Staying Up-To-Date: Why Michigan Builders Are Required To Invest In Continuing Competency

Staying Up-To-Date: Why Michigan Builders Are Required To Invest In Continuing Competency

Staying Up-To-Date: Why Michigan Builders Are Required To Invest In Continuing Competency

If you're a licensed builder in Michigan, continuing competency is required to renew your license. However, you may need to learn the requirements or what's covered in these courses. 

In this blog post, we'll look at the 3-hour continuing competency plan offered by Michigan Builders License, a licensed Michigan proprietary school.

Why Continuing Competency?

First, let's talk about why continuing competency is required. The Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Authority (LARA) has put this requirement in place to ensure that builders are up-to-date on critical rules and regulations that may have changed since they first obtained their license. This is essential for ensuring that homes and buildings constructed by builders are safe and meet all applicable building codes.

Unaware of changes in building codes or safety regulations, builders may continue constructing non-conforming homes, which can lead to increased costs for code enforcement and the homeowner. 

Additionally, not following proper safety protocols on construction sites can lead to accidents and injuries, which can be costly and bring with it financial repercussions.

Requirements For Completion

If you have had your license for over 6 years, you must complete 3 hours of continuing education every three years. However, if you've had your license for under 6 years, you must complete 21 hours of continuing education for two renewal cycles. 

After this period, the requirement decreases to 3 hours.

What You Can Expect In Michigan Builders' Continuing Competency Courses

The 3-hour courses devote time to each of the following topics: building codes and laws, safety, and business management. 

The 21-hour courses also cover additional topics such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), blueprints, and the International Energy Conservation Code.

Each topic was recently updated for the 2023 license renewal cycle and contains the latest information available. 

The first topic, building codes and laws, cover Michigan's comprehensive and complex residential building codes.

This knowledge is essential for ensuring that builders construct safe homes and buildings that meet all applicable building codes.

The second topic, safety, covers MIOSHA regulations, which are constantly changing. 

By focusing on safety measures related to the Fatal Four (falls, electrocutions, being struck by an object, or being trapped in or "squeezed between" two objects), builders can significantly reduce the risk of injuries or fatalities on the job.

The third topic, business management, covers updates to important legal and liabilities issues that builders must be familiar with, such as construction liens and other business principles. 

This is essential for ensuring builders can navigate complex business situations, such as subcontractor disputes and dissatisfied homeowners.

After completing the required continuing competency course, you will receive a certificate of completion. 

While this certificate does not need to be submitted to the State Board, builders should keep it on hand in case of an audit. When applying for license renewal, builders will be asked to confirm that they have met the continuing competency requirements.

Finally, it's important to note that Michigan law requires residential builders to have a current copy of the Michigan Residential Code book. Builders must have the latest edition to stay up-to-date on building codes and regulations.

Not completing the continuing competency requirements can have serious consequences. Failure to comply can result in fines or even suspension of your license. 

In addition, it can harm your reputation and limit your business opportunities.

By completing the 3-hour continuing competency plan offered by Michigan Builders License, you'll gain valuable knowledge and skills that will help ensure that the homes and buildings you construct are safe, up to code, and meet the highest standards.

So if you're a licensed builder in the state of Michigan, don't wait until the last minute to complete your continuing competency requirements. 

Take advantage of the courses Michigan Builders License offers to gain the knowledge and skills you need to stay up-to-date on changes in building codes, safety regulations, and business management.

By investing in your professional development, you can ensure that you are providing the best possible service to your clients while protecting your employees' safety and well-being.