What Can a Handyman Do Without a License 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.

The magic number in MI: $600. Jobs under $600 (labor + materials combined) don't require a contractor license — you can take those as a handyman. Jobs at or above $600 require a contractor license. Know your number, know your limit.

✅ 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)

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Garden City

Based on the MI threshold, handymen in Garden City commonly take on:

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

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 — Garden City

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

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 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.