What handyman work requires a license in Westland, Michigan?

Work that typically requires a license or a licensed trade professional includes: 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.. Always verify with your local licensing authority.

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

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

In MI, a handyman can take jobs under $600 (labor and materials combined) without a contractor license. Common examples include: 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..

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

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.

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.