Construction Equipment Rental in Warren, MI

About Construction Projects in Warren, MI

Working as a contractor in Warren, Michigan, isn’t as easy as it sounds. You have to deal with permits and licensing requirements. If you ignore these, you may face fines of up to $1,000. The best way to run a successful contracting business is to follow all the rules so that you won’t get in trouble with the city.

Building Permit Requirements

Most projects require a building permit in Warren. However, some that do not require one include:

• Installing kitchen cabinets
• Adding new carpeting
• Painting walls
• Building playhouses or playground equipment under 120 square feet
• Installing movable partitions
• Adding an awning less than 54 inches deep

The type of project you’re doing will affect the permit you apply for. While a building permit covers many standard projects, such as additions, decks, and alterations, you might need special permits for:

• Gas piping
• Sump pumps
• Plumbing alterations
• Furnaces and air conditioners
• Electrical reconnects
• Hot water tanks
• Electrical alterations
• Smoke detectors

When applying for a permit, you’ll need to include the permit application and four copies of plans completed by an architect. You may also need elevation plans, energy calculations, and soil borings if it’s a new construction project. All of this information can be submitted to the Division of Buildings and Safety Engineering.

Building Permit Fees

Fees for getting a permit vary depending on the project. For commercial projects, fees start at $130 and go up to $2475. Each fee covers a building plan review, fire plan review, building permit, and zoning fee. If you need any re-inspections during construction, you’ll need to pay another $80. Revisions to plans also cost $100.

Residential fees are similar, starting at $130 and going up to $1975. These fees include the plan review, building permit, and zoning fee. Re-inspection fees are also $80, while revisions to plans are $50.

Contractor Licensing

To work as a contractor in Warren, you need to have a city business license. This will involve filling out an application and sending it to the Clerk’s Office. You may also need a Certificate of Compliance, so check with the Building Department.

In particular, contractors in Warren have a lot of leniencies, as there aren’t many guidelines. However, if you’d like to work for the city, in particular, you’ll need to have at least $1,000,000 worth of commercial liability insurance coverage for personal injuries per each occurrence. You’ll also need to have general aggregate coverage of $2,000,000, fire damage protection of $50,000, and medical expense coverage of $5,000 per person.

If you have any contractors working under you, you’ll also need to get workers’ compensation insurance. Finally, you’ll need to have references and a State of Michigan Builders License.

With a permit and a license in your toolbelt, now all you need is the right equipment for the job. Try renting aerial equipment, such as boom lifts, scissor lifts, forklifts, and manlifts to make your work go faster. A quick finish will please your customers and help you establish a great reputation as a contractor in Warren.