What handyman work requires a license in New Orleans, Louisiana (Orleans Parish)?

Work that typically requires a license or a licensed trade professional includes: Home improvement work on existing residential structures valued at $7,500 or more — requires Home Improvement Registration from LSLBC; New residential construction valued at $50,000 or more — requires Residential Contractor License from LSLBC; Commercial construction valued at $50,000 or more — requires Commercial Contractor License from LSLBC; Residential roofing work valued at $7,500 or more — requires Residential Roofing License from LSLBC (effective Jan. 1, 2026); ANY electrical work beyond simple fixture changes (opening electrical panels, running new circuits, installing new outlets/switches, rewiring) — requires state/local electrical license; ANY plumbing work beyond simple fixture replacement (water line work, drain modifications, system changes) — requires Louisiana State Plumbing License. Always verify with your local licensing authority.

How much can a handyman charge without a license in New Orleans, Louisiana (Orleans Parish)?

In LA, handyman jobs priced under $7,500 (labor and materials combined) generally do not require a contractor license. At or above $7,500, a licensed contractor is required.

What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in New Orleans, Louisiana (Orleans Parish)?

Q: What can a handyman do without a license in New Orleans, Louisiana (Orleans Parish)?

In LA, a handyman can take jobs under $7,500 (labor and materials combined) without a contractor license. Common examples include: Home improvement work on existing residential structures valued under $7,500 (labor + materials combined) — including minor repairs, painting, drywall patching, basic carpentry, trim work, and fixture replacement; Painting interior or exterior surfaces (does not include lead-based paint removal or abatement); Basic carpentry repairs and trim installation (does not include structural modifications); Fixture replacement (light fixtures, outlets, faucets, toilets) — does NOT include electrical wiring or plumbing system modifications; Caulking, weatherstripping, and basic weatherization; Gutter cleaning and minor gutter repair (does not include replacement or structural work).

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

Louisiana uses a monetary-threshold licensing system: handymen and small contractors do not need a state license for home improvement work under $7,500, but work at or above $7,500 requires a Home Improvement Registration from the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC). Trade work (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) requires separate trade licenses regardless of dollar amount. All contractors must also obtain a City of New Orleans Occupational License (calculated on gross receipts) and comply with local trade licensing requirements. New Orleans is a consolidated city-parish, so there is no separate county licensing layer.

The magic number in LA: $7,500. Jobs under $7,500 (labor + materials combined) don't require a contractor license — you can take those as a handyman. Jobs at or above $7,500 require a contractor license. Know your number, know your limit.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

Home improvement work on existing residential structures valued under $7,500 (labor + materials combined) — including minor repairs, painting, drywall patching, basic carpentry, trim work, and fixture replacement
Painting interior or exterior surfaces (does not include lead-based paint removal or abatement)
Basic carpentry repairs and trim installation (does not include structural modifications)
Fixture replacement (light fixtures, outlets, faucets, toilets) — does NOT include electrical wiring or plumbing system modifications
Caulking, weatherstripping, and basic weatherization
Gutter cleaning and minor gutter repair (does not include replacement or structural work)
Deck staining and sealing (does not include structural repairs or new construction)
Owner-built primary residence construction (you must live in the home; cannot build to rent or sell)
Adjacent structures to owner's primary residence (sheds, small outbuildings) — owner-built only

Common Jobs Handymen Take in New Orleans

Based on the LA threshold, handymen in New Orleans commonly take on:

Home improvement work on existing residential structures valued under $7,500 (labor + materials combined) — including minor repairs, painting, drywall patching, basic carpentry, trim work, and fixture replacement
Painting interior or exterior surfaces (does not include lead-based paint removal or abatement)
Basic carpentry repairs and trim installation (does not include structural modifications)
Fixture replacement (light fixtures, outlets, faucets, toilets) — does NOT include electrical wiring or plumbing system modifications
Caulking, weatherstripping, and basic weatherization
Gutter cleaning and minor gutter repair (does not include replacement or structural work)
Deck staining and sealing (does not include structural repairs or new construction)
Owner-built primary residence construction (you must live in the home; cannot build to rent or sell)

⚠️ What Requires a License

Home improvement work on existing residential structures valued at $7,500 or more — requires Home Improvement Registration from LSLBC
New residential construction valued at $50,000 or more — requires Residential Contractor License from LSLBC
Commercial construction valued at $50,000 or more — requires Commercial Contractor License from LSLBC
Residential roofing work valued at $7,500 or more — requires Residential Roofing License from LSLBC (effective Jan. 1, 2026)
ANY electrical work beyond simple fixture changes (opening electrical panels, running new circuits, installing new outlets/switches, rewiring) — requires state/local electrical license
ANY plumbing work beyond simple fixture replacement (water line work, drain modifications, system changes) — requires Louisiana State Plumbing License
ANY HVAC system work (installation, repair, modification of air conditioning, heating, ventilation systems) — requires Louisiana State HVAC License
Gas line installation or modification — requires gas fitter or gas contractor license
Mold remediation work valued at $7,500 or more — requires Mold Remediation License from LSLBC
Structural modifications, load-bearing wall removal, or foundation work — requires appropriate contractor license and building permit
Work affecting electrical panels, circuit breakers, or main service — requires electrical license and building permit
Roofing replacement or structural roof repairs — requires roofing license (at $7,500+) and building permit

What to Tell Clients About Your Scope of Work

In LA, you can take jobs under $7,500 (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 — New Orleans

Required. Occupational License (Occupational License Tax)

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 New Orleans

Step 1: Determine if your work requires a state contractor license by calculating the total project value (labor + materials). If home improvement work is $7,500+, you need a Home Improvement Registration. If new residential or commercial work is $50,000+, you need the appropriate contractor license. If residential roofing is $7,500+, you need a Residential Roofing License.
Step 2: If you need a state contractor license, apply to the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC) at lslbc.louisiana.gov. You will need to pass the Business and Law exam and any classification exams. Prepare proof of general liability insurance ($100,000 minimum for residential/home improvement) and workers' compensation insurance. Verify net worth requirements (Act 422 of 2025: $50,000 for residential/commercial, $25,000 for home improvement/mold).
Step 3: Determine if you perform any trade work (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, gas). If so, apply for the appropriate trade license from the Louisiana State Board for that trade. Contact the specific trade board for application requirements and fees.
Step 4: Register your business entity (LLC recommended). File Articles of Organization with the Louisiana Secretary of State at sos.la.gov. Filing fee is $100. You will receive a confirmation and can then apply for an Occupational License.
Step 5: Obtain a City of New Orleans Occupational License from the Bureau of Revenue. Apply online at onestopapp.nola.gov. The fee is based on your projected gross receipts (graduated tax schedule). First-year applicants should contact the Bureau of Revenue at (504) 658-1666 for an estimated fee.
Step 6: If you operate a home-based business, verify whether you need a Home Occupation Permit from New Orleans Safety & Permits. Contact (504) 658-1666 to confirm.
Step 7: Register with the Louisiana Department of Revenue for a sales tax permit (free) at revenue.louisiana.gov or via the LaTAP portal if you will be performing taxable services.
Step 8: Obtain general liability insurance (minimum $100,000 for residential/home improvement work) and workers' compensation insurance. File proof with the LSLBC if required.
Step 9: For each project, verify whether building permits are required. Contact New Orleans Safety & Permits at (504) 658-1666 or apply online at onestopapp.nola.gov. Permits are required for structural work, electrical modifications, plumbing changes, roofing, and window/door replacements.
Step 10: If the property is in a historic district, contact the Vieux Carré Commission (VCC) or appropriate Historic District Landmarks Commission (HDLC) at (504) 658-6700 BEFORE starting any exterior work. Obtain a Historic District Permit if required.

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.