What Can a Handyman Do 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.

✅ 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).

⚠️ 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.

State Licensing Rules (MI)

This under-$600 threshold does NOT let you perform licensed trades (electrical, plumbing, mechanical/HVAC) without the proper trade credential. Permits may still be required by the local building department even for small jobs. Also, if you advertise or contract as a ‘licensed’ builder/contractor, you must actually hold the license regardless of job size.

Business License — Westland

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

Permit vs. Contractor License — What's the Difference?

A license is your legal authorization (state or trade) to offer/perform certain kinds of construction work for pay. A permit is job-specific approval issued by the local building department to ensure the particular project meets code; permits usually require inspections. Even if you fall under Michigan’s small-job exemption, Westland (or any city) can still require permits for code-sensitive work.

Important Notes for Westland, Michigan Handymen

• Insurance: Michigan doesn’t generally issue a statewide ‘handyman insurance requirement,’ but many cities, GCs, and property managers will require proof of General Liability (commonly $1,000,000 per occurrence) and sometimes Workers’ Comp if you have employees.
• Advertising/contracting: If you hold yourself out as a ‘licensed contractor’ you must have the actual LARA license; avoid consumer protection issues and penalties.
• Permitting: In Michigan, permits are enforced locally. Always confirm with Westland’s building department whether a permit is required even for small scopes.
• Skilled trades: Do not cross into electrical/plumbing/mechanical scopes without the proper credential—this is a common enforcement area and can create insurance/inspection failures.
• Contract value: The $600 threshold is based on total job value (labor + materials). Splitting a larger project into multiple invoices to stay under the threshold can still be treated as one job.

Your Next Steps to Operating Legally in Westland

1. Step 1: Form your business entity (LLC recommended) with Michigan LARA (LLC filing fee $50).
2. 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.
3. Step 3: Obtain Westland’s business license/registration and verify zoning/home occupation rules if operating from home.
4. 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.