Homeowner Acting as the General Contractor

Can I be my own contractor and take out my own permits?
The Michigan Licensing Law gives a homeowner an exemption to act as his or her own general contractor. This means in the case of his or her own single-family residence, that they will occupy, the homeowner may obtain a building permit for construction at his or her own home. Even though a licensed or unlicensed builder may be significantly involved.

• The Clinton County Building Department cannot assist you in any cause of action against an unlicensed contractor you have hired to perform work under the building permit you obtained.
• It is the homeowners' responsibility to have a complete understanding and knowledge of the current building code.
• You, the homeowner are responsible to correct any code violations, even if the contractor or any other person(s) did the work under the permit you obtained.
• You, the homeowner could be held liable for any injury which occurs on the job, whether it is the builder or subcontractor's employee.
• In the event of an occurrence beyond the builders control, which causes the builder to be unable to complete the work, you, the homeowner will be legally responsible for completion of the job under the permit you obtained.