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

In Michigan, most “handyman”/home repair work on 1–2 family residential property is regulated through the state’s Residential Builder / Maintenance & Alteration Contractor licensing system (LARA). A common handyman-style carve-out exists for very small jobs: if the total contract is under $600 (labor + materials), a state contractor license is generally not required—but electrical, plumbing, and mechanical/HVAC work still require the appropriate trade license and 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 (labor + materials) on 1–2 family residential property that do NOT involve licensed trades (researched threshold; verify with LARA/BCC).
Interior painting and staining (walls, ceilings, trim) where no lead-abatement licensing is triggered.
Minor drywall patching/repair (small holes, dents) and touch-up texture.
Basic carpentry not affecting structural elements (replace interior doors/trim, install shelving, assemble cabinets not requiring permit).
Hardware changes (replace door knobs/locks, install towel bars, curtain rods, blinds).
Minor exterior maintenance like caulking/weatherstripping and small non-structural repairs.
Flooring installation (laminate/vinyl plank/carpet) where no structural subfloor rebuild or permit-triggering scope occurs.
Gutter cleaning and minor repairs (if not altering roof structure).

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Westland

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

Interior painting and staining (walls, ceilings, trim) where no lead-abatement licensing is triggered.
Minor drywall patching/repair (small holes, dents) and touch-up texture.
Basic carpentry not affecting structural elements (replace interior doors/trim, install shelving, assemble cabinets not requiring permit).
Hardware changes (replace door knobs/locks, install towel bars, curtain rods, blinds).
Minor exterior maintenance like caulking/weatherstripping and small non-structural repairs.
Flooring installation (laminate/vinyl plank/carpet) where no structural subfloor rebuild or permit-triggering scope occurs.
Gutter cleaning and minor repairs (if not altering roof structure).

⚠️ What Requires a License

Residential work over $600 total (labor + materials) on 1–2 family residences generally requires a Michigan Residential Builder license or an M&A Contractor license (verify classification).
Electrical installations/alterations (new circuits, panel work, most wiring, adding receptacles/switches, service upgrades) require Michigan electrical licensure and permits.
Plumbing system work beyond very minor tasks (water heater replacement often requires a permit; moving/adding fixtures; DWV changes; supply piping modifications) generally requires Michigan plumbing licensure and permits.
HVAC/mechanical work (furnace/AC replacement, ductwork, boilers, gas piping within mechanical scope, many ventilation projects) generally requires mechanical/HVAC credentials and permits.
Structural work (load-bearing walls, beams, additions, roofing structure changes) generally requires a licensed contractor (and permits/inspections).
Work that requires pulling permits in the municipality—many cities require the permit applicant/contractor to be properly licensed/registered.

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 — Westland

Required. City of Westland Business License (general business registration/licensing)

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 Westland

Step 1: Form your business entity (LLC recommended) with Michigan LARA (LLC filing fee $50).
Step 2: If you will take residential jobs over $600, apply for the Michigan Maintenance & Alteration Contractor license (or Residential Builder license, as appropriate) and complete any exam requirements.
Step 3: Obtain Westland’s business license/registration and verify zoning/home occupation rules if operating from home.
Step 4: Get General Liability insurance (and Workers’ Comp if you hire employees) and confirm Westland permit-pulling requirements before starting work.

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