What handyman work requires a license in Peachtree Corners, Georgia?

Work that typically requires a license or a licensed trade professional includes: 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. Always verify with your local licensing authority.

How much can a handyman charge without a license in Peachtree Corners, Georgia?

In GA, handyman jobs priced under $2,500 (labor and materials combined) generally do not require a contractor license. At or above $2,500, a licensed contractor is required.

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

Q: What can a handyman do without a license in Peachtree Corners, Georgia?

In GA, a handyman can take jobs under $2,500 (labor and materials combined) without a contractor license. Common examples include: 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.

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

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: $2,500. Jobs under $2,500 (labor + materials combined) don't require a contractor license — you can take those as a handyman. Jobs at or above $2,500 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 $2,500 (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 — 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.

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.