Key Takeaways
As of March 28, 2019, Michigan house painters are no longer required to hold a state license, making it easier for painters to operate without formal education or licensing fees.
Without state licensing, homeowners need to research painters carefully, check reviews, and ensure they have proper insurance to avoid potential issues with poor-quality work.
Painters who previously held an M&A contractor’s license can still maintain a certification in another trade by applying for an add-on license, which may appeal to customers looking for additional assurances.
Is It Illegal To Paint Houses In Michigan Without A License?
As of March 28, 2019, house painters in Michigan are no longer required to hold a license to operate legally. This change came after then-Governor Rick Snyder signed a law in late December 2018, just before leaving office, which removed painting and decorating from the list of trades covered by the state’s residential maintenance and alteration (M&A) contractor’s license. While this law is now in effect, there are mixed reactions to the change, as it significantly alters how painters operate in Michigan and how consumers should approach hiring contractors.
What Changed for Painters?
Before this law took effect, all Michigan painters were required to hold an M&A contractor's license, which ensured that painters completed 60 hours of education, passed an exam, and paid an initial fee of $195, with a $150 renewal fee every three years. Painters were licensed to help prevent consumer fraud and maintain certain standards within the industry. At the time of the repeal, 432 painters in Michigan were licensed.
Removing this licensing requirement has made it easier for new painters to enter the industry. No longer needing to complete educational programs, pay fees, or undergo continuing education, new and existing painters can start or continue their businesses without the existing regulatory burden. As Troy Baker from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) noted, many painters weren’t following the licensing law in the first place, which likely motivated lawmakers to change the requirements. "The real impact is, there isn't one. Most painters, though they were required to be licensed, weren't licensed at all," Baker stated.
Good News or Bad News?
The reaction to the new law is mixed. For those in favor, the lack of licensing requirements is a positive step. Many feel that painting should not require a license since it typically doesn't affect a building's structural safety. This viewpoint emphasizes that painting is a cosmetic job rather than one that impacts the integrity of a home. As such, eliminating the license requirement allows more flexibility for painters and reduces the cost of entering the profession.
On the other hand, some argue that removing the licensing requirement makes it harder for consumers to hold painters accountable for poor-quality work. Previously, clients could bring complaints about licensed painters to the state for investigation and potential disciplinary action. Without this state oversight, consumers are left with fewer formal options for recourse if a painter doesn’t meet expectations.
Baker from the BBB advises that customers take extra steps to research painters before hiring. "The best way to make sure you're dealing with somebody that's trustworthy and a good painter is to look them up and do your research. See what kind of reviews do they have? What kind of complaints do they have?" This advice becomes particularly relevant in an industry where state oversight has been significantly reduced.
Can You Still Be Licensed?
Although painters are no longer required to hold an M&A contractor’s license, those who previously held a license may choose to remain licensed in Michigan. Painters who want to maintain some form of state certification can apply for a different trade within the M&A license system. While they would need to pass a test based on their new trade, they won’t have to retake a 60-hour program or pay the same licensing fees specific to painting.
This option allows formerly licensed painters to keep an official state certification, which might appeal to homeowners looking for added assurance of professionalism and competency in trades like carpentry, roofing, or electrical work.
Consumer Concerns and Protections
For Michigan homeowners, this law highlights the importance of doing thorough research when hiring a painter. Since state licensing no longer serves as a quality filter, other methods of verification become more crucial. Checking for customer reviews, seeking referrals, and ensuring that the painter has proper insurance coverage can help homeowners make informed decisions.
The BBB has encouraged consumers to explore multiple sources of information, including reviewing a painter’s track record for complaints or past projects. The BBB's Troy Baker remarked, "There are absolutely good painting companies out there that did not have the license they needed, and now the playing field is level for everybody." While some homeowners may find comfort in this, it also means that the responsibility of vetting a painter's qualifications now falls entirely on the consumer.
Our Thoughts
Although it's not illegal to paint in Michigan without a license, there are several reasons why you should still consider hiring a licensed contractor for your painting project.
By going through the licensing process, a painter shows higher commitment, expertise, and professionalism. Can an unlicensed painter have these same qualities? Absolutely. But a current license is a safeguard.
When you hire an unlicensed painter, there are several potential risks.
First, unlicensed contractors may lack the proper training or experience, leading to substandard work. Again, this isn't always the case.
Second, if an unlicensed painter doesn’t carry insurance, you, as the homeowner, could be liable for any accidents or damage to or on your property.
Lastly, unlicensed contractors aren’t subject to the same regulatory oversight, which means if something goes wrong, you’ll have fewer avenues for legal recourse.
At the end of the day, working with a licensed painter isn't the end all be all. To us, it's the start of the conversation.
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