In Memphis, many home repairs start small and grow because humidity, loess soil movement, and storm exposure tend to reveal multiple issues at once. What begins as a door fix can turn into framing adjustment, trim repair, and drywall work after alignment problems show up. Tennessee law draws a clear line based on total project value and scope, not intent, and that’s where homeowners often get caught off guard. Unlicensed handyman work is meant for contained corrections, not layered repairs that affect structure, systems, or large sections of the home. Understanding that boundary early helps avoid half-finished work, permit problems, or being forced to stop once costs creep upward.