What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Johnson in Johnson County, Indiana?
Indiana does not issue a single statewide “general contractor” or “handyman” license for ordinary residential/commercial repair work; licensing is primarily handled at the city/county level, and certain skilled trades (especially plumbing) are licensed at the state level. Even if you don’t need a state contractor license, you may still need (1) a local contractor registration/business license and (2) permits for building, structural, plumbing, HVAC, or electrical work. For Johnson County (commonly meaning the Franklin/Greenwood area), most licensing is local; there is no clear statewide “handyman dollar-threshold exemption” like some states publish—your limits are mainly defined by whether the work falls into a regulated trade and whether a permit is required.
✅ What You Can Do Without a License
- Interior/exterior painting (non-lead abatement) where no structural changes are made and no permit is triggered (always follow local permit rules).
- Minor drywall patching and repair (holes, nail pops, small sections) that does not alter fire-rated assemblies in a way requiring inspection.
- Basic trim carpentry (baseboards, casing, crown molding) and interior door slab replacement (not altering structural headers).
- Cabinet hardware replacement and minor cabinet repairs (no structural wall changes).
- Gutter cleaning, downspout replacement, and minor exterior maintenance (where no building permit is required).
- Replacing faucets/showerheads/toilets as like-for-like fixture swaps may be allowed in some jurisdictions, but plumbing licensure/permit expectations can still apply—verify locally before offering as a service.
- Replacing light fixtures/switches/outlets is commonly treated as electrical work that may require a permit or qualified/licensed person under local rules—do not assume it is exempt statewide.
- Assembling prefabricated furniture/shelving and mounting TV brackets where you are not altering electrical/plumbing/structural elements.
Common Jobs Handymen Take in Johnson
Based on the IN threshold, handymen in Johnson commonly take on:
- Interior/exterior painting (non-lead abatement) where no structural changes are made and no permit is triggered (always follow local permit rules).
- Minor drywall patching and repair (holes, nail pops, small sections) that does not alter fire-rated assemblies in a way requiring inspection.
- Basic trim carpentry (baseboards, casing, crown molding) and interior door slab replacement (not altering structural headers).
- Cabinet hardware replacement and minor cabinet repairs (no structural wall changes).
- Gutter cleaning, downspout replacement, and minor exterior maintenance (where no building permit is required).
- Replacing faucets/showerheads/toilets as like-for-like fixture swaps may be allowed in some jurisdictions, but plumbing licensure/permit expectations can still apply—verify locally before offering as a service.
- Replacing light fixtures/switches/outlets is commonly treated as electrical work that may require a permit or qualified/licensed person under local rules—do not assume it is exempt statewide.
- Assembling prefabricated furniture/shelving and mounting TV brackets where you are not altering electrical/plumbing/structural elements.
⚠️ What Requires a License
- Plumbing contracting/work that falls under Indiana’s state plumbing licensure requirements (beyond very minor fixture swaps; includes new lines, relocating drains/vents, water heater piping in many jurisdictions).
- Electrical work that requires an electrical permit or that local law reserves to registered/licensed electrical contractors (panels, new circuits, service upgrades, rewiring, many remodel rough-ins).
- HVAC/mechanical system installation or major alteration that requires mechanical permits/inspections; refrigerant handling requires EPA Section 608 certification.
- Gas piping work (often treated under plumbing/mechanical codes and local requirements; typically permit + qualified contractor required).
- Structural work: removing load-bearing walls, adding headers/beams, framing additions, deck structural framing, roof structure changes—almost always permit-driven and may require engineered plans.
- Any work requiring a building permit in the jurisdiction (even if no state license): additions, many window replacements, water heater replacement (often), new decks, significant remodels.
- Lead-based paint abatement activities (federal/EPA RRP rules may apply for pre-1978 housing; specialized certification requirements).
Business License — Johnson
Required. Local business license / contractor registration (depends on the actual municipality—e.g., Greenwood, Franklin, Whiteland, etc.)
Setting Up Your Business in IN
To get paid professionally and protect yourself, register your business. LLC filing fee in IN: $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 Johnson
- Step 1: Register your business entity (LLC recommended) through INBiz; Indiana LLC filing fee is $100.
- Step 2: Register with Indiana DOR for any needed tax accounts (sales tax/withholding) using INTIME, if applicable to how you bill and whether you have employees.
- Step 3: Identify the exact city/town (AHJ) you’ll work in (e.g., Franklin, Greenwood, Whiteland, Bargersville) and obtain that municipality’s contractor registration/business license; keep proof of insurance ready.
- Step 4: If you will perform plumbing work, confirm licensure pathway with IPLA (plumbing is state-regulated). For electrical/HVAC, confirm local licensing/registration and permitting rules with the building department for each job address.
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.