What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Lewisville, Denton County, Texas?
Texas has no statewide general contractor license or dollar-threshold handyman exemption—licensing is regulated entirely at the city level and by trade (electrical, plumbing, HVAC). Lewisville requires contractor registration before pulling permits but does not charge a separate general business license fee for most contractors. Handymen can perform general construction work (carpentry, drywall, painting, roofing, etc.) without a state license, but any electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work requires a state-licensed professional. An LLC formation costs $300 one-time with the Texas Secretary of State.
✅ What You Can Do Without a License
- General carpentry: framing, trim work, door/window installation (non-structural), cabinet building and installation
- Drywall: hanging, taping, mudding, and finishing
- Painting: interior and exterior, including prep work and surface preparation
- Flooring: installation of vinyl, laminate, hardwood, and tile (non-structural)
- Roofing: roof repairs and re-roofing (note: new voluntary/mandatory Reroofing Contractor registration may apply as of mid-2026 under HB 3344)
- Fencing: installation and repair of residential fencing
- Deck building and repair: construction of decks and outdoor structures
- Remodeling: general remodeling work that does not involve electrical, plumbing, or HVAC systems
- Pressure washing and exterior cleaning
- Landscaping and yard work (non-structural)
- Cabinetry and custom woodworking
- Handyman repairs: general repairs and maintenance that do not fall into regulated trades
Common Jobs Handymen Take in Lewisville
Based on the TX threshold, handymen in Lewisville commonly take on:
- General carpentry: framing, trim work, door/window installation (non-structural), cabinet building and installation
- Drywall: hanging, taping, mudding, and finishing
- Painting: interior and exterior, including prep work and surface preparation
- Flooring: installation of vinyl, laminate, hardwood, and tile (non-structural)
- Roofing: roof repairs and re-roofing (note: new voluntary/mandatory Reroofing Contractor registration may apply as of mid-2026 under HB 3344)
- Fencing: installation and repair of residential fencing
- Deck building and repair: construction of decks and outdoor structures
- Pressure washing and exterior cleaning
⚠️ What Requires a License
- Electrical work: Any electrical installation, repair, or modification on someone else's property requires a licensed electrician. No dollar threshold or 'minor work' exemption for handymen. This includes: new circuits, outlet/switch installation beyond simple fixture changes, panel work, wiring, and any work affecting the electrical system.
- Plumbing work: Any plumbing work on someone else's property requires a state-licensed plumber. There is NO handyman exemption. This includes: water line installation/repair, drain line work, fixture installation beyond simple replacement, water heater installation/replacement, and any work affecting the plumbing system. As of January 1, 2026, employing an unlicensed plumber carries a $4,000 administrative penalty per violation.
- HVAC system work: Any air conditioning, heating, or refrigeration system work requires a state-licensed HVAC technician or contractor. This includes: system installation, repair, maintenance, refrigerant handling, and any work affecting the HVAC system.
- Fire alarm and low-voltage work: Requires specific state licensing through TDLR or the Texas State Fire Marshal's Office (TDI).
- Well drilling: Requires a state-licensed well driller.
- Mold remediation: Requires a state-licensed mold remediator.
- Fire sprinkler installation: Requires a state-licensed fire sprinkler installer.
- Irrigation contracting: Requires a state-licensed irrigation contractor.
- Elevator installation and maintenance: Requires a state-licensed elevator installer.
Business License — Lewisville
Not required at the city level.
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 Lewisville
- Step 1: Determine your business structure. An LLC is recommended for liability protection. File a Certificate of Formation with the Texas Secretary of State ($300 one-time fee). If using a trade name, file an Assumed Name Certificate ($25 state or ~$15–$22 county).
- Step 2: Register as a contractor with the City of Lewisville. Use the MGO Connect online portal at cityoflewisville.com to create an account and submit your contractor registration. Verify the current registration fee by calling (972) 219-3470.
- Step 3: Obtain general liability insurance. While not legally required, most clients and homeowners require proof of coverage ($1–$2 million is standard). Get quotes from contractor insurance providers.
- Step 4: Verify exemption limits and trade licensing. If you plan to perform electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work, you must be a state-licensed professional in that trade. Contact TDLR at (512) 463-6599 or TSBPE for current license requirements and fees.
- Step 5: Understand permit requirements. Before starting any project, contact Lewisville Inspection & Permitting at (972) 219-3470 or use MGO Connect to determine if a building permit is required. Pulling permits is mandatory for most projects.
- Step 6: File your annual Public Information Report (PIR) with the Texas Comptroller by May 15 each year (free filing, but $50 late fee if missed). This is required even if no franchise tax is owed.
- Step 7: Obtain a Texas Sales Tax Permit from the Comptroller (free) if you install tangible personal property or sell goods. Most pure-labor services are not taxable.
- Step 8: Keep records of all licenses, permits, insurance, and contractor registrations. Maintain compliance with city and state requirements.
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.