What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Detroit, Michigan (Wayne County)?

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

In Detroit, Michigan, handymen can work on projects under $600 (labor + materials combined) without a state contractor license, but must comply with city business licensing and cannot perform electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work regardless of project size without trade-specific licenses. For projects $600 or more, a Michigan Residential Builder or Maintenance & Alteration Contractor license is required. Detroit also imposes an additional electrical licensing overlay for electrical contractors working within city limits.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

• Minor drywall repairs and patching (under $600 total project cost)
• Interior painting and staining (under $600 total project cost)
• Basic carpentry repairs such as replacing trim, baseboards, or cabinet hardware (under $600 total project cost)
• Caulking and weatherstripping (under $600 total project cost)
• Fixture replacement (light fixtures, faucet aerators, towel bars) — NOT including plumbing or electrical work beyond simple fixture swaps
• Gutter cleaning and minor gutter repairs (under $600 total project cost)
• Door and window hardware replacement (locks, hinges, handles) — NOT including structural modifications
• Flooring installation such as vinyl, laminate, or carpet (under $600 total project cost) — NOT including structural subfloor work

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Detroit

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

• Minor drywall repairs and patching (under $600 total project cost)
• Interior painting and staining (under $600 total project cost)
• Basic carpentry repairs such as replacing trim, baseboards, or cabinet hardware (under $600 total project cost)
• Caulking and weatherstripping (under $600 total project cost)
• Fixture replacement (light fixtures, faucet aerators, towel bars) — NOT including plumbing or electrical work beyond simple fixture swaps
• Gutter cleaning and minor gutter repairs (under $600 total project cost)
• Door and window hardware replacement (locks, hinges, handles) — NOT including structural modifications
• Flooring installation such as vinyl, laminate, or carpet (under $600 total project cost) — NOT including structural subfloor work

⚠️ What Requires a License

• ANY electrical work beyond simple fixture changes (light bulb replacement, outlet cover plate changes) — requires Master Electrician or Electrical Contractor license; Detroit also requires additional city electrical license
• ANY plumbing work beyond simple fixture replacement (faucet aerators, showerheads) — requires Master Plumber or Plumbing Contractor license
• ANY HVAC or mechanical system work (installation, repair, or servicing of heating, cooling, refrigeration, or fire suppression systems) — requires Mechanical Contractor license; EPA Section 608 certification required if refrigerant handling is involved
• ANY gas fitting or gas line work — requires Gas Fitter or Gas Contractor license
• Residential construction or remodeling projects totaling $600 or more (labor + materials combined) — requires Residential Builder or Maintenance & Alteration Contractor license
• Structural modifications, load-bearing wall work, or foundation repairs — requires Residential Builder license
• Roofing work (if seeking M&A Contractor license with roofing classification) — may require separate roofing contractor license depending on scope
• Work in historic districts affecting exterior appearance — requires Historic District permit in addition to any trade licenses

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 — Detroit

Required. Detroit 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 Detroit

1. Step 1: Determine your business structure. If you plan to work on projects $600+, form an LLC with Michigan LARA ($50 filing fee + $25 annual statement fee). File Articles of Organization through MiBRP at https://mibusiness.lara.michigan.gov.
2. Step 2: Obtain a Detroit business license. Apply through BSEED's Accela/eLAPs portal at https://detroitmi.gov/departments/buildings-safety-engineering-and-environmental-department-bseed/business-licensing. Verify the exact fee for your business classification by calling (313) 224-2733.
3. Step 3: If working on projects $600+, apply for a Michigan Residential Builder or Maintenance & Alteration Contractor license. Complete 60 hours of approved prelicensure education, pass the state exam ($117 for Residential Builder, $70+ for M&A), and submit your application to LARA with the $195 application fee. Contact LARA at (517) 241-9316 or visit https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bcc/sections/licensing-section/residential-builders.
4. Step 4: If performing electrical work in Detroit, apply for the additional Detroit city electrical license and exam. Contact BSEED at (313) 224-2733 for requirements and fees.
5. Step 5: If performing electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or gas work, obtain the corresponding state trade licenses from LARA. Each trade has separate application, exam, and fee requirements. Contact LARA at (517) 373-1820 or visit https://www.michigan.gov/lara.
6. Step 6: Obtain general liability insurance ($1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate recommended). Many clients require proof of insurance.
7. Step 7: Verify permit requirements for each project with Detroit BSEED or Wayne County before starting work. Even exempt handymen may need permits for certain work (water heater replacement, electrical panel work, structural modifications, historic district work, etc.).
8. Step 8: If working in a Detroit historic district, verify requirements with HDAB/BSEED before starting any exterior work visible from public areas.
9. Step 9: If working on tribal lands or federal installations, contact the specific tribal business office or federal contracting office for additional licensing and registration requirements.

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.