Are you a Michigan general contractor looking to stay up to date on the latest licensing requirements? Then you've come to the right place! In this blog post, we'll provide an overview of the Michigan general contractor license requirements for 2024. Keep reading to find out more about what you need to do to keep your license up-to-date and remain compliant with the state of Michigan.

Who Issues a General Contractor License in Michigan?

The license is issued by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), and it's valid for three years.

Who Needs A General Contractor License in Michigan?

In Michigan, a general contractor license is required for any construction project over $600.

What are the Different General Contractor License Types in Michigan?

Michigan offers two main categories of builder's licenses.

1. Michigan residential builder's license: This type allows you to undertake projects exceeding $600 and covers work on both residential structures and mixed-use buildings.
2. Michigan maintenance and alteration contractor's license : These licenses are for more specialized trades such as Carpentry, Concrete, Excavation, Gutters, House wrecking, Insulation work, Masonry, and Roofing.

How to Get Your General Contractor’s License in Michigan?

If you're interested in becoming a general contractor in Michigan , you'll need to meet certain requirements before you can apply for a license. The following are the basic requirements you'll need to fulfill:

1. Complete Michigan Pre-licensure Courses: Michigan pre-licensure courses are a requirement for obtaining either a residential builder's license or a maintenance and alterations license. To meet the eligibility criteria, you must complete a total of 60 hours of pre-license education. These course can be found on the LARA website

2. Submit Your Michigan Builders License Application Once you meet the education requirements, you'll need to submit your application accompanied by the requisite $195 fee. Upon the approval of your application, LARA will provide you with an authorization to test letter, which will be pivotal for the subsequent phase of the process.

3. Pass The Exams: In order to obtain a Michigan contractors license you must pass an examination for both license categories. The examination process is facilitated by an entity known as PSI. To gain insights into the specific exam requirements corresponding to your chosen license type, you can visit their website.

Tips for Passing the General Contractor Licensing Exam in Michigan

• Take Practice Exams: Practice exams can be found here to help you prep.
• Time Management: The general contractor licensing exam in Michigan is time-limited. Practice managing your time effectively to ensure you can complete all the questions within the allotted time.

How Much Does Licensing Cost in Michigan

As previously noted, there is an application fee of $195 when applying for your license. Additionally, budgeting around $400 is necessary for your pre-license education expenses. Subsequently, an examination fee is required as well. The residential builder's exam comes at a cost of $117. For maintenance and alterations license seekers, the exam fee starts at $70, varying based on the number of trades or crafts for which they intend to secure licensure.

Penalties for Unlicensed Contractors in Michigan

In addition to relinquishing your lien rights on residential projects, the repercussions for engaging in unlicensed contracting in Michigan are severe. The initial violation could result in a fine ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, a potential jail term of one year, or both. Repeated infractions lead to an increase in the jail sentence, potentially reaching up to two years.

Leveraging your license on Houzz

Now that you know the Michigan general contractor license requirements it’s time to start thinking about how you can promote your license to potential clients. Everyone who’s anyone knows the value of a blue checkmark on social media. That’s what the green Verified License Badge is for businesses on Houzz Pro. With one glance, this Badge helps you:

Let homeowners know that your business is licensed by state industry experts. Stand out from the competition while homeowners consider who to hire. Add credibility to your company name, providing peace of mind to future clients

Here are the steps you can take to add a verified license to your Houzz profile. If you haven’t created a free profile on Houzz, sign up today and get ready to make a bigger impact with your business’ online presence.