What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Clinton Charter Township, Michigan?

In Michigan, most "handyman" work is legal without a state contractor license ONLY if you stay under the state’s small-job exemption threshold and you do not perform regulated trades (electrical, plumbing, mechanical/HVAC, etc.). In Clinton Charter Township (Macomb County), you should also expect local requirements such as permits for many common repairs/replacements and potential local business registration requirements depending on how/where you operate.

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

Jobs under $600 (labor + materials) that are not regulated trades, such as: interior painting and touch-ups
Minor drywall patching/repair and small non-structural trim repairs
Hanging shelves, pictures, curtain rods, and other non-structural mounting
Replacing door hardware (knobs/handles/hinges) and basic adjustments (not reframing structural openings)
Caulking and weatherstripping; minor window screen repair
Minor carpentry that is not structural (baseboards, crown molding, cabinet hardware)
Yard/maintenance work that is not construction (gutter cleaning, pressure washing where allowed)

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Clinton Charter Township

Based on the MI threshold, handymen in Clinton Charter Township commonly take on:

Jobs under $600 (labor + materials) that are not regulated trades, such as: interior painting and touch-ups
Minor drywall patching/repair and small non-structural trim repairs
Hanging shelves, pictures, curtain rods, and other non-structural mounting
Caulking and weatherstripping; minor window screen repair
Yard/maintenance work that is not construction (gutter cleaning, pressure washing where allowed)

⚠️ What Requires a License

Residential Builder or Residential M&A Contractor registration for residential repair/alteration work at/above $600 total contract price (labor + materials), unless a narrow exemption applies
Electrical contracting/installation/alteration work requiring a Michigan electrical license and permit (e.g., new circuits, panel work, most wiring)
Plumbing installation/alteration work requiring a Michigan plumbing license and permit (e.g., moving supply/drain lines, water heater replacement where regulated, adding fixtures)
Mechanical/HVAC work requiring Michigan mechanical licensure/permits (furnace/AC replacement, ductwork changes, gas piping work handled under mechanical/plumbing rules as applicable)
Structural work that triggers building permits (framing changes, load-bearing walls, decks, additions) and may require a licensed builder/registered M&A depending on scope/value
Roofing, siding, window/door replacement, and similar exterior alterations often require permits and—depending on contract value and representation—state builder/M&A credential

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 — Clinton Charter Township

Required. Clinton Charter Township Business Registration/License (as applicable)

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 Clinton Charter Township

Step 1: Choose your business structure and file your Michigan LLC ($50) if desired; file assumed name (DBA) if operating under a trade name.
Step 2: If you will take jobs at/above $600, apply for the appropriate Michigan Residential M&A registration or Residential Builder license through LARA and schedule the exam if required.
Step 3: Contact Clinton Charter Township to confirm whether a local contractor registration/business license or home occupation approval is required for your specific setup; then comply with building permit requirements for each job.
Step 4: Obtain general liability insurance (and workers’ comp if you have employees) and set up Michigan tax accounts if you sell taxable items or have employees.
Step 5: If you plan to work on Selfridge ANGB or other federal property, complete SAM.gov registration (free) and ask the facility about contractor access/credentialing requirements before bidding.

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