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

For handymen in Macomb (Macomb County), Michigan does not issue a single “general contractor” license; instead, Michigan requires a state Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) license (Residential Maintenance & Alteration Contractor) when you contract/perform residential repair, replacement, remodeling, or additions above the small-job exemption threshold. Separately, Michigan requires state trade licensing for electrical, plumbing, mechanical/HVAC, and certain fire-suppression work—those are not covered by a handyman exemption and typically require permits issued by the local building department even when the contractor is licensed.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

• Small repair jobs at or below the $600 threshold (labor + materials) that do not require a skilled-trade license (e.g., patching drywall, minor trim repair) (verify locally)
• Interior and exterior painting (no lead-abatement license unless doing regulated lead work; follow EPA RRP rules for pre-1978 homes if disturbing paint)
• Minor carpentry like installing baseboards, door hardware, and non-structural trim
• Cabinet hardware replacement, installing shelving, closet organizers (non-structural)
• Basic caulking, weatherstripping, re-screening windows/doors
• Gutter cleaning and minor gutter repairs that do not change roof structure
• Pressure washing and minor exterior maintenance not requiring permits
• Non-structural repairs like replacing damaged sections of interior door casing or simple flooring repairs (floating floor repairs depending on scope)

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Macomb

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

• Small repair jobs at or below the $600 threshold (labor + materials) that do not require a skilled-trade license (e.g., patching drywall, minor trim repair) (verify locally)
• Interior and exterior painting (no lead-abatement license unless doing regulated lead work; follow EPA RRP rules for pre-1978 homes if disturbing paint)
• Minor carpentry like installing baseboards, door hardware, and non-structural trim
• Cabinet hardware replacement, installing shelving, closet organizers (non-structural)
• Basic caulking, weatherstripping, re-screening windows/doors
• Gutter cleaning and minor gutter repairs that do not change roof structure
• Non-structural repairs like replacing damaged sections of interior door casing or simple flooring repairs (floating floor repairs depending on scope)

⚠️ What Requires a License

• Residential repair/remodel/addition work contracted above the $600 exemption threshold typically requires a Michigan Residential Maintenance & Alteration Contractor license (or Residential Builder depending on scope)
• Electrical contracting/work for others generally requires Michigan electrical licensure (do not run new circuits, replace panels, service equipment, or perform most wiring as an unlicensed handyman)
• Plumbing work for others (water heaters, new/relocated supply/drain/vent lines, many fixture installs depending on jurisdiction) generally requires a Michigan plumbing license and permits
• Mechanical/HVAC work (furnaces, AC, ductwork, gas piping within mechanical scope) generally requires a Michigan mechanical contractor license and permits
• Structural work (load-bearing walls, framing changes, many decks/porches) typically requires permits and often a properly licensed contractor depending on contract amount/scope
• Roofing replacement and major exterior envelope work often requires permits and may trigger additional local registration requirements
• Any work that requires a building permit in the local jurisdiction—permits are separate from licensing and are job-specific
• Lead paint renovation in pre-1978 housing: EPA RRP certification is required for firms disturbing painted surfaces above de minimis thresholds (federal requirement)

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 — Macomb

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 Macomb

1. Step 1: Form your business (LLC optional but common) and file with Michigan LARA/Corporations Division ($50 filing fee).
2. Step 2: Determine whether your typical jobs exceed $600; if yes, apply for Michigan Residential Maintenance & Alteration Contractor (HIC) licensing through LARA and obtain the required bond.
3. Step 3: Contact the local enforcing agency for the jobsite (Macomb Township/City Building Department) to confirm permit requirements and any contractor registration for pulling permits.
4. Step 4: Get general liability insurance (and workers’ comp if applicable) and set up compliant contracts/invoicing that avoid unlicensed trade work.

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