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

In Michigan, most “handyman” work is regulated through the state’s Residential Builder and Maintenance & Alteration Contractor (M&A) licensing system—if you’re doing residential repair/remodel work for compensation, you generally need an M&A license unless a narrow exemption applies. Michigan also requires separate state licensure for skilled trades (electrical, plumbing, mechanical/HVAC), and permits can be required even when you are otherwise exempt from a contractor credential. In the Genesee (village/city area in Genesee County), you’ll also need to comply with local zoning/home-occupation rules and pull permits through the proper building department for the jurisdiction where the job is located.

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, non-structural repairs under $600 total (labor + materials) per job (e.g., patching small drywall holes, replacing damaged trim) where no permit is required
Interior painting and staining (walls, ceilings, trim) where no lead-abatement certification is triggered and no permit is required
Minor carpentry repairs (baseboards, door casing, cabinet hardware, shelving) that do not alter structure
Caulking, weatherstripping, minor door adjustments, replacing interior doors (like-for-like) when not altering egress/fire-rated assemblies
Replacing faucets/fixtures like-for-like only when allowed by local code enforcement (note: many jurisdictions still consider this plumbing work and may require a licensed plumber/permit)
Replacing light fixtures/switches like-for-like only when allowed by local code enforcement (many jurisdictions require a licensed electrician/permit)
Gutter cleaning/installation and minor exterior maintenance (non-structural) where no permit is required
Assembling prefabricated items (furniture, sheds not requiring permit, storage systems) when not tied into utilities

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Genesee

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

Small, non-structural repairs under $600 total (labor + materials) per job (e.g., patching small drywall holes, replacing damaged trim) where no permit is required
Interior painting and staining (walls, ceilings, trim) where no lead-abatement certification is triggered and no permit is required
Minor carpentry repairs (baseboards, door casing, cabinet hardware, shelving) that do not alter structure
Caulking, weatherstripping, minor door adjustments, replacing interior doors (like-for-like) when not altering egress/fire-rated assemblies
Replacing faucets/fixtures like-for-like only when allowed by local code enforcement (note: many jurisdictions still consider this plumbing work and may require a licensed plumber/permit)
Replacing light fixtures/switches like-for-like only when allowed by local code enforcement (many jurisdictions require a licensed electrician/permit)
Gutter cleaning/installation and minor exterior maintenance (non-structural) where no permit is required

⚠️ What Requires a License

Residential repair/remodel work over $600 (labor + materials) generally requires a Michigan Maintenance & Alteration (M&A) license or Residential Builder license (depending on scope)
Electrical contracting: new circuits, outlets, panel work, service upgrades, most troubleshooting/repairs—requires Michigan electrical licensure and permits/inspection
Plumbing contracting: installing/altering water supply, drains/vents, gas piping (if classified), water heater installs in many jurisdictions—requires licensed plumber and permits/inspection
HVAC/mechanical: furnace/AC replacement, new ducting, refrigerant work, combustion venting changes—requires Michigan mechanical contractor licensing and permits/inspection
Structural work (load-bearing walls, framing changes, decks, additions, roofing with structural repairs) usually requires permits and may require state contractor licensing depending on job value/scope
Lead-based paint abatement/renovation compliance: pre-1978 housing triggers EPA RRP firm certification requirements for certain disturbed paint surfaces (federal requirement, not Michigan-only)

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 — Genesee

Not required at the city level.

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 Genesee

Step 1: Form your business (LLC if desired) with LARA and get an EIN from the IRS
Step 2: If you will take jobs over $600, apply for the Michigan Maintenance & Alteration (M&A) license in the proper classifications (or Residential Builder if appropriate)
Step 3: Obtain general liability insurance (and workers’ comp if you have employees); be ready to show COIs to permit offices and customers
Step 4: Call the local building department for the cities/townships where you’ll work in Genesee County to confirm permit requirements and whether contractor registration is required to pull permits

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