What handyman work requires a license in Savannah, Missouri?

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

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

Q: What can a handyman do without a license in Savannah, Missouri?

Common examples include: 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.

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

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.

✅ 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)

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.

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.