Michigan licensing you should verify before you hire
Before comparing bids in Michigan, verify the contractor's license status with Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Residential Builder OR Maintenance & Alteration Contractor license required for any project over $600. This is the fastest disqualifier - a contractor without the required registration in Michigan should not be on your shortlist regardless of price or reviews.
- Licensing: Residential Builder OR Maintenance & Alteration Contractor license required for any project over $600
- Permit authority: City or township building department
- Typical permit fees: $100–$400 for a flooring installation permit
Licensing, insurance, and business standing
The first six questions have right and wrong answers. If a contractor hesitates on any of these, stop the conversation.
- 1. What's your state contractor or flooring license number, and can I verify it online right now?
- 2. Are you insured for general liability and workers' comp? Can I see current certificates?
- 3. How long has the business operated under its current name?
- 4. Do you carry a bond, and for how much?
- 5. Who's responsible for permits if the job needs one, you or me? (Answer must be: you.)
- 6. Are you a registered contractor with my city or county?
Subfloor prep and moisture testing
Subfloor issues cause more flooring failures than bad material choice. A contractor who skips this conversation is setting up a callback.
- 7. Will you test the subfloor for moisture before installing, and with what method?
- 8. What happens if the subfloor is out of level, is leveling compound included in the quote?
- 9. How will you handle rotted or damaged subfloor if it's found during removal?
- 10. How many days will materials acclimate on site before install?
- 11. What underlayment or vapor barrier is included for this specific room?
- 12. What temperature and humidity range does the manufacturer require for install?
Who actually does the work
The salesperson who quotes the job rarely does the install. The crew, and how experienced they are with your specific material, matters more than the company name on the truck.
- 13. Who will be my project contact and how do I reach them?
- 14. Is the install crew W-2 employees or subcontractors?
- 15. How many jobs with this exact material have they installed this year?
- 16. What's your plan for old flooring removal and disposal?
- 17. What happens if my main crew is out mid-project?
Scope, timeline, and payment
The number one cause of flooring-project regret is scope drift, an unexpected subfloor repair or a missing transition strip that shows up as a change order.
- 18. Is the quote fixed-price, and what's specifically excluded?
- 19. Who moves furniture and appliances, and is that included?
- 20. What's the payment schedule and what triggers each draw?
- 21. What's the specific start date and expected completion date?
- 22. What happens to the schedule if material is backordered?
Warranty and post-install
The warranty conversation reveals the contractor's confidence in their own workmanship, separate from the manufacturer's material warranty.
- 23. What's your workmanship warranty in years, and what does it cover?
- 24. What's the manufacturer's warranty on the material itself, and does it require professional install to stay valid?
- 25. Can I have three references from installs completed 2–5 years ago (not new ones)?
| Flag | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| No verifiable license | Unlicensed work - voids insurance and resale disclosures |
| Wants > 30–50% deposit | Cash-flow issue; your money funds another job |
| No written change orders | Guaranteed dispute mid-project |
| Skips moisture testing | Setting up a callback, especially in basements |
| References only from last 6 months | No long-term proof the work holds up |
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Frequently asked questions
How do I verify a flooring contractor's license?+
Most states have an online license lookup, search "[state] contractor license lookup." Confirm the name matches, the license is active, and there are no unresolved complaints. Some states don't license general flooring installers at the state level; in that case, verify city registration and insurance instead.
Is the lowest flooring bid usually missing something?+
Often, yes. Ask what's excluded from every bid before comparing prices. A bid that's noticeably lower usually skips subfloor prep, leveling compound, transition strips, furniture moving, or old-floor disposal, items that show up as change orders once demo starts.
Should I buy my own materials or let the contractor supply them?+
Either can work, but if you supply materials, confirm the contractor will still honor a workmanship warranty and that they've reviewed the manufacturer's install requirements (acclimation time, subfloor spec) before starting.
How much deposit is reasonable for a flooring job?+
10–30% is standard, often tied to material ordering. Some states cap contractor deposits by law. Anything above 30–50% up front for a standard residential job is worth questioning.
Do I need a permit for this project in Michigan?+
Almost always yes if the project changes subfloor framing, drain lines, or structural work. Straight floor-covering replacement over an existing subfloor generally does not. City or township building department.
How do I verify a flooring contractor's license in Michigan?+
Check with Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Residential Builder OR Maintenance & Alteration Contractor license required for any project over $600. The absence of the required registration is disqualifying regardless of price or reviews.
What do flooring installation permits typically cost in Michigan?+
$100–$400 for a flooring installation permit. Fees vary by municipality and the scope of work triggering the permit.
Local guides in Michigan
More Michigan planning guides
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