What handyman work requires a license in Kalamazoo, Michigan?

Work that typically requires a license or a licensed trade professional includes: Home improvement work at/above $600 (labor + materials) generally requires Michigan Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration; Electrical: new circuits, panel/service work, most wiring, adding outlets/switches, and many fixture installations (licensed electrician + permit typically required); Plumbing: installing/altering supply lines or drain/waste/vent piping; water heater installs often require licensed plumbing work and a permit depending on jurisdiction; Mechanical/HVAC: installing or servicing furnaces, AC, ductwork, mechanical equipment, and many gas-fired appliance connections (licensed mechanical contractor + permit typically required); Gas piping work (often treated under plumbing/mechanical rules): new/altered gas lines, pressure testing, appliance gas piping beyond simple connector swaps as allowed by code/local policy; Structural work: framing changes, load-bearing wall removal, many deck builds, egress window cuts, additions (permit required; may trigger licensed trades and inspections). Always verify with your local licensing authority.

How much can a handyman charge without a license in Kalamazoo, Michigan?

In MI, handyman jobs priced under $600 (labor and materials combined) generally do not require a contractor license. At or above $600, a licensed contractor is required.

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

Q: What can a handyman do without a license in Kalamazoo, Michigan?

In MI, a handyman can take jobs under $600 (labor and materials combined) without a contractor license. Common examples include: Painting (interior/exterior) that does not involve regulated lead abatement; follow EPA RRP rules for pre-1978 homes if applicable; Minor drywall patching and finishing (non-structural); Basic carpentry like replacing trim, baseboards, interior doors (no structural changes); Installing cabinets (no plumbing/electrical reconnections beyond what is legally allowed/inspected); Flooring installation (vinyl plank, laminate, carpet) where no structural subfloor repairs are required; Caulking, weatherstripping, minor window screen repair.

By Ray Duke, Founder of Bulletproof Handyman · Last reviewed January 2026

In Michigan, most “handyman” work is legal without a state contractor license as long as you do not perform regulated trades (electrical/plumbing/mechanical/HVAC) and you stay under Michigan’s home-improvement registration threshold. For residential repair/alteration work, Michigan generally requires a state Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration once a job is $600 or more (labor + materials). In Kalamazoo, you also need to follow city permitting rules (even if you’re exempt from state registration) and may need a city business registration depending on how/where you operate.

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

Painting (interior/exterior) that does not involve regulated lead abatement; follow EPA RRP rules for pre-1978 homes if applicable
Minor drywall patching and finishing (non-structural)
Basic carpentry like replacing trim, baseboards, interior doors (no structural changes)
Installing cabinets (no plumbing/electrical reconnections beyond what is legally allowed/inspected)
Flooring installation (vinyl plank, laminate, carpet) where no structural subfloor repairs are required
Caulking, weatherstripping, minor window screen repair
Gutter cleaning and minor exterior maintenance (non-structural)
Small repair/alteration jobs under $600 total (labor + materials) that do NOT include regulated electrical/plumbing/mechanical work

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Kalamazoo

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

Painting (interior/exterior) that does not involve regulated lead abatement; follow EPA RRP rules for pre-1978 homes if applicable
Minor drywall patching and finishing (non-structural)
Basic carpentry like replacing trim, baseboards, interior doors (no structural changes)
Installing cabinets (no plumbing/electrical reconnections beyond what is legally allowed/inspected)
Flooring installation (vinyl plank, laminate, carpet) where no structural subfloor repairs are required
Caulking, weatherstripping, minor window screen repair
Gutter cleaning and minor exterior maintenance (non-structural)
Small repair/alteration jobs under $600 total (labor + materials) that do NOT include regulated electrical/plumbing/mechanical work

⚠️ What Requires a License

Home improvement work at/above $600 (labor + materials) generally requires Michigan Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration
Electrical: new circuits, panel/service work, most wiring, adding outlets/switches, and many fixture installations (licensed electrician + permit typically required)
Plumbing: installing/altering supply lines or drain/waste/vent piping; water heater installs often require licensed plumbing work and a permit depending on jurisdiction
Mechanical/HVAC: installing or servicing furnaces, AC, ductwork, mechanical equipment, and many gas-fired appliance connections (licensed mechanical contractor + permit typically required)
Gas piping work (often treated under plumbing/mechanical rules): new/altered gas lines, pressure testing, appliance gas piping beyond simple connector swaps as allowed by code/local policy
Structural work: framing changes, load-bearing wall removal, many deck builds, egress window cuts, additions (permit required; may trigger licensed trades and inspections)

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 — Kalamazoo

Required. City of Kalamazoo Business Registration/License (local business licensing as administered by the City)

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 Kalamazoo

Step 1: Form your business (LLC) with Michigan LARA/Corporations Division ($50 filing; then annual statement fee typically $25).
Step 2: If you will take residential jobs $600+ (labor + materials), apply for Michigan Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration through LARA/Bureau of Construction Codes.
Step 3: Contact the City of Kalamazoo to confirm whether you must file a business registration, and how to comply with zoning/home-occupation rules; set up your permit workflow.
Step 4: Buy general liability insurance (commonly $1M/$2M) and keep certificates ready; if hiring help, confirm workers’ comp/unemployment requirements.
Step 5: If you intend to offer electrical/plumbing/HVAC, stop and obtain the proper Michigan trade licensure (or subcontract to licensed trades).

Licensing rules and fees change over time, so this information may be out of date. Verify all requirements with your local licensing authority before making business decisions.