License & Building Permit Guide for Trim Work in South Louisiana

You might think trim carpentry is all cosmetic, but in South Louisiana, even seemingly minor interior upgrades can brush up against parish permitting laws and state contractor license requirements. Whether you're a homeowner DIYing your own baseboards or a contractor bidding on a full house of crown molding, here’s what you need to know.

Do You Need a Permit for Trim Work?

In most cases, no permit is required for installing or replacing interior trim (like baseboards, crown molding, or casing) in Louisiana. That’s because it’s considered non-structural work.

However, there are exceptions:

A permit may be required if:

• The trim is part of a larger renovation (e.g., moving walls, HVAC, electrical).

• You’re working on a historic structure (common in New Orleans, Lafayette, and Abbeville).

• The project is within a commercial building requiring occupancy updates.

• Your city or parish requires a permit for value-based remodeling thresholds (e.g., jobs over $10,000).

Who Can Legally Perform Trim Carpentry in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, trim carpentry typically falls under the umbrella of residential specialty contracting. Here's what that means:

For Contractors:

• You do NOT need a full general contractor license if your job value is under $75,000.

• For projects over $7,500, you must register as a home improvement contractor with the State of Louisiana