What handyman work requires a license in Troy, Michigan?

Work that typically requires a license or a licensed trade professional includes: ANY electrical work — including replacing light fixtures, outlets, switches, or any work involving electrical panels or wiring (requires Michigan Master Electrician or Electrical Contractor License); ANY plumbing work — including fixture replacement, pipe repair, water heater installation, or any work involving water lines or drains (requires Michigan Master Plumber License); ANY HVAC work — including furnace repair, air conditioning service, ductwork installation, or any work on heating/cooling systems (requires Michigan Mechanical Contractor License); ANY gas line work — including gas appliance hookup, gas line repair, or gas system modification (requires Michigan Gas Fitter License); Residential construction or remodeling projects totaling $600 or more in labor and materials (requires Michigan Residential Builder License or M&A Contractor License); Any work advertised as 'contractor' services or services requiring a contractor license (requires LARA license, even for small jobs). Always verify with your local licensing authority.

How much can a handyman charge without a license in Troy, Michigan?

In MI, handyman jobs priced under $600 (labor and materials combined) generally do not require a contractor license. At or above $600, a licensed contractor is required.

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

Q: What can a handyman do without a license in Troy, Michigan?

In MI, a handyman can take jobs under $600 (labor and materials combined) without a contractor license. Common examples include: Minor drywall repairs and patching (under $600 total); Interior and exterior painting (under $600 total); Basic carpentry work: trim installation, door/window frame repairs, deck staining (under $600 total); Caulking and weatherstripping (under $600 total); Tile and marble work (under $600 total); Roofing repairs and replacement (under $600 total).

By Ray Duke, Founder of Bulletproof Handyman · Last reviewed July 2026

Handymen in Troy, Michigan can work on projects under $600 (including labor and materials) without a state contractor license, thanks to Michigan's handyman exemption. For projects $600 and above, you'll need either a Michigan Residential Builder License or Maintenance & Alteration Contractor License from LARA. Trade work (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) always requires a separate state trade license regardless of project value. Troy requires building permits for construction work but does not impose an additional city contractor license on top of LARA credentials.

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

Minor drywall repairs and patching (under $600 total)
Interior and exterior painting (under $600 total)
Basic carpentry work: trim installation, door/window frame repairs, deck staining (under $600 total)
Caulking and weatherstripping (under $600 total)
Tile and marble work (under $600 total)
Roofing repairs and replacement (under $600 total)
Siding and gutter installation/repair (under $600 total)
Insulation work (under $600 total)
Concrete and masonry work (under $600 total)
Screen and storm window/door installation (under $600 total)

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Troy

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

Minor drywall repairs and patching (under $600 total)
Interior and exterior painting (under $600 total)
Basic carpentry work: trim installation, door/window frame repairs, deck staining (under $600 total)
Caulking and weatherstripping (under $600 total)
Roofing repairs and replacement (under $600 total)
Siding and gutter installation/repair (under $600 total)
Screen and storm window/door installation (under $600 total)

⚠️ What Requires a License

ANY electrical work — including replacing light fixtures, outlets, switches, or any work involving electrical panels or wiring (requires Michigan Master Electrician or Electrical Contractor License)
ANY plumbing work — including fixture replacement, pipe repair, water heater installation, or any work involving water lines or drains (requires Michigan Master Plumber License)
ANY HVAC work — including furnace repair, air conditioning service, ductwork installation, or any work on heating/cooling systems (requires Michigan Mechanical Contractor License)
ANY gas line work — including gas appliance hookup, gas line repair, or gas system modification (requires Michigan Gas Fitter License)
Residential construction or remodeling projects totaling $600 or more in labor and materials (requires Michigan Residential Builder License or M&A Contractor License)
Any work advertised as 'contractor' services or services requiring a contractor license (requires LARA license, even for small jobs)
Work on commercial properties (always requires appropriate state license regardless of project value)

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 — Troy

Not required at the city level.

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 Troy

Step 1: Determine your business structure. Most handymen form an LLC for liability protection. File Articles of Organization with Michigan Secretary of State ($50 fee). Website: https://www.michigan.gov/sos
Step 2: Register with Michigan Department of Treasury for tax purposes (Form 518). This is FREE and required for all Michigan businesses. Website: https://www.michigan.gov/taxes
Step 3: If operating under a DBA (assumed name), file with Oakland County Clerk. Phone: (248) 858-0581 | Website: https://www.oakgov.com
Step 4: Determine if you need a state contractor license. If your projects will exceed $600 in value, enroll in a LARA-approved 60-hour pre-license education course ($199–$229). Providers: PDH Academy, Builders License Training Institute.
Step 5: After completing pre-license education, apply for either a Residential Builder License or M&A Contractor License through LARA ($195 application fee). Schedule and pass the state exam ($70–$117 depending on license type).
Step 6: Obtain general liability insurance. Recommended coverage: $1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate. Cost: $300–$600/year.
Step 7: Contact Troy Building Department at (248) 524-3300 to understand Troy's building permit requirements and fees for your specific type of work.
Step 8: If performing any electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or gas work, obtain the corresponding Michigan state trade license BEFORE starting work. Contact LARA at (517) 241-9316 for trade license requirements.
Step 9: Verify zoning compliance with Troy Community Development Department if operating from a home address. Phone: (248) 524-3300
Step 10: Obtain all required permits from Troy Building Department before starting each project. Do not begin work without permits.

Licensing rules and fees change over time, so this information may be out of date. Verify all requirements with your local licensing authority before making business decisions.