Michigan General Building Contractor (Class B)
Official statutory licensing standards, state surety bond mandates, and commercial liability minimums overseen by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
Contractor Liability & Bond Premium Estimator
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General Building Contractor (Class B) Scope of Work & Legal Permitting Authority
General Building Contractors coordinate and execute residential and commercial structures involving at least two unrelated building trades.
Defined Authorized Scope of Construction:
New residential builds, multi-family construction, commercial tenant improvements, structural remodeling, additions, and site superstructure framing.
Mandatory Experience Prerequisites
4 years verified journey-level or supervisory framing/structural experience, passing Business & Law plus Trade Examination
Required Insurance Policy Endorsements
Completed Operations, Blanket Additional Insured, Waiver of Subrogation, Per-Project Aggregate
How to Obtain a General Building Contractor (Class B) License in Michigan
Official 4-step compliance path pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws MCL 339.6001–6023 (Skilled Trades Regulation Act).
Legal Entity & EIN Formation
Michigan Business Entity Filing StatutesForm your business entity (LLC, Corporation, or Sole Proprietorship) with the Michigan Secretary of State and secure your Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN). Ensure your registered business name precisely matches all state board filings.
Designate Qualifying Individual (QI)
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) Experience Verification RulesAppoint a Qualifying Party, Primary Qualifying Agent, or Responsible Managing Employee (RME). The QI must verify 4 years verified journey-level or supervisory framing/structural experience, passing Business & Law plus Trade Examination and satisfy experience criteria governed under Michigan Compiled Laws MCL 339.6001–6023 (Skilled Trades Regulation Act).
Execute Statutory Bond & Insurance
Michigan Compiled Laws MCL 339.6001–6023 (Skilled Trades Regulation Act) Financial Responsibility MandatesSecure the mandatory $10,000 Maintenance & Alteration Bond contractor license bond executed by an admitted surety. File an official Certificate of Insurance (COI) maintaining at least $1,000,000 Each Occurrence / $2,000,000 General Aggregate Commercial General Liability, naming Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) as certificate holder.
Examination & Board License Issuance
PSI Services Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB)Complete the Michigan Business & Law examination along with the specific General Contractor technical trade examination administered by PSI Services. Submit application fees ($195) to receive official licensure and permit pull authorization.
Ready to file with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)?
Make sure your General Liability Certificate (listing the state board as certificate holder) and your statutory $10,000 Maintenance & Alteration Bond are electronically active prior to submitting application fees.
Michigan General Contractor Compliance & Insurance FAQs
Direct answers on state licensing prerequisites, insurance thresholds, and surety bond regulations.
Do I need a state license to work as a General Contractor in Michigan?
Yes. Operating as a general contractor contractor in Michigan requires full licensure issued by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) under Michigan Compiled Laws MCL 339.6001–6023 (Skilled Trades Regulation Act). Municipalities and commercial property owners verify active board licenses prior to permit issuance.
What technical qualifications and testing benchmarks are required for General Contractors in Michigan?
Applicants must document 4 years documented structural framing, commercial shear wall assembly, and crane signalperson certification and adhere to International Building Code (IBC Chapter 16) Structural Load Engineering & AISC 303 Code of Standard Practice.
What are the commercial general liability insurance minimums for a General Contractor in Michigan?
Under Michigan statutory and commercial bidding standards, general contractor contractors typically must maintain at least $1,000,000 Each Occurrence / $2,000,000 General Aggregate in general liability protection. Policies must include coverage for bodily injury, property damage, and completed operations.
How much does the required Michigan General Contractor surety bond cost?
The statutory bond threshold in Michigan is $10,000 Maintenance & Alteration Bond. Contractors with standard commercial credit typically pay an annual premium between $150 and $225 (1% to 2% of total penal sum). High-risk or credit-rebuilding rates range from $270 to $375 annually.
Is workers' compensation insurance required for General Contractors in Michigan?
Mandatory for employers with 3+ employees or 1+ employee working 35+ hrs/wk. Regardless of minimum employee exemptions under Michigan labor laws, commercial general contractors and municipal building inspectors mandate proof of active workers' comp via a Certificate of Insurance (COI) before jobsite access is granted.
Does Michigan offer contractor license reciprocity for General Contractors?
Michigan does not maintain universal reciprocity agreements for this classification; applicants must satisfy Michigan's individual experience verification under Michigan Compiled Laws MCL 339.6001–6023 (Skilled Trades Regulation Act) and complete PSI Services testing.
Compare General Contractor Rules in Reciprocal & Regional States
Review statutory licensing, bond costs, and reciprocity waiver rules for this classification across neighboring jurisdictions.
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