Subcontractor jobs in Metro Detroit
Metro Detroit has the most contractors, the most houses and the widest mix of work in Michigan, from re-roofs on 1950s ranches in the inner suburbs to new subdivisions in the outer townships. Set your home ZIP code and how far you'll drive, and bid on the projects that fit.
The work around Metro Detroit
Most residential work here is on existing homes: roofing, siding, windows, kitchens, baths and basements on houses built from the 1920s to the 1970s. New construction is concentrated in the growing townships farther out, like Macomb, Shelby and Lyon. Light commercial work, such as retail and office build-outs, is spread across all three counties.
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
Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties, including:
- Detroit
- Warren
- Sterling Heights
- Troy
- Livonia
- Dearborn
- Southfield
- Novi
- Farmington Hills
- Rochester Hills
- Royal Oak
- Clinton Township
- Macomb Township
- Shelby Township
- Canton
- Westland
Most crews here set 25 to 40 miles. That covers the county you're in and most of the next one without long drives at rush hour.
Working in Metro Detroit: what to know
Much of the housing in Detroit and the inner-ring suburbs was built before 1978, so the federal lead-safe (RRP) rules apply to work that disturbs paint, including siding, windows and trim.
In Detroit, permits come from the city's Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED). Each suburb runs its own building department, with its own permit process and inspectors.
Traffic decides your range more than miles do. 25 miles across the metro can be an hour at rush hour, so many crews set their distance by the counties they like to work in.
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 Metro Detroit
Post the scope once and get bids from approved subcontractors who work around Detroit, 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 Metro Detroit
How far should I set my travel distance from Detroit?
Most crews here set 25 to 40 miles. That covers the county you're in and most of the next one without long drives at rush hour.
Do I need a Michigan license to sub in Metro Detroit?
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 Detroit yet?
Contracting Bridge is new, and it was started by a Michigan contractor. Projects show up as builders and contractors around Detroit 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 Detroit
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