Blog

Most Michigan builders think of Continuing Competency as one thing: A requirement. Something you have to complete before the May 31 deadline so you can renew your license and move on. But what if that thinking is costing you money? Because the truth is, when used the right way, Continuing Competency can directly...

If you’re still giving away estimates, designs, and planning for free… you’re not just being “helpful,” you’re training clients to treat your expertise like it has no value. Smart builders in Michigan are shifting to pre-construction agreements (PCAs) and retainers, and for good reason. Sid Woryn also...

What Residential Builders Need to Know About Fall Protection on Michigan Jobsites Falls remain the leading cause of serious injuries and fatalities in construction, which is why fall-protection rules are among the most important safety requirements builders must follow. Many residential contractors assume these...

If you are a licensed Michigan builder, understanding Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) rules is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your crew, avoid penalties, and keep projects moving forward. Most builders want to know: What does MIOSHA require on construction...

OSB buckling isn’t just a cosmetic issue inspectors complain about. It’s a warning sign that a structure may be weaker than intended. In Michigan, where seasonal humidity swings, high winds, and freeze-thaw cycles are common, improper OSB installation can lead to visible wall distortion, call-backs, failed...

For Michigan builders, continuing competency and license renewal come with firm deadlines. Missing them can mean a lapsed license, lost work time, and reinstatement fees. Here’s a clear breakdown of the 2026 rules, must-know dates, and what you should do now to stay on track. Key Michigan Builder Renewal...

Continuing Competency is not just a renewal checkbox for Michigan builders. It is a critical part of staying licensed, reducing liability, and operating a profitable construction business. Michigan’s licensing requirements are designed to ensure builders remain current with evolving codes, safety regulations, and...

Michigan builders know that timing is everything. With a short construction season and packed project schedules, delays caused by licensing issues can be costly. Continuing competency is a state-required education program that Michigan residential builders must complete to renew their license and remain legally...

A strong contract is one of the most effective risk-management tools a Michigan builder has. In the Michigan Builders License 3-Hour Continuing Competency Course, instructor Sid Woryn highlights the contract clauses that protect builders from real-world issues: safety violations, payment disputes, supply-chain delays,...

Take a peek at our online 60-hour pre-license course. Whether you work in construction, real estate, maintenance, engineering, HVAC, another trade, or you're simply looking to start a new career path, earning your Michigan Residential Builders License opens the door to major opportunities. There’s one significant...

Walk in any Michigan neighborhood and you'll see decks bolted directly through brick veneer. It's common, but that doesn't make it right. Here are the top three reasons you should never attach a deck ledger to brick, and what to do instead. 1. Brick Veneer Isn’t Structural Brick veneer is decorative cladding....

Workers’ compensation isn’t just a legal box to check; it’s one of the most important ways to reduce liability and protect your business on Michigan jobsites. Whether you’re a general contractor, subcontractor, or small builder, understanding how the Workers’ Disability Compensation Act (WDCA) applies to...

If you build in Michigan, MIOSHA expects a competent person on your jobsite. That means someone with the knowledge and authority to spot hazards and fix them on the spot. It’s not just good safety practice; it’s serious liability reduction and better project control. Below is a quick, list-style guide you can...

When it comes to building safe and code-compliant homes, sill plate anchorage is one of the most important details — and one of the most overlooked. Whether you’re using traditional anchor bolts or modern wraparound straps (mudsill anchors), placement and spacing matter. Mistakes here can weaken the entire...

If you’re a Michigan builder renewing your license in 2026, you’ll need to stay current with the latest code updates that protect your projects and reduce liability. One area you can’t afford to overlook. Foundation drainage. This is one of the critical updates covered in the first three hours of the Michigan...

Running a safe job site isn’t just about avoiding accidents—it’s about compliance. The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) has clear requirements that every builder must follow to protect workers and reduce liability. Sid Woryn, Michigan’s most experienced building instructor,...

If you're a licensed builder in Michigan—or planning to become one—there's a powerful state law you need to understand: the Michigan Builders' Trust Fund Act. This law directly impacts how and when subcontractors, laborers, and suppliers must be paid—and the penalties for not complying are severe. Whether...

When it comes to building a new home in Michigan, many people focus on floor plans, finishes, and energy efficiency, but the real story starts underground. The type of soil beneath a structure can affect everything from foundation stability to long-term maintenance costs. In Michigan, where soil types vary...

Summer brings new energy to job sites across Michigan as thousands of teenagers step into the workforce for the first time. With an estimated 260,000 youth ages 16–19 expected to work this season, it’s a great opportunity for young people to learn valuable skills—and a key moment for employers to build safe,...

Maintaining a clean and organized construction site is not only a hallmark of professionalism but also a critical component of safety and regulatory compliance, especially for builders in Michigan. Adhering to the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) standards ensures worker safety and...

In Michigan's construction industry, adhering to the manufacturer's installation instructions is not just best practice—it's a legal and safety imperative. Whether you're building a new home in Grand Rapids or remodeling in Detroit, following these guidelines ensures compliance with state codes, enhances safety, and...

As Michigan builders gear up for warmer weather and a busy construction season, one critical safety practice should always come first: call 811 before you dig. Whether you're operating a backhoe on a large site or breaking ground with a simple shovel, failing to locate underground utilities can lead to devastating...

Emergencies don’t wait for the “right time” to happen—and on a construction site, they can quickly go from bad to worse if your crew doesn’t know what to do. That’s why every Michigan builder should know about Emergency Action Plans (EAPs)—what they are, whether your job site needs one, and how to make...

Safety is non-negotiable on Michigan construction sites, but when safety violations go uncorrected, the consequences can be severe. One of the most significant enforcement tools used by the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) is the Cease Operation Order. This measure is put in place when...

Fall hazards are one of the leading causes of serious injuries and fatalities in the construction industry. In Michigan, fall protection is consistently ranked among the top 10 most frequently cited standards following MIOSHA inspections of worksites. Failure to comply with fall protection regulations not only puts...