The 10 Best Nashville, TN General Contractors

You must hire a contractor who is licensed as a prime contractor, or subcontractor. for all projects $25,000 or more, material and labor combined. For residential remodeling projects between $3,000 and $25,000, you can hire a licensed home improvement contractor.

The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance: Board for Licensing Contractors sets a high standard. Applicants must pass exams on state business and law and one on relevant professional knowledge. Contractors must submit a letter of reference speaking to their prior experience and prove financial responsibility and security, usually with a review or audit. Applicants potentially must interview in front of the board. Licenses must be renewed for $250 every two years.

Licensed contractors in Tennessee must hold workers’ compensation and general liability insurance with a minimum limit determined by the contractor's monetary limits. It is highly recommended that you request copies of each insurance certificate before any work begins.

A permit is always required in Nashville for new construction, additions, any structural work and all demolition. Common projects that also require a permit include converting an accessory area, such as garages, basements or attics, into habitable space, installing siding, roofing, fireplaces, pools and solar panels, building carports, patio covers, porches, decks, and storage buildings, including portable storage buildings that are more than 100 square feet, the placement or replacement of a mobile home, and moving or placing a previously constructed structure. If you are unsure if your project requires a permit, contact the Nashville Department of Codes and Building Safety at 615.862.6500.

The Nashville Department of Codes and Building Safety is responsible for issuing permits and ensuring project compliance with all applicable codes and ordinances. The Department provides a variety of services to guide you through the permitting process. These include meeting with development services staff during the project design stage to flag any possible issues with code compliance, as well as multiple methods for obtaining a building permit. Some permits are available electronically to licensed contractors. More details are available on the Nashville Department of Codes and Building Safety’s website.

All licensed contractors are required to be bonded, which offers protection to homeowner who suffer financial loss as a result of a contractor who fails to comply with laws, rules or regulations. For work under $25,000, the bond amount shall be $10,000; for more expensive projects, the bond must be $40,000.

The BuildZoom score is based on a number of factors including the contractor's license information, which is gathered from the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors; building permit data, gathered from the Nashville Department of Codes and Building Safety; and feedback and behavior we have observed in the BuildZoom marketplace and in other, third-party review sites.

We have analyzed every licensed contractor who has worked in Nashville, Tennessee. Using this information, we’re able to save you time, money and lessen your risk by providing you with a simple and straight-forward way to gather and receive multiple bids from vetted general contractors in Nashville. Click here to get started by providing us with a few details about your project.