Builders and Remodelers

Michigan contractors are regulated by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Within LARA, there are several bureaus, among which we can find the Bureau of Construction Codes BCC. This division is responsible for the issuing, examination, and application processing for the Residential Builders and Residential Maintenance and Alteration (A&M) Contractor Licenses, among its several duties. Additionally, the examination process is managed by PSI©.

Michigan currently offers the Residential Builders License and the Maintenance & Alteration Contractor License. Whether the applicant has previous field experience or not, he/she must follow all the application steps in order to receive a license. Please note that unlike other contractor licenses in Michigan, Residential and A&M contractors are not required to show proof of experience.

Please note that any work that totals $600 or more in materials and labor must be performed by a contractor licensed by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).

How to apply for a Residential Builders or a Maintenance & Alteration License?

In order to obtain a Residential Builders or a Maintenance & Alteration License the applicant must follow these steps:

1. Take the 60 hours of approved prelicensure education course (this must be taken through an approved provider.
2. Be of good moral character.
3. Be at least 18 years old.
4. Submit an application with the corresponding fee and the following documents:
   • Copy of the certificate of completion of the prelicensure course.
   • Copy of the driver’s license or of any state ID.
   • Consent to Service of Process form (For non-Michigan residents only).
   • If the applicant has a past criminal record, the Request for Conviction History Form must be submitted.
5. If applying for the Maintenance & Alteration License (ignore if applying for Residential Builder), the applicant must select one of the following classifications for the test:
   • Basement Waterproofing
   • Carpentry
   • Concrete
   • Excavation
   • Gutters
   • House Wrecking
   • Insulation
   • Masonry
   • Roofing
   • Siding
   • Swimming Pools
   • Tile and Marble
   • Screen and Storm Sash
6. Once approved, the agency will contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and they will get in touch with the applicant via email in order to schedule the examination.
7. Take and pass the Business and Residential Builder or the chosen Maintenance & Alteration trade examinations within one year of application approval.
8. Upon passing the exams, you will receive your contractor’s license.

Salesperson

Who needs a Salesperson License in Michigan?

Any person who receives compensation for providing business to a Residential or M&A contractor should be licensed as a Salesperson with the State. Specific examples of individuals who might need this license are:

• Commissioned Salespersons.
• A licensed Residential or M&A contractor referring another licensed builder in exchange for a referral fee.
• Centers that sell products and contract for installation on behalf of a licensed contractor.
• People working with model homes who want to contact clients for future construction.

How to get a Salesperson License in Michigan?

1. Take and pass the PSI© examination
   • Builder/M&A Contractor Salesperson licensing examination candidates do NOT need to apply to the State before testing. There is no pre-licensure education requirement for the salesperson.
   • An examination is not required if it is regarding a licensed residential or M&A contractor who is looking to hire another contractor of that same nature.
2. Once approved, the state will issue the license under the Salesperson's name and will mail it to the hiring contractor to display on the wall. The state will also issue a pocket card for the Salesperson to carry.
   • A salesperson cannot be licensed to more than one contractor at once.
   • A residential builder or M&A contractor salesperson is not the same as a Real Estate salesperson.

Useful Links for Builders and Remodelers in Michigan

• Michigan Board of Residential Builders information
• Michigan Board of M&A License information
• Michigan Legislature Occupational code (excerpt) Act 299 of 1980
• LARA Bureaus
• LARA Divisions
• BCC Licensing Division
• Michigan Bureau of Construction Codes
• Prelicensure Education Requirements
• PSI testing official website
• Legal References for the Bureau of Construction Codes
• Scope of Work of Residential Builders and M&A Contractors
• Michigan Builders Licensing Guide for Skilled Immigrants
• Legal Definitions of Contractor Licenses in Michigan

Important Contact Information for Michigan Builders

Bureau of Construction Codes

611 W. Ottawa Street
Lansing, MI 48933
517-241-9309
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Official BCC website

Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)

Bureau of Professional Licensing
2407 N Grand River Ave
Lansing MI 48906
Official LARA Website
517-241-0199
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PSI© Services

3210 East Tropicana
Las Vegas NV-89121
PSI© Testing Home Page