What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County, Michigan?
In Michigan, handymen can work on projects under $600 (including labor and materials) without a state contractor license, but electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work always require licensed professionals regardless of project cost. For work exceeding $600, you must obtain a Michigan Residential Builder or Maintenance & Alteration Contractor license from LARA. Ann Arbor requires contractor registration with the city and building permits for most work. Trade-specific licenses (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) are mandatory for those trades in Michigan.
✅ What You Can Do Without a License
- Minor drywall repairs and patching (under $600 total project cost)
- Interior painting and staining (under $600 total project cost)
- Basic carpentry repairs such as replacing trim, baseboards, or cabinet hardware (under $600 total project cost)
- Caulking and weatherstripping (under $600 total project cost)
- Replacing interior doors and door hardware (under $600 total project cost)
- Gutter cleaning and minor gutter repairs (under $600 total project cost)
- Replacing light fixtures (fixture only, not electrical wiring—electrical work requires a licensed electrician)
- Replacing faucet aerators and washers (fixture-only work, not plumbing system modifications—plumbing work requires a licensed plumber)
Common Jobs Handymen Take in Ann Arbor
Based on the MI threshold, handymen in Ann Arbor commonly take on:
- Minor drywall repairs and patching (under $600 total project cost)
- Interior painting and staining (under $600 total project cost)
- Basic carpentry repairs such as replacing trim, baseboards, or cabinet hardware (under $600 total project cost)
- Caulking and weatherstripping (under $600 total project cost)
- Gutter cleaning and minor gutter repairs (under $600 total project cost)
- Replacing light fixtures (fixture only, not electrical wiring—electrical work requires a licensed electrician)
- Replacing faucet aerators and washers (fixture-only work, not plumbing system modifications—plumbing work requires a licensed plumber)
⚠️ What Requires a License
- Any electrical work beyond simple fixture changes: installing outlets, switches, ceiling fans, or any work involving the electrical panel or wiring requires a licensed electrician (Michigan Electrical Administrative Act, MCL 338.881–338.892)
- Any plumbing work beyond simple fixture replacement: installing or repairing pipes, water heaters, drains, or any work affecting the plumbing system requires a licensed plumber (Michigan Plumbing Act, MCL 338.3511–338.3583)
- HVAC system installation, repair, or alteration: any work on heating, ventilating, air conditioning, or refrigeration systems requires a licensed mechanical contractor (MCL 339.5813). Federal EPA Section 608 certification also required if refrigerant handling is involved.
- Any residential construction, renovation, or repair project exceeding $600 in total cost (labor + materials) requires a Michigan Residential Builder or Maintenance & Alteration Contractor license (MCL 339.2403)
- Structural modifications, load-bearing wall work, or foundation repairs
- Roof installation or replacement (requires M&A Contractor license in roofing category)
- Siding installation or replacement (requires M&A Contractor license in siding category)
- Masonry work including brick, stone, or concrete installation (requires M&A Contractor license in masonry category)
What to Tell Clients About Your Scope of Work
In MI, you can take jobs under $600 (labor + materials) without a contractor license. When a client asks, be straightforward: for jobs under this threshold, you're operating legally as a handyman. For larger projects, refer them to a licensed contractor or get licensed before bidding that work.
Business License — Ann Arbor
Required. Contractor Registration / Business License
Setting Up Your Business in MI
To get paid professionally and protect yourself, register your business. LLC filing fee in MI: $50 (one-time). You'll also need a free EIN from the IRS and a business checking account.
Your Next Steps to Operating Legally in Ann Arbor
- Step 1: Determine if your work exceeds $600 in total cost (labor + materials). If under $600 and not involving electrical, plumbing, or HVAC, you may operate without a state license but must still comply with city permits.
- Step 2: Register your business entity. Form an LLC with the Michigan Secretary of State ($50 filing fee) or operate as a sole proprietor (no fee, but less liability protection).
- Step 3: Obtain Ann Arbor contractor registration. Contact Ann Arbor City Clerk (Licenses & Permits) at (734) 794-6265 or visit a2gov.org/city-clerk/licenses-and-permits/ to determine the exact registration fee and process.
- Step 4: If your work exceeds $600 or involves general contracting, apply for a Michigan Residential Builder or Maintenance & Alteration Contractor license through LARA. Complete 60 hours of approved prelicensure education, pass the exam ($70–$117), and submit your application ($195 fee). Allow 4–8 weeks for processing.
- Step 5: If you perform electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work, obtain the appropriate trade license from LARA. Each trade has specific experience requirements (1,000–8,000 hours) and exam fees ($70–$312).
- Step 6: Obtain general liability insurance ($300–$800 annually) and verify coverage requirements with clients.
- Step 7: For each project, determine if a building permit is required by contacting Ann Arbor Building Services at (734) 794-6265 or applying through the STREAM portal at a2gov.org. Building permits typically cost $15–$100+ depending on project scope.
- Step 8: If your project involves exterior work in a historic district, contact Ann Arbor Planning & Development Services at (734) 794-6265 to determine if Historic District Commission approval is needed before applying for a building permit.
Licensing rules and fees change over time, so this information may be out of date. Verify all requirements with your local licensing authority before making business decisions.