What Can a Handyman Do in Southgate, Michigan?

In Michigan, most “handyman” work can be done without a state-issued general contractor license, but residential work that qualifies as “home improvement” generally requires a Michigan Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration unless an exemption applies. Separately, electrical, plumbing, mechanical/HVAC, and boiler work are state-licensed trades and are not covered by a handyman exemption; permits may still be required by the local building department for many projects in Southgate (Wayne County).

In MI, jobs under $600 typically don't require a contractor license. Always verify with your local licensing authority.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

Jobs under $600 total (labor + materials) that are truly minor home repairs/improvements (handyman exemption context) (researched)
Interior painting and staining (walls, trim, cabinets) (no state trade license)
Minor drywall patching and repair (non-structural)
Basic carpentry repairs like replacing interior doors/trim, baseboards, and non-structural wood rot repair
Caulking, weatherstripping, and minor exterior maintenance (non-structural)
Tile repair/regrout (not involving plumbing modifications)
Cabinet hardware replacement, shelving installation, TV mounting (avoid concealed wiring/plumbing)
Replace like-for-like faucets/toilets ONLY if local code/permit policy allows and no piping/valve changes are made (often still best left to licensed plumbers; verify with Southgate building department)

⚠️ What Requires a License

Home improvement contracting over $600 (labor + materials) typically requires Michigan Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration (researched)
Electrical: new circuits, outlets, panel work, running new wiring, service upgrades, most troubleshooting/repairs—requires Michigan electrical licensure and permits (state + local) (researched)
Plumbing: installing/altering piping, water heater installs, drain/vent work, supply line changes—requires Michigan plumbing licensure and permits (researched)
HVAC/mechanical: furnace/AC replacement, refrigerant work, ductwork, gas piping as part of mechanical systems—requires Michigan mechanical contractor licensure (researched)
Boilers/pressure vessels: installation/service—requires specialized licensing/permits (researched)
Structural work: removing load-bearing walls, framing changes, additions, decks, roofs—typically requires permits; licensing may be required depending on how contracted and value (researched)
Any work requiring a permit where the city requires a registered contractor to pull it (common city policy) (variable by city policy)

State Licensing Rules (MI)

This exemption does NOT authorize licensed-trade work (electrical/plumbing/mechanical/HVAC/boilers) and does not remove local permit requirements. If you advertise or contract as a home improvement contractor and exceed the threshold, the state can require HIC registration even for small jobs depending on how the work is packaged/contracted.

Business License — Southgate

Required. Southgate Contractor License / Business Registration (commonly administered via City Clerk and/or Building Department)

Permit vs. Contractor License — What's the Difference?

A license/registration (like Michigan HIC or a skilled-trade license) is your legal authority to offer/perform certain types of work as a contractor. A permit is project-specific approval from the local building department to do a particular scope at a specific address. Even if you’re exempt from HIC registration for small jobs, you may still need permits and inspections for building, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work in Southgate.

Important Notes for Southgate, Michigan Handymen

Insurance: Michigan does not impose a universal general liability policy for handymen, but customers/cities commonly require proof of general liability (often $500,000 to $1,000,000) and workers’ comp if you have employees (researched).
Advertising/contracts: If you market yourself as a contractor for home improvement work and exceed the $600 threshold, you risk enforcement for unregistered contracting. Use written contracts and clearly define scope and price (researched).
Permits: Many cities require the contractor to be registered with the city before permits can be pulled; homeowners sometimes can pull permits, but that can shift liability and is not always allowed for rental/contractor-performed work (variable by city policy).
Skilled trades: Do not cross into electrical/plumbing/mechanical scope without proper licensing—cities and LARA can issue penalties and require removal/redo of unlicensed work (researched).

Your Next Steps to Operating Legally in Southgate

Step 1: Form your business entity (LLC recommended) with the State of Michigan and get an EIN from the IRS (free).
Step 2: If doing residential work over $600, apply for Michigan Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration through LARA/BCC.
Step 3: Register/license your business/contractor account with the City of Southgate (City Clerk/Building Department) so you can pull permits when needed.
Step 4: Purchase general liability insurance and keep certificates ready for cities/clients; add workers’ comp if you hire employees.
Step 5: Call Southgate Building Department to confirm what work requires permits and whether they require city contractor registration for each permit type.

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