What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Fraser, Michigan (Macomb County)?

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

In Michigan, handymen can work on residential jobs under $600 (labor + materials combined) without a state contractor license, but this exemption does not cover electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work—those trades always require separate state licenses. For jobs exceeding $600, you must obtain a Maintenance and Alteration Contractor license from Michigan LARA (cost: $195 application + ~$300–$450 for required coursework). Fraser, located in Macomb County, requires verification of local business licensing requirements directly with City Hall, as a general contractor business license is not clearly listed in the published fee schedule. No county-level business license is required.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

• Paint interior or exterior surfaces (residential)
• Install or replace light fixtures (non-electrical rewiring)
• Replace door and window hardware (locks, hinges, handles)
• Patch and repair drywall (non-structural)
• Install or replace toilet flappers and simple plumbing fixtures (no system alterations)
• Basic carpentry repairs (trim, shelving, non-structural framing)
• Caulking and weatherstripping
• General maintenance and cleaning tasks
• All work must total $600 or less in labor + materials combined

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Fraser

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

• Paint interior or exterior surfaces (residential)
• Install or replace light fixtures (non-electrical rewiring)
• Replace door and window hardware (locks, hinges, handles)
• Patch and repair drywall (non-structural)
• Install or replace toilet flappers and simple plumbing fixtures (no system alterations)
• Basic carpentry repairs (trim, shelving, non-structural framing)
• Caulking and weatherstripping
• General maintenance and cleaning tasks

⚠️ What Requires a License

• Any electrical work beyond simple fixture changes (rewiring, panel work, new circuits, outlet installation)
• Any plumbing work involving system alterations (drain work, water line installation, fixture installation beyond simple replacement)
• HVAC system installation, repair, or alteration (including furnace, air conditioning, ductwork)
• Gas line installation or repair
• Any residential construction or alteration job exceeding $600 in total cost (requires Maintenance and Alteration or Residential Builder license)
• Structural modifications or framing work
• Roofing work (covered under M&A Contractor license)
• Masonry work (covered under M&A Contractor license)
• Concrete work (covered under 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 — Fraser

Required. General Business License or Contractor Registration (status unconfirmed)

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 Fraser

1. Step 1: Contact Fraser City Hall at (586) 293-3100 to confirm whether a general business license or home-occupation permit is required for your operation.
2. Step 2: Determine whether your work will exceed $600 in total cost. If yes, you must obtain a Maintenance and Alteration Contractor license from LARA (see contractorLicensing section for requirements and fees).
3. Step 3: If you will perform electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work, you must obtain the appropriate trade license from LARA regardless of job size.
4. Step 4: Form an LLC with the Michigan Secretary of State ($50 filing fee) and file an Annual Report by February 15 each year ($25 fee).
5. Step 5: Obtain general liability insurance. Verify with your insurance agent whether a contractor license is required for your policy to be valid.
6. Step 6: For each project, determine whether permits are required by contacting Fraser City Hall or Macomb County (for soil erosion/stormwater work).
7. Step 7: Verify current licensing requirements and fees directly with LARA at (517) 241-9316 before starting work.

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.