Construction Law

Understanding Licensing Requirements for Subcontractors in Tennessee featured image

Understanding Licensing Requirements for Subcontractors in Tennessee

It’s critical that Tennessee contractors understand licensing requirements before they bid on a project, offer to perform work in exchange for payment, or begin working on a project that is valued at $25,000 or more. Moreover, it’s important that the general contractor as well as the subcontractors they hire to perform specific areas of work are licensed. A subcontractor’s subcontractor will likely need to be licensed, too. As you can see, licensing requirements can go right down the line of a project and involve every key professional. 

Working without a license can have steep penalties in The Volunteer State, so contractors need to consult a Nashville license defense lawyer to ensure that their best interests are covered. In this brief article, a construction lawyer with Cotney Attorneys & Consultants will discuss Tennessee’s licensing requirements for subcontractors. For more information on licensing requirements in Tennessee, feel free to visit the Tennessee’s Department of Commerce and Insurance website or consult an attorney. 

What Are the Licensing Requirements for Subcontractors in Tennessee?

As we mentioned above, a general contractor is required to have a license for projects valued at $25,000 or more. For projects less than $25,000, a contractor requires licensing in specific areas of construction work. For example, a contractor that works on residential remodeling projects requires a Home Improvement License, depending on the county in which they are working. Before working on any project, it’s best to speak with an attorney that can verify that the licensing credentials you possess cover the requirements of the project you intend to take on. 

As a general contractor needs to verify their licensing requirements for the tasks they perform, so do subcontractors. For subcontractors working on projects that are $25,000 or more, they will need to fulfill licensing requirements. Here are a few specific subcontractor services that require a license in Tennessee:

  • Electrical Work: As one of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA’s) “Fatal Four” causes of death, it’s critical that you have a licensed subcontractor performing any electrical work on your projects. 
  • Mechanical Work: Whether it’s installation or maintenance, any professionals that work with heating and cooling systems (HVAC) need to be licensed.
  • Plumbing Work: Any professional that installs, removes, or works on the systems of pipes or fixtures in a structure is required to have a license in Tennessee.
  • Roofing Work: As of January 1, 2014, roofing subcontractors are required to be licensed as a contractor for projects exceeding $25,000.    
  • Masonry Work: For projects exceeding $100,000, any subcontractor that provides laying of stone, brick, concrete blocks, or other masonry units needs licensing. 

Consult a Construction Attorney 

An experienced construction attorney can assist construction firms with ensuring that they are abiding by the necessary licensing requirements for all of their projects. This also includes providing legal representation before any licensing board hearings. If you require assistance with a licensing issue, consult a Nashville license defense attorney at Cotney Attorneys & Consultants.   

If you would like to speak with a Nashville license defense attorney, please contact us today.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.