Get a Michigan Residential Builders License
If you've ever wondered how to become a licensed contractor in Michigan, this article will outline the steps on how to become licensed. First off, a Michigan contractor's license is technically referred to as a Michigan Residential Builders License or a Michigan Maintenance & Alteration Contractor License. Article 24 of Public Act 299 of 1980, as amended and paraphrased was created in order to license and regulate individuals engaged in the construction, maintenance, alteration, addition, subtraction or improvement of a residential structure or combination residential and commercial structure in the state of Michigan.
Steps
- Complete 60 hours of approved pre-licensure education. The 60 hours of education can be completed either online or in person and must be approved by the Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).The approved pre-license training must include at least 6 hours in each subject listed below:
- Business management, estimating, and job costing.
- Design and building science
- Contracts, liability, and risk management
- Marketing and sales
- Project management and scheduling
- The Michigan Residentail Code
- MIOSHA contstruction safety standards
- Other approved topics
- Fill out and submit the official Individual Residential Builder and Maintenance & Alteration Contractor License Application. Once the approved pre-license education is completed you will need to fill out and submit your application, which can be found on Michigan's website. Any applicant must be of good moral character, provide a copy of their drivers license or personal identification card, and a fee of $195 due at the time of application.
- Contact PSI Services, LLC in order to schedule a time to take the required licensing exam. The exam price will depend on the number of sections to be taken at the time. You will need to pass the exam, which may prove more difficult if you did not take a quality pre-licensing educational course, so choose your pre-license training provider with care.
- Wait for your license. You have now completed all the requirements needed in order to become a licensed Michigan Residential Builder and Maintenance & Alteration Contractor. Your license will be issued to you pending the approval of your application being submitted correctly with the required documentation and fee.
Warnings
- Be sure that your pre-licensing education provider is approved to provide you with the 60 hours of required pre-license training! There are some highly reputable online options, however it is always best to verify someone is approved using the Michigan list of approved pre-license education providers.
