Find Certified Contractors in Nashville, Tennessee

Most residential construction and renovation projects in Nashville require a building permit from the Metro Nashville Department of Codes and Building Safety. This ensures work meets zoning, building, and trade codes.

Projects Requiring Permits:

• New construction and additions
• Decks, pools, and accessory structures 100 sq ft or larger
• Basement, attic, or garage conversions into living space
• Roofing, siding, and solar panel installation
• Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work (separate trade permits required)

What Typically Doesn't Need a Permit:

• Normal maintenance repairs without structural changes
• Interior painting, wallpaper, carpeting
• Minor fixture replacements (faucets, countertops)
• Fences under 7 feet
• Detached accessory buildings under 120 sq ft with no utilities

Self-Permit Option: Homeowners occupying their own residence can obtain a "Self Permit" and take responsibility for code compliance. For LLC/Trust-owned properties, self-permits are limited to work under $25,000.

More Information: Metro Nashville Codes & Building Safety or call (615) 862-6500.

The state of Tennessee requires companies to hold a license for most major home improvement jobs. This typically includes electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and roofing work. There are some exceptions when it comes to the actual price of the job. Always verify the requirements of your job. The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance is a good place to start.

Workers' Compensation: Tennessee is unique—ALL construction service providers must carry workers' comp regardless of employee count. This includes seasonal workers, part-timers, and even family members.

General Liability: Requirements are tiered by the license's monetary limit:

• $0–$500K license limit: $100,000 minimum
• $500K–$1.5M license limit: $500,000 minimum
• $1.5M+ license limit: $1,000,000 minimum

The Best Pick Promise: We verify that every Best Pick contractor holds valid general liability insurance and meets all state-mandated workers' compensation requirements. You can also verify a license directly at the TN Board for Licensing Contractors.

The Nashville metro area sees four distinct seasons each year. Summers are predictably hot and muggy. Fall and spring are known for their storms. Tornadoes and severe thunderstorms are a common occurrence in these transitional seasons. Winters are usually chilly. Snow isn't unusual in January and February, but it's rarely more than a few inches.

Air conditioning and heating services are a must-have, especially in the long, hot, and humid summers. The area's mild climate equals a long growing season for grass and other plants. Professional landscape design and lawn maintenance services make it much easier to keep your yard healthy and looking good year-round.

Middle Tennessee, including the Nashville metro area, is known for its spring and fall storms. These storms can be severe at times, some even turning into dangerous tornadoes. And if your home is damaged in a storm, a water damage restoration or disaster recovery specialist can help.

Best Pick Reports conducts independent consumer satisfaction research in Nashville annually. We survey thousands of homeowners who have recently hired home service companies, analyzing their experiences to identify contractors who consistently deliver quality work.

To earn Best Pick certification in Nashville, companies must:

• Maintain a 4.0+ Google rating or 80%+ customer recommendation rate
• Hold all required state and local licenses
• Carry general liability insurance [+ workers' compensation where required]
• Have no unresolved complaints or regulatory violations
• Re-qualify annually through fresh consumer satisfaction surveys

We verify licensing and insurance annually for every certified company. When you hire a Best Pick contractor, you're also protected by our Best Pick Guarantee, which provides up to $2,500 in coverage if a certified company fails to meet their commitments.