What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Harrison Charter Township, Michigan?

Harrison Charter Township is in Macomb County, Michigan. Michigan does not issue a single “general contractor license,” but it does require a state Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) license for most residential repair/alteration work when the job is above Michigan’s small-job handyman exemption threshold. Separate state trade licensing applies for electrical and plumbing (and mechanical/HVAC licensing is typically handled at the local level in Michigan), and you may still need local 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 residential jobs under $600 total contract value (labor + materials) that do not require trade licensure (researched: Michigan HIC small-job threshold).
Interior painting and wallpaper removal/installation (no structural changes).
Minor drywall patching and trim/caulk repairs.
Basic carpentry repairs that do not alter structural elements (e.g., replace interior door slab/knobs, baseboard/trim).
Cabinet hardware replacement and minor cabinet adjustments.
Gutter cleaning and minor exterior maintenance (non-structural).
Replace like-for-like plumbing trim pieces such as a faucet or toilet flapper only if local permitting rules allow (verify locally; many places still require permits for certain fixture replacements).
Replace light fixtures/switches only if allowed by local code enforcement and permitting rules; many jurisdictions require a licensed electrician for anything beyond very limited owner-occupied exemptions (verify before advertising this service).

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Harrison Charter Township

Based on the MI threshold, handymen in Harrison Charter Township commonly take on:

Interior painting and wallpaper removal/installation (no structural changes).
Minor drywall patching and trim/caulk repairs.
Basic carpentry repairs that do not alter structural elements (e.g., replace interior door slab/knobs, baseboard/trim).
Cabinet hardware replacement and minor cabinet adjustments.
Gutter cleaning and minor exterior maintenance (non-structural).
Replace like-for-like plumbing trim pieces such as a faucet or toilet flapper only if local permitting rules allow (verify locally; many places still require permits for certain fixture replacements).
Replace light fixtures/switches only if allowed by local code enforcement and permitting rules; many jurisdictions require a licensed electrician for anything beyond very limited owner-occupied exemptions (verify before advertising this service).

⚠️ What Requires a License

Residential repair/alteration/improvement work at $600 or more per job generally requires a Michigan Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) license (and possibly a Home Improvement Salesperson license).
Electrical contracting/installation work such as new circuits, panel changes, service upgrades, running new wiring, and most troubleshooting/repairs beyond very minor replacements requires a Michigan electrical license and permits/inspections.
Plumbing contracting/installation such as moving/adding supply or drain lines, installing water heaters where piping/venting/gas changes are involved, sewer/drain alterations, and most plumbing repairs beyond very minor fixture swaps requires a Michigan plumbing license and permits/inspections.
Mechanical/HVAC work (furnace/AC installation or replacement, ductwork changes, gas piping, venting) typically requires mechanical permits and often local mechanical contractor licensing/registration; refrigerant work requires EPA Section 608 certification.
Roofing, structural framing, load-bearing wall changes, egress window cutting, and additions/remodels commonly require permits and may trigger state HIC licensing depending on job value and scope.
Any work requiring a building permit where the permitting authority requires licensed contractors for that permit type (common for electrical/plumbing/mechanical).

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 — Harrison Charter Township

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 Harrison Charter Township

Step 1: Form your business (LLC recommended) with Michigan LARA (LLC filing fee $50) and get an EIN from the IRS (free).
Step 2: If you will do residential improvement jobs $600+, apply for Michigan Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) licensing (and Salesperson if applicable) and obtain the required bond (commonly $10,000).
Step 3: Contact Harrison Charter Township to confirm (a) whether any contractor registration is required locally and (b) which permits you must pull for your typical jobs; also confirm home occupation rules if working from home.
Step 4: Carry general liability insurance and, if you have employees, set up workers’ compensation; keep copies ready for customers and permit applications.

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