Subcontractor jobs in Michigan
Contracting Bridge was started by a Michigan siding contractor. Builders, remodelers and general contractors around the state post projects, and approved trades nearby bid, free.
Michigan markets
The communities, kinds of work and local details in each area.
Anywhere else in Michigan works the same way. Projects are matched by distance from your home ZIP code.
Licensing in Michigan
Michigan generally requires a residential builder or maintenance and alteration (M&A) contractor license for residential jobs over $600. M&A licenses cover trades such as roofing, siding, gutters, carpentry, concrete, masonry, insulation and excavation. Electrical, plumbing and mechanical work need their own trade licenses. All of them come from the state's Bureau of Construction Codes (LARA). Check with LARA for your trade and the type of work.
- Residential builder and M&A licenses require 60 hours of approved pre-licensure courses, covering topics like the Michigan Residential Code and MIOSHA construction safety, and a state exam.
- Electrical, plumbing and mechanical are licensed under Michigan's Skilled Trades Regulation Act.
- Permits come from the local building department. Where a community doesn't enforce the codes itself, the state's Bureau of Construction Codes does.
- Lead-safe work: on homes built before 1978, federal lead-safe (RRP) rules apply to renovation, repair and painting that disturbs paint.
General information, not legal advice. Check current requirements with the Bureau of Construction Codes.
Bidding for Michigan weather
Winter work
Concrete and roofing in cold weather need blankets, heat and the right materials. Price winter protection as its own line so your bid compares fairly with ones that left it out.
Snow and ice
Ice dams are common across the state, and worse with lake-effect snow on the west side. Spell out ice and water shield coverage, ventilation and flashing on roofing bids.
The spring rush
Exterior work stacks up when the weather breaks. A real start date in your bid is worth as much as your price when every contractor wants a crew in April.
Questions about working in Michigan
Do I need a Michigan license to subcontract?
Michigan generally requires a residential builder or maintenance and alteration (M&A) contractor license for residential jobs over $600. M&A licenses cover trades such as roofing, siding, gutters, carpentry, concrete, masonry, insulation and excavation. Electrical, plumbing and mechanical work need their own trade licenses. All of them come from the state's Bureau of Construction Codes (LARA). Check with LARA for your trade and the type of work.
Which parts of Michigan does Contracting Bridge cover?
All of it. Projects are matched by distance from your home ZIP code, so you see work wherever you set your travel distance, from Metro Detroit to the Upper Peninsula.
Is it really free?
Yes. Posting, bidding, messaging and reviews are free while we launch, with no limits. General contractors will stay free. When a Pro plan for trades arrives, Founding Members get a lower price, and the free plan stays.
Do I need a contractor license to join?
No. Not every trade or state requires one, so the license is optional. If you hold one, add it to earn the Licensed badge.
Do you take a cut of the job?
No. You work out the contract and payment directly with the company you hire. Contracting Bridge never handles payment for the work.
Find subcontractor work in Michigan
Free while we launch. Set up your company in about five minutes.