Should I Pull the Permit or Should My Contractor?

Why Michigan Homeowners Must Know the Difference

When planning a home improvement project in Michigan, especially a major one like a roof replacement, new siding, windows, or a deck, you’ll inevitably come across the question of permits. Who should pull the permit: the homeowner or the contractor? While it may seem like a minor logistical detail, the answer has significant legal and financial considerations.

In this blog, we’ll walk through:

• The purpose of building permits in Michigan

• Why the law says contractors, not homeowners, should pull them

• The red flags when a contractor asks you to pull it

• What risks do you take if you pull the permit yourself

• What a reputable contractor will do (and never do)

• Where to verify licenses and permits in Michigan

What Is a Building Permit, and Why Does It Matter?

In Michigan, like in most states, a building permit is a legal requirement for many types of construction and remodeling work. Permits are intended to ensure:

• The work meets state building codes

• The job is inspected for safety

• The final result is structurally sound and up to code

A permit is not just a piece of paper; it’s a key part of the construction process that protects you, your investment, and even future homeowners.

Who’s Supposed to Pull the Permit in Michigan?

According to the Michigan Residential Code and the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), permits for contracted work should be pulled by the licensed contractor doing the work.

Here’s why:

• The permit applicant assumes legal responsibility for the work.

• If a contractor pulls the permit, they agree to be responsible for following all code requirements.

• If a homeowner pulls it, the homeowner becomes liable for code compliance, even if they’re not doing the work.

This distinction is critically important.

Red Flag: When the Contractor Asks You to Pull the Permit

If a contractor asks you to pull the permit, be very cautious. This is one of the biggest red flags that the contractor may be:

• Unlicensed

• Trying to dodge inspections

• Avoiding responsibility for code violations

• Attempting to shift liability to you

In some cases, they may even offer a “discount” if you pull the permit yourself. That’s not a savings, it’s a liability trap.

Ask yourself: Why would a qualified, licensed contractor not want to pull the permit for a job they’re doing?

In most cases, the answer is because they don’t want to be held accountable.

In short, pulling a permit for work you’re hiring out means taking on responsibility without control.

Where Can I Verify What’s Required?

If you’re ever unsure whether your contractor should pull a permit, here are a few resources:

• LARA License Search: Verify that your contractor holds an active Residential Builder’s license in Michigan.

• Your Local Building Department: Most counties or cities in Michigan have a building department website where you can check what permits are required and who is listed as the permit holder.

• Ask to see a copy of the permit and make sure it lists the contractor, not you.

At Allied Siding and Roofing, we always pull permits for the work we do. It’s part of providing a worry-free, professional experience that protects our clients and ensures the job is done to code.

What’s the Risk of Breaking the Rules?

Some homeowners are tempted to skip the permit process altogether, especially for “smaller” jobs like decks, window replacements, or siding updates. But this opens you up to several serious risks:

• Fines: Local governments can issue citations for unpermitted work.

• Work stoppage: The job can be shut down mid-project until a permit is pulled.

• Insurance issues: Your home insurance may not cover damages resulting from unpermitted work.

• Resale delays: Future home sales can be held up if work wasn’t permitted and inspected.

Worse yet, if the permit is pulled in your name and something goes wrong, say the deck collapses or the electrical work causes a fire, you could be sued or denied insurance coverage.

Don’t Be Fooled by Gimmicks

Some contractors will try to impress homeowners with “lifetime warranties,” “free inspections every 5 years,” or “no permit needed” pitches. Be skeptical.

Pulling a permit shows that a contractor is:

• Following the law

• Willing to be inspected

• Taking responsibility for their work

Contractors who dodge this step are often cutting corners elsewhere. And if they can’t be trusted with a permit, can they really be trusted on your roof or siding?

If you live in Southeast Michigan and are considering new siding, roofing, or windows, we’d be happy to help. Contact Allied Siding and Roofing today to schedule a consultation, and we’ll handle the permits, the paperwork, and the details.

✅ Licensed & Insured

✅ Local to Oakland & Livingston Counties

✅ Code-compliant & Detail-driven

Let us make your next project safe, seamless, and stress-free.