Subcontractor jobs in Grand Rapids
West Michigan builds a lot of houses. Builders around Grand Rapids keep subdivisions going in the suburbs from Byron Center to Rockford, and remodelers stay busy in the city's older neighborhoods. Set your home ZIP code and how far you'll drive, and bid on the projects that fit.
The work around Grand Rapids
New construction is a big share of the work here, so framing, roofing, siding, concrete and mechanical packages often come from builders with several houses going at once. Remodeling work is strongest in Grand Rapids itself and the older inner suburbs.
Every project on Contracting Bridge comes from a builder or general contractor we've reviewed. Listings show the town and ZIP code, the bid due date, the plans and photos, and how far the job is from your shop.
Communities nearby
Kent and Ottawa counties, including:
- Grand Rapids
- Wyoming
- Kentwood
- Walker
- Grandville
- Jenison
- Hudsonville
- Byron Center
- Rockford
- Ada
- Cascade
- Caledonia
- Allendale
- Holland
- Zeeland
- Lowell
30 to 40 miles from Grand Rapids reaches Holland, Zeeland and Lowell. Crews based in Ottawa County often set enough distance to work both sides of the county line.
Working in Grand Rapids: what to know
Lake-effect snow off Lake Michigan means heavy snow loads and ice dams, so roofing scopes here often call for more ice and water shield than the minimum, and winter roofing and concrete work need planning.
Each city and township has its own building department. Builders working in both Kent and Ottawa counties deal with several, so ask who pulls the permit before you price it.
Builders here often post the same trade package for several lots. Ask about the rest of the phase when you bid one house.
Michigan licenses, permits and insurance
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.
Building permits come from the local city, village, township or county building department. Where a community doesn't enforce the codes itself, the state does. The Michigan Residential Code applies statewide.
Contractors here usually ask for a certificate of general liability insurance and workers' comp. On Contracting Bridge, your certificate and license earn the Insured and Licensed badges, which show on every bid.
General information, not legal advice. See the Bureau of Construction Codes for current requirements. More about working in Michigan
Contractors: find subcontractors in Grand Rapids
Post the scope once and get bids from approved subcontractors who work around Grand Rapids, with their insurance and license badges, start dates and reviews from real jobs. Trades see the town and ZIP code, never your client's address.
- Free for general contractors
- Every company reviewed before it can bid
- Invite the subs you already use, too
Questions about working in Grand Rapids
How far should I set my travel distance from Grand Rapids?
30 to 40 miles from Grand Rapids reaches Holland, Zeeland and Lowell. Crews based in Ottawa County often set enough distance to work both sides of the county line.
Do I need a Michigan license to sub in Grand Rapids?
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.
Are there projects posted around Grand Rapids yet?
Contracting Bridge is new, and it was started by a Michigan contractor. Projects show up as builders and contractors around Grand Rapids join. Create your free account now so you're approved and ready when they're posted, and invite the contractors you already work with.
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 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.
Other Michigan markets
Find subcontractor work around Grand Rapids
Free while we launch. Set up your company in about five minutes.