What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Savannah, Georgia?

In Savannah (Chatham County), most “handyman” work does not require a Georgia state contractor license as long as you stay under Georgia’s contractor licensing threshold and avoid regulated trades (electrical/plumbing/HVAC/gas). Georgia generally requires a state contractor license for larger projects (commonly $2,500+), while business licensing is handled locally (City of Savannah and/or Chatham County depending on where you work). Even when you’re exempt from a state contractor license, you can still need building permits—especially for structural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical work.

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

Jobs under $2,500 (labor + materials) that are non-structural and not regulated trades (researched threshold; verify with GA licensing board)
Interior painting and exterior painting that does not require historic district approval/permits
Minor drywall patching and repair (no structural changes)
Basic carpentry: trim, baseboards, interior door slab replacement (no structural reframing)
Caulking, grouting, tile repair (not moving plumbing lines)
Cabinet hardware replacement, shelving installation, closet systems
Fence repairs that do not require a permit and are not in protected historic overlay areas
Pressure washing and gutter cleaning (non-roofing contractor scope)

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Savannah

Based on the GA threshold, handymen in Savannah commonly take on:

Interior painting and exterior painting that does not require historic district approval/permits
Minor drywall patching and repair (no structural changes)
Basic carpentry: trim, baseboards, interior door slab replacement (no structural reframing)
Caulking, grouting, tile repair (not moving plumbing lines)
Cabinet hardware replacement, shelving installation, closet systems
Fence repairs that do not require a permit and are not in protected historic overlay areas
Pressure washing and gutter cleaning (non-roofing contractor scope)

⚠️ What Requires a License

Electrical contracting work (new circuits, panel work, most wiring, many hardwired device installs) generally requires a Georgia-licensed electrical contractor and permits/inspection
Plumbing contracting beyond very minor fixture replacements (moving/adding lines, water heater hookups in many jurisdictions, drain/vent changes) generally requires licensed plumbing and permits
HVAC/Conditioned Air work (equipment change-outs, refrigerant lines, ductwork changes) requires a Georgia conditioned air contractor license; EPA 608 for refrigerants
Gas piping and gas appliance line work—treat as a licensed/permit-required scope unless the building department confirms otherwise
Structural work: load-bearing wall changes, beams, major framing repairs—requires permits and often a licensed contractor depending on project value/scope
Roof replacement and significant exterior envelope work—often permit-triggering; may implicate contractor licensing based on contract value
Any project above the state contractor threshold (commonly $2,500+) that falls within residential/general contractor scope requires appropriate Georgia contractor licensure
Work requiring specialty systems (fire alarm, commercial low-voltage in some cases, elevators) can require additional licensing/permits

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 — Savannah

Required. Business Tax Certificate (often referred to as an 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 Savannah

Step 1: Form your business entity (LLC) with the Georgia Secretary of State and file the annual registration each year.
Step 2: Apply for the correct local business license: City of Savannah if operating/working in the city; Chatham County if operating/working in unincorporated county (or both if required by your footprint).
Step 3: Get general liability insurance and (if you have employees) workers’ compensation; many commercial clients require COIs before awarding work.
Step 4: Confirm your exact scope against Georgia contractor licensing and the specialty trade boards (electrical/plumbing/HVAC) before taking any job near/over $2,500 or involving regulated systems.
Step 5: If you plan to work in Savannah’s historic districts or on military/federal property, contact the applicable authority early for approvals/access requirements.

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