Hiring a contractor in Michigan: check, red flags, complaints
For jobs of $600 or more, check the LARA license, ask for the pocket card and never pay the whole job upfront. (source: Michigan LARA license lookup (opens in a new tab), source: Michigan LARA: Helpful Information for Homeowners (opens in a new tab))
Check a license on the LARA website (official site, opens in a new tab)
How: Search LARA's license database for the builder or contractor, or call the Residential Builders' Section at 517-241-9309. (source: Michigan LARA license lookup (opens in a new tab), source: Michigan LARA: Helpful Information for Homeowners (opens in a new tab))
Checked against official Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Residential Builders sources. See sources.
Red flags when hiring
- Can't show a pocket license card. (source: Michigan LARA: Helpful Information for Homeowners (opens in a new tab))
- Wants the whole job paid in advance. (source: Michigan LARA: Helpful Information for Homeowners (opens in a new tab))
- No permanent business address or phone number. (source: Michigan LARA: Helpful Information for Homeowners (opens in a new tab))
- Splits a job into contracts under $600. (source: MCL 339.2403 (opens in a new tab))
Penalties
- First offense: misdemeanor, $5,000 to $25,000 fine, up to 1 year in jail. Later offenses: up to 2 years. Causing death or serious injury: felony, up to 4 years. (source: MCL 339.601 (opens in a new tab))
More ways to check
- The M&A trades a contractor may do are listed on the license. Ask to see the pocket card. (source: Michigan LARA: Helpful Information for Homeowners (opens in a new tab))
- Call the Residential Builders' Section at 517-241-9309. (source: Michigan LARA: Helpful Information for Homeowners (opens in a new tab))
Consumer protections
Right to cancel
- For door-to-door sales you have a 3-day right to cancel. (source: Michigan LARA: Helpful Information for Homeowners (opens in a new tab))
Sources and last verified
Last verified: . Next check due: . Every fact on this page links to one of these official pages.
- Michigan LARA: Helpful Information for Homeowners (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- Michigan LARA: Prelicensure Education Requirements (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- Michigan LARA: Residential Builder and M&A Contractor application (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- Michigan LARA license lookup (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- MCL 339.2403 (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- MCL 339.601 (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
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