects egress/structure)
Deck staining/sealing and minor non-structural repairs (no ledger/structural changes)

⚠️ What Requires a License

Any project at or above $25,000 total contract price (labor + materials) generally requires a Tennessee contractor license
Electrical work involving new circuits, panel/service work, moving/adding outlets, or any wiring modifications (typically licensed electrical contractor + permit/inspection)
Plumbing work beyond minor, like-for-like fixture swaps—especially moving supply/drain lines, water heater replacement, adding fixtures, or sewer/drain work (typically licensed plumbing contractor + permit/inspection)
HVAC installation/replacement, refrigerant handling, significant duct/system modifications (licensed HVAC/mechanical contractor; EPA 608 for refrigerants)
Gas piping/line work and many gas appliance installations (licensed/qualified contractor + permit/inspection)
Structural work: load-bearing wall changes, beams/headers, foundations, major framing, roof structural repairs (permits; often requires licensed contractor depending on scope/value)
Roofing and siding replacements may trigger permitting and contractor licensing depending on valuation and local enforcement
Any work requiring a building permit where the permit office requires a licensed contractor to pull the permit

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 — Franklin

Required. City of Franklin Business License (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 Franklin

Step 1: Form your entity (LLC recommended) with the Tennessee Secretary of State and set up a registered agent.
Step 2: Register for Tennessee business tax/business license through the appropriate local jurisdiction (Franklin if operating in city limits; Williamson County for unincorporated areas).
Step 3: Get general liability insurance (and workers’ comp if you will have employees).
Step 4: If you expect jobs to reach $25,000+, begin the Tennessee contractor license process early (exam/financial statement/insurance), and confirm trade classification needs with the Board for Licensing Contractors.

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