Handyman License Requirements in Macomb, MI

For handymen in Macomb (Macomb County), Michigan does not issue a single “general contractor” license; instead, Michigan requires a state Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) license (Residential Maintenance & Alteration Contractor) when you contract/perform residential repair, replacement, remodeling, or additions above the small-job exemption threshold. Separately, Michigan requires state trade licensing for electrical, plumbing, mechanical/HVAC, and certain fire-suppression work—those are not covered by a handyman exemption and typically require permits issued by the local building department even when the contractor is licensed.

⚠️ 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:

• Residential repair/remodel/addition work contracted above the $600 exemption threshold typically requires a Michigan Residential Maintenance & Alteration Contractor license (or Residential Builder depending on scope)
• Electrical contracting/work for others generally requires Michigan electrical licensure (do not run new circuits, replace panels, service equipment, or perform most wiring as an unlicensed handyman)
• Plumbing work for others (water heaters, new/relocated supply/drain/vent lines, many fixture installs depending on jurisdiction) generally requires a Michigan plumbing license and permits
• Mechanical/HVAC work (furnaces, AC, ductwork, gas piping within mechanical scope) generally requires a Michigan mechanical contractor license and permits
• Structural work (load-bearing walls, framing changes, many decks/porches) typically requires permits and often a properly licensed contractor depending on contract amount/scope
• Roofing replacement and major exterior envelope work often requires permits and may trigger additional local registration requirements
• Any work that requires a building permit in the local jurisdiction—permits are separate from licensing and are job-specific
• Lead paint renovation in pre-1978 housing: EPA RRP certification is required for firms disturbing painted surfaces above de minimis thresholds (federal requirement)

State Contractor Licensing Law (MI)

Even under $600, you generally cannot perform or contract for work that requires a state skilled-trade license (electrical, plumbing, mechanical/HVAC, etc.). Local building permits can still be required for items like water heaters, structural repairs, decks, and many exterior alterations depending on the jurisdiction.

County Requirements — Macomb 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) — Small handyman work on a military installation is rarely arranged informally; expect to be a subcontractor. If you pursue federal work directly, you will typically need SAM.gov registration.

City Business License — Macomb

Not required at the city level.

Permit vs. Contractor License — The Legal Difference

A license (state) is your legal authorization to perform/contract certain types of work as a business (e.g., M&A contractor; electrical/plumbing/mechanical trades). A permit (local) is job-specific approval to perform regulated construction at a specific address, followed by required inspections. Even if you are exempt from a state contractor license under the $600 threshold, the project may still require a local building/plumbing/electrical/mechanical permit and inspection.

Business Entity Registration (MI)

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

Compliance Notes for Macomb, Michigan

• Insurance: Michigan does not typically mandate general liability insurance for a handyman by statute, but it is commonly required by clients/GCs; carry at least $1,000,000 per occurrence GL (industry norm) and workers’ compensation if you have employees.
• Bonding: The state M&A/Residential Builder licensing commonly requires a surety bond (often $10,000). Your out-of-pocket cost is the premium, not the bond amount.
• Common mistake: Advertising or contracting for electrical/plumbing/HVAC work without the proper state trade license—even if you plan to ‘sub it out.’ If you contract for it, you may be treated as acting as that contractor; structure bids and subcontracting correctly.
• Common mistake: Assuming ‘under $600’ means ‘no rules.’ Permits/inspections and trade-license laws still apply.
• If you take payment for materials and labor together, the $600 threshold is typically measured as the total contract price for that job (not just labor). Keep clear invoices and written scopes.

Legal Registration Steps for Macomb

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

1. Step 1: Form your business (LLC optional but common) and file with Michigan LARA/Corporations Division ($50 filing fee).
2. Step 2: Determine whether your typical jobs exceed $600; if yes, apply for Michigan Residential Maintenance & Alteration Contractor (HIC) licensing through LARA and obtain the required bond.
3. Step 3: Contact the local enforcing agency for the jobsite (Macomb Township/City Building Department) to confirm permit requirements and any contractor registration for pulling permits.
4. Step 4: Get general liability insurance (and workers’ comp if applicable) and set up compliant contracts/invoicing that avoid unlicensed trade work.

Work You Can Do Without a Contractor License

• Small repair jobs at or below the $600 threshold (labor + materials) that do not require a skilled-trade license (e.g., patching drywall, minor trim repair) (verify locally)
• Interior and exterior painting (no lead-abatement license unless doing regulated lead work; follow EPA RRP rules for pre-1978 homes if disturbing paint)
• Minor carpentry like installing baseboards, door hardware, and non-structural trim
• Cabinet hardware replacement, installing shelving, closet organizers (non-structural)
• Basic caulking, weatherstripping, re-screening windows/doors

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