What Can a Handyman Do in Garden City, Michigan?

In Michigan, most "handyman" work is legal without a state contractor license as long as you do NOT hold yourself out as a residential builder/maintenance & alteration contractor and you stay within Michigan’s small-job exemption (commonly $600 or less including labor + materials per job) and do not perform regulated trades. Garden City (Wayne County) may still require a local business license/registration, and almost all meaningful construction work can still trigger building permits even when a state license is not required.

In MI, jobs under $600 typically don't require a contractor license. Always verify with your local licensing authority.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

Small jobs at or under $600 total per job (labor + materials), when they do not require a state trade license (e.g., basic repairs and cosmetic improvements)
Interior painting and staining
Minor drywall patching and surface repairs (non-structural)
Basic carpentry like installing trim, baseboards, and interior doors (no structural framing changes)
Cabinet hardware replacement (pulls/knobs/hinges) and minor cabinet adjustments
Gutter cleaning, minor exterior caulking, and weatherstripping
Replacing a faucet aerator, showerhead, or other very minor non-piping plumbing trim where no piping is altered (verify local enforcement policy)
Replacing light bulbs and plug-in fixtures (not hardwired work)

⚠️ What Requires a License

Contracting for residential repair/alteration work over the small-job exemption amount (commonly over $600 per job) that falls under Maintenance & Alteration or Residential Builder scope
Electrical work for others (new circuits, panel work, most hardwired installations/alterations) – requires Michigan electrical licensure and permits
Plumbing work beyond minor like-for-like trim swaps (altering water lines, drains, vents, installing water heaters, moving fixtures) – requires Michigan plumbing licensure and permits
HVAC/mechanical work (installing or servicing furnaces/AC, refrigerant handling, ductwork changes) – requires Michigan mechanical/HVAC licensing and permits
Gas piping installation/alteration and many fuel-fired appliance installs – typically requires licensed mechanical/plumbing contractor depending on scope and local enforcement
Structural work (load-bearing changes, framing changes, additions) – typically requires licensed contractor (builder) and building permits

State Licensing Rules (MI)

This exemption does NOT allow you to perform regulated electrical, plumbing, mechanical/HVAC, or boiler work without the proper trade license, and it does NOT remove the need for building permits required by the local enforcing agency. Also, advertising/contracting as a licensed contractor when you are not licensed is a separate violation.

Business License — Garden City

Required. City of Garden City – Business Registration/License (local requirement; verify category for contractor/handyman/home occupation)

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

A license is your legal authorization (issued by the State of Michigan or a trade board) to perform or contract for certain types of work. A permit is job-specific approval issued by the local building department (or enforcing agency) that allows a specific project at a specific address. Even if you’re under the handyman/small-job exemption and don’t need a state contractor credential, the job may still require permits and inspections.

Important Notes for Garden City, Michigan Handymen

Insurance: Even when not legally mandated statewide for a handyman, general liability insurance is commonly required by cities for contractor registration and by customers/GCs; workers’ compensation is typically required if you have employees.
Advertising compliance: If you are not licensed as a residential builder or maintenance & alteration contractor, do not advertise or imply you are licensed for work that requires it.
Permits: Many Michigan municipalities require contractor registration (with insurance) before they will issue permits in your name; some require the licensed trade to pull the trade permit.
Project pricing: The small-job exemption is per job/contract—splitting a project into multiple invoices to evade licensing can be treated as a violation.

Your Next Steps to Operating Legally in Garden City

Step 1: Choose your structure and file your Michigan LLC ($50) if desired; register your business name as needed.
Step 2: If you will exceed the small-job threshold or do regulated scopes, apply for the appropriate Michigan credential (Maintenance & Alteration or Residential Builder) and meet education/exam/bond requirements.
Step 3: Contact Garden City to obtain the required business license/registration (and any home occupation approval if operating from home).
Step 4: Get general liability insurance (and workers’ comp if you have employees) and be prepared to show proof for city registration and permits.

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