Roofing contractors in
Dearborn, Michigan.
A public directory of roofing contractor businesses serving greater Dearborn. Market data, licensing requirements, and cost benchmarks — updated continuously from public sources.
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Licensing Requirements
Licensing Requirements
Michigan does not have a statewide roofing-specific contractor license. However, contractors performing roofing work must hold a Residential Builder License or Residential Maintenance and Alteration Contractor (MAC) License issued by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes. Residential Builder License requires passing the Michigan Residential Builder exam administered by PSI Exams, proof of 3 years of full-time experience in residential construction, and submission of a completed application with a $180 fee. MAC License (Roofing Specialty) requires passing the trade-specific MAC exam, 1 year of experience under a licensed contractor, and a $75 application fee. Both licenses require renewal every 3 years. Continuing education of 3 hours is required per renewal cycle for MAC holders. Commercial roofing work over $600 in labor and materials also requires a Maintenance and Alteration Contractor license under LARA. Contractors should verify current fee schedules directly with LARA as fees are subject to change.
Permit Requirements
In Dearborn, MI, a building permit is required for any roof replacement or significant repair work. The City of Dearborn Building Department, under the authority of the Michigan Building Code, requires permits for full roof replacements, structural repairs, and new roof installations. Permits are generally not required for minor repairs involving replacement of fewer than 10 shingles or small flashing patches, but any work affecting the structural deck or covering more than 25% of the roof surface requires a permit. Permit applications are submitted to the Dearborn Building Safety Engineering and Inspections Division. Permit fees are based on project valuation — typically $75–$200 for a standard residential re-roof. Commercial roofing projects require plan review before permit issuance. All permitted work must be performed by a licensed contractor.
Inspection Schedule
For permitted residential roof replacements in Dearborn, a minimum of one inspection is required: a final inspection after work is complete but before cleanup material is removed, allowing the inspector to verify underlayment, flashing, and shingle installation. Some inspectors may also conduct a mid-project deck inspection if structural sheathing replacement is involved. Inspections are scheduled through the Dearborn Building Safety Engineering and Inspections Division, typically within 1–3 business days of request. Commercial projects may require plan review inspection, rough-in, and final inspections depending on scope. Contractors should not cover work until it has passed inspection.
Insurance Minimums
Michigan requires roofing contractors to carry general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance. General liability minimums recommended by LARA and standard in the industry are $500,000 per occurrence, $1,000,000 aggregate for residential work; commercial projects often require $1,000,000 per occurrence. Workers' compensation is mandatory for any contractor with one or more employees under Michigan law (MCL 418.101 et seq.). Sole proprietors with no employees are exempt from workers' comp but should carry it voluntarily. Many Dearborn general contractors and property managers require certificates of insurance before awarding subcontracts. Contractors bidding on City of Dearborn municipal projects may face higher minimums — verify with the city procurement office.
Local market snapshot
Source: DoorBase, aggregated public ZIP-level data. Updated 7/17/2026.
How to Get Licensed
Determine which license type you need
Decide whether you need a Residential Builder License (for general residential construction including roofing) or a Maintenance and Alteration Contractor (MAC) License with a roofing specialty. The MAC license is more focused and suited to contractors who only perform roofing and related work. If you plan to manage full residential builds in addition to roofing, pursue the Residential Builder License. Review LARA's Bureau of Construction Codes website for the current list of specialty categories under the MAC license.
Confirm experience requirements
For the Residential Builder License, you must document at least 3 years of full-time experience in residential building construction. For the MAC Roofing License, at least 1 year of experience working under a licensed contractor in roofing is required. Gather documentation such as employer letters, tax records, or pay stubs that verify your work history. LARA reviewers will scrutinize this documentation, so be thorough.
Register and schedule your licensing exam
Michigan roofing licensing exams are administered by PSI Exams. Create an account at psionline.com, select Michigan as your state, and choose the appropriate exam (Residential Builder or MAC Roofing). Exam fees are approximately $75–$115 depending on license type. Study the Michigan Residential Code, Michigan Building Code, and OSHA roofing safety standards. PSI provides a candidate handbook with exam content outlines — use it.
Pass the exam and obtain your exam score report
Sit for the exam at a PSI testing center. A passing score is required before your application can be approved. PSI provides score results immediately upon completion at the testing center. Retain your official score report — you will need to submit it with your LARA application.
Gather required application documents
Compile all required documents before submitting: completed LARA application form, passing exam score report, proof of experience, government-issued ID, and the applicable application fee ($75 for MAC, $180 for Residential Builder as of last published schedule — confirm current fees at michigan.gov/lara). If you are forming a business entity, you will also need to provide your business registration documents from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs or the Secretary of State.
Submit application to LARA
Submit your completed application package to LARA's Bureau of Construction Codes by mail or online through Michigan's MiPLUS licensing portal. Processing times vary — typically 2–6 weeks. Check application status through MiPLUS. Do not perform licensed contractor work until your license is issued and active.
Obtain required insurance and business registrations
Before taking on any work, secure general liability insurance ($500,000 minimum per occurrence is standard) and workers' compensation insurance if you have any employees. Register your business with the Michigan Secretary of State if operating as an LLC, corporation, or partnership. Obtain a federal EIN from the IRS if you have employees. Register for Michigan business taxes with the Michigan Department of Treasury.
