Licensing Information
When is a license required?
In Michigan, anyone who contracts with a property owner to perform residential construction or remodeling projects valued at $600 or more, including materials and labor, is required to be licensed as either a Residential Builder or a Maintenance & Alteration Contractor. Both licenses mandate the completion of a 60-hour prelicensure course before applying to take the state licensing exam. Information about both licenses can be found on the Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) website and is governed by the Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC).
What's the difference between a Residential Builder license and a Residential Maintenance & Alteration Contractor license?
A Residential Builder is licensed to construct a new home from the ground up and perform various types of repairs. While they can contract for the entire project, they must subcontract specialized work such as plumbing, electrical, and mechanical (HVAC) services.
In contrast, a Maintenance & Alteration (M&A) Contractor is licensed to perform only specific trades and services and may accept contracts solely for the services they are licensed for, regardless of whether the project involves new construction or remodeling.
Residential Maintenance & Alteration Contractor Trades:
The trades, or crafts for which a maintenance & alteration contractor is qualified to practice are listed on the license:
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carpentry
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concrete
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excavation
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insulation work
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masonry
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siding
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roofing
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screens and storm sash
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gutters
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tile & marble
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house wrecking
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swimming pools
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basement waterproofing
How do I get a license?
Receiving your Michigan Builders License can be done in three easy steps.
Step 1
Complete a state approved 60 hour prelicensure course.
Step 2
Submit your application and fee along with proof of course completion. You can find the application here. Once approval is receved by LARA, complete step 3.
Step 3
Schedule and complete the exam. Exams are administered by PSI at five locations across Michigan, available six days a week. Now available in Spanish!