What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Peachtree Corners, Georgia?

In Peachtree Corners (Gwinnett County), most “handyman” work is not state-licensed as long as you stay under Georgia’s general-contractor licensing trigger and you do not perform regulated trades (electrical/plumbing/HVAC/low-voltage alarm). You will still typically need (1) a City of Peachtree Corners business license (occupational tax certificate) and (2) building permits for certain scopes (structural, many electrical/plumbing/HVAC-related permits) even if you are otherwise exempt from state contractor licensing.

The magic number in GA: $2500. Jobs under $2500 (labor + materials combined) don't require a contractor license — you can take those as a handyman. Jobs at or above $2500 require a contractor license. Know your number, know your limit.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

Small repair/maintenance jobs under $2,500 total contract (labor + materials) that do not involve regulated trades (researched threshold: $2,500)
Interior/exterior painting (non-lead abatement; follow EPA RRP rules if pre-1978 homes and you disturb paint)
Minor drywall patching and texture repair
Basic carpentry: trim, baseboards, door hardware, shelving, non-structural cabinet installs
Assembling furniture, mounting TVs/shelves (avoiding concealed wiring/plumbing)
Replacing like-for-like plumbing fixtures (e.g., swap a faucet or toilet) only where allowed locally and without relocating piping; permits may still apply in some jurisdictions
Replacing light fixtures/switches like-for-like only where allowed by local enforcement; many jurisdictions still expect licensed electrical work—verify before offering
Minor exterior repairs that do not change structure (rotted trim boards, caulking, gutter cleaning/guard installation)

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Peachtree Corners

Based on the GA threshold, handymen in Peachtree Corners commonly take on:

Small repair/maintenance jobs under $2,500 total contract (labor + materials) that do not involve regulated trades (researched threshold: $2,500)
Interior/exterior painting (non-lead abatement; follow EPA RRP rules if pre-1978 homes and you disturb paint)
Minor drywall patching and texture repair
Basic carpentry: trim, baseboards, door hardware, shelving, non-structural cabinet installs
Assembling furniture, mounting TVs/shelves (avoiding concealed wiring/plumbing)
Replacing like-for-like plumbing fixtures (e.g., swap a faucet or toilet) only where allowed locally and without relocating piping; permits may still apply in some jurisdictions
Replacing light fixtures/switches like-for-like only where allowed by local enforcement; many jurisdictions still expect licensed electrical work—verify before offering
Minor exterior repairs that do not change structure (rotted trim boards, caulking, gutter cleaning/guard installation)

⚠️ What Requires a License

Contracting for construction work at or above $2,500 total contract amount without the appropriate Georgia Residential/General Contractor license
Electrical contracting (new circuits, panel/service work, rewiring, generators, most troubleshooting/repairs for pay) without a Georgia electrical contractor license or working under one
Plumbing contracting beyond trivial fixture swaps—any piping changes, water heater replacement where a plumbing permit is required, sewer/water line work—without a Georgia plumbing contractor license or working under one
HVAC/conditioned air installation, replacement, or service for compensation without a Georgia conditioned air contractor license; refrigerant handling without EPA 608 certification
Alarm/low-voltage security system work where a separate Georgia low-voltage/alarm license is required (commonly regulated separately from general contracting)
Structural modifications (removing load-bearing walls, framing changes, additions, decks) typically require permits and often a licensed contractor depending on scope/value
Roofing work may be unlicensed at the state level but commonly implicates permits, workers’ comp/insurance expectations, and local requirements; confirm with the permit office

What to Tell Clients About Your Scope of Work

In GA, you can take jobs under $2500 (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 — Peachtree Corners

Required. Occupational Tax Certificate (Business License)

Setting Up Your Business in GA

To get paid professionally and protect yourself, register your business. LLC filing fee in GA: $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 Peachtree Corners

Step 1: Form your entity (LLC) with the Georgia Secretary of State ($100 filing) and set up tax accounts as needed with GA DOR.
Step 2: Apply for a City of Peachtree Corners Occupational Tax Certificate (business license) and confirm home-occupation rules if working from home.
Step 3: Get general liability insurance (and workers’ comp if you have employees) and be ready to provide COIs to clients and permit offices.
Step 4: If you plan to take jobs at/above $2,500 or do structural contracting, start the Georgia Residential Contractor licensing path; for electrical/plumbing/HVAC, pursue the specific state trade license or subcontract to licensed trades.

Research generated by AI. Verify all requirements with your local licensing authority before making business decisions.