How to Check a Michigan Builder's License
Why The License Matters
The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, known as LARA, licenses residential builders. Its page for homeowners says a Residential Builder license allows a contractor to build a complete home and to do remodeling work on one. A second kind, the Maintenance and Alteration license, covers named trades such as roofing, masonry or concrete, and the trades are listed on the license itself.
A license is not a promise about quality. It tells you the state knows who the builder is, and that there is a state office to turn to if something goes wrong.
Our Michigan builder license number is 262400343. It is in the footer of every page of this site, and we encourage you to look it up before you call us.
What The State Says To Check
Look Up The License
LARA’s Find or Verify a Licensed Professional or Business page lists Residential Builder under Skilled Trades. LARA’s page for homeowners says a license is displayed at the builder’s place of business, and that contractors and their salespeople carry a pocket card, which it suggests asking to see.
Sources: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Find or Verify a Licensed Professional or Business and Helpful Information for Homeowners. Checked October 12, 2026.
Ask For References
LARA’s page suggests asking for the names of previous customers and checking with them, and making sure the builder has a permanent business location and telephone number.
Source: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Helpful Information for Homeowners. Checked October 12, 2026.
Get It In Writing
LARA’s page lists what it expects to see in a contract. Among them:
- The company’s name, address and phone number, and the builder’s full name and license number
- Detailed specifications for the work and the materials
- Start and completion dates
- A statement that the contractor obtains all required building permits before work begins
- Liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage
- A statement of warranty on the work
- The terms of payment
- Signatures and dates from both sides, with any later changes dated and initialed by both
The same page says it is often a good idea to have an attorney review a contract before signing.
Source: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Helpful Information for Homeowners. Checked October 12, 2026.
Permits And Inspections
LARA’s page describes the building permit as being there for the homeowner’s protection: an inspector checks that the finished work meets the codes and safety standards. We prepare and submit the permit applications for the homes we build.
Source: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Helpful Information for Homeowners. Checked October 12, 2026.
If Something Goes Wrong
LARA’s page says to try first to resolve a problem directly with the contractor, and that the local building inspector may be able to help with workmanship and code matters. It names the Bureau of Construction Codes, Residential Builders’ Section, as the place to file a complaint.
Source: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Helpful Information for Homeowners. Checked October 12, 2026.
The State’s Consumer Guide
On May 18, 2026, LARA announced a 13-page Consumer Guide to Home Improvement Projects, written with the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies. The announcement says it covers selecting qualified contractors, understanding contracts, recognizing warning signs of fraud, and the permitting process.
Source: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, news release of May 18, 2026. Checked October 12, 2026.
This page is general information, not legal advice or an official answer. The State of Michigan sets and enforces the licensing rules, and they change. For anything official, LARA’s Residential Builders’ Section is on 517-241-9309. We are always happy to answer questions about our own license.
Questions About Builder Licenses
Where do I look up a Michigan builder’s license?
LARA has a Find or Verify a Licensed Professional or Business page.
What does a Residential Builder license cover in Michigan?
LARA’s page for homeowners says it allows a contractor to build a complete residential structure and to do maintenance and alteration work on one.
What does the state say a building contract should include?
The list is in the card above. We are glad to walk you through ours line by line.
Who gets the building permits, the builder or the homeowner?
We prepare and submit the applications for the homes we build.
Where do I turn if I have a problem with a builder?
LARA’s page says to try to resolve it with the contractor first, and names the Bureau of Construction Codes, Residential Builders’ Section, as the place to file a complaint.
This is general information, not legal advice or an official answer. The State of Michigan sets the licensing rules. Sources: the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs pages linked above. Checked October 12, 2026.
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