What Can a Handyman Do in Granbury, Texas?

In Texas, there is no statewide “general contractor” or “handyman” license for most typical repair/remodel work; instead, licensing is trade-specific (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, etc.) and project permits are handled by the local building department. A “handyman exemption” is not a single statewide dollar-threshold license exemption; rather, you may do general repairs without a state contractor license as long as you do not perform regulated trades (electrical/plumbing/HVAC) or work that requires a state-issued credential/permit. In Granbury (Hood County), you should expect city permitting for many jobs and possible city registration requirements for contractors doing permitted work.

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 (non-lead abatement) and caulking
Minor drywall patching/texture repair and trim/baseboard replacement
Basic carpentry not involving structural alterations (e.g., shelving, door hardware, non-structural cabinet repairs)
Tile repair/regrout/recalk (not moving plumbing lines)
Fence picket repairs and gate hardware adjustments (not requiring engineered structural changes)
Deck board replacement (surface boards only) and minor repairs that do not change structural framing (permit may still be required locally)
Changing locks, installing deadbolts, and general punch-list work
Gutter cleaning/repair and minor exterior maintenance (excluding major reroof work that requires permits)

⚠️ What Requires a License

Electrical contracting/work performed as a business (installing new circuits, panel/service work, most wiring) — requires Texas electrical licensing through TDLR
Plumbing work (install/alter/repair plumbing systems, water heater installation in many cases) — requires licensing through TSBPE
HVAC/air conditioning & refrigeration installation/service/repair — requires TDLR ACR contractor licensing
Gas piping installation/repair when it is part of regulated plumbing/HVAC scope — typically must be performed by appropriately licensed professionals and permitted/inspected
Fire sprinkler system work — typically requires state registration/licensing (specialty program) and permitting
Structural modifications (removing load-bearing walls, additions, major framing) — may not require a state license, but will require engineered plans/permits and often specialized contractors
Roof replacements (full reroof) — often requires permits and may trigger local contractor registration requirements
Any work requiring a building/electrical/plumbing/mechanical permit where the city requires a registered/licensed contractor to pull that permit

State Licensing Rules (TX)

Even if you are not state-licensed as a contractor, you can still be required to pull permits (or have a licensed trade pull them) for building, structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, reroof, water heater, service upgrades, etc. Advertising/contracting for regulated trade work without the proper license can trigger enforcement.

Business License — Granbury

Required. Contractor registration and/or local business registration (city-specific)

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

A license is a state-issued credential allowing someone to legally perform a regulated trade (like electrical, plumbing, HVAC). A permit is a job-specific authorization issued by the city (or other local authority) to ensure the work meets building codes and is inspected. You can be “unlicensed” at the state level for general handyman work but still be required to obtain permits (or have the proper licensed trade pull permits) for specific jobs.

Important Notes for Granbury, Texas Handymen

Insurance: Texas does not mandate general liability insurance statewide for handymen, but cities/clients commonly require proof (e.g., $1,000,000 per occurrence) and may require workers’ comp or an occupational accident policy if you have helpers.
Advertising compliance: Do not advertise or contract for electrical/plumbing/HVAC services unless properly licensed (or subcontracting to licensed trades with clear scope separation).
DBA/assumed name: If operating as a sole proprietor under a business name, file an Assumed Name Certificate (DBA) in Hood County (and for some entity types also with the Texas SOS).
Sales tax: Most labor for real property repair/remodel is not sales-taxed like retail goods, but material sales, separated invoices, and certain services can create tax obligations—verify with the Texas Comptroller.
Permits/inspections: Even small projects can trigger permits depending on scope; always confirm with Granbury Development Services before starting to avoid stop-work orders and rework.

Your Next Steps to Operating Legally in Granbury

Step 1: Form your business (LLC recommended) with the Texas Secretary of State ($300 filing fee) and set up a business bank account.
Step 2: Contact the City of Granbury (Development Services/City Secretary) to confirm whether you must obtain a local business registration and/or contractor registration to pull permits; obtain the fee schedule for your trade category.
Step 3: Obtain general liability insurance (commonly $1M/$2M) and keep certificates ready for permit applications and client requests.
Step 4: If you will offer any electrical/plumbing/HVAC, get properly licensed in Texas or subcontract that portion to licensed trades; confirm permitting rules for each job.

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