What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Sterling Heights, Michigan?

In Sterling Heights (Macomb County), Michigan does not issue a single “general contractor license” for handymen, but Michigan does require a state Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration for many residential repair/alteration jobs when the job is over the state’s small-job exemption threshold. Separately, electrical, plumbing, mechanical/HVAC and certain other trades require their own state licenses, and the City of Sterling Heights typically requires local registration/licensing (and permits) to operate and pull permits.

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

Jobs under $600 total contract price (labor + materials) that do not involve licensed trades (researched Michigan small-job exemption)
Interior painting and touch-up painting
Minor drywall patching/repair (non-structural) and interior trim repairs
Basic carpentry not affecting structural framing (repair/replace baseboards, casing, door hardware)
Replace like-for-like faucets or toilets ONLY if local rules treat it as minor maintenance and a permit is not required (verify—often plumbing work is licensed)
Install shelves, curtain rods, towel bars, and other non-structural wall-mounted items
Assemble furniture, install cabinets using existing rough openings (non-structural, no electrical/plumbing alterations)
Minor exterior maintenance like caulking, weatherstripping, and small non-structural repairs (verify historic district restrictions if applicable)

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Sterling Heights

Based on the MI threshold, handymen in Sterling Heights commonly take on:

Interior painting and touch-up painting
Minor drywall patching/repair (non-structural) and interior trim repairs
Basic carpentry not affecting structural framing (repair/replace baseboards, casing, door hardware)
Replace like-for-like faucets or toilets ONLY if local rules treat it as minor maintenance and a permit is not required (verify—often plumbing work is licensed)
Install shelves, curtain rods, towel bars, and other non-structural wall-mounted items
Assemble furniture, install cabinets using existing rough openings (non-structural, no electrical/plumbing alterations)
Minor exterior maintenance like caulking, weatherstripping, and small non-structural repairs (verify historic district restrictions if applicable)

⚠️ What Requires a License

Home improvement work on residential property at/above $600 total contract price typically requires Michigan HIC registration (unless you are exempt for another reason)
Electrical work (new circuits, panel work, receptacles/switches beyond very minor replacements, lighting additions, wiring) requires Michigan electrical licensure and permits
Plumbing work (new/altered piping, drain/vent changes, water heater installation in many cases, many fixture installs) requires Michigan plumbing licensure and permits
Mechanical/HVAC work (furnace/AC/boiler install or service, ductwork changes) requires Michigan mechanical licensure and permits
Structural work (load-bearing framing changes, beams, headers, structural wall removal) typically requires building permits and may trigger licensed contractor requirements and inspections
Roofing replacement and window/door replacements that affect structural openings commonly require permits and may require contractor registration/insurance with the City
Gas piping work is typically regulated under mechanical/plumbing licensing and requires permits

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 — Sterling Heights

Required. Sterling Heights Contractor Registration / Business License (local licensing/registration used for permitting and compliance)

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 Sterling Heights

Step 1: Form your business (LLC optional) and file Michigan LLC Articles of Organization ($50) if forming an LLC.
Step 2: Confirm whether your typical jobs will be $600+; if yes, apply for Michigan Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration and obtain the required bond (commonly $10,000).
Step 3: Register with Sterling Heights Building Department as a contractor (and obtain any city business license/registration required) so you can pull permits when needed.
Step 4: Obtain general liability insurance meeting Sterling Heights’ contractor registration requirements and keep certificates ready for permit applications.
Step 5: If you intend to do any electrical/plumbing/HVAC/gas work, pursue the appropriate Michigan trade license path (apprenticeship/testing/contractor license) rather than operating as a handyman.

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