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

In Michigan, most “handyman” work is governed by the state’s Residential Builder / Maintenance & Alteration (M&A) licensing system (LARA). If you perform (or offer) residential repair/alteration work above the state’s small-job exemption, you generally must be licensed as an M&A contractor—separate from any city rules. Regardless of the exemption, electrical/plumbing/HVAC and permits are still regulated and usually require licensed trades and township permits.

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 repair/alteration jobs under $600 total contract price (labor + materials), provided the work is not in a regulated trade (electrical/plumbing/mechanical).
Interior painting and surface prep (patch/skim minor drywall damage that is not structural).
Minor carpentry: trim, baseboards, door hardware replacement (knobs/hinges), installing pre-hung interior doors where framing is not altered.
Caulking, weatherstripping, replacing window screens, basic draft sealing.
Installing cabinets where no structural changes are required and no electrical/plumbing is modified.
Replacing faucets/showerheads as a like-for-like swap may still trigger plumbing code/permit concerns—verify locally before advertising this as handyman work.
Gutter cleaning/repair (non-structural), downspout reattachment.
Tile repair and flooring installation (vinyl/laminate/carpet) not involving subfloor structural repair.

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Macomb Township

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

Small residential repair/alteration jobs under $600 total contract price (labor + materials), provided the work is not in a regulated trade (electrical/plumbing/mechanical).
Interior painting and surface prep (patch/skim minor drywall damage that is not structural).
Minor carpentry: trim, baseboards, door hardware replacement (knobs/hinges), installing pre-hung interior doors where framing is not altered.
Caulking, weatherstripping, replacing window screens, basic draft sealing.
Installing cabinets where no structural changes are required and no electrical/plumbing is modified.
Gutter cleaning/repair (non-structural), downspout reattachment.
Tile repair and flooring installation (vinyl/laminate/carpet) not involving subfloor structural repair.

⚠️ What Requires a License

Residential work $600 or more generally requires a Michigan Residential Builder license or an M&A contractor license (appropriate classification) to contract/advertise for the work.
Electrical work beyond very minor tasks: new circuits, panel work, service upgrades, most wiring—requires licensed electrical contractor/electrician and permits/inspection.
Plumbing work beyond very minor fixture swaps: moving/adding supply/drain/vent piping, water heater replacement in many jurisdictions—requires licensed plumber and permits/inspection.
Mechanical/HVAC: installing or servicing furnaces, AC condensers, ductwork, gas piping work associated with appliances—requires Michigan mechanical licensing and permits/inspection.
Structural work: removing/altering load-bearing walls, framing changes, additions, decks (often), roof structural repairs—requires proper licensing (often M&A/Residential Builder) and building permits.
Any work requiring specialized state credentials (boilers, refrigeration with refrigerant handling implicating EPA 608).

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 Township

Required. Business Registration / Home Occupation / Local Contractor Registration (as applicable)

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 Township

Step 1: Form your business (LLC optional) and file Michigan Articles of Organization ($50) if forming an LLC.
Step 2: If doing residential work at/over $600, apply for the correct Michigan credential (M&A contractor and proper classification, or Residential Builder) through LARA.
Step 3: Contact Macomb Township (Clerk/Building/Planning) to confirm: (a) whether a local business registration or home occupation approval is required, and (b) what permits you must pull for your typical jobs.
Step 4: Obtain general liability insurance and keep certificates ready for customers, primes, and permit applications.
Step 5: If you plan to do electrical/plumbing/HVAC, pursue the proper trade pathway (apprenticeship/licensing) or partner with licensed subcontractors and pull permits correctly.

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