This time of year a lot of people have projects that they hire out. Did you know that in the State of Michigan, any residential construction or remodeling project that costs more than $600 requires a licensed contractor? Many people don't! (Homeowners working on their own residences are exempt.)
There are two categories of licensee - a residential builder, and a residential maintenance and alteration contractor (M & A). A builder can start a home from the ground up or do any kind of repairs. An M & A contractor is licensed for specific trades and services and should only work in those areas. All licensees receive a pocket card that they are supposed to keep on their person.
So what are the trades that require an M & A license?
- Carpentry
- Concrete
- Excavation
- Insulation
- Masonry
- Painting & Decorating
- Siding
- Roofing
- Screen & Storm Sash
- Gutters
- Tile & Marble
- House Wrecking
- Swimming Pools
- Basement Waterproofing
It's not hard to spend more than $600 on repainting, for example, so make sure if you hire it out it's done by a licensed contractor.
Things like fences, awnings, pavers without mortar, carpeting and vinyl floors (not wood) and even house moving do not require a license. A short but helpful document from the State of Michigan can be found here: http://goo.gl/Pr8MN6
A clue that your contractor isn't licensed is when he asks you to write your payment check to him personally, not to a company name. Always, always, always insist on seeing proof of insurance, and their license to protect yourself. You can do your own licensee search here: https://www.lara.michigan.gov/colaLicVerify/lSearch.jsp
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