Louisiana is more lenient than many states about how much work a handyman can do without a license. You can do jobs up to $7,500 without a contractor’s license. Beyond that, you need a home improvement registration and must carry insurance.
The rules change depending on where you work in Louisiana. What flies in Baton Rouge might not work in New Orleans. But one thing stays the same: every handyperson needs proper paperwork and insurance behind their toolbelt.
What Can an Unlicensed Handyman Do in Louisiana?
Small repairs and basic maintenance make up most unlicensed handyman work in Louisiana. Many homeowners rely on handymen for jobs that fall well below the $7,500 threshold, from fixing squeaky doors to painting.
- Interior and exterior painting: This includes full room repaints, trim touchups, deck staining, and fence painting, as well as surface prep and finishing coats.
- Carpentry projects: Building custom shelving units, repairing wooden fences, fixing deck boards, installing decorative trim, and assembling prefab cabinets.
- Drywall work: Patching holes up to medium size, fixing cracks, texturing walls, and installing new sections in small areas.
- Home maintenance: Cleaning gutters and downspouts, washing siding or decks, regrouting tile, caulking windows, and fixing weather stripping.
- Basic door and window work: Repairing door hinges, replacing window screens, adjusting sliding doors, and fixing stuck windows.
When Do You Need a License in Louisiana?
Louisiana strictly regulates certain types of home improvement work, protecting homeowners and ensuring complex projects meet safety standards. The $7,500 limit also applies here—even simple jobs that exceed this amount require a contractor’s license.
- Electrical systems: New outlets, circuit installations, replacing electrical panels, and rewiring rooms. Even small electrical changes need a licensed electrician.
- Plumbing installations: Water heater swaps, new pipe runs, bathroom remodels involving plumbing,
- Structural changes: Removing or modifying walls, foundation repairs, major framing work, and building additions.
- Major roofing work: Complete replacements, extensive repairs, new roof installations, and chimney repairs.
- HVAC projects: Installing or replacing air conditioning units, furnace work, and duct modifications.
- Gas line work: Any repairs or installations involving natural gas or propane lines.
Louisiana Contractor Licensing Structure
Louisiana’s contractor requirements are based on the cost of each project. This tiered system affects every handyperson who might take on bigger jobs down the road.
Projects Under $7,500
This is where most handymen start. You won’t need a contractor’s license for these smaller jobs. Still, carry insurance and register your business with the state – those rules never change, no matter the job size.
Projects $7,500 to $50,000
At this level, Louisiana requires a Home Improvement Registration for any work on existing homes. This includes kitchen remodels or major bathroom updates—basically anything that improves what’s already there.
Projects $50,000 and Up
The rules split here between house work and commercial jobs:
- For commercial projects, you need a commercial license.
- You need a residential license to work on homes. This license covers everything from single-family homes to four-unit buildings as long as they are no more than three stories.
Each has its own application process and requirements.
Special Trade Licenses
There are stricter rules about performing certain specialty work:
- You need specific licenses to do electrical, mechanical, or plumbing work
- Mold cleanup jobs over $7,500 require a specific license
- Mold remediation jobs over $7,500 need a dedicated license
- All hazardous materials work requires proper licensing, regardless of cost
Each license level builds on the last, adding more requirements and responsibilities. Most handymen stick to that under the $7,500 range when starting out, then move up as they gain experience and resources.
Handyman Requirements in Louisiana
Running a handyman business in Louisiana involves more than just showing up with your tools. The state also requires proper registration and insurance. Here’s everything a Louisiana handyman needs to operate legally:
Working Under the $7,500 Limit
Louisiana limits unlicensed handyman jobs to $7,500 or less for each project. This amount includes materials plus labor. Going beyond this limit brings hefty fines and potential legal issues.
Business Registration
Getting started in Louisiana means dealing with some essential paperwork first. Most handymen spend their first week or two getting these basics in order before taking on jobs. The process isn’t complicated, but skipping steps can cause problems down the road.
The registration through the Secretary of State’s office comes first – plan on 3-5 business days for processing. Once approved, take that paperwork to open your business bank account.
Most Louisiana banks also want to see your federal EIN, so apply for that early too.
Insurance Requirements
Louisiana takes insurance seriously for all trade work. Smart handymen know that getting the right coverage protects their business and clients. The state also monitors compliance closely.
The law requires a $100,000 minimum in general liability insurance. Those with employees must also add workers’ compensation coverage.
Record Keeping
Louisiana requires thorough documentation:
- All client contracts
- Material receipts
- Payment records
- Current insurance certificates
- Business registration paperwork
- Four years of financial records
Most parishes want to see your paperwork four times a year, even during slow months. This system helps track all money flowing through the business and ensures compliance with state regulations. Many handymen handle their books monthly, making those quarterly reports much easier.
Remember not to exceed the $7,500 limit on any single job – this includes everything from materials to labor costs. Going over this amount requires additional licensing through the Home Improvement Registration program.
Local Handyman License Requirements
The rules for handymen vary across Louisiana’s cities. From New Orleans’s strict oversight to smaller towns’ basic permits, each area enforces different standards. Local building departments track these rules closely, and permits often cost more inside city limits than in surrounding areas.
New Orleans
The city’s Safety & Permits Department reviews all building permits. Any construction work needs their approval first. Projects above $7,500 require home improvement registration – this means getting liability insurance and clearing a background check.
Baton Rouge
The Finance Department handles business licenses. Any add-on building over 200 square feet needs permits, plus all electrical and structural changes.
Lafayette
Almost all construction needs building permits to match local codes. Each type of work, such as electrical, plumbing, mechanical, grading, and signs, needs its own permit.
Shreveport
Paint and floor jobs don’t need paperwork. Everything else, like driveways, fences, additions, and roofing, requires city approval. Air conditioning, wiring, and plumbing need separate registration.
Alexandria
You need to visit four offices before starting work:
- The Fire Prevention Bureau requires a building check. You can visit them at 1000 Bolton Avenue or call (318) 441-6607 for inspections.
- The Planning Division controls work zones in Alexandria. Find them at 625 Murray Street, 2nd Floor, or call (318) 473-1371.
- At Rapides Parish, workers get health permits at 5604-A Coliseum Boulevard and tax numbers at 5606 Coliseum Boulevard. The health office is (318) 487-5282, and the tax office is (318) 445-0296.
Get Started Today
People value their time more than ever, which is why so many turn over their household maintenance and repair jobs to a handyman. So if you have the skills, there’s money to be made. Home Gnome gives handymen an edge by connecting you with jobs in your area, saving you time and money and letting you focus on the work. Sign up now.
Note: Home Gnome may get a referral fee for matching you with pros in your area.
Main Image Credit: Sergii Pavlovskyi / Adobe Stock / License created using Canva Pro
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