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

In Tennessee, most “handyman” work can be done without a state contractor license as long as each job stays under the state’s contractor license threshold and you do not perform regulated trade work (electrical/plumbing/HVAC) that requires a separate license and permits. In Savannah (Hardin County), you will typically need a local business license (city and/or county depending on where you operate) even when you are exempt from the state contractor license. Tennessee’s key state threshold is generally $25,000 per project (labor + materials) for contractor licensing; mechanical/electrical/plumbing work is regulated separately and often requires a licensed contractor and permits.

The magic number in TN: $25000. Jobs under $25000 (labor + materials combined) don't require a contractor license — you can take those as a handyman. Jobs at or above $25000 require a contractor license. Know your number, know your limit.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

General handyman repairs under $25,000 total contract value per project (labor + materials), excluding regulated trades (researched)
Interior/exterior painting and staining (no structural changes; follow lead-safe rules for older homes) (researched)
Minor drywall patching/repair, texture matching, and trim repairs (researched)
Basic carpentry like replacing interior doors/locks, installing shelves, hanging cabinets where no structural changes or major electrical/plumbing modifications are involved (researched)
Gutter cleaning, pressure washing, minor exterior maintenance (researched)
Replacing faucets/fixtures as a like-for-like swap only where local code allows and permits are not required (verify locally) (variable)
Installing appliances that plug into existing outlets and connect to existing hookups without modifying circuits/piping (variable)
Flooring installation (LVP/laminate/tile) where no structural subfloor repairs or plumbing relocation is needed (researched)

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Savannah

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

General handyman repairs under $25,000 total contract value per project (labor + materials), excluding regulated trades (researched)
Interior/exterior painting and staining (no structural changes; follow lead-safe rules for older homes) (researched)
Minor drywall patching/repair, texture matching, and trim repairs (researched)
Basic carpentry like replacing interior doors/locks, installing shelves, hanging cabinets where no structural changes or major electrical/plumbing modifications are involved (researched)
Gutter cleaning, pressure washing, minor exterior maintenance (researched)
Replacing faucets/fixtures as a like-for-like swap only where local code allows and permits are not required (verify locally) (variable)
Installing appliances that plug into existing outlets and connect to existing hookups without modifying circuits/piping (variable)
Flooring installation (LVP/laminate/tile) where no structural subfloor repairs or plumbing relocation is needed (researched)

⚠️ What Requires a License

Any project (labor + materials) at or above $25,000 typically requires a Tennessee contractor license (researched)
New electrical circuits, panel/service work, rewires, meter base work, or most commercial electrical work—typically requires licensed electrical contractor and permits/inspection (researched)
Plumbing system modifications (moving supply/drain lines, installing water heaters where permit required, DWV work, sewer/water service work)—typically requires licensed plumbing contractor and permits/inspection (researched)
HVAC/mechanical system installation, replacement, or major repair—typically requires licensed contractor; refrigerant handling requires EPA 608 certification (researched)
Gas piping installation/alteration (natural gas/propane)—often requires licensed gas/mechanical contractor and permits/inspection (researched)
Structural work (load-bearing walls, framing changes, additions), roofing replacement in many jurisdictions, and any work requiring engineered plans—permits required and may trigger licensed contractor requirements (variable by scope/local rules)

What to Tell Clients About Your Scope of Work

In TN, you can take jobs under $25000 (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 / Business Tax License (local business tax)

Setting Up Your Business in TN

To get paid professionally and protect yourself, register your business. LLC filing fee in TN: $300 (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 (LLC optional) and register with Tennessee Secretary of State if forming an LLC ($300 filing fee).
Step 2: Get your local business tax license(s): Savannah (city) and/or Hardin County (county) depending on where you work.
Step 3: Obtain general liability insurance (commonly $1M) and keep COIs ready for customers and permit offices.
Step 4: If you will bid jobs near/over $25,000 or do regulated trades, contact TDCI Board for Licensing Contractors to confirm licensing path, classification, exams, and current fees.

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