What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Hudsonville, Michigan?

In Michigan, most “handyman” work is unlicensed at the state level, but once you’re doing residential home improvement/repair for compensation above Michigan’s threshold, you generally need a state Residential Builder or Maintenance & Alteration Contractor license through LARA. Even when you are under the licensing threshold, separate state trade licenses (electrical/plumbing/HVAC) and local building permits can still be required for many common projects.

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

Jobs at or under $600 total contract price (labor + materials) that do not involve regulated trades (researched Michigan threshold)
Interior painting and patching/spot drywall repair (non-structural)
Hanging shelves, curtain rods, pictures, and other non-structural mounting
Minor trim/carpentry repairs (baseboard/door casing) that do not alter structure
Replacing cabinet hardware, door knobs, and locks (non-fire-rated doors; no egress changes)
Basic yard/exterior maintenance not requiring building permits (gutter cleaning, debris removal)
Assembling furniture, installing closet organizer kits that do not modify structural framing

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Hudsonville

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

Interior painting and patching/spot drywall repair (non-structural)
Hanging shelves, curtain rods, pictures, and other non-structural mounting
Minor trim/carpentry repairs (baseboard/door casing) that do not alter structure
Replacing cabinet hardware, door knobs, and locks (non-fire-rated doors; no egress changes)
Basic yard/exterior maintenance not requiring building permits (gutter cleaning, debris removal)
Assembling furniture, installing closet organizer kits that do not modify structural framing

⚠️ What Requires a License

Residential work over $600 total contract price typically requires a Michigan Residential Builder or Maintenance & Alteration Contractor license (LARA/BCC)
Electrical work requiring an electrical permit (new circuits, outlets, lighting circuits, service panel work) requires proper Michigan electrical licensure
Plumbing installation/alteration (water heater replacement, new valves/lines, drain/vent changes) generally requires licensed plumbing contractor and permits
HVAC/mechanical system installation or replacement (furnaces, AC, ductwork changes, refrigeration work) requires a Michigan Mechanical Contractor license and permits
Gas piping work and many fuel-gas appliance installations typically fall under mechanical/fuel gas permitting and licensed mechanical contractors
Structural alterations (removing load-bearing walls, framing changes, additions, deck structure) usually require permits and often licensed contractor involvement depending on scope/value
Roofing/siding/window replacements can trigger permits and (if over $600) state residential builder/M&A licensing requirements

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 — Hudsonville

Required. Hudsonville Business Registration/License (city-level requirements vary by activity and location)

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 Hudsonville

Step 1: Confirm whether your typical jobs exceed $600 (labor + materials). If yes, pursue the correct Michigan credential (Maintenance & Alteration Contractor or Residential Builder) via LARA/BCC.
Step 2: Contact Hudsonville City Hall/Building Department to confirm whether you must register as a contractor to pull permits and whether a home occupation approval is required if operating from home.
Step 3: Obtain general liability insurance (commonly $1,000,000 per occurrence) and, if hiring helpers, workers’ compensation coverage as required.
Step 4: If you do any electrical/plumbing/HVAC, stop and obtain the appropriate Michigan trade licensure (or subcontract to a licensed trade) and pull permits as required.

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