LANSING, MICH. - As the summer temperatures rise and home improvement season heats up, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) is urging residents to protect their investments by only hiring licensed, qualified contractors.
Whether it’s plumbing, HVAC, roofing, or general construction, LARA wants to help Michiganders make informed decisions before starting work on their home or property.
“Verifying a contractor’s licensure protects both consumers and contractors,” said LARA Director Marlon I. Brown. “LARA is committed to ensuring that qualified professionals are on the job to help build our state.”
LARA’s Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC) oversees the licensing of professionals who build, repair, or renovate residential structures. BCC Director Andrew Brisbo emphasizes that the first step in hiring the right contractor for the job is confirming they are properly licensed.
“If a contractor can’t provide their license number or a copy of their license, that’s a red flag,” said Brisbo. “Consumers should always verify credentials before the work begins.”
Below is an example of what an official Michigan contractor license looks like. The license includes the contractor’s name, license number, and expiration date.
Cost can be an important distinction between whom to hire as well. While some amount of upfront payment is standard, consumers should be cautious of unusually large down payments. To help prevent fraudulent activity, LARA discourages paying for the entirety of the job in advance. Instead, schedule payments to occur as the job progresses.
To further protect yourself, ask for references that include names and addresses from previous customers and check with them to see if the contractor’s work was satisfactory. Additional recommendations can come from friends and neighbors, social media, or local homebuilders’ associations.
For questions about contractor licensing or to verify a license, visit www.michigan.gov/lara or email LARA-BCC-Licensing@Michigan.gov.
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