What Can a Handyman Do 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).

⚠️ 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.

State Licensing Rules (MI)

This threshold does NOT allow you to perform electrical or plumbing work that Michigan reserves to licensed electricians/plumbers, and it does not override local permit requirements. Many municipalities still require permits even for small-dollar jobs if the scope triggers a code permit (e.g., water heater replacement, new circuits, structural changes).

Business License — Dearborn Heights

Required. Dearborn Heights Business License (general business / contractor-type operations)

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

A license is your legal authorization (state or local) to perform/contract for certain work. A permit is project-specific approval from the local enforcing agency (city/building department) that allows that specific scope at that address and triggers inspections. You can be exempt from a state credential for small handyman work and still need a permit if the scope affects life-safety/structure/systems.

Important Notes for Dearborn Heights, Michigan Handymen

• Insurance: Michigan does not mandate general liability for all handymen by default, but customers and cities often require proof of GL insurance for permits/contractor registration. Typical small handyman GL policies commonly run $400-$1,500/year depending on revenue and scope.
• Workers’ compensation: If you hire employees, Michigan workers’ comp obligations may apply (verify with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity).
• Common mistake: doing ‘just a small’ electrical/plumbing task without proper licensure/permit—this is one of the fastest ways to get cited or have inspections fail.
• Use written contracts that clearly define scope, exclusions (especially electrical/plumbing/HVAC), and who pulls permits.
• If working in older housing: verify asbestos/lead rules before disturbing suspect materials; EPA RRP can apply to paid renovation in pre-1978 homes.

Your Next Steps to Operating Legally in Dearborn Heights

1. Step 1: Form your business entity (LLC recommended) with Michigan ($50 filing).
2. Step 2: Register for local business licensing in Dearborn Heights (confirm category and fee with City Clerk).
3. Step 3: Obtain general liability insurance and keep certificates ready for customers/permit counter requests.
4. 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.

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