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

Missouri does not issue a statewide "general contractor" or "handyman" license for most residential/light-commercial work; contractor licensing is primarily handled by local cities/counties plus state-licensed trades (especially electrical/plumbing in many municipalities). In Savannah (Andrew County), you should expect a city business license plus local building permits for many projects; specialty trades (electrical/plumbing/HVAC) are commonly locally licensed even though the State of Missouri does not run a single statewide contractor board for general contracting.

The magic number in MO: $None. Jobs under $None (labor + materials combined) don't require a contractor license — you can take those as a handyman. Jobs at or above $None require a contractor license. Know your number, know your limit.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

General handyman repairs that do not require a trade license under local rules (state has no general handyman license)
Interior/exterior painting, caulking, weatherstripping, and minor patching
Minor drywall repair (patch holes, tape/mud small areas) and trim/cabinet hardware replacement
Basic carpentry that is non-structural (replace interior doors/trim, repair fence pickets, replace damaged deck boards if no structural changes and permits not triggered)
Gutter cleaning/repair and minor siding repairs that do not alter structure
Like-for-like replacement of faucets/showerheads/toilets ONLY if local code allows homeowners/handymen to do so without a plumbing license (verify locally) and no permit is required
Replacing light fixtures/switches/receptacles ONLY if allowed by local ordinance (many cities require a licensed electrician) and with power safely off; otherwise subcontract a licensed electrician
Appliance installation that is plug-in only (no new circuits, no gas piping, no new plumbing lines)

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Savannah

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

General handyman repairs that do not require a trade license under local rules (state has no general handyman license)
Interior/exterior painting, caulking, weatherstripping, and minor patching
Minor drywall repair (patch holes, tape/mud small areas) and trim/cabinet hardware replacement
Basic carpentry that is non-structural (replace interior doors/trim, repair fence pickets, replace damaged deck boards if no structural changes and permits not triggered)
Gutter cleaning/repair and minor siding repairs that do not alter structure
Like-for-like replacement of faucets/showerheads/toilets ONLY if local code allows homeowners/handymen to do so without a plumbing license (verify locally) and no permit is required
Replacing light fixtures/switches/receptacles ONLY if allowed by local ordinance (many cities require a licensed electrician) and with power safely off; otherwise subcontract a licensed electrician
Appliance installation that is plug-in only (no new circuits, no gas piping, no new plumbing lines)

⚠️ What Requires a License

Electrical work where the city requires a licensed electrician (commonly: new circuits, panel work, service upgrades, most wiring, commercial electrical work)
Plumbing work where the city requires a licensed plumber (commonly: water heater replacement, new/relocated supply or drain lines, sewer work, gas piping)
HVAC system installation/replace/major repair where the city requires an HVAC license; EPA Section 608 certification is required for handling refrigerants
Gas line installation/alteration (often under plumbing/mechanical licensing and permits)
Structural work that triggers building permits/engineering (load-bearing walls, major framing, additions, many decks, significant roof structure changes)
Work requiring specialized state licensure in Missouri (e.g., asbestos abatement, lead-based paint compliance on pre-1978 target housing in regulated contexts)

What to Tell Clients About Your Scope of Work

In MO, you can take jobs under $None (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. City of Savannah Business License / Occupational License (commonly required for contractors/handymen working in city limits)

Setting Up Your Business in MO

To get paid professionally and protect yourself, register your business. LLC filing fee in MO: $50 (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: Register your business entity (LLC recommended) with the Missouri Secretary of State (LLC filing fee $50).
Step 2: Register with the Missouri Department of Revenue for taxes that apply to your business (withholding if employees; sales/use tax if selling taxable goods).
Step 3: Obtain a City of Savannah business license/occupational license (verify exact fee and renewal cycle with the City Clerk).
Step 4: Line up subcontractors for licensed trades (electrical/plumbing/HVAC) as required locally and confirm permit requirements before starting any job.

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