What handyman work requires a license in Henry, Tennessee?

Work that typically requires a license or a licensed trade professional includes: Any project with a total contract price of $25,000 or more (labor + materials) generally requires a Tennessee contractor license issued by the TBLC; Electrical contracting such as adding/replacing circuits, panel/service work, running new wiring, or work requiring an electrical permit/inspection (typically requires properly licensed electrical contractor and permits); Plumbing contracting beyond minor fixture swaps—especially new supply/drain lines, water heater replacement where permitted/inspected, sewer line work, or gas piping (permits and licensed plumbing/mechanical contractor commonly required); HVAC/mechanical system installation, replacement, or modification (equipment change-outs, duct modifications, refrigerant work) typically requires licensed contractors and mechanical permits; Structural work (load-bearing wall changes, framing changes, beam/joist repairs, foundation work) generally requires permits and often a licensed contractor depending on scope and value; Roof replacements and major exterior envelope work may trigger permits/inspections and may require licensed contractors depending on project value. Always verify with your local licensing authority.

How much can a handyman charge without a license in Henry, Tennessee?

In TN, handyman jobs priced under $25,000 (labor and materials combined) generally do not require a contractor license. At or above $25,000, a licensed contractor is required.

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

Q: What can a handyman do without a license in Henry, Tennessee?

In TN, a handyman can take jobs under $25,000 (labor and materials combined) without a contractor license. Common examples include: Jobs under $25,000 total contract (labor + materials) that do NOT involve regulated trade contracting (electrical/plumbing/HVAC) and do not require a contractor license under TBLC rules; Interior/exterior painting (non-lead abatement) and caulking; Minor drywall patching/repair and trim/molding replacement; Door hardware changes (knobs, deadbolts) and simple lockset replacement; Basic carpentry repairs that are non-structural (e.g., replacing a few deck boards without altering framing/footings—subject to permits); Gutter cleaning/repair and minor soffit/fascia repairs (non-structural).

By Ray Duke, Founder of Bulletproof Handyman · Last reviewed August 2026

For handyman-type work in Henry, Tennessee (Henry is in Henry County), Tennessee contractor licensing generally kicks in based on the total contract amount (labor + materials). A “handyman” can usually do small, non-structural repair/maintenance work without a state contractor license, but specialty trades (electrical/plumbing/HVAC) are separately regulated and often require licensed contractors and permits even on small jobs. Tennessee also requires most businesses to hold a local (city and/or county) business license issued through the county clerk based on gross receipts.

The magic number in TN: $25,000. Jobs under $25,000 (labor + materials combined) don't require a contractor license — you can take those as a handyman. Jobs at or above $25,000 require a contractor license. Know your number, know your limit.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

Jobs under $25,000 total contract (labor + materials) that do NOT involve regulated trade contracting (electrical/plumbing/HVAC) and do not require a contractor license under TBLC rules
Interior/exterior painting (non-lead abatement) and caulking
Minor drywall patching/repair and trim/molding replacement
Door hardware changes (knobs, deadbolts) and simple lockset replacement
Basic carpentry repairs that are non-structural (e.g., replacing a few deck boards without altering framing/footings—subject to permits)
Gutter cleaning/repair and minor soffit/fascia repairs (non-structural)
Assembling furniture, installing shelving (non-load-bearing), and mounting TVs (avoiding concealed wiring/plumbing)
Minor landscaping/yard cleanup (non-irrigation plumbing, non-retaining-wall structural work)

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Henry

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

Interior/exterior painting (non-lead abatement) and caulking
Minor drywall patching/repair and trim/molding replacement
Door hardware changes (knobs, deadbolts) and simple lockset replacement
Basic carpentry repairs that are non-structural (e.g., replacing a few deck boards without altering framing/footings—subject to permits)
Gutter cleaning/repair and minor soffit/fascia repairs (non-structural)
Assembling furniture, installing shelving (non-load-bearing), and mounting TVs (avoiding concealed wiring/plumbing)
Minor landscaping/yard cleanup (non-irrigation plumbing, non-retaining-wall structural work)

⚠️ What Requires a License

Any project with a total contract price of $25,000 or more (labor + materials) generally requires a Tennessee contractor license issued by the TBLC
Electrical contracting such as adding/replacing circuits, panel/service work, running new wiring, or work requiring an electrical permit/inspection (typically requires properly licensed electrical contractor and permits)
Plumbing contracting beyond minor fixture swaps—especially new supply/drain lines, water heater replacement where permitted/inspected, sewer line work, or gas piping (permits and licensed plumbing/mechanical contractor commonly required)
HVAC/mechanical system installation, replacement, or modification (equipment change-outs, duct modifications, refrigerant work) typically requires licensed contractors and mechanical permits
Structural work (load-bearing wall changes, framing changes, beam/joist repairs, foundation work) generally requires permits and often a licensed contractor depending on scope and value
Roof replacements and major exterior envelope work may trigger permits/inspections and may require licensed contractors depending on project value
Any work where the local jurisdiction requires a building permit and inspections—working without permits can trigger stop-work orders and fines even if under the $25,000 threshold

What to Tell Clients About Your Scope of Work

In TN, you can take jobs under $25,000 (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 — Henry

Required. City Business License (Business Tax License) – typically issued via the Henry County Clerk for businesses operating within city limits

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 Henry

Step 1: Form your business (LLC if appropriate) with the Tennessee Secretary of State ($300 filing fee).
Step 2: Obtain a Henry County business tax license through the Henry County Clerk (and confirm whether the City of Henry requires an additional city business license component).
Step 3: Get general liability insurance (and workers’ comp if you have employees).
Step 4: If you plan to bid jobs near/over $25,000 or do trade work, confirm contractor licensing classifications and permitting requirements with the TBLC and the local building/plumbing/electrical/mechanical inspectors before quoting.

Licensing rules and fees change over time, so this information may be out of date. Verify all requirements with your local licensing authority before making business decisions.