What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Dearborn, Wayne County, Michigan?

By Ray Duke, Founder of Bulletproof Handyman · Last reviewed July 2026

In Michigan, handymen can work without a state license on jobs under $600 (labor + materials combined) under the residential builder exemption. However, any work exceeding $600 requires a Michigan Residential Builder or Maintenance & Alteration Contractor license from LARA. Additionally, all electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work requires separate state trade licenses regardless of job cost. Dearborn requires separate contractor registration with the City Clerk's Office before pulling permits. Trade-specific work (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) is prohibited without proper state licensure at any price point.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

• Minor drywall repairs and patching (under $600 total contract value)
• Interior and exterior painting (under $600 total contract value)
• Basic carpentry work such as installing shelving, trim, or door hardware (under $600 total contract value)
• Caulking and weatherstripping (under $600 total contract value)
• Replacing toilet flappers and simple fixture replacements (plumbing fixtures only, not system alterations)
• Installing ceiling fans or light fixtures (electrical fixtures only, no rewiring or panel work)
• Drywall installation and finishing (under $600 total contract value)
• Flooring installation such as vinyl or laminate (under $600 total contract value)
• NOTE: All work must be under $600 (labor + materials combined) on a single project. Once you exceed $600, you must hold a valid Michigan Residential Builder or M&A Contractor license. Trade-specific work (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) is ALWAYS prohibited without proper state licensure, regardless of price.

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Dearborn

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

• Minor drywall repairs and patching (under $600 total contract value)
• Interior and exterior painting (under $600 total contract value)
• Basic carpentry work such as installing shelving, trim, or door hardware (under $600 total contract value)
• Caulking and weatherstripping (under $600 total contract value)
• Replacing toilet flappers and simple fixture replacements (plumbing fixtures only, not system alterations)
• Installing ceiling fans or light fixtures (electrical fixtures only, no rewiring or panel work)
• Drywall installation and finishing (under $600 total contract value)
• Flooring installation such as vinyl or laminate (under $600 total contract value)

⚠️ What Requires a License

• ANY electrical work (installing outlets, switches, fixtures, rewiring, panel work) — requires Master Electrician or Electrical Contractor license at ANY price point
• ANY plumbing work (installing pipes, fixtures, water heaters, drain work) — requires Master Plumber or Plumbing Contractor license at ANY price point
• ANY HVAC/mechanical work (installing or repairing heating, cooling, ventilation systems) — requires Master Mechanical or Mechanical Contractor license at ANY price point
• Residential construction, repair, alteration, or demolition work exceeding $600 total contract value — requires Residential Builder or M&A Contractor license
• Roofing work — requires Residential Builder or M&A Contractor license
• Structural modifications or additions to residential buildings — requires Residential Builder license
• Swimming pool installation — requires M&A Contractor license
• Basement waterproofing — requires M&A Contractor license
• Masonry work — requires M&A Contractor license
• Siding installation — requires M&A Contractor license
• Insulation work — requires M&A Contractor license

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

Required. City of Dearborn Contractor Registration & Business License

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

1. Step 1: Determine your business structure. Form an LLC with Michigan LARA ($50 filing fee + $25 annual report fee) or operate as a sole proprietor. If using an assumed name, register a DBA with LARA ($25).
2. Step 2: Verify your licensing requirements. If your typical jobs exceed $600, apply for a Michigan Residential Builder or M&A Contractor license through LARA. Complete 60 hours of approved pre-license education (~$400), pass the exam ($70–$117), and submit your application ($195). Allow 4–8 weeks for processing.
3. Step 3: Register with the City of Dearborn. Contact the City Clerk's Office to register as a contractor and obtain the city business license. Confirm the exact registration fee and any insurance requirements.
4. Step 4: Obtain general liability insurance. Most customers and cities require proof of insurance. Ensure your policy names the City of Dearborn as certificate holder if required.
5. Step 5: If performing electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work, apply for the appropriate state trade license through LARA. These are separate from the general contractor license and have their own exam and fee requirements.
6. Step 6: Verify permit requirements with the Dearborn Building Department before starting each project. Even exempt work may require permits.
7. Step 7: Keep your licenses current. Renew your Residential Builder or M&A license every three years by May 31. File your annual LLC statement by February 15 each year.

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.