What Can a Handyman Do Without a License 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.

The magic number in MI: $600. Jobs under $600 (labor + materials combined) don't require a contractor license — you can take those as a handyman. Jobs at or above $600 require a contractor license. Know your number, know your limit.

✅ 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.

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Cassopolis

Based on the MI threshold, handymen in Cassopolis commonly take on:

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.

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 — Cassopolis

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

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 Cassopolis

Step 1: Form your business (LLC if desired) with Michigan LARA ($50 filing fee) and set up tax registrations with Michigan Treasury if needed.
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.
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.
Step 4: Obtain general liability insurance and set up a written contract template that clearly defines scope, exclusions (licensed trades), and permit responsibility.
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.