Handyman License Requirements in Macomb Township, MI

In Michigan, most “handyman” work is governed by the state’s Residential Builder / Maintenance & Alteration (M&A) licensing system (LARA). If you perform (or offer) residential repair/alteration work above the state’s small-job exemption, you generally must be licensed as an M&A contractor—separate from any city rules. Regardless of the exemption, electrical/plumbing/HVAC and permits are still regulated and usually require licensed trades and township permits.

⚠️ 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 work $600 or more generally requires a Michigan Residential Builder license or an M&A contractor license (appropriate classification) to contract/advertise for the work.
• Electrical work beyond very minor tasks: new circuits, panel work, service upgrades, most wiring—requires licensed electrical contractor/electrician and permits/inspection.
• Plumbing work beyond very minor fixture swaps: moving/adding supply/drain/vent piping, water heater replacement in many jurisdictions—requires licensed plumber and permits/inspection.
• Mechanical/HVAC: installing or servicing furnaces, AC condensers, ductwork, gas piping work associated with appliances—requires Michigan mechanical licensing and permits/inspection.
• Structural work: removing/altering load-bearing walls, framing changes, additions, decks (often), roof structural repairs—requires proper licensing (often M&A/Residential Builder) and building permits.
• Any work requiring specialized state credentials (boilers, refrigeration with refrigerant handling implicating EPA 608).

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 waive local building permits/inspections. Many jobs under $600 can still require permits (e.g., water heater, structural, some electrical/plumbing).

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) — For actual contracting, identify the awarding activity (Air Force, National Guard Bureau, State of Michigan, or prime contractor). Expect stricter insurance and safety requirements.

City Business License — Macomb Township

Required. Business Registration / Home Occupation / Local Contractor Registration (as applicable)

Permit vs. Contractor License — The Legal Difference

A license is your legal authority to perform/contract for certain types of work (state-issued for builders and the skilled trades). A permit is project-specific approval issued by the local enforcing agency (often the township building department) that authorizes the work at a specific address and triggers inspections. Even if you are under the $600 handyman exemption, Macomb Township can still require permits for code-regulated work.

Business Entity Registration (MI)

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

Compliance Notes for Macomb Township, Michigan

• Insurance: Michigan does not substitute insurance for licensing; however, general liability insurance is strongly expected by customers and often required to pull permits or work as a subcontractor. Typical small handyman GL policies commonly run about $400-$1,500/year depending on revenue and scope (market cost, not a government fee).
• Advertising/contracting: If you bid/contract as an M&A/Residential Builder for covered work, ensure your license classification matches the work type. Misclassification and unlicensed contracting can lead to penalties and difficulty collecting payment.
• Permitting reality: Many enforcement agencies treat water heaters, certain electrical fixture replacements, and plumbing fixture changes as permit-triggering. Always confirm with Macomb Township Building Department before starting.
• Employees/subs: If you hire employees, register for Michigan withholding and unemployment (UIA). If you use subcontractors, verify their state licenses and insurance.

Legal Registration Steps for Macomb Township

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

1. Step 1: Form your business (LLC optional) and file Michigan Articles of Organization ($50) if forming an LLC.
2. Step 2: If doing residential work at/over $600, apply for the correct Michigan credential (M&A contractor and proper classification, or Residential Builder) through LARA.
3. Step 3: Contact Macomb Township (Clerk/Building/Planning) to confirm: (a) whether a local business registration or home occupation approval is required, and (b) what permits you must pull for your typical jobs.
4. Step 4: Obtain general liability insurance and keep certificates ready for customers, primes, and permit applications.
5. Step 5: If you plan to do electrical/plumbing/HVAC, pursue the proper trade pathway (apprenticeship/licensing) or partner with licensed subcontractors and pull permits correctly.

Work You Can Do Without a Contractor License

• Small residential repair/alteration jobs under $600 total contract price (labor + materials), provided the work is not in a regulated trade (electrical/plumbing/mechanical).
• Interior painting and surface prep (patch/skim minor drywall damage that is not structural).
• Minor carpentry: trim, baseboards, door hardware replacement (knobs/hinges), installing pre-hung interior doors where framing is not altered.
• Caulking, weatherstripping, replacing window screens, basic draft sealing.
• Installing cabinets where no structural changes are required and no electrical/plumbing is modified.

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