General Contracting contractors in
Ann Arbor, Michigan.
A public directory of licensed general contracting contractors serving greater Ann Arbor. Market data, licensing requirements, and cost benchmarks — updated continuously from public sources.
Common Job Costs
Licensing Requirements
Licensing Requirements
Michigan requires Residential Builder License for projects over $600. Must pass PSI exam covering building codes, safety, business law. Requires 60 hours continuing education every 3 years. Maintenance and Alteration Contractor License needed for smaller projects. Background check and financial responsibility required.
Permit Requirements
Ann Arbor requires building permits for structural work, electrical, plumbing, HVAC. Permits range $100-2000+ based on project scope. Zoning compliance required for additions. Historic district projects need additional Historic District Commission approval.
Inspection Schedule
Footings, framing, rough-in (electrical/plumbing/mechanical), insulation, final inspection. Inspections must be scheduled 24 hours in advance through Ann Arbor Building Department.
Insurance Minimums
General liability minimum $300,000, workers compensation if employees. Many clients require $1M+ coverage. Vehicle insurance mandatory for commercial vehicles (estimate based on industry standards).
How to Get Licensed
Meet prerequisites
Must be 18+ years old, have 4 years construction experience or equivalent education/training combination. Submit financial statements proving financial responsibility.
Complete application
File application with Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Include experience documentation, financial statements, and application fee.
Pass background check
Submit to criminal background check. Certain felonies disqualify applicants. Process takes 2-4 weeks typically.
Pass PSI examination
Schedule and pass PSI exam covering building codes, construction practices, business law, and safety. 70% passing score required.
Obtain bonds and insurance
Secure required surety bond amounts and general liability insurance before license issuance.
Receive license
Once all requirements met, license issued valid for 3 years. Must complete 60 hours continuing education for renewal.
About This Market
Ann Arbor's general contracting market runs hot with university-driven demand and affluent homeowners renovating older housing stock. Competition is fierce among the 1364 licensed establishments statewide, but quality work commands premium pricing. Kitchen and bath remodels dominate, followed by additions and whole-house renovations in established neighborhoods near campus. Material costs and skilled labor shortages drive prices higher than state averages. Local contractors stay busy year-round with interior work filling winter months. Michigan's licensing requirements are no joke - you need a Residential Builder License for anything over $600, which means passing the PSI exam covering codes, safety, and business law. Ann Arbor's permitting process is thorough but fair, though historic district work adds complexity and time. Peak season runs April through October when weather allows exterior work. Smart contractors line up interior jobs for winter months and maintain relationships with reliable subs. Insurance requirements are standard but many clients expect $1M+ coverage. The university calendar affects scheduling - summer break is prime time for rental property work.
- Licensed establishmentsU.S. Census Bureau - 1364 establishments in Michigan
- Licensing requirementsMichigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
- Permit requirementsAnn Arbor Building Department
- Cost estimatesLocal market analysis and industry estimates
- Insurance minimumsMichigan construction industry standards
Frequently Asked Questions
What license do I need for general contracting in Michigan?
Residential Builder License required for projects over $600. Must pass PSI exam and complete 60 hours continuing education every 3 years. Source: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
How much does a kitchen remodel cost in Ann Arbor?
Typical range $25,000-$75,000 depending on size, materials, and structural changes. Ann Arbor prices run 15-20% above state average due to local market conditions (estimate).
What permits are required for home additions in Ann Arbor?
Building permit mandatory, plus separate permits for electrical, plumbing, mechanical work. Zoning compliance review required. Historic district properties need additional approvals. Source: Ann Arbor Building Department.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Ann Arbor?
Standard residential permits typically processed in 2-3 weeks. Complex projects or historic district work can take 6-8 weeks. Expedited review available for additional fee (estimate based on municipal standards).
What insurance is required for general contractors in Michigan?
General liability minimum $300,000, workers compensation if you have employees. Most clients require $1M+ general liability coverage. Commercial auto insurance mandatory for work vehicles (estimate based on industry standards).
General Contracting contractors in Ann Arbor
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