What Can a Handyman Do Without a License 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).
✅ 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)
Common Jobs Handymen Take in Southgate
Based on the MI threshold, handymen in Southgate commonly take on:
- 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)
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 — Southgate
Required. Southgate Contractor License / Business Registration (commonly administered via City Clerk and/or Building Department)
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 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.