Plain-language guides to licensing, public bidding and getting paid in Michigan, written from the statutes, rules and agency pages and linked to them.
Licensing
Michigan licenses residential builders and maintenance and alteration contractors through LARA. Commercial general contractors are not licensed statewide; MDOT prequalifies highway primes.
Reviewed Oct 30, 2026
Bidding
MDOT lets highway projects in Lansing several times a month. Each advertisement lists the prequalification classification, DBE and Small Business goals, and completion date.
Reviewed Oct 30, 2026
Lien law
Subs and suppliers serve a notice of furnishing within 20 days, every claimant records within 90 days of last furnishing, and foreclosure must start within a year.
Reviewed Oct 30, 2026
Procurement
State of Michigan Procurement runs Contract Connect for vendors. MDOT highway work is let separately.
Reviewed Oct 30, 2026
Guides are general information, not legal advice.