What Can a Handyman Do Without a License 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.

The magic number in LA: $75000. Jobs under $75000 (labor + materials combined) don't require a contractor license — you can take those as a handyman. Jobs at or above $75000 require a contractor license. Know your number, know your limit.

✅ 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)

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Houma

Based on the LA threshold, handymen in Houma commonly take on:

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

What to Tell Clients About Your Scope of Work

In LA, you can take jobs under $75000 (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 — Houma

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

Setting Up Your Business in LA

To get paid professionally and protect yourself, register your business. LLC filing fee in LA: $100 (one-time). You'll also need a free EIN from the IRS and a business checking account.

Your Next Steps to Operating Legally in Houma

Step 1: Form your business (LLC optional) and register at the Louisiana Secretary of State (LLC filing fee $100).
Step 2: Register for Louisiana tax accounts as needed (sales tax withholding/employer) with the Louisiana Department of Revenue.
Step 3: Obtain your occupational license (business license) through the City of Houma and/or Terrebonne Parish depending on your business address and jurisdiction.
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.
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.