County Information Adopting the Home Improvement Law

Counties may adopt the Home Improvement license requirement with a 2/3 vote from their commission. Adopting this requirement may be done without additional expense to the county, and it would be their option to charge for permits or perform inspections. Home Improvement licensing provides protection to consumers since they must be bonded and insured, and requires contracts to be in writing. The State also offers a mediation program with licensed contractor complaints. In addition, laws are in place to prevent unlicensed contractors who violate the licensing law, from filing a lien. They may also be prosecuted for theft should they take money without performing the work. Lastly, unlicensed contractors are not entitled to the total contract cost of the project and may only recover documented expenses in court (TCA 62-6-103). Many federal programs, such as the "Weatherization Assistance Program" require contractors to be licensed.

Presently, the following nine (9) counties require a home improvement license for projects in excess of $3,000 to less than $25,000:Bradley, Davidson, Haywood, Hamilton, Knox, Marion, Robertson, Rutherford, and Shelby.  Any remodeler may apply for the home improvement license, as consumers prefer to only hire state licensed contractors who are licensed, bonded and insured!