Get Quotes from Top Handymen in Detroit, MI

Are You Licensed to Practice as a Handyman in Detroit?

The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) handles all licensing in Detroit. A handyman does not need a specific handyman's license to work in Detroit. However, many handyman jobs, such as carpentry, painting, concrete laying, and tiling, may require a Maintenance and Alteration Contractor License. A handyman must finish 60 hours of educational courses and pass an exam to be eligible for the license. If the total contract price for the project, including labor, materials, and any other items, is less than $600.00, a license is however not required. The exemption does not apply if the work is only part of a more extensive operation or if the contract is divided into smaller amounts.

Operating without a license in Detroit as a first offense is punishable by a fine of $5,000 and $25,000, one year in jail, or both. Subsequent offenses might result in a sentence of up to two years in prison. To verify the license of your handyman, use the LARA Verify a License platform.

All Detroit businesses, including handymen, must register online with the Michigan Department of Treasury after deciding on a business name and structure. The handyman will be issued the required tax licenses and permissions to work in Detroit and throughout the state. Additionally, the handyman must register with LARA if the business is operated as a DBA (Doing Business As). For more information about handyman licensing in Detroit, contact the Bureau of Professional Licensing Division of LARA at (517) 241-0199 or via email.

How Much Do You Charge Compared to Handymen in Detroit?

Certain factors usually determine the average cost of hiring a handyman in Detroit. The nature of the project, the type and cost of materials required, and how labor-intensive the job is expected to be are all factors considered to determine the handyman's fee. Getting estimates from at least two or three different handymen in your area of residence before deciding on the most suitable one to hire is a fantastic approach to acquiring a proper estimate of handyman rates in the city. This is also a fantastic way to make sure you do not hire a handyman who overcharges or, worse still, scammers.

Detroit Handymen earn an average wage of $43,820 annually. The table below compares and contrasts the average hourly wages of handymen and other general maintenance and repair workers in Detroit with those of workers in this industry across the State of Michigan and major American cities:

Do You Require a Permit to Complete This Work in Detroit?

As a homeowner, you must ensure that your handyman follows all applicable building and construction codes in the city. Certain constructions, according to the 2015 Michigan Building Code, require a building permit from the Buildings, Safety and Environmental Engineering Department in Detroit; such constructions include:

• the development of a finished basement
• the building of a deck for a home
• A replacement of a roof

All these constructions have specific building requirements that must be met before a permit can be issued for their construction. BSEED's Business License Office and Permits Office assists handymen and homeowners in obtaining the appropriate permits for their homes or business. Permit seekers are exclusively served by appointment. Appointments can be made online before arrival. BSEED's Business License Office can be contacted at (313) 224-3179 or via email. Similarly, the Permits Office can be reached at (313) 224-3173.

For more information concerning building permitting in Detroit, contact the Buildings, Safety, Engineering, and Environmental Department (BSEED) at:

What Works Can You Do Legally as a Handyman in Detroit?

The primary distinction between handymen and general building and construction professionals in Detroit is the monetary cap on the services they provide. As a result, handymen can lawfully undertake any type of home repair work without a license as long as the job's total cost does not surpass the $600 mark.

Common jobs the Detroit handyman does include furniture assembling, appliance installation, ceiling fan installation, door repair, dryer vent cleaning, door installation, interior lighting installation, art hanging, leaf removal, drywall repair, and gutter cleaning. Repairing or replacing broken electrical and plumbing fixtures and painting patios and decks are all work that a handyman may do. Building and construction contractors, on the other hand, typically need to have a valid license that allows them to perform jobs for $500 or more in a certain area of specialization.

While city handymen are not obliged to have occupational licenses, it is always in your best interest to ensure that the handyman you choose has the necessary experience and equipment to complete the task. Working with skilled handymen also helps you recognize tasks that require specialized skill sets. Cost estimates for some of the services offered by Detroit handymen are listed below:

Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for Handymen in Detroit?

With over 70 fatal injuries and 23,400 non-fatal injuries among general maintenance and repair employees every year in the US, ensuring your handyman is fully insured is critical. If something goes wrong during the course of your home improvement or repair project, such as the handyman damaging your property or someone getting injured during the course of the job, insurance can protect you from any financial and legal consequences.

While it is not legally required for handymen in Detroit to hold general liability insurance, it is always to your advantage if your chosen handyman does. To check this insurance's legitimacy, get coverage evidence and contact the relevant insurance provider. According to the Michigan Workers' Disability Compensation Act, every handyman who employs others is required to carry workers' compensation insurance for them. As a result, if your handyman employs an assistant, you should also require proof of workers' compensation insurance. Contact the Insurance Division of the Bureau of Workers' Disability Compensation Agency for information about Michigan workers' compensation at: