What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in New Baltimore, Michigan?

In Michigan, most “handyman” work is legal without a state contractor license as long as you do NOT take on projects that require a state residential builder/maintenance & alteration credential and you stay out of state-licensed trades (electrical/plumbing/mechanical). Michigan’s key handyman-style threshold is the residential builder/maintenance & alteration exemption for jobs under $600 (labor + materials) when you are not engaging in work that otherwise requires licensure or permits; many common repair/replace tasks are still permit-triggering at the city level.

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

Jobs under $600 total (labor + materials) that are non-structural and not a regulated trade (typical handyman exemption use case)
Interior painting and touch-up painting
Minor drywall patching and cosmetic wall repairs (no structural alterations)
Install/replace interior trim, baseboards, and door hardware (knobs, hinges, locks) with no fire-rated door assembly changes
Assemble furniture, install shelving (non-load-bearing), and hang pictures/curtain rods
Replace like-for-like faucets or toilets only if local policy allows and no plumbing modifications/permits are triggered (often still requires a licensed plumber—verify before offering)
Caulking/grouting tile and minor tile repairs (non-waterproofing system rebuilds)
Gutter cleaning and minor exterior maintenance that does not alter roof structure

Common Jobs Handymen Take in New Baltimore

Based on the MI threshold, handymen in New Baltimore commonly take on:

Interior painting and touch-up painting
Minor drywall patching and cosmetic wall repairs (no structural alterations)
Install/replace interior trim, baseboards, and door hardware (knobs, hinges, locks) with no fire-rated door assembly changes
Assemble furniture, install shelving (non-load-bearing), and hang pictures/curtain rods
Replace like-for-like faucets or toilets only if local policy allows and no plumbing modifications/permits are triggered (often still requires a licensed plumber—verify before offering)
Caulking/grouting tile and minor tile repairs (non-waterproofing system rebuilds)
Gutter cleaning and minor exterior maintenance that does not alter roof structure

⚠️ What Requires a License

Residential Builder or Maintenance & Alteration Contractor license for larger/scope-defined residential work beyond the small-job exemption (commonly when the total contract is $600+ or when acting as a contractor on covered work)
Electrical work: new circuits, receptacles, lighting runs, panel/service work, most troubleshooting beyond swapping lamps/bulbs—requires Michigan electrical licensure and permits
Plumbing work: water heater replacement, new/relocated supply or drain piping, venting, sewer work—requires Michigan plumbing licensure and permits
HVAC/mechanical: furnace/AC installation, refrigerant work, ductwork, gas piping as part of mechanical scope—requires Michigan mechanical licensing; refrigerant handling needs EPA 608
Structural work: altering load-bearing walls, framing changes, roof structure repairs—typically requires permits and often a licensed builder/qualified contractor
Roofing/siding/windows when scope triggers building permit or structural/weather-barrier modifications (city permit office determines)
Lead-based paint activities in pre-1978 housing: federal RRP rules can require EPA-certified firm for certain 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 — New Baltimore

Required. City of New Baltimore Business License (local registration)

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 New Baltimore

Step 1: Form your entity (Michigan LLC filing fee $50) and set up your registered office/agent
Step 2: Register with Michigan Treasury as needed (sales tax if you sell taxable property, withholding if you hire employees)
Step 3: Contact New Baltimore City Clerk to confirm local business licensing fee and contractor registration requirements; comply with zoning/home-occupation rules
Step 4: If you plan to exceed the $600 handyman threshold or take on covered remodeling work, apply for the appropriate LARA credential (Maintenance & Alteration or Residential Builder) and avoid skilled-trade work unless licensed
Step 5: Purchase general liability insurance and be prepared to provide certificates to the city/clients

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