What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Dearborn Heights, Michigan?
In Dearborn Heights (Wayne County), Michigan does not issue a single “general contractor license” for handymen, but Michigan DOES require state licensing/registration for many construction-related activities—especially Residential Builder / M&A Contractor licensure for residential work and separate state licenses for electrical and plumbing. A common handyman pathway is staying under Michigan’s “maintenance & alteration” scope (often treated as an M&A Contractor) and avoiding regulated trades (electrical/plumbing/HVAC) unless properly licensed and permitted. Even when you’re exempt from a state credential for small jobs, Dearborn Heights typically still requires local permits for many building, electrical, and plumbing triggers.
✅ What You Can Do Without a License
- Jobs under $600 (labor + materials) that are truly minor/maintenance and do not require a state trade license or a permit (e.g., small repairs, adjustments) (threshold: $600).
- Interior painting and touch-ups; patching nail holes; minor drywall repair (non-structural).
- Replace door hardware (knobs, deadbolts), cabinet pulls, towel bars, shelving (anchored properly).
- Basic carpentry repairs that do not affect structural members (e.g., trim, baseboard, small soffit/fascia patching not tied to structural framing).
- Caulking, weatherstripping, small-area tile repair (not a full shower pan/system rebuild).
- Assemble/install prefabricated items that don’t require permits (furniture assembly, closet organizer systems).
- Gutter cleaning, minor exterior maintenance (non-roofing structural alterations).
- Replace a like-for-like faucet aerator/showerhead (note: broader plumbing work is typically licensed/permitted).
Common Jobs Handymen Take in Dearborn Heights
Based on the MI threshold, handymen in Dearborn Heights commonly take on:
- Jobs under $600 (labor + materials) that are truly minor/maintenance and do not require a state trade license or a permit (e.g., small repairs, adjustments) (threshold: $600).
- Interior painting and touch-ups; patching nail holes; minor drywall repair (non-structural).
- Replace door hardware (knobs, deadbolts), cabinet pulls, towel bars, shelving (anchored properly).
- Basic carpentry repairs that do not affect structural members (e.g., trim, baseboard, small soffit/fascia patching not tied to structural framing).
- Caulking, weatherstripping, small-area tile repair (not a full shower pan/system rebuild).
- Assemble/install prefabricated items that don’t require permits (furniture assembly, closet organizer systems).
- Gutter cleaning, minor exterior maintenance (non-roofing structural alterations).
- Replace a like-for-like faucet aerator/showerhead (note: broader plumbing work is typically licensed/permitted).
⚠️ What Requires a License
- Residential Builder or M&A Contractor credential for larger-scope residential work beyond minor repairs—especially when contracting to repair/alter a residential structure as a business (state-regulated).
- Electrical work: adding circuits, replacing/altering wiring, panel work, service upgrades, most hardwired device installation beyond very limited swaps—requires Michigan electrical licensure and permits/inspection.
- Plumbing work: running new supply/drain lines, altering vents, water heater installs in many jurisdictions, sewer work—requires Michigan plumbing licensure and permits/inspection.
- Mechanical/HVAC: installing/replacing furnaces, AC, ductwork, gas piping, and mechanical system alterations typically require mechanical permits and may require additional local contractor registration; refrigerant handling requires EPA Section 608 certification.
- Structural work: removing/altering load-bearing walls, structural framing, roof structure modifications—requires building permits and often a properly licensed contractor depending on scope.
- Roofing replacement (full tear-off/replace) often triggers permits and may be treated as contractor-class work (check city enforcing agency).
- Lead-based paint disturbing work in pre-1978 housing can trigger federal EPA RRP compliance (firm certification and renovator training) when done for compensation.
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 — Dearborn Heights
Required. Dearborn Heights Business License (general business / contractor-type operations)
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 Dearborn Heights
- Step 1: Form your business entity (LLC recommended) with Michigan ($50 filing).
- Step 2: Register for local business licensing in Dearborn Heights (confirm category and fee with City Clerk).
- Step 3: Obtain general liability insurance and keep certificates ready for customers/permit counter requests.
- Step 4: If you will exceed minor repair scope or bid residential alteration projects, apply for Michigan Residential Builder or M&A Contractor licensing through LARA; avoid electrical/plumbing unless separately licensed and permitted.
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.