FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I am going to hire a contractor to work on my home. Does my contractor need to be licensed?
In general, a person who contracts with a homeowner for residential construction or remodeling where the total value of the project is $600.00 or more, including material and labor, is required to be licensed in the State of Michigan as a Residential Builder or a Maintenance and Alteration Contractor. A Builders License allows a contractor to do all the work (except Plumbing, Mechanical and Electrical) for a project while a Maintenance and Alteration contractor is permitted to perform only the specific trade or trades endorsed on their license.
How can I check to see if my contractor is licensed?
Builders licenses can be verified by checking on the State of Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) website. www.michigan.gov/builders. You may also contact the Builders Unit at 517-373-8376.
I am going to be working on my home myself. Do I need permits and inspections from the Township?
Generally, permits and inspections are not required for ordinary repairs. Ordinary repairs do not include the construction or cutting away of any wall (or portion thereof), structural member or changes affecting egress; nor do ordinary repairs include addition to or alteration of any water supply, sewer, drain, vent or similar piping, electrical wiring, mechanical equipment or duct. Permits are not required for roofing (where no structural replacement required), siding gutters, trim, painting, papering, tiling, carpet, cabinets, countertops and similar finish work. Permits are also not required for exterior sidewalks and driveways, window and door replacement (opening size not modified), and minor repairs to plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems.
Do I need a permit for my deck, fence or shed?
Decks adjacent to a dwelling require permits, inspections, and Zoning Compliance review. Sheds less than 200 sq. ft. in area and fences less than six (6) foot in height do not require building permits but do require Zoning Compliance review. Certificate of Zoning Compliance forms can be accessed HERE.
How many copies of my construction plans do I submit?
All building applications require three (3) total sets of plans submitted. We require one (1) of those copies to be no larger than 11”x17” and also be legible.