In Michigan, the handyman work rules are pretty simple: You can take on any repair or maintenance job under $600 without a license. However, once your project costs exceed $600, Michigan law requires you to have the proper state license.
You should also understand that some cities and counties in Michigan have their own licensing rules for handymen and contractors.
In this article, we’ll explain what a handyman can do without a license in Michigan, what you can do with a license, the different kinds of licenses you need, and how to get one if you want to do more than odd jobs.
Handyman Exemption in Michigan
If you’re doing small repair jobs in Michigan, you can work legally without a contractor’s license, thanks to the state’s handyman exemption. This rule applies when your total cost for each project, including both labor and materials, is under $600.
This means you can tackle many basic home repairs and maintenance tasks that homeowners commonly need as long as you keep the total cost below this threshold.
- Under $600: You’re good to go – no license is needed for these smaller jobs.
- Over $600: You’ll need either a Residential Builder License or what’s known as an M&A (Maintenance and Alterations) Contractor License.
Remember: Don’t try to game the system by breaking up a larger project into smaller chunks under $600 each. If the complete project naturally costs more than $600, you must have the proper licensing.
Work Allowed Without a License
Under the $600 handyman exemption, certain types of minor work can usually be done without a license. Here are a few examples:
- Drywall repairs or drywall installation (on smaller jobs)
- Painting walls, trim, fences, or decks
- Fencing installation and repairs
- Installing or fixing awnings
- Minor carpentry work (building small shelves, replacing a door or piece of trim)
- Basic maintenance tasks like gutter cleaning or caulking
Remember that you cannot advertise or represent yourself as a “licensed contractor” if you do not hold a state license. Stick to describing yourself as a handyperson who does smaller residential tasks.
Limitations for Unlicensed Work
Before taking on handyman projects, be aware of these important restrictions:
Specialty trades: Michigan law requires specific licenses for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work, whether fixing a light switch or adjusting a pipe. You can either get licensed in these trades yourself or hire a licensed professional to handle these tasks, even for minor repairs.
Larger projects: Michigan law clearly defines a project above $600 as requiring either a Residential Builder or M&A Contractor License. The penalties for ignoring this requirement are steep, including fines of up to $25,000 and potential jail time.
Permits: Projects affecting a building’s structure or load-bearing elements will likely require permits. As an unlicensed handyperson, you typically can’t obtain these permits yourself. If you’re unsure whether a job requires permits or licensed professionals, check with your local building department.
Local Requirements for Handymen
While Michigan sets a $600 threshold statewide, cities and counties throughout the state often have their own regulations for handyman work. Even if you’re working under the state’s dollar limit, your local area might require business licenses, insurance documentation, or specific permits.
Detroit
Detroit’s business license center may require you to secure a local license if you operate out of certain districts or alter the intended use of a property. Sometimes, you may also need a zoning permit before carrying out handyman work that changes how a structure is used.
Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids only requires local licenses for specific business types (for example, food trucks and home-based businesses in particular zones). Although handymen are not explicitly listed among those requiring a local license, you must follow any zoning or permit rules for projects that alter structures.
Lansing
Lansing doesn’t require handymen to have a specific city license. However, if you’re taking on bigger projects that affect a building’s structure or safety, you’ll need building permits. Major renovations, additions, and mechanical work fall under local building codes.
Smaller repairs and cosmetic work usually don’t require a local license, but it’s worth double-checking the city’s building codes.
Oakland County
Rather than having one county-wide license, Oakland County leaves licensing up to individual cities and townships. Before starting work in any area within the county, check that specific municipality’s rules. Some of them may require you to register your business or get permits for renovation work.
Sterling Heights
In Sterling Heights, all handymen need a business license to work within city limits, regardless of job size. You’ll need to file paperwork with the City Clerk, and for jobs approaching the $600 state limit, they might ask for proof of insurance.
Warren
Warren typically accepts Michigan state handyman licenses but maintains its own list of trades that need local registration, such as demolition and concrete work.
If your handyperson services include any of these specialized trades, you might need a city license. For standard home repairs, you mainly need to show that you’re following Michigan’s $600 limit.
Launch Your Handyman Career With Us
People value their time more than ever, which is why so many turn over their household maintenance and repair jobs to a handyman. So if you have the skills, there’s money to be made. Home Gnome gives handymen an edge by connecting you with jobs in your area, saving you time and money and letting you focus on the work. Sign up now.
Main Image Credit: Sergii Pavlovskyi / Adobe Stock / License created using Canva Pro
Related Posts:
