General Contracting contractors in
Livonia, Michigan.

What's the difference between a Licensed Residential Builder (LRB) and a general contractor in Michigan?

Michigan doesn't have a single "general contractor" license. The Licensed Residential Builder (LRB) license is required if you manage residential projects over $600 in labor/materials. It's state-level, issued by MICHIGAN CONSTRUCTION CODE COMMISSION. A GC role—managing job sites, coordinating subs, pulling permits—may not legally require LRB if all trades are subcontracted to licensed specialists, but you assume liability and must comply with MICHIGAN RESIDENTIAL CODE. For practical purposes in Livonia, if you're the face of the project and responsible for delivery, get LRB. It costs $200-300 for license plus ongoing education, and protects your legal standing.

How much does a general contracting license cost in Michigan, and what's the renewal process?

Initial LRB license: application fee $200-300 + exam fee $250-350 + surety bond $1,200-2,000/year = roughly $2,000-2,500 first year. Renewal every 3 years: license renewal $200 + bond continuation (~$1,200-2,000) + 12 hours continuing education (free to $400 depending on provider). Total ongoing: ~$1,500-2,200 per 3-year cycle. Local Livonia contractor registration adds ~$100/year. Source: MICHIGAN CONSTRUCTION CODE COMMISSION fee schedule and MARB education providers.

What's the typical timeline for permits and inspections on a residential kitchen remodel in Livonia?

Livonia Building Department (734-466-2525) processes residential permits in 5-10 business days. For a $30K kitchen remodel: submit plans Friday, expect approval by following Wednesday. Work starts; first mechanical/electrical rough inspection scheduled within 3-5 days of your request (Livonia inspectors book 1-2 week windows in peak season). Drywall/finish phase, then final inspection within 5 business days after you notify completion. Total timeline: 2-3 weeks permit-to-sign-off, but site execution (demolition, build, finish) runs 4-8 weeks depending on cabinet lead times. Plan for 1-2 re-inspections if punch items noted.

Do I need a separate electrical or plumbing license if I'm a general contractor in Livonia?

Yes. Michigan requires separate MASTER ELECTRICIAN and MASTER PLUMBER licenses if you perform electrical/plumbing work yourself. As a GC, you typically hire licensed subs for those trades. If you want to self-perform electrical/plumbing, you must hold both journeyman and master licenses for those trades—separate exams, separate experience requirements (4-5 years apprenticeship + 2 years journeyman minimum per MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING & REGULATORY AFFAIRS). Most GCs in Livonia subcontract these to avoid dual licensing burden. Always verify sub licenses before hire; Livonia Building Department may spot-check.

What insurance do I need as a general contractor working in Livonia?

Minimum coverage: $300,000 General Liability per occurrence / $1,000,000 aggregate (MICHIGAN CONSTRUCTION CODE COMMISSION requirement). Workers Compensation mandatory if you have employees; no exemption for independent-contractor-only shops (most Livonia GCs carrying $1-2M payroll need WC). Builders Risk (project-specific insurance) strongly recommended for remodels over $25K and all new construction; homeowners often require it. Total insurance cost typically $2,000-5,000/year for established GC with clean claims history. Surety bonding ($10K-$50K) is separate and often demanded by municipal projects or homeowners on larger remodels ($30K+). Budget $300-500/month for all coverage combined.