What Can a Handyman Do Without a License 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.

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 (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)

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Granbury

Based on the TX threshold, handymen in Granbury commonly take on:

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

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 — Granbury

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

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 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.