Handyman License Requirements in Garden City, MI

In Michigan, most "handyman" work is legal without a state contractor license as long as you do NOT hold yourself out as a residential builder/maintenance & alteration contractor and you stay within Michigan’s small-job exemption (commonly $600 or less including labor + materials per job) and do not perform regulated trades. Garden City (Wayne County) may still require a local business license/registration, and almost all meaningful construction work can still trigger building permits even when a state license is not required.

⚠️ What Requires a Contractor License

The following work requires a state-issued contractor license in MI. Performing this work without a license exposes you to fines, stop-work orders, and civil liability:

• Contracting for residential repair/alteration work over the small-job exemption amount (commonly over $600 per job) that falls under Maintenance & Alteration or Residential Builder scope
• Electrical work for others (new circuits, panel work, most hardwired installations/alterations) – requires Michigan electrical licensure and permits
• Plumbing work beyond minor like-for-like trim swaps (altering water lines, drains, vents, installing water heaters, moving fixtures) – requires Michigan plumbing licensure and permits
• HVAC/mechanical work (installing or servicing furnaces/AC, refrigerant handling, ductwork changes) – requires Michigan mechanical/HVAC licensing and permits
• Gas piping installation/alteration and many fuel-fired appliance installs – typically requires licensed mechanical/plumbing contractor depending on scope and local enforcement
• Structural work (load-bearing changes, framing changes, additions) – typically requires licensed contractor (builder) and building permits

State Contractor Licensing Law (MI)

This exemption does NOT allow you to perform regulated electrical, plumbing, mechanical/HVAC, or boiler work without the proper trade license, and it does NOT remove the need for building permits required by the local enforcing agency. Also, advertising/contracting as a licensed contractor when you are not licensed is a separate violation.

County Requirements — Wayne County

Business license: Not required at the county level.

Special Jurisdictions & Zones

The following special jurisdictions may have separate licensing requirements:

• Selfridge Air National Guard Base (Harrison Township, MI) — Selfridge is within ~50 miles of Garden City depending on route. For any on-base work, ask the prime/GC for base access requirements early—badging can delay job start.

City Business License — Garden City

Required. City of Garden City – Business Registration/License (local requirement; verify category for contractor/handyman/home occupation)

Permit vs. Contractor License — The Legal Difference

A license is your legal authorization (issued by the State of Michigan or a trade board) to perform or contract for certain types of work. A permit is job-specific approval issued by the local building department (or enforcing agency) that allows a specific project at a specific address. Even if you’re under the handyman/small-job exemption and don’t need a state contractor credential, the job may still require permits and inspections.

Business Entity Registration (MI)

To operate legally you must register your business. LLC filing fee in MI: $50 (one-time).

Compliance Notes for Garden City, Michigan

• Insurance: Even when not legally mandated statewide for a handyman, general liability insurance is commonly required by cities for contractor registration and by customers/GCs; workers’ compensation is typically required if you have employees.
• Advertising compliance: If you are not licensed as a residential builder or maintenance & alteration contractor, do not advertise or imply you are licensed for work that requires it.
• Permits: Many Michigan municipalities require contractor registration (with insurance) before they will issue permits in your name; some require the licensed trade to pull the trade permit.
• Project pricing: The small-job exemption is per job/contract—splitting a project into multiple invoices to evade licensing can be treated as a violation.

Legal Registration Steps for Garden City

Follow these steps to operate legally as a handyman in Garden City, Michigan:

1. Step 1: Choose your structure and file your Michigan LLC ($50) if desired; register your business name as needed.
2. Step 2: If you will exceed the small-job threshold or do regulated scopes, apply for the appropriate Michigan credential (Maintenance & Alteration or Residential Builder) and meet education/exam/bond requirements.
3. Step 3: Contact Garden City to obtain the required business license/registration (and any home occupation approval if operating from home).
4. Step 4: Get general liability insurance (and workers’ comp if you have employees) and be prepared to show proof for city registration and permits.

Work You Can Do Without a Contractor License

• Small jobs at or under $600 total per job (labor + materials), when they do not require a state trade license (e.g., basic repairs and cosmetic improvements)
• Interior painting and staining
• Minor drywall patching and surface repairs (non-structural)
• Basic carpentry like installing trim, baseboards, and interior doors (no structural framing changes)
• Cabinet hardware replacement (pulls/knobs/hinges) and minor cabinet adjustments

Research generated by AI. Verify all information with local authorities before making business decisions.