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

For handyman-type work in Shelby, Michigan, the key dividing line is Michigan’s state-level residential builder/maintenance & alteration contractor licensing: if you are doing (or contracting to do) residential repair/alteration work beyond the state’s limited “minor repair” allowance, you generally must hold the appropriate state license/registration and pull permits when required. Separately, specialized trades (electrical, plumbing, mechanical/HVAC, and boiler work) require state licensure regardless of job size, and the City of Shelby/County may require local registrations for certain regulated activities.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

• Minor residential repairs under about $600 total (labor + materials) per job/contract (minor repair allowance) (researched; verify with LARA/BCC).
• Interior painting and staining (no lead abatement; follow EPA RRP rules if pre-1978).
• Basic drywall patching and small hole repair (non-structural).
• Trim/casing/baseboard replacement and minor finish carpentry (non-structural).
• Cabinet hardware replacement; hanging shelves and curtain rods (observe anchoring/fireblocking rules).
• Gutter cleaning/repair and minor exterior maintenance that does not alter structure.
• Door hardware replacement (knobs/locks) and weatherstripping.
• Replacing faucets/toilets only where local rules allow “like-for-like” fixture replacement without licensed plumbing—many jurisdictions still require a plumber and/or permit; confirm locally before advertising plumbing services.

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Shelby

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

• Minor residential repairs under about $600 total (labor + materials) per job/contract (minor repair allowance) (researched; verify with LARA/BCC).
• Interior painting and staining (no lead abatement; follow EPA RRP rules if pre-1978).
• Basic drywall patching and small hole repair (non-structural).
• Trim/casing/baseboard replacement and minor finish carpentry (non-structural).
• Cabinet hardware replacement; hanging shelves and curtain rods (observe anchoring/fireblocking rules).
• Gutter cleaning/repair and minor exterior maintenance that does not alter structure.
• Door hardware replacement (knobs/locks) and weatherstripping.
• Replacing faucets/toilets only where local rules allow “like-for-like” fixture replacement without licensed plumbing—many jurisdictions still require a plumber and/or permit; confirm locally before advertising plumbing services.

⚠️ What Requires a License

• Residential building or acting as the contractor for residential construction/alteration above the minor repair threshold typically requires Michigan Residential Builder licensure or Maintenance & Alteration Contractor registration (LARA/BCC).
• Electrical work such as new circuits, receptacles, panel/service work, generator interconnects, or most wiring changes requires a Michigan electrical license and an electrical permit/inspection.
• Plumbing work on supply/drain/vent lines, water heater installations (commonly permitted), and most plumbing alterations require Michigan plumber licensure and permits/inspections.
• Mechanical/HVAC work (furnace/AC replacement, ductwork, gas piping, combustion venting) generally requires mechanical licensing/permits; refrigerant handling requires EPA 608 certification.
• Boiler installation/repair and pressure vessel-related work typically triggers separate state code requirements and specialized licensing/permits.
• Structural alterations (load-bearing walls, beams, foundations), decks, porch structures, and roof structure changes require building permits and commonly require properly licensed/registered contractors.
• Lead-based paint abatement is regulated; pre-1978 renovation for compensation generally requires EPA RRP firm certification and trained renovators (federal requirement).
• Any work requiring a building permit: even if you are otherwise ‘exempt,’ the permit issuer may require licensed/registered contractor information for certain scopes.

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 — Shelby

Required. City/Village business registration / contractor registration (as applicable) + zoning/home occupation approval (if home-based)

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 Shelby

1. Step 1: Confirm jurisdiction (City/Village of Shelby vs Shelby Township vs other nearby municipality) for the addresses you will serve.
2. Step 2: If you will exceed the minor-repair threshold or do residential alteration/repair as a business, apply for the appropriate Michigan Maintenance & Alteration Contractor registration (or Residential Builder license) through LARA/BCC and budget roughly $195–$350 for state fees on a 2-year cycle (verify current schedule).
3. Step 3: Contact the local permitting office that serves Shelby addresses and ask whether they require local contractor registration to pull permits and what the fee is (often $0–$150/year).
4. Step 4: Obtain general liability insurance and keep certificates ready for customers and permit offices.
5. Step 5: If operating as an LLC, file Michigan Articles of Organization ($50) and file the annual statement (about $25/year) with LARA.

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