What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Washtenaw in Washtenaw County, Michigan?

In Michigan, most “handyman” work is regulated through the state’s Residential Builder and Maintenance & Alteration Contractor (M&A) licensing system when you’re working on residential structures. Michigan does not offer a simple statewide “handyman license,” and there is no broad, dollar-based handyman exemption you can rely on for residential work—if you’re doing repairs/alterations on a residential structure for compensation, you generally need the appropriate state license/registration, and you still must avoid regulated trades (electrical/plumbing/HVAC) unless separately licensed and permitted.

The magic number in MI: $None. Jobs under $None (labor + materials combined) don't require a contractor license — you can take those as a handyman. Jobs at or above $None require a contractor license. Know your number, know your limit.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

Painting and staining (interior/exterior) where no building permit or historic-district approval is triggered by the scope
Minor drywall patching and surface repairs (non-structural)
Basic finish carpentry (installing trim, baseboards, interior doors) when not altering structural framing
Cabinet installation/replacement (like-for-like, not altering load-bearing walls, and not relocating plumbing/electrical)
Tile setting and floor covering installation (vinyl/laminate/carpet) not involving structural subfloor changes
Gutter cleaning/repair and minor exterior maintenance (non-structural)
Fence repairs and small exterior repairs where local permit rules do not require a building permit
Replacing plumbing/electrical fixtures only if the local AHJ allows it without licensed trade work and permits (many do not—verify before offering this service)

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Washtenaw

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

Painting and staining (interior/exterior) where no building permit or historic-district approval is triggered by the scope
Minor drywall patching and surface repairs (non-structural)
Basic finish carpentry (installing trim, baseboards, interior doors) when not altering structural framing
Cabinet installation/replacement (like-for-like, not altering load-bearing walls, and not relocating plumbing/electrical)
Tile setting and floor covering installation (vinyl/laminate/carpet) not involving structural subfloor changes
Gutter cleaning/repair and minor exterior maintenance (non-structural)
Fence repairs and small exterior repairs where local permit rules do not require a building permit
Replacing plumbing/electrical fixtures only if the local AHJ allows it without licensed trade work and permits (many do not—verify before offering this service)

⚠️ What Requires a License

Contracting to perform residential repair/alteration as a business in Michigan typically requires a Maintenance & Alteration (M&A) registration or a Residential Builder license (depending on scope)
Electrical work such as new circuits, panel work, running new wiring, adding/reconfiguring receptacles/switches, or most troubleshooting/repairs beyond very limited like-for-like replacements (licensed electrician + permit typically required)
Plumbing work such as installing/replacing water heaters, moving/adding supply or drain lines, venting changes, sewer work, or many fixture installs (licensed plumber + permit typically required)
Mechanical/HVAC work such as furnace/AC replacement, duct modifications, gas piping, refrigerant handling (licensed mechanical contractor/technician; EPA 608 for refrigerants; permits/inspections commonly required)
Structural changes: removing/altering load-bearing walls, cutting roof trusses/joists, additions, decks (often permit + may require licensed builder/contractor depending on role and scope)
Roofing and siding projects that meet local permit triggers or when contracted as part of broader residential alteration work (often M&A classification/registration and permits)
Window/door replacements that change rough openings or affect structural framing (permit commonly required; historic district approval may be required in some areas)

What to Tell Clients About Your Scope of Work

In MI, you can take jobs under $None (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 — Washtenaw

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 Washtenaw

Step 1: Register your business entity (LLC recommended) with Michigan LARA/Corporations Division ($50 filing + $25 annual statement).
Step 2: If doing residential repair/alteration for compensation, apply for Michigan M&A registration or Residential Builder license (plan on ~$195/year plus exam costs).
Step 3: Obtain general liability insurance (commonly $1M/$2M) and workers’ comp if you have employees.
Step 4: Identify your exact municipality in Washtenaw County (Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti/township) and confirm local permitting, contractor registration, and any home-occupation zoning approval needs with that AHJ.

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