Painting Contractor Licensing in Michigan: What Credentials to Look for When Hiring

When Michigan Scrapped Painter Licensing: What Credentials Still Matter When Hiring a Professional

Michigan homeowners face a unique situation in the painting industry. Until March 28th, 2019, all Michigan painters were required to hold a M&A Contractor license. The House Fiscal Agency required painters hold a license to prevent consumer fraud, however, former Governor Rick Snyder, signed a repeal law on December 27th 2018 to remove painters from the list of professions that require licensing. This change has left many consumers wondering what credentials they should look for when hiring a painting contractor.

The Current Licensing Landscape in Michigan

At the end of 2018, Michigan lawmakers eliminated the state’s painter license, making Michigan join the majority of states that do not require painters to have a state license to work. The license mandated classroom hours, passing an exam and spending hundreds of dollars. While this change made it easier for painters to enter the market, it also shifted the responsibility to consumers to verify their contractor’s qualifications.

However, certain licensing requirements still apply in specific situations. Any paint job over $600 will require you to get a license in the state of Michigan. Additionally, Under the Michigan Lead Abatement Act, to deal with lead-based paint, individuals must be certified by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Essential Credentials to Look For

Insurance Coverage

Since state licensing is no longer mandatory for most painting projects, insurance becomes even more critical. When hiring a painter, always choose a provider with licensing, insurance and bonding. It will not guarantee a great paint job, but give you options if there are issues. Look for contractors who carry:

  • General Liability Insurance: Liability insurance is used to cover any contractor-caused damage on the job. It doesn’t usually pay for repairing, replacing or fixing shoddy work.
  • Workers’ Compensation: Worker’s comp provides protection to the workers under the contractor should they get injured on the job. It takes care of lost wages and medical needs regardless of the fault of the accident.

Bonding for Additional Protection

Bonding is a way to protect the customer if a contractor doesn’t pay for permitting, fails to complete the job or doesn’t pay for supplies or subcontractors. Otherwise, the homeowner could be on the hook. Another kind of financial instrument that painting contractors should be aware of is a surety bond. These are legally binding contracts that serve as a guarantee that work will be completed and the client will be paid if it’s not. It demonstrates your financial responsibility to the project.

Professional Standards and Business Practices

Even without mandatory state licensing, professional painting contractors should demonstrate certain standards. You should only hire professionals that exhibit the following: Have good business practices Show risk management in place Can provide you their insurance information Talk willingly about their background and credentials Have a good internet presence

Local Success Story: Legends Painting in Macomb County

A prime example of a professional painting contractor operating under Michigan’s current system is Legends Painting, serving Painting Contractor in Macomb County, MI. Legends Painting proudly serves Macomb and Oakland Counties with professional painting services built on 10+ years of industry experience and dedication. Our team focuses on delivering beautiful, long-lasting results at competitive prices, ensuring every customer is 100% satisfied with the finished project.

Family-owned and operated, we prioritize superior workmanship, customer satisfaction, and competitive pricing to make sure you’ll call us for your next project too. The company demonstrates how contractors can maintain professional standards even in Michigan’s deregulated environment by focusing on full licensing and insurance for all commercial painting endeavors.

Red Flags to Avoid

The elimination of mandatory licensing means consumers must be more vigilant. Unlicensed, uninsured brings financial responsibility to your door. You could be on the hook for any or all of the following: Medical bills if someone gets injured on your property Lawsuits of the contractor for any reason Increases to your insurance policy due to claims Homeowners policy cancellation Out of pocket expenses to replace or repair shoddy work Costs for potential thefts or other crimes on your property.

Be wary of contractors who:

  • Cannot provide proof of insurance
  • Refuse to provide references
  • Demand full payment upfront
  • Lack a professional online presence
  • Cannot provide detailed written estimates

Making the Right Choice

The lack of state licensing means clients are left with less options for recourse if a painter does a poor job since they can no longer bring complaints to the state. This makes it crucial to thoroughly vet potential contractors before hiring.

By having a painting contractor license, you demonstrate professionalism and a commitment to those industry standards. It also shows you’ve gone through the necessary training, passed exams, secured necessary insurance and bonds, or whatever else is mandated where you’re located. While Michigan no longer requires this licensing, responsible contractors will still maintain these professional standards voluntarily.

When evaluating painting contractors in Michigan, focus on their insurance coverage, bonding status, professional reputation, and commitment to quality workmanship. When hiring a contractor, choose someone who is both licensed and bonded. This provides you with legal recourse, insurance coverage, and financial protection. By prioritizing these credentials over state licensing requirements, Michigan homeowners can still find reliable, professional painting services that protect both their property and their investment.