Written & reviewed by Jason Verdelli
Founder of DoorGuide · 20+ yrs in home remodeling consumer research · Editorial standards · Reviewed July 3, 2026
At-a-glance
- Licensing body: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
- License threshold: Residential Builder OR Maintenance & Alteration Contractor license required for any project over $600
- Permit authority: City or township building department
- Typical fees: $100–$400 for a door installation permit
License categories
For door installations, the Maintenance & Alteration Contractor license is typical. Residential Builder covers new construction and full remodels. Both are acceptable for door installation work.
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Frequently asked questions
What's the threshold?+
$600 in project value.
Deep-dive planning guides
Choosing Entry Door Materials
The full guide to entry door materials: fiberglass vs. steel vs. wood, glass and sidelight options, hardware tiers, and honest cost ranges for every climate.
Door Installation Timeline
How long door installation actually takes, day-by-day breakdown from ordering to final walkthrough, plus the delays no one warns you about.
Steel vs. Fiberglass Entry Doors
Steel vs. fiberglass entry doors compared head to head: cost, durability, insulation, maintenance, and resale value, and how to pick between them for your climate.
Michigan-specific planning guides
Choosing Entry Door Materials in Michigan
The full guide to entry door materials: fiberglass vs. steel vs. wood, glass and sidelight options, hardware tiers, and honest cost ranges for every climate.
Door Installation Timeline in Michigan
How long door installation actually takes, day-by-day breakdown from ordering to final walkthrough, plus the delays no one warns you about.
Steel vs. Fiberglass Entry Doors in Michigan
Steel vs. fiberglass entry doors compared head to head: cost, durability, insulation, maintenance, and resale value, and how to pick between them for your climate.
Sliding vs. French Patio Doors in Michigan
Sliding vs. French (hinged) patio doors compared: cost, space requirements, energy efficiency, security, and maintenance, and where each one actually holds up.
Questions to Ask a Door Contractor in Michigan
The door installation questionnaire that separates real contractors from ones you'll regret hiring. Licensing, scope, frame and sill repair, hardware, warranty, and the questions most homeowners forget to ask.
Permits in other states
Pennsylvania Permits & Licensing
All contractors performing home-improvement / door installation work over $5,000/year must register (HIC number)
Maryland Permits & Licensing
All contractors performing home-improvement / door installation work of any dollar amount must hold an MHIC license
Virginia Permits & Licensing
Class C license required for projects $1,000–$10,000; Class B $10,000–$120,000; Class A over $120,000
North Carolina Permits & Licensing
General Contractor license required for projects over $30,000
South Carolina Permits & Licensing
Residential builder license required for projects over $5,000; specialty license under that
Georgia Permits & Licensing
Residential Basic Contractor license for projects up to $500,000; Residential Light Commercial over that
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See your personalized remodel plan in 2 minutes
Tell me a bit about you and I'll tailor the plan to your home and budget. No pressure, no obligation.
Private · no commitment · 2 minutes