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

In Michigan, most “handyman/home repair” work done for homeowners is regulated under the state’s Residential Builder / Maintenance & Alteration Contractor system (LARA). If you perform work that falls under the Maintenance & Alteration (M&A) categories for compensation above the small-project exemption, you generally must hold an M&A contractor license (and permits may still be required). Separate state trade licenses are required for electrical, plumbing, mechanical (HVAC), and boiler work regardless of handyman status.

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 repair/maintenance projects under $600 total contract value (labor + materials) that do NOT fall into state-licensed trades (researched threshold: $600)
Interior painting and touch-up painting
Minor drywall patching (non-structural) and small hole repair
Basic finish carpentry: install trim, baseboards, interior doors (like-for-like, no structural reframing)
Assemble furniture, mount shelves (not impacting electrical/plumbing or structural members beyond typical fasteners)
Weatherstripping, caulking, minor window/door hardware repair (locks/handles) without altering egress requirements
Gutter cleaning, minor exterior maintenance (non-roofing replacement) where no permit is required
Tile/backsplash repairs where no plumbing alterations are performed

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Southfield

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

Small repair/maintenance projects under $600 total contract value (labor + materials) that do NOT fall into state-licensed trades (researched threshold: $600)
Interior painting and touch-up painting
Minor drywall patching (non-structural) and small hole repair
Basic finish carpentry: install trim, baseboards, interior doors (like-for-like, no structural reframing)
Assemble furniture, mount shelves (not impacting electrical/plumbing or structural members beyond typical fasteners)
Weatherstripping, caulking, minor window/door hardware repair (locks/handles) without altering egress requirements
Gutter cleaning, minor exterior maintenance (non-roofing replacement) where no permit is required
Tile/backsplash repairs where no plumbing alterations are performed

⚠️ What Requires a License

Contracting for or performing Maintenance & Alteration work on residential structures when the project is $600 or more (typical trigger) in applicable M&A categories
Electrical installation/alteration/repair work that requires an electrician/electrical contractor license (including panel work, new circuits, most hardwired additions)
Plumbing system work beyond very minor servicing—new water lines, drain/vent work, moving fixtures, water heater piping changes typically require licensed plumbing and permits
Mechanical/HVAC work such as installing/replacing furnaces, AC units, ductwork modifications, many refrigeration-related tasks (plus EPA 608 for refrigerants)
Boiler/pressure vessel installation/repair work regulated by the state
Structural alterations (load-bearing framing changes, beam/header work) that require permits and may require licensed contractors depending on scope and local enforcement
Roof replacement, siding replacement, and other major exterior envelope projects at or above the licensing threshold typically require M&A licensure and permits
Projects requiring building permits where the city requires a licensed contractor to pull the permit for that scope

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 — Southfield

Required. City of Southfield Business Registration/License (General Business License)

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 Southfield

Step 1: Form your business (LLC recommended) with Michigan LARA/Corporations Division (LLC filing fee: $50) and obtain an EIN from the IRS.
Step 2: Determine whether your typical job sizes exceed $600 and whether your services fall into M&A categories; if yes, apply for the Michigan M&A contractor license (and schedule the exam if required).
Step 3: Register/obtain the City of Southfield business license/registration and confirm home occupation/zoning rules if operating from home.
Step 4: Get general liability insurance (commonly $1M/$2M) and, if hiring, set up workers’ compensation and payroll withholding as required.
Step 5: Before each job, check Southfield permit requirements (building/electrical/plumbing/mechanical) and pull permits properly for regulated work.

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