Understanding Building Permits & Licensed Contractors in Michigan

As spring arrives, we welcome the warm weather and opportunities to do new projects around our houses! We have seen an uptick in questions regarding a licensed builder in Michigan and I wanted to reach out and cover a few things so there is less confusion around it all. We try to post this at least once per year!

Verify the Business is Registered

If you are hiring someone to do work in or around your house, regardless of whether or not a license is required which I will explain below, it is best to make sure they are, at least, registered with the state. You can verify a business’s registration at the link below. This allows you to collect compensation if the job isn’t completed. If they are not registered with the state, you have little-to-no access to legal compensation as you cannot establish who or where they are located. https://cofs.lara.state.mi.us/SearchApi/Search/Search.

Do-Well Remodel is located in Lansing, Michigan but provides remodeling services around mid-Michigan.

In the state of Michigan, typically any work done on a residential house over a $600 amount requires a license to do so. A lot of work under $600 can be done by a handyman which will not require a license. There are a few trades, such as painters, that do not require a license at all. It can be a little confusing, but here is an article with a good table regarding what needs to be licensed: https://www.mackinac.org/23403

Contracts and Verifying Your Contractor

How do I know if I need a contract?
ANY work over $1,000 requires a written contract in MI. It doesn’t matter what is being done on the house, if it is over $1,000 it needs to be in writing. This allows you and your contractor to both have a detailed explanation of what is being done and protects the homeowner from potential scams. The contract does not necessarily need to be signed.

How can I verify a licensed builder?
If you require a licensed contractor you can always verify a license through LARA, which is the state licensing board. There has been some confusion on how to find it, so I have listed that link below as well. You can search and verify a builder’s or a maintenance and alteration license at this link: https://aca-prod.accela.com/…/PropertyLookUp.aspx…
This also allows you to see if they have had any claims noted on their license. A claim is when a client of that builder has filed a complaint.

With all of this information, you should have a better understanding on how to verify the people coming into your home. In this business, it is very important for your contractor to know what they are doing, and having these resources on hand will make it easier to confirm whether or not they do.
You can always find more information at www.Michigan.gov

I’m happy to answer any questions that anyone may have and go into further detail if necessary! Have a great year and feel free to reach out if you need a quote! https://dowellremodel.com/contact/