What handyman work requires a license in Paris, Tennessee?

Work that typically requires a license or a licensed trade professional includes: Contracting/construction projects with a total cost of $25,000 or more (labor + materials) generally require a Tennessee contractor license; Pulling and performing electrical work that requires an electrical permit (e.g., new circuits, panel upgrades, service changes) typically requires a properly licensed electrical contractor and inspections; Plumbing system alterations (moving supply/drain lines, adding fixtures where new piping is required, water heater work where permit required) often requires a licensed plumber and permit/inspection; HVAC installation, replacement, ductwork modification, and refrigerant work (EPA Section 608 required for refrigerants) and commonly mechanical permits; Gas piping work and gas appliance connection where regulated by code/permit requirements; Structural work (beam/wall removal, additions, major framing, load-bearing changes) typically triggers building permits and may require licensed contracting depending on project value. Always verify with your local licensing authority.

How much can a handyman charge without a license in Paris, Tennessee?

In TN, handyman jobs priced under $25,000 (labor and materials combined) generally do not require a contractor license. At or above $25,000, a licensed contractor is required.

What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Paris, Tennessee?

Q: What can a handyman do without a license in Paris, Tennessee?

In TN, a handyman can take jobs under $25,000 (labor and materials combined) without a contractor license. Common examples include: Painting (interior/exterior) and staining/finishing work on residential or light commercial projects under $25,000 total project cost (labor + materials), subject to local permit rules; Minor drywall patching/repair and texture work (non-structural) under $25,000; Basic carpentry such as replacing trim, baseboards, interior doors, and cabinet hardware under $25,000; Installing shelving, wall-mounted TVs (non-structural considerations), curtain rods, blinds, and general mounting/anchoring work; Minor exterior repairs like replacing a few deck boards or handrails (non-structural) under $25,000—permits may apply if structural/safety-related; Gutter cleaning/repair and pressure washing.

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

In Paris (Henry County), Tennessee, most small handyman jobs can be done without a state contractor license as long as you stay under Tennessee’s monetary threshold for contractor licensing and you are not performing regulated trade work (electrical/plumbing/HVAC/gas). Tennessee contractor licensing is primarily handled by the TN Board for Licensing Contractors, while business licensing (a “business tax” license) is typically issued at the city and/or county level through the clerk offices.

The magic number in TN: $25,000. Jobs under $25,000 (labor + materials combined) don't require a contractor license — you can take those as a handyman. Jobs at or above $25,000 require a contractor license. Know your number, know your limit.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

Painting (interior/exterior) and staining/finishing work on residential or light commercial projects under $25,000 total project cost (labor + materials), subject to local permit rules
Minor drywall patching/repair and texture work (non-structural) under $25,000
Basic carpentry such as replacing trim, baseboards, interior doors, and cabinet hardware under $25,000
Installing shelving, wall-mounted TVs (non-structural considerations), curtain rods, blinds, and general mounting/anchoring work
Minor exterior repairs like replacing a few deck boards or handrails (non-structural) under $25,000—permits may apply if structural/safety-related
Gutter cleaning/repair and pressure washing
Fence repairs that do not require specialized trade work or major structural footings (permits may apply)
Like-for-like fixture swaps (limited) where allowed by local code—verify with local codes office because electrical/plumbing permits may still be required

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Paris

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

Painting (interior/exterior) and staining/finishing work on residential or light commercial projects under $25,000 total project cost (labor + materials), subject to local permit rules
Minor drywall patching/repair and texture work (non-structural) under $25,000
Basic carpentry such as replacing trim, baseboards, interior doors, and cabinet hardware under $25,000
Installing shelving, wall-mounted TVs (non-structural considerations), curtain rods, blinds, and general mounting/anchoring work
Minor exterior repairs like replacing a few deck boards or handrails (non-structural) under $25,000—permits may apply if structural/safety-related
Gutter cleaning/repair and pressure washing
Fence repairs that do not require specialized trade work or major structural footings (permits may apply)
Like-for-like fixture swaps (limited) where allowed by local code—verify with local codes office because electrical/plumbing permits may still be required

⚠️ What Requires a License

Contracting/construction projects with a total cost of $25,000 or more (labor + materials) generally require a Tennessee contractor license
Pulling and performing electrical work that requires an electrical permit (e.g., new circuits, panel upgrades, service changes) typically requires a properly licensed electrical contractor and inspections
Plumbing system alterations (moving supply/drain lines, adding fixtures where new piping is required, water heater work where permit required) often requires a licensed plumber and permit/inspection
HVAC installation, replacement, ductwork modification, and refrigerant work (EPA Section 608 required for refrigerants) and commonly mechanical permits
Gas piping work and gas appliance connection where regulated by code/permit requirements
Structural work (beam/wall removal, additions, major framing, load-bearing changes) typically triggers building permits and may require licensed contracting depending on project value
Roofing replacements and significant exterior envelope work can require permits and may trigger contractor licensing at higher project values
Any work requiring you to obtain a permit as the licensed contractor (many jurisdictions only allow licensed trades/contractors to pull certain permits)

What to Tell Clients About Your Scope of Work

In TN, you can take jobs under $25,000 (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 — Paris

Required. City of Paris Business Tax License (Business License)

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 Paris

Step 1: Form your entity (LLC) with the Tennessee Secretary of State and obtain an EIN from the IRS
Step 2: Get your City of Paris business tax license (or Henry County license if operating in unincorporated county) and confirm whether you need both based on your business address
Step 3: Obtain general liability insurance (and workers’ comp if you will have employees)
Step 4: If you will bid/perform projects near or above $25,000, start the Tennessee contractor license process with the Board for Licensing Contractors and confirm classification/exam 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.