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

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

In Michigan, handymen can work without a state contractor license on projects under $600 (labor + materials combined) thanks to the residential handyman exemption under MCL 339.2403(f). However, this exemption does not cover electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work—those trades require separate state licenses regardless of project cost. Livonia requires a business license for certain trades including electricians and contractors; you must verify with the City Clerk whether your specific business type requires one. All contractors must register with Michigan's Department of Treasury for tax purposes (no fee), and LLC formation costs $50 with the state.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

• Drywall repairs and patching (non-structural)
• Interior and exterior painting (residential)
• Basic carpentry work (trim, shelving, non-load-bearing)
• Caulking and weatherstripping
• Replacing cabinet hardware and door handles
• Installing pre-hung doors (non-structural)
• Changing toilet flappers and simple plumbing fixture replacements (without altering the plumbing system)
• Replacing light fixtures and outlet covers (no rewiring)
• Gutter cleaning and minor repairs
• All of the above are permitted under the $600 exemption as long as the total project cost (labor + materials) remains below $600 and the work is not part of a larger operation split to avoid licensing

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Livonia

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

• Drywall repairs and patching (non-structural)
• Interior and exterior painting (residential)
• Basic carpentry work (trim, shelving, non-load-bearing)
• Caulking and weatherstripping
• Installing pre-hung doors (non-structural)
• Changing toilet flappers and simple plumbing fixture replacements (without altering the plumbing system)
• Replacing light fixtures and outlet covers (no rewiring)
• Gutter cleaning and minor repairs

⚠️ What Requires a License

• Any electrical work beyond simple fixture changes (requires Master Electrician or Electrical Contractor License)
• Any plumbing work beyond simple fixture replacement (requires Master Plumber License)
• Any HVAC or mechanical system work (requires Mechanical Contractor License)
• Residential construction, alteration, repair, or remodeling projects over $600 (requires Residential Builder or M&A Contractor License)
• Water heater installation or replacement
• Structural modifications or load-bearing work
• Work affecting electrical panels or service upgrades
• Plumbing system changes beyond fixture replacement
• Any work requiring building permits in Livonia

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 — Livonia

Required. City of Livonia Business License

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 Livonia

1. Step 1: Determine your business scope—will you work on projects under $600 (handyman exemption) or over $600 (requires contractor license)?
2. Step 2: If working under $600, verify with LARA that your planned work does not include electrical, plumbing, or HVAC (those always require licenses). Contact LARA at (517) 241-9316.
3. Step 3: Register your business entity (LLC recommended). File Articles of Organization with Michigan LARA Corporations Division ($50 fee). File online at the MiBusiness Registry Portal using MiLogin for Business.
4. Step 4: Register with the Michigan Department of Treasury for tax purposes (free, mandatory).
5. Step 5: Contact the City of Livonia Clerk's Office at (734) 466-2228 to determine if your business type requires a city business license and obtain the current fee.
6. Step 6: Verify zoning compliance with the City of Livonia Planning Department. If operating from home, determine if a home-occupation permit is required.
7. Step 7: Obtain general liability insurance ($100,000/$300,000 minimum recommended).
8. Step 8: If working on projects over $600 or performing trade work, apply for the appropriate state contractor or trade license through LARA. Complete 60 hours of approved prelicensure education, pass the PSI exam ($75), and submit your application ($195 fee).
9. Step 9: File your Annual Statement with Michigan LARA by February 15 each year ($25 fee) to maintain LLC good standing.

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.