What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in The Woodlands, Montgomery County, Texas?

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

Texas has no state-level general contractor license requirement, making it one of the most permissive states for handymen and general contractors. However, specialized trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) require state licenses from TDLR or TSBPE. The Woodlands is an unincorporated community in Montgomery County, so there is no city business license fee—instead, contractors file DBAs with the county clerk ($8.50+) and pull permits through Montgomery County or The Woodlands Township. All work must comply with local building codes and permit requirements, even though no state handyman exemption threshold exists.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

• General carpentry and framing (non-structural)
• Drywall installation and repair (non-load-bearing)
• Painting (interior and exterior)
• Minor drywall repairs and patching
• Caulking and weatherstripping
• Installing trim, baseboards, and molding
• Hanging doors and installing hardware
• Basic tile work (non-structural, non-waterproofing)
• Deck building and repairs (if not requiring structural engineering)
• Fence installation and repair
• Gutter cleaning and repair (non-structural)
• Landscaping and yard work
• Replacing light fixtures (simple fixture changes only, not rewiring)
• Replacing faucets and simple plumbing fixtures (not new supply lines or drain work)
• Caulking around tubs and showers (cosmetic only)
• Installing shelving and cabinets (non-structural)

Common Jobs Handymen Take in The Woodlands

Based on the TX threshold, handymen in The Woodlands commonly take on:

• Drywall installation and repair (non-load-bearing)
• Painting (interior and exterior)
• Minor drywall repairs and patching
• Caulking and weatherstripping
• Installing trim, baseboards, and molding
• Hanging doors and installing hardware
• Deck building and repairs (if not requiring structural engineering)
• Fence installation and repair

⚠️ What Requires a License

• ANY electrical work beyond simple fixture changes (new circuits, panel work, rewiring, installing outlets, switches, or any work affecting the electrical system) — requires Master Electrician or Journeyman Electrician license from TDLR
• ANY plumbing work beyond simple fixture replacement (new supply lines, drain work, water heater installation, gas line work) — requires Responsible Master Plumber (RMP) license from TSBPE
• HVAC system installation, repair, or maintenance — requires Class A or Class B HVAC Contractor license from TDLR
• Fire sprinkler system installation or repair — requires licensed fire sprinkler contractor
• Well drilling or water well work — requires licensed well driller
• Mold remediation — requires licensed mold remediation contractor
• Structural modifications or load-bearing wall removal — typically requires licensed contractor and structural engineer
• Roofing work (installation, repair, or replacement) — no state license required, but local permits are mandatory
• Gas line installation or repair — requires licensed plumber or gas fitter
• Elevator or escalator installation — requires licensed elevator contractor
• Any work requiring a building permit (most significant construction) — must be performed by a licensed contractor or under licensed supervision

Business License — The Woodlands

Not required at the city level.

Setting Up Your Business in TX

To get paid professionally and protect yourself, register your business. LLC filing fee in TX: $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 The Woodlands

1. Step 1: Determine your exact location (unincorporated Montgomery County, Harris County, or incorporated city) by contacting the Montgomery County Clerk at (936) 539-7844 or visiting mctx.org.
2. Step 2: If operating under a business name, file a DBA (Assumed Business Name) with the Montgomery County Clerk ($8.50+, valid 10 years).
3. Step 3: Form an LLC (optional but recommended) by filing Form 205 (Certificate of Formation) with the Texas Secretary of State ($300 one-time fee via SOSDirect portal at sos.texas.gov).
4. Step 4: Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS (free, online at irs.gov).
5. Step 5: File a Franchise Tax Report with the Texas Comptroller (free at comptroller.texas.gov).
6. Step 6: If formed after March 26, 2025, file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report with FinCEN within 30 days (free at boi.sec.gov).
7. Step 7: Obtain a Sales & Use Tax Permit from the Texas Comptroller (free at comptroller.texas.gov).
8. Step 8: Obtain general liability insurance ($300,000/$600,000 minimum recommended).
9. Step 9: If performing electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or other licensed trade work, obtain the required state license from TDLR or TSBPE BEFORE starting work.
10. Step 10: For each project, contact the Montgomery County Engineering Department at (936) 539-7812 to determine permit requirements and pull necessary permits before beginning work.
11. Step 11: Verify that all work complies with local building codes and Montgomery County regulations.

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.