What Can a Handyman Do in Cassopolis, Michigan?

Cassopolis is in Cass County, Michigan. Michigan generally does not issue a single statewide “general contractor license” for handymen; instead, contractor credentialing is mainly through (1) the State’s Residential Builder / Maintenance & Alteration Contractor licensing system for residential work, and (2) separate state licenses for regulated trades (electrical, plumbing, mechanical/HVAC). Even if you are “exempt” from a state contractor credential for small jobs, you still must follow local building permit rules and you cannot perform licensed-trade work without the proper state trade license.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

• Minor repairs under the commonly used $600 (labor + materials) threshold, when they do NOT involve licensed trades (and permits may still be required).
• Interior and exterior painting and staining (non-lead abatement).
• Minor drywall patching, hole repair, and trim touch-ups (non-structural).
• Basic carpentry: install baseboard/trim, hang interior doors (like-for-like), install shelving and cabinets (not affecting structure).
• Replace faucets or toilets ONLY if it is truly a like-for-like swap and local rules allow homeowner/handyman work without a plumber license (many jurisdictions still require a licensed plumber and/or permit—verify first).
• Replace hardware: door knobs, cabinet pulls, hinges, weatherstripping.
• Gutter cleaning, minor gutter repairs, pressure washing (non-structural).
• Flooring installation (laminate/LVP/carpet) not involving structural subfloor repair.

⚠️ What Requires a License

• Residential work exceeding the state’s minor repair threshold and/or falling within Maintenance & Alteration classifications where Michigan requires an M&A contractor credential (or Residential Builder license) for the scope.
• Electrical contracting and most electrical work (new circuits, wiring, panel/service changes, adding receptacles, most troubleshooting) requires Michigan electrical licensure and permits/inspection.
• Plumbing contracting and plumbing work beyond the smallest like-for-like swaps (water heater installation, new supply/drain/vent piping, moving fixtures, adding shutoffs, gas piping) requires Michigan plumbing licensure and permits/inspection.
• Mechanical/HVAC work (furnace/AC replacement, ductwork, boilers, refrigeration piping) requires Michigan mechanical contractor licensing and permits/inspection; refrigerant handling also requires EPA Section 608 certification.
• Structural work: removing load-bearing walls, framing changes, foundation work, beams/headers—typically requires permits and licensed/qualified contractors.
• Roofing replacement (often within M&A licensing categories for residential contracting) and usually requires permits depending on scope and local policy.
• Lead abatement activities (federal/state rules) and asbestos abatement (special licensing) when applicable.

State Licensing Rules (MI)

Even when under the $600 threshold, you still must comply with the Michigan Residential Code and obtain local permits when required. The $600 concept is tied to Michigan’s residential licensing/consumer protection scheme and is not a blanket authorization to perform regulated trades. Jobs can be aggregated/treated as one project if they are part of a larger scope.

Business License — Cassopolis

Required. Village of Cassopolis business registration/license (if adopted by ordinance)

Permit vs. Contractor License — What's the Difference?

A license is your legal authority/credential to perform or contract for certain types of work (especially regulated trades). A permit is project-specific approval from the local building authority to perform work at a specific address; it triggers inspections for code compliance. Even if a handyman is under a licensing threshold, permits may still be mandatory for the project.

Important Notes for Cassopolis, Michigan Handymen

• Insurance: Carry general liability insurance (commonly $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate) and workers’ compensation if you have employees; many property managers require certificates before you start.
• Advertising/contracting: If you must hold a Residential Builder or Maintenance & Alteration credential for the scope, advertise and contract under the properly licensed entity/name.
• Permits and inspections: Local building departments can require contractor registration in their permitting software even when state licensing is handled by LARA.
• Do not cross into licensed trades: Even small electrical/plumbing/HVAC tasks can be regulated—confirm with the local building official before quoting.
• If working on tribal projects or on tribal land, expect additional procurement rules, insurance limits, and separate registration/licensing requirements.

Your Next Steps to Operating Legally in Cassopolis

1. Step 1: Form your business (LLC if desired) with Michigan LARA ($50 filing fee) and set up tax registrations with Michigan Treasury if needed.
2. Step 2: Call the Village of Cassopolis Clerk/Administration to confirm whether a local business license, contractor registration, or home occupation approval is required and obtain the current fee schedule.
3. Step 3: If you will do residential work above the minor repair threshold or within Maintenance & Alteration categories, apply through Michigan LARA/BCC for the appropriate Residential Maintenance & Alteration Contractor or Residential Builder credential and schedule the exam if required.
4. Step 4: Obtain general liability insurance and set up a written contract template that clearly defines scope, exclusions (licensed trades), and permit responsibility.
5. Step 5: For each job, confirm permit requirements with the local building department that has jurisdiction over the job site address (Village vs. township/unincorporated).

Research generated by AI. Verify all requirements with your local licensing authority before making business decisions.