What Can a Handyman Do in Houma, Louisiana?

In Houma (Terrebonne Parish), most "handyman" work can be done without a Louisiana contractor license as long as you stay under Louisiana’s state contractor licensing thresholds (and you are not performing regulated trades like electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or gas). Once you bid/contract above the state thresholds—or you pull permits as a contractor—you generally move into state-credentialed contractor/trade-license territory, plus you still need local (city/parish) occupational licensing and permits.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

• Painting (interior/exterior) and surface prep on jobs below state contractor-license thresholds (commercial < $50,000; residential < $75,000), subject to local permits if required
• Minor drywall patching and texture repair (non-structural)
• Basic carpentry: install baseboards/trim, hang interior doors (like-for-like), install shelving and cabinets where no structural changes are required
• Fence repairs (non-structural, within local rules/HOA rules; permits may apply for new fences)
• Replace faucets/fixtures like-for-like ONLY where local code allows and no plumbing reconfiguration is involved (often still requires a licensed plumber—verify locally before offering this)
• Replace light fixtures/switches like-for-like ONLY where local code allows (often still requires licensed electrician—verify locally before offering this)
• Pressure washing and gutter cleaning
• Minor tile repair and flooring replacement (no structural subfloor modifications)

⚠️ What Requires a License

• Commercial contracting at or above $50,000 (labor + materials) generally requires an LSLBC commercial contractor license with the appropriate classification(s)
• Residential building contracting at or above $75,000 (labor + materials) generally requires LSLBC residential building contractor licensing
• Electrical contracting (new circuits, panel work, service upgrades, most troubleshooting, anything requiring an electrical permit) – typically requires licensed electrical contractor and permits/inspection
• Plumbing beyond simple like-for-like fixture replacement (water heater replacement, drain/vent changes, new lines, sewer work) – requires licensed plumbing and permits/inspection
• HVAC: installing/replacing/servicing HVAC equipment, refrigerant work (EPA 608), duct system changes – requires proper licensing and permits
• Gas piping/appliance gas line work – typically requires licensed gas fitter/plumber and permits/inspection
• Structural work: load-bearing wall changes, additions, major framing/roof structural repairs – requires permits and often licensed contractor involvement

State Licensing Rules (LA)

This is NOT an exemption from local permits, local occupational licenses, or from state/local trade licensing requirements (electrical/plumbing/HVAC/gas). Home improvement registration may still apply for certain residential remodeling/repair activity even when a full residential building contractor license is not required. Always verify your exact scope and contract amount with the board.

Business License — Houma

Required. Occupational License (City of Houma) and/or Terrebonne Parish occupational license depending on location and jurisdiction

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

A LICENSE is your legal authorization to offer/contract for certain types/values of work (state contractor license, trade license, local occupational license). A PERMIT is job-specific approval from the local building/permitting authority to do a particular scope of work at a particular address, followed by inspections. Even if you are below the state licensing threshold, the job may still require permits and inspections.

Important Notes for Houma, Louisiana Handymen

• Insurance: Carry general liability insurance (commonly $1,000,000 per occurrence). Many commercial clients in Terrebonne Parish require COIs naming them as additional insured.
• Workers’ comp: If you have employees, Louisiana workers’ compensation coverage is typically required; even without employees, some GCs require it for subcontractors.
• Contract amounts: Louisiana licensing thresholds are based on the total project amount (labor + materials). Splitting a project into multiple contracts to evade thresholds can create enforcement risk.
• Permitting reality: Many local building departments will not issue certain trade permits to unlicensed persons. Even if you can legally do small work, you may be blocked from pulling permits without the appropriate license.
• Sales tax: If you sell taxable goods/materials or perform taxable services, you may need Louisiana sales tax registration and local sales tax registrations (parish/city).

Your Next Steps to Operating Legally in Houma

1. Step 1: Form your business (LLC optional) and register at the Louisiana Secretary of State (LLC filing fee $100).
2. Step 2: Register for Louisiana tax accounts as needed (sales tax withholding/employer) with the Louisiana Department of Revenue.
3. Step 3: Obtain your occupational license (business license) through the City of Houma and/or Terrebonne Parish depending on your business address and jurisdiction.
4. Step 4: If you will bid/contract near or above $50,000 commercial or $75,000 residential—or do regulated trades—contact LSLBC (and plumbing board where applicable) to get properly licensed/registered.
5. Step 5: Line up insurance (GL; workers’ comp if applicable) and confirm with the permitting office what permits you can pull for your scope.

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