General Contracting Contractors in Bartlett, Tennessee
Avg. Hourly Wage
$53.12/hr
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Avg. Annual Wage
$110,490/yr
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Licensed Establishments
819
U.S. Census Bureau
Peak Season
April through October - spring preparation through fall completion before winter
Estimate
Avg. Response Time
3-7 business days for initial quotes, 2-3 weeks for detailed estimates on larger projects
Estimate
Common Job Costs
| Service | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| kitchen remodel | $25,000 – $65,000 |
| bathroom renovation | $15,000 – $35,000 |
| room addition | $35,000 – $85,000 |
| deck construction | $8,000 – $22,000 |
| basement finishing | $18,000 – $45,000 |
| whole house renovation | $75,000 – $200,000 |
Licensing Requirements
Licensing Requirements
Tennessee requires contractors to obtain licenses through the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. Class A license for projects over $25,000 requires 4 years experience and passing PSI exam. Class B license for projects under $25,000 requires 2 years experience and exam. Licenses renew annually with continuing education requirements.
Permit Requirements
Bartlett requires building permits through Memphis/Shelby County building department for structural work, additions, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. Permit fees range $50-500 depending on project scope. Trade permits required for electrical and plumbing work.
Inspection Schedule
Inspections required at foundation, framing, mechanical rough-in, insulation, and final stages. Schedule inspections 24-48 hours in advance through Memphis/Shelby County. Failed inspections require re-scheduling and additional fees.
Insurance Minimums
Tennessee requires general liability insurance minimum $300,000 per occurrence, $600,000 aggregate. Workers compensation required if employing others. Bonding required for municipal projects and recommended for residential work over $10,000.
How to Get Licensed
- 1
verify experience requirements
Document 4 years of construction experience for Class A license (over $25,000 projects) or 2 years for Class B (under $25,000). Gather employment records, project documentation, and supervisor references.
- 2
complete pre-license education
Take required pre-license education course from approved provider. Course covers business law, construction law, project management, and safety requirements specific to Tennessee regulations.
- 3
submit license application
File application with Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance including experience documentation, education certificates, and application fee. Applications processed in 2-3 weeks if complete.
- 4
schedule and pass PSI exam
Register for contractor exam through PSI. Exam covers Tennessee construction law, business practices, safety, and trade knowledge. Passing score is 70%. Retakes available if needed.
- 5
obtain required insurance
Secure general liability insurance meeting state minimums and workers compensation if applicable. Submit insurance certificates with final license documentation.
- 6
receive license and maintain compliance
Once approved, receive Tennessee contractor license valid for one year. Complete annual renewal with continuing education requirements and maintain insurance coverage.
About This Market
Bartlett's general contracting market runs steady with strong demand for renovations and additions in established neighborhoods. Competition is moderate with about 25-30 active contractors serving the area. Kitchen and bathroom remodels dominate the work, driven by homes built in the 80s and 90s needing updates. Material costs and permit delays through Memphis/Shelby County system are the biggest cost drivers. Labor runs $50-65 per hour for skilled trades, which tracks close to the state median of $53.12. Getting licensed in Tennessee is straightforward but requires real experience - no shortcuts on the 4-year requirement for Class A work. Memphis/Shelby County permitting can be slow, especially in spring when everyone's trying to start projects. Plan 2-3 weeks minimum for permit approval. Local inspectors are reasonable but stick to code. Most profitable work comes from referrals in established neighborhoods like Davies Plantation and Bartlett Woods where homeowners have money to spend and appreciate quality work.
Data Sources:
Frequently Asked Questions
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