The application process for a builder’s license in Michigan is time-consuming and complicated these days. As it is a constant change process, you must stay updated and informed regarding the current requirements and every other step. However, acquiring the license must not be hard if you follow the right path.
We indeed believe in giving an ‘honest’ answer. Let us show you a short brief on how to get a Michigan builders license. It is as easy as filling out a form online. It is not different from getting the contractor’s claim for residential maintenance and alterations. Just follow the necessary aspects –
- Get ready to complete the pre-license education from an approved institution,
- Gather the necessary documents (course completion certificate, builder license application, and required fees), make a complete file, and send it to the state department,
- You must have a decent character,
- Pass the online exam for Residential Builder or Maintenance and alteration contractor.
And one more thing, never forget to renew the license every three years. But why will someone hire a licensed contractor or builder?
Do you recognize a licensed professional?
Citizens can fall easy prey to unlicensed contractors whose quotes are lower than those of licensed contractors. Saving money can be too tempting, but customers need to be vigilant.
Most people are unaware of the risk, don’t do a proper background check on builders or contractors, and then regret it. Having a builder’s license is essential as it protects both parties if something goes wrong during the construction process.
Unlicensed contractors have advantages that allow them to offer a lower price. They don’t have to pay license fees, they don’t have to get a warranty to protect their work, and they don’t pay for liability insurance or workers’ compensation insurance.
Unlicensed contractors can offer their services at a lower rate by not having these additional expenses than a legally licensed professional.
Stay out of any fraudulent activities
Would you like to go through work done by an unlicensed builder? On the other hand, you will give oil to the fire: it is a crime too. An unlicensed contractor will try to do things by halves and skimp on expenses since they don’t have to abide by building codes. So if a hurricane or severe storm hits, your home may not be able to withstand bad weather.
Although many of these contractors do not obtain builder’s licenses because they are lazy, and their work is of low quality, some are criminals and will take your money without finishing the job and even stealing your property. They are organized criminals who guard neighborhoods and shopping areas and tempt customers with low prices.
Although fraud has no geographic limits, the good news is that specific laws were enacted in Michigan to protect homeowners from dishonest and incompetent contractors.
The state’s licensing process tests necessary skills and knowledge and weeds out illegal builders. A valid builder’s license is the first sign that your contractor may be qualified to do the job. It would help if you did the following when hiring a builder –
- Avoid builders or contractors, who offer door-to-door services,
- Insist on references, proper license, warranties, and insurance,
- Check the credentials,
- Make sure you can draw the contract with flexible terms and conditions,
- Look for a builder with a physical office, not just a PO Box address.
The construction will be legal
You can get a building permit yourself. However, if you hire a licensed builder, he can easily make all the arrangements legally.
- New construction means that the lot is empty, and a new building will be developed.
- Extension: it is when the building will grow one story, sideways or backward.
- Adequacy refers to the change of use if you use home and change its use to commercial.
- Restoration: it is when facades or structures classified as historical and cultural heritage are going to be cared for.
- Structural reinforcement: it must be requested when a building is going to be structurally reinforced.
- Total demolition: the building can be totally or partially demolished to continue with its development.
- The enclosure is used when some section is to be made for construction. Or when a residential complex is closed.
Conclusion
The good news is that your licensed builder is specialized in any of the sectors mentioned above. Not only for individual service but also for opening a construction company, you will also need the license. In the following cases, you do not need a permit: if you will make minor or locative repairs, such as change of floors, remodeling of bathrooms and kitchen, internal painting of the building and hydraulic, and electrical or gas networks. The main thing is to have the ideal professional with the knowledge of procedures in construction.
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