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

In Michigan, most “handyman” work is regulated through the state’s Residential Builder / Maintenance & Alteration Contractor licensing system, plus separate state/municipal trade licenses (electrical, plumbing, mechanical/HVAC). A limited handyman exemption exists for very small jobs (commonly cited as $600 including labor and materials), but it does NOT allow you to perform licensed trades or avoid required building permits. In Oakland County (including City of Oakland area), you typically must also comply with local building permits and any city business registration rules where you operate.

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, minor repairs under the ~$600 (labor + materials) threshold (e.g., patching small drywall holes, replacing trim) (subject to local rules/permits)
Interior painting and staining (non-lead regulated contexts; EPA RRP rules may apply for pre-1978 homes)
Basic carpentry that is non-structural (installing baseboard/casing, shelving, curtain rods)
Assembling furniture, installing closet organizers (non-structural)
Minor caulking/grout repair and tile re-grouting (no plumbing reconfiguration)
Replacing door hardware/locks and installing blinds
Gutter cleaning and minor exterior maintenance that does not alter structure
Landlord punch-list work that does not touch licensed trades (e.g., patch/paint, replace interior doors, replace cabinet hardware)

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Oakland

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

Small, minor repairs under the ~$600 (labor + materials) threshold (e.g., patching small drywall holes, replacing trim) (subject to local rules/permits)
Interior painting and staining (non-lead regulated contexts; EPA RRP rules may apply for pre-1978 homes)
Basic carpentry that is non-structural (installing baseboard/casing, shelving, curtain rods)
Assembling furniture, installing closet organizers (non-structural)
Minor caulking/grout repair and tile re-grouting (no plumbing reconfiguration)
Replacing door hardware/locks and installing blinds
Gutter cleaning and minor exterior maintenance that does not alter structure
Landlord punch-list work that does not touch licensed trades (e.g., patch/paint, replace interior doors, replace cabinet hardware)

⚠️ What Requires a License

Residential repair/remodeling/alteration work over the small-job threshold generally requires a Michigan Maintenance & Alteration Contractor license (or Residential Builder depending on scope)
Electrical: new circuits, panel/service work, most wiring, adding/replacing receptacles/switches beyond simple like-for-like swaps (licensed electrician; permits/inspection)
Plumbing: installing or moving water/gas lines, drain/vent changes, water heater installs (often licensed plumber; permits/inspection)
HVAC/mechanical: furnace/AC replacement, refrigerant handling, ductwork, many gas appliance connections (licensed mechanical contractor; permits/inspection)
Structural work: load-bearing walls, framing changes, decks, roof structure repairs (permits; and contractor licensing depending on project size/scope)
Work requiring specialty permits/inspections under the AHJ (even if you are otherwise exempt from state licensing for small jobs)

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 — Oakland

Required. City Business License / Contractor Registration (varies by city/township)

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 Oakland

Step 1: Form your business entity (LLC recommended) with LARA (Michigan LLC filing fee: $50) and get an EIN from the IRS.
Step 2: If you will exceed the small-job threshold or advertise residential repair/remodel services broadly, apply for the appropriate Michigan contractor credential (Maintenance & Alteration Contractor and/or Residential Builder) through LARA/BCC and schedule the exam.
Step 3: Get general liability insurance (commonly $1M per occurrence) and, if applicable, workers’ compensation; prepare a certificate of insurance for city/township contractor registration.
Step 4: Identify the exact municipality where you will work most (Oak Park vs Oakland Township vs Royal Oak, etc.) and complete that AHJ’s contractor registration/business registration so you can pull permits.
Step 5: Before accepting any job touching electrical/plumbing/HVAC/gas, confirm whether a licensed trade contractor must be used and whether permits are required by the AHJ.

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