What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Mount Clemens, Michigan?

In Michigan, most “handyman” work on 1–2 family residential property is regulated through the state Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration when the job exceeds the small-job exemption. Even when exempt from HIC registration, Michigan still requires separate state licenses for electrical and plumbing work (and mechanical/HVAC is typically locally licensed/registered through the mechanical permit process). In Mount Clemens (Macomb County), you should also expect city-level contractor registration and permits through the building department.

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) and surface prep (scraping/sanding/caulking) on residential property (still follow lead-safe rules on pre-1978 housing).
Minor drywall patching and non-structural repairs (e.g., small holes, tape/mud, texture matching).
Basic carpentry that is not structural (installing trim, baseboards, interior doors, hardware).
Cabinet installation or replacement without moving plumbing/electrical (may still need permits depending on scope).
Tile work (backsplashes, flooring) where no plumbing alterations occur.
Replacing faucets or toilets MAY be allowed only as very minor maintenance depending on local enforcement—if any plumbing reconfiguration is involved, assume a licensed plumber + permit is required.
Gutter cleaning, minor exterior maintenance, weatherstripping, and minor repairs.
Small jobs under $600 total contract price (labor + materials) may be exempt from Michigan HIC registration, but permits and trade licenses can still be required.

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Mount Clemens

Based on the MI threshold, handymen in Mount Clemens commonly take on:

Painting (interior/exterior) and surface prep (scraping/sanding/caulking) on residential property (still follow lead-safe rules on pre-1978 housing).
Minor drywall patching and non-structural repairs (e.g., small holes, tape/mud, texture matching).
Basic carpentry that is not structural (installing trim, baseboards, interior doors, hardware).
Cabinet installation or replacement without moving plumbing/electrical (may still need permits depending on scope).
Gutter cleaning, minor exterior maintenance, weatherstripping, and minor repairs.

⚠️ What Requires a License

Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration for home improvement work on 1–2 family residential when the contract is $600 or more (unless a specific exemption applies).
Electrical work requiring installation/alteration of wiring, circuits, service equipment, or panel work: requires Michigan electrical licensure and permits/inspection.
Plumbing work beyond very minor maintenance (water supply/drain/vent piping, water heater replacements in many jurisdictions, moving fixtures): requires Michigan plumbing licensure and permits/inspection.
Mechanical/HVAC system installation/alteration (furnaces, boilers, ductwork, gas piping connections, new equipment): typically requires mechanical permits and may require local mechanical contractor licensing/registration; refrigerant handling requires EPA 608 certification.
Structural work (load-bearing framing changes, beams, major wall removals) generally requires building permits and may trigger engineered plans and inspections.
Roof replacements, window replacements, and siding in many jurisdictions require permits; historic districts can add COA approval for exterior changes.
Any work on regulated occupancies (commercial buildings) can trigger additional contractor licensing/registration, code compliance, and permits beyond typical residential handyman work.

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 — Mount Clemens

Required. City contractor registration and/or business license (depends on where work is performed and business 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 Mount Clemens

Step 1: Form your business (LLC) with LARA and budget $50 filing + $25 annual statement.
Step 2: If doing residential improvement jobs $600+, apply for Michigan Home Improvement Contractor registration (budget about $195/year).
Step 3: Contact Mount Clemens Building Department/City Clerk to confirm contractor registration and the exact fee for your category before pulling permits.
Step 4: Obtain General Liability insurance (commonly $1M) and keep certificates ready for cities/clients.
Step 5: If you intend to do electrical/plumbing/HVAC beyond minor maintenance, pursue the proper state trade license (electrical/plumbing) and/or local mechanical licensing/permits and EPA 608 for refrigerants.

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