What handyman work requires a license in Nashville, Tennessee (Davidson County)?

Work that typically requires a license or a licensed trade professional includes: Electrical work of any kind (beyond simple fixture changes) — requires state license at any dollar amount; must register locally with Metro Nashville Codes; Plumbing work of any kind (beyond simple fixture replacement) — requires state license at any dollar amount; must register locally with Metro Nashville Codes; HVAC/mechanical system work — requires state license for projects $25,000+; local registration required at any dollar amount in Nashville; Roofing work — requires state contractor license at any dollar amount; Structural modifications or framing — requires state contractor license; project value determines license type; Water heater installation or replacement — typically requires plumbing license and permit. Always verify with your local licensing authority.

How much can a handyman charge without a license in Nashville, Tennessee (Davidson County)?

In TN, handyman jobs priced under $3,000 (labor and materials combined) generally do not require a contractor license. At or above $3,000, a licensed contractor is required.

What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Nashville, Tennessee (Davidson County)?

Q: What can a handyman do without a license in Nashville, Tennessee (Davidson County)?

In TN, a handyman can take jobs under $3,000 (labor and materials combined) without a contractor license. Common examples include: Painting (interior and exterior) — any dollar amount; Drywall repair and patching — any dollar amount; Basic carpentry (trim work, shelving, non-structural repairs) — any dollar amount; Fence repair and installation (non-structural) — any dollar amount; Pressure washing and exterior cleaning — any dollar amount; General maintenance and minor repairs — any dollar amount.

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

Handymen in Nashville, Tennessee (Davidson County) can work on projects under $3,000 (labor + materials) without a state contractor license, but this exemption excludes all electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and roofing work at any dollar amount. Projects between $3,000–$24,999 require a Home Improvement License ($50 for 2 years); projects $25,000+ require a full Contractor License ($250 application + exam fees). All work requires a local business license from Davidson County Clerk ($30 if in Urban Service District / Nashville proper, $15 if in General Service District / outer county). Trade-specific licenses (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) are required at any dollar amount and must be registered locally with Metro Nashville Codes Administration.

The magic number in TN: $3,000. Jobs under $3,000 (labor + materials combined) don't require a contractor license — you can take those as a handyman. Jobs at or above $3,000 require a contractor license. Know your number, know your limit.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

Painting (interior and exterior) — any dollar amount
Drywall repair and patching — any dollar amount
Basic carpentry (trim work, shelving, non-structural repairs) — any dollar amount
Fence repair and installation (non-structural) — any dollar amount
Pressure washing and exterior cleaning — any dollar amount
General maintenance and minor repairs — any dollar amount
Caulking and weatherstripping — any dollar amount
Fixture replacement (light fixtures, faucet aerators, towel bars) — any dollar amount
Any work under $3,000 in combined labor and materials (excluding trades listed below)

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Nashville

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

Painting (interior and exterior) — any dollar amount
Drywall repair and patching — any dollar amount
Basic carpentry (trim work, shelving, non-structural repairs) — any dollar amount
Fence repair and installation (non-structural) — any dollar amount
Pressure washing and exterior cleaning — any dollar amount
General maintenance and minor repairs — any dollar amount
Caulking and weatherstripping — any dollar amount
Fixture replacement (light fixtures, faucet aerators, towel bars) — any dollar amount

⚠️ What Requires a License

Electrical work of any kind (beyond simple fixture changes) — requires state license at any dollar amount; must register locally with Metro Nashville Codes
Plumbing work of any kind (beyond simple fixture replacement) — requires state license at any dollar amount; must register locally with Metro Nashville Codes
HVAC/mechanical system work — requires state license for projects $25,000+; local registration required at any dollar amount in Nashville
Roofing work — requires state contractor license at any dollar amount
Structural modifications or framing — requires state contractor license; project value determines license type
Water heater installation or replacement — typically requires plumbing license and permit
Window or door replacement affecting structural integrity — may require contractor license and permit
Work on electrical panels or service upgrades — requires licensed electrician at any dollar amount
Gas line installation or modification — requires licensed plumber or HVAC contractor
Any project $3,000–$24,999 in Davidson County — requires Home Improvement License
Any project $25,000+ — requires full Contractor License

What to Tell Clients About Your Scope of Work

In TN, you can take jobs under $3,000 (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 — Nashville

Required. Metro Nashville-Davidson County Business License (consolidated city-county government)

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 Nashville

Step 1: Determine your project scope and dollar amount. If under $3,000 and non-trade work, you may qualify for the handyman exemption (but verify with TBLC).
Step 2: Register your business entity. Form an LLC with Tennessee Secretary of State ($300 filing fee) or operate as a sole proprietor (simpler but less liability protection).
Step 3: Obtain a Tennessee Business Tax License. Register at TNTAP (https://tntap.tn.gov) if your taxable sales exceed $3,000 annually.
Step 4: Obtain a Metro Nashville-Davidson County Business License. Apply with Davidson County Clerk at (615) 862-6050 or online at https://www.nashville.gov/departments/county-clerk/business-services/apply-business-license. Fee is $30 (USD/Nashville) or $15 (GSD/outer county).
Step 5: If your work involves electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or roofing, or if projects exceed $3,000, obtain the appropriate state contractor or trade license from TBLC at (615) 741-8307 or https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors.html.
Step 6: Register locally with Metro Nashville Codes Administration at (615) 862-6500 for any electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work.
Step 7: Obtain general liability insurance and surety bond (if required for your license type).
Step 8: For each project, verify permit requirements with Metro Codes at (615) 862-6500. Pull all required permits before starting work.
Step 9: If your project is in a historic district, contact Metro Planning at (615) 862-6350 for design review and historic district permits.
Step 10: Keep detailed records of all licenses, permits, insurance, and project documentation for compliance and liability protection.

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.