Handyman License Requirements in New Baltimore, MI

In Michigan, most “handyman” work is legal without a state contractor license as long as you do NOT take on projects that require a state residential builder/maintenance & alteration credential and you stay out of state-licensed trades (electrical/plumbing/mechanical). Michigan’s key handyman-style threshold is the residential builder/maintenance & alteration exemption for jobs under $600 (labor + materials) when you are not engaging in work that otherwise requires licensure or permits; many common repair/replace tasks are still permit-triggering at the city level.

⚠️ 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 Builder or Maintenance & Alteration Contractor license for larger/scope-defined residential work beyond the small-job exemption (commonly when the total contract is $600+ or when acting as a contractor on covered work)
• Electrical work: new circuits, receptacles, lighting runs, panel/service work, most troubleshooting beyond swapping lamps/bulbs—requires Michigan electrical licensure and permits
• Plumbing work: water heater replacement, new/relocated supply or drain piping, venting, sewer work—requires Michigan plumbing licensure and permits
• HVAC/mechanical: furnace/AC installation, refrigerant work, ductwork, gas piping as part of mechanical scope—requires Michigan mechanical licensing; refrigerant handling needs EPA 608
• Structural work: altering load-bearing walls, framing changes, roof structure repairs—typically requires permits and often a licensed builder/qualified contractor
• Roofing/siding/windows when scope triggers building permit or structural/weather-barrier modifications (city permit office determines)
• Lead-based paint activities in pre-1978 housing: federal RRP rules can require EPA-certified firm for certain work

State Contractor Licensing Law (MI)

Even under the $600 threshold, you still must follow local permitting rules. The exemption does NOT allow you to perform electrical, plumbing, or mechanical (HVAC) work that requires state licensure; it also does not override building code requirements, lead-safe rules, or landlord/tenant obligations. Advertising as a ‘licensed contractor’ without the applicable credential is prohibited.

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 (near New Baltimore) — Do not assume you can ‘just pull a city permit’ for base work; the base is federal jurisdiction with its own procurement and access rules.

City Business License — New Baltimore

Required. City of New Baltimore Business License (local registration)

Permit vs. Contractor License — The Legal Difference

A license is your legal authorization to perform or contract for certain types of work (state trade licenses and builder/M&A credentials). A permit is project-specific approval from the local building department confirming the work meets code; you can be ‘exempt’ from a state contractor license and still need a city building permit (and inspections) for the job.

Business Entity Registration (MI)

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

Compliance Notes for New Baltimore, Michigan

• Insurance: Many cities/clients require general liability insurance (commonly $500,000 to $1,000,000 per occurrence). Workers’ compensation is required if you have employees; even without employees, some GCs require proof of coverage or an exclusion form.
• Advertising/contracting: If you hold yourself out as a ‘licensed’ contractor, ensure you have the correct Michigan credential (Residential Builder, Maintenance & Alteration, or skilled trades).
• Permits: In Michigan, local building departments control permits/inspections—do not rely solely on the $600 exemption to skip permits.
• Regulated trades: Electrical/plumbing/mechanical are the biggest compliance pitfalls for handymen—cities frequently enforce these strictly after complaints or failed inspections.

Legal Registration Steps for New Baltimore

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

1. Step 1: Form your entity (Michigan LLC filing fee $50) and set up your registered office/agent
2. Step 2: Register with Michigan Treasury as needed (sales tax if you sell taxable property, withholding if you hire employees)
3. Step 3: Contact New Baltimore City Clerk to confirm local business licensing fee and contractor registration requirements; comply with zoning/home-occupation rules
4. Step 4: If you plan to exceed the $600 handyman threshold or take on covered remodeling work, apply for the appropriate LARA credential (Maintenance & Alteration or Residential Builder) and avoid skilled-trade work unless licensed
5. Step 5: Purchase general liability insurance and be prepared to provide certificates to the city/clients

Work You Can Do Without a Contractor License

• Jobs under $600 total (labor + materials) that are non-structural and not a regulated trade (typical handyman exemption use case)
• Interior painting and touch-up painting
• Minor drywall patching and cosmetic wall repairs (no structural alterations)
• Install/replace interior trim, baseboards, and door hardware (knobs, hinges, locks) with no fire-rated door assembly changes
• Assemble furniture, install shelving (non-load-bearing), and hang pictures/curtain rods

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