Construction Work Regulated:

The construction, remodeling or alteration of residential or combination residential and commercial structures requires licensing at the state level.

Electrical contractors are licensed at the state or local level.

Mechanical and Plumbing contractors are licensed at the state level. Electrical, Mechanical and Plumbing licenses are required for residential and commercial construction.

Prequalification is also required for all highway work in the state.

License Requirements

Residential Builders Contractors:

• The applicant's qualifying party must pass both a trade and a business and law examination with a minimum score of 70 percent. A credit check is also required of applicants.
• There were 71,000 licensees as of October 1996. The application processing time averages four weeks after sitting for the examination.

Highway Pre qualification:

• Contractors intending to bid on state highway contracts are required to file a confidential experience questionnaire and financial statement with the department. Contracts in excess of $200,000 require the contractor to submit CPA audited financial statement.
• Pre qualification ratings are good for 15 1/2 months from the end of the contractors year end.
• Highway project limits are based on the firm's financial rating, experience in similar work and availability of appropriate equipment. There were 700 pre qualified contractors as of October 1996.

Other:

• Public works contracts in excess of $100,000 require the contractor to obtain a Certificate of Awardability from the Michigan Department of Civil Rights.
• Residential builders, maintenance & alteration contractors, electrical, mechanical and plumbing contractors must participate in a construction lien recovery fund. The fund limit is $75,000 per property.

Reciprocal Agreements

Michigan has a reciprocity agreement with Virginia for electrical contractors.

License Types

• Residential Builder
• Construction Salesman
• Residential Maintenance and Alteration Contractor

Electrical:

• Contractor
• Journeyman
• Master
• Fire Alarm
• Sign

Mechanical:

• Hydraulic heating and cooling process piping
• HVAC equipment
• Ductwork
• Refrigeration
• Limited service, heating or refrigeration
• Unlimited service, heating or refrigeration
• Fire Suppression

Plumbing:

• Journeyman
• Master