General Contracting contractors in
Dearborn, Michigan.
A public directory of general contracting contractor businesses serving greater Dearborn. Market data, licensing requirements, and cost benchmarks — updated continuously from public sources.
General Contracting jobs in Dearborn
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Common Job Costs
Licensing Requirements
Licensing Requirements
Michigan requires Residential Builder License for projects over $600. Must pass state exam covering building codes, safety, business law. Requires 60 hours continuing education every 3 years. Commercial work requires additional Commercial Builder License. All licenses renewed triennially through LARA.
Permit Requirements
City of Dearborn requires permits for structural work, additions, electrical/plumbing modifications. Submit plans to Building Department, fees range $150-$2000 based on project value. Commercial projects require additional zoning compliance review.
Inspection Schedule
Footing inspection before concrete pour, framing inspection before drywall, rough-in inspections for MEP systems, insulation inspection, final inspection before occupancy. Schedule 24-48 hours in advance through city portal.
Insurance Minimums
General liability minimum $500,000 per occurrence, $1,000,000 aggregate. Workers compensation required for employees. Bonding requirements vary by project size - typically $25,000 minimum for residential work.
Local market snapshot
Source: DoorBase, aggregated public ZIP-level data. Updated 7/17/2026.
How to Get Licensed
Meet Prerequisites
Must be 18 years old, have high school diploma or equivalent, and demonstrate 4 years construction experience or equivalent education through approved programs
Complete Application
Submit Residential Builder License application through Michigan LARA online portal with required documentation including experience verification and background check
Pass State Examination
Schedule and pass the Michigan residential builder exam covering building codes, safety regulations, business law, and construction practices. Exam fee is $65
Pay License Fees
Pay initial license fee of $105 plus any applicable late fees. License is valid for 3 years from issue date
Obtain Insurance and Bonding
Secure minimum general liability insurance of $500,000 and workers compensation coverage. Obtain surety bond if required for specific projects
Maintain Continuing Education
Complete 60 hours of approved continuing education every 3 years for license renewal. Submit renewal application and fees before expiration date
About This Market
Dearborn's general contracting market runs hot on residential renovations and additions, driven by an aging housing stock from the 1940s-60s that needs major updates. Competition is fierce with 1364 licensed establishments statewide, but demand stays strong from homeowners upgrading kitchens, adding bathrooms, and finishing basements. Arab-American community influence means cultural considerations for family layouts and entertaining spaces. Costs run 10-15% above state average due to proximity to Detroit and material transport costs. You need a Residential Builder License through LARA for anything over $600 - that means passing their exam and maintaining 60 hours continuing ed every three years. City of Dearborn runs a tight ship on permits and inspections, so factor 2-3 weeks for approval on anything structural. Peak season runs April through October when weather cooperates. Smart contractors build relationships with local suppliers and maintain crews year-round rather than seasonal hiring. Insurance minimums are $500K general liability, and bonding requirements kick in fast on bigger residential jobs.
- Median hourly wageBureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - $54.65/hour
- Licensed establishments countU.S. Census Bureau - 1364 establishments in Michigan
- Licensing requirementsMichigan LARA Licensing Division
- Permit requirementsCity of Dearborn Building Department
- Insurance minimumsMichigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services
Frequently Asked Questions
What license do I need for general contracting in Dearborn, MI?
Michigan requires a Residential Builder License through LARA for projects over $600. You must pass a state exam covering building codes and business law, then maintain 60 hours continuing education every 3 years. Source: Michigan LARA Licensing Division.
How much does a kitchen remodel cost in Dearborn?
Kitchen remodels in Dearborn typically range from $25,000 to $85,000 depending on size and finishes. Costs run 10-15% above state average due to material transport and local labor rates of $54.65/hour median. Source: BLS wage data and local contractor surveys.
What permits do I need from Dearborn for home additions?
Dearborn requires building permits for all structural work and additions through the City Building Department. Fees range $150-$2000 based on project value. Plan review takes 2-3 weeks for residential projects. Source: City of Dearborn Building Department.
When is peak season for general contractors in Dearborn?
Peak season runs April through October when weather allows exterior work and homeowners plan major projects. Winter months see indoor renovation work but reduced overall demand due to heating costs and holiday spending. Source: Local contractor associations.
What insurance do general contractors need in Michigan?
Minimum requirements include $500,000 general liability per occurrence, $1,000,000 aggregate, plus workers compensation for employees. Bonding typically required at $25,000 minimum for residential projects. Source: Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services.
General Contracting contractors in Dearborn
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