Renew your license every three years
Michigan contractor licenses must be renewed every 3 years. MAC license holders must complete 3 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle. Renewal notices are sent via MiPLUS. Renewal fees are similar to original application fees — confirm current amounts with LARA. Do not let your license lapse; working on an expired license carries the same penalties as working unlicensed.
About This Market
Dearborn's roofing market is steady and competitive. The city's housing stock skews older — a significant portion of homes were built between the 1940s and 1970s — which means there's consistent demand for full replacements, not just patch jobs. You've got a dense residential base, a mix of single-family bungalows and flat-roof commercial strips along Michigan Avenue and Schaefer, and a weather pattern that throws real curveballs: heavy spring rains, ice dams in winter, and the occasional severe storm that triggers a wave of emergency calls. Michigan's Census data puts approximately 462 licensed roofing establishments operating statewide, and the Detroit metro area — Dearborn included — accounts for a substantial portion of that activity. Competition is real, margins are tighter than they were five years ago, and material costs (asphalt shingles, TPO membrane, ice and water shield) have stayed elevated post-pandemic. Contractors who can move fast after storm events and who keep a clean permit record will win repeat business.
To work this market legally, you need either a Residential Builder or MAC (Roofing) License from LARA — no shortcuts. Michigan enforces this and unlicensed contractor complaints are taken seriously. Pull your permits every time. Dearborn's inspectors know when work is being done without one, and the fines and stop-work orders aren't worth it. Peak season is April through October; if you're not booked solid by June, your marketing isn't working. Ice dam mitigation and winter inspections are a legitimate off-season revenue stream — don't ignore it. Build relationships with local insurance adjusters because storm claim work is a significant driver in this market. Finally, carry proper insurance minimums and have your certificates ready — Dearborn property managers and commercial clients will ask for them before you touch a ladder.
- Number of licensed roofing establishments in MichiganU.S. Census Bureau — County Business Patterns, NAICS 238160 (Roofing Contractors), Michigan statewide; approximately 462 licensed establishments (real data provided)
- Licensing requirements and exam proceduresMichigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes — michigan.gov/lara; PSI Exams candidate handbook
- Permit requirements in Dearborn, MICity of Dearborn Building Safety Engineering and Inspections Division; Michigan Residential Code (2015 edition as adopted by Michigan)
- Workers' compensation insurance requirementsMichigan Workers' Disability Compensation Act, MCL 418.101 et seq.; Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity
- Cost ranges for roofing servicesContractor estimates in the Detroit metro/Southeast Michigan market — these are estimates based on regional market research and should be verified with current local quotes
- Peak season timingRegional contractor scheduling patterns in Southeast Michigan — estimate based on climate data (NOAA Great Lakes region) and contractor industry norms
- Average response time for quotesEstimate based on regional contractor practices in competitive urban Michigan markets; no formal BLS or government source available
- Insurance minimumsLARA contractor insurance guidance; standard industry practice in Michigan residential and commercial construction markets
- Inspection scheduleCity of Dearborn Building Safety Engineering and Inspections Division standard procedures; Michigan Residential Code Section R908
Frequently Asked Questions
Do roofing contractors in Dearborn, MI need a state license?
Yes. Michigan does not have a standalone roofing license, but all contractors performing roofing work must hold either a Residential Builder License or a Maintenance and Alteration Contractor (MAC) License with a roofing specialty, both issued by LARA (Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs). Working without one is a misdemeanor under Michigan law. Verify a contractor's license status at the LARA online license lookup tool before signing any contract.
How much does a roof replacement cost in Dearborn, MI?
For a typical Dearborn single-family home (1,500–2,000 sq ft), an asphalt shingle roof replacement runs approximately $7,500–$14,000 based on contractor estimates in the Detroit metro market. Cost drivers include roof pitch, existing deck condition, number of layers being removed, and material grade (3-tab vs. architectural shingles). Flat or low-slope roofs using TPO or EPDM membranes typically cost more per square foot. These are estimates; get at least three written quotes for any project over $5,000.
Is a permit required for a roof replacement in Dearborn, MI?
Yes. The City of Dearborn Building Safety Engineering and Inspections Division requires a building permit for any full roof replacement or repair affecting more than 25% of the roof surface, per the Michigan Residential Code. Minor repairs (fewer than 10 shingles, small flashing patches) generally do not require a permit. Permit fees are typically $75–$200 for residential projects based on project valuation. Unpermitted work can create liability issues when selling the property and may void manufacturer warranties on roofing materials.
What should I look for when hiring a roofing contractor in Dearborn?
Verify the contractor holds a valid Michigan Residential Builder or MAC License through LARA's online lookup. Confirm they carry general liability insurance ($500,000 minimum per occurrence) and workers' compensation coverage. Ask whether they will pull the required building permit — a contractor who refuses is a red flag. Check for a physical business address in the region, not just a phone number. The Michigan Attorney General's office and LARA receive significant complaints about unlicensed roofers, particularly after storm events. References from jobs in the last 12 months are worth requesting.
When is the busiest time of year for roofers in Dearborn, MI?
Peak season runs April through October, driven by dry weather that allows safe installation and by spring storm activity that generates insurance claims and emergency repair calls. Summer is the core booking window — contractors are often scheduled 4–8 weeks out by July. Late fall work is possible but weather-dependent. Winter roofing is limited and typically reserved for emergency repairs; cold temperatures affect shingle flexibility and adhesive sealing. Homeowners planning a full replacement should aim to schedule by May to avoid peak-season delays. This is based on regional contractor scheduling patterns in Southeast Michigan.
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