General Contracting contractors in
Memphis, Tennessee.
A public directory of licensed general contracting contractors serving greater Memphis. Market data, licensing requirements, and cost benchmarks — updated continuously from public sources.
Common Job Costs
Licensing Requirements
Licensing Requirements
Tennessee requires General Contractor License for projects over $25,000. Must pass PSI exam covering business law, construction principles, and Tennessee regulations. Requires 4 years experience or equivalent education. License renewal every 2 years with 8 hours continuing education.
Permit Requirements
Building permits required through Memphis Building Department for structural work, additions, major renovations. Electrical and plumbing permits often pulled separately. Commercial projects require additional Memphis Fire Department review.
Inspection Schedule
Foundation inspection before concrete pour, framing inspection before drywall, electrical rough-in, plumbing rough-in, HVAC rough-in, insulation inspection, and final inspection before occupancy
Insurance Minimums
General liability minimum $300,000 per occurrence, $600,000 aggregate. Workers compensation required if employees. Many projects require $1M+ liability coverage.
How to Get Licensed
Meet experience requirements
Document 4 years of construction experience or equivalent education. Acceptable experience includes work as journeyman, project manager, or construction supervisor.
Submit application
Complete Tennessee Department of Commerce application with required documentation, experience verification forms, and $300 application fee.
Schedule PSI exam
Register for General Contractor examination through PSI Services. Exam covers business law, construction principles, safety, and Tennessee-specific regulations.
Pass examination
Achieve passing score on written examination. Exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions with 4-hour time limit.
Obtain insurance and bonding
Secure required general liability insurance and any bonding requirements before license activation.
Receive license
License issued upon successful completion of all requirements. Must renew every 2 years with continuing education requirements.
About This Market
Memphis general contracting market runs hot with steady residential renovation demand and growing commercial development downtown. Competition is fierce among the estimated 100+ active general contractors, with material costs driving 15-20% project increases since 2022. Residential remodels dominate the work mix, especially kitchen and bath updates in Midtown and East Memphis. Labor shortage keeps quality crews booked solid. Market tolerates higher prices but expects professional execution and proper permitting. Tennessee's licensing requirements separate serious contractors from fly-by-night operations, but the $25,000 threshold means plenty of unlicensed competition on smaller jobs. Memphis Building Department runs efficient permit processes but inspections can back up during peak season. Summer heat affects outdoor work schedules and worker productivity. Local suppliers like Builder's First Source and Lowe's Pro provide decent material access, but supply chain hiccups still hit specialty items. Smart contractors build 3-4 week material lead times into schedules and maintain relationships with multiple suppliers.
- Licensed establishments in TNUS Census Bureau
- Licensing requirementsTennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance
- Cost estimatesLocal contractor estimates and market analysis
- Permit requirementsMemphis Building Department
- Insurance minimumsTennessee state regulations
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license for general contracting work in Memphis?
Yes, Tennessee requires a General Contractor License for any project exceeding $25,000. Projects under this threshold may not require licensing, but check local Memphis requirements.
How long does it take to get a general contractor license in Tennessee?
Typically 4-8 weeks after submitting application, assuming you meet the 4-year experience requirement and pass the PSI examination on first attempt.
What permits do I need for a kitchen remodel in Memphis?
Building permit required through Memphis Building Department for structural changes. Separate electrical and plumbing permits needed if modifying those systems. Plan review adds 2-3 weeks to timeline.
What's the average cost for a bathroom remodel in Memphis?
Memphis bathroom remodels typically run $12,000-$35,000 depending on size and finish level. Mid-range remodels with quality fixtures average $18,000-$22,000 based on local contractor estimates.
When is peak season for general contractors in Memphis?
April through August sees highest demand, with spring projects starting in March. Summer heat affects scheduling but work continues. Fall and winter offer better pricing and faster scheduling.
General Contracting contractors in Memphis
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