Michigan Builders license exaM PreP
2026/2027 coMPlete Frequently tested
questions and VeriFied answers with
rationales | | already graded a+
<recent Version>
1. IRC (International Residential Code) - ANSWER Created to serve as a
complete, comprehensive code regulating the construction of single-family,
two-family and buildings consisting of three or more townhouse units.
2. First 2 chapters of code book are - ANSWER Administrative
3. Plans or supporting documents are almost always required by the controlling
authority prior to issuing a permit. T or F - ANSWER True
4. states. - ANSWER 12
5. Square edge vertical siding requires the joints to be covered with slender
pieces of solid wood called __________________. - ANSWER battens
6. Horizontal siding requires a lap of at least 1 inch, unless rabbeted. When
rabbeted it is 1/2 inch. Plain beveled siding is also called
___________________. - ANSWER clap board siding
,7. Building felt is available in 15 lb. or 30 lb. weight. It is used to protect wall
sheathing from moisture. It comes in rolls 36 inches wide and is applied
horizontally with joints lapped at least __________________. - ANSWER 2
inches
8. When installing building felt on exterior walls, if a vertical joint is needed, it
should be lapped at least _____________. - ANSWER 6 inches
9. Housewrap is used as an alternative to felt paper over wall sheathing. It has
the ability to allow water vapor to pass through, but not liquid water. T F -
ANSWER True
10.Plywood panel siding applied vertically may have vertical shiplapped joints
or a square edge. The square edge panel requires battens that cover the
joints, but the horizontal square edge joints require __________________. -
ANSWER Z flashing
11.As with all siding, vinyl siding requires a weather resistive barrier between
the siding and the wall sheating. T F - ANSWER True
12.When installing vinyl siding panels, nails should be driven straight, in the
middle of the nailing slot and NEVER driven tight. This allows the panel to
expand and contract without warping. T F - ANSWER True
13.It is not necessary to prime or seal the edges and end of plywood panel
siding before installation. T F - ANSWER False
,14.Horizontal joints between courses of beveled siding should
______________ be caulked. - ANSWER Never
15.A willful violation of building laws of the state subject to penalties? -
ANSWER Yes
16.Who does the homeowner need to send a copy of a complaint to? -
ANSWER Licensee being complained upon
17.What would cause the department to wait to initiate proceedings against you.
- ANSWER Providing them with alternative dispute resolution procedure.
18.What shall the department do with all final orders? - ANSWER Upload to
state Website within 30 days
19.What should the department post anually on its website? - ANSWER
Number of final orders of the board.
20.Can you place lien on real property with out a license? - ANSWER Nope
21.Who may come after you and what may be your penalty for not have a
license? - ANSWER Attorney General or prosecuting attorney, an a fine not
less than $5,000 and not more than $25,000
22.What does the code define "Board" as? - ANSWER The State Residential
Builders and Maintenance and alteration contractors board.
, 23.Who does the coded refer to the "Department" as? - ANSWER LARA
24.What does a residence license application require? - ANSWER 1. Address of
residence
25.2. Address of principal place of business.
26.What does a non resident license application require? - ANSWER 1. Address
of residence outside of state
27.2. Address of principal place of business in state
28.3. Consent to service form
29.How long is a passing exam score valid? - ANSWER 1 year
30.What shall the department issue you once you've completed all
requirements? - ANSWER Identification Card
31.What address will be on the license? - ANSWER Physical office Location,
which can be your home.
32.Upon approval the department shall issue a ____ and an ______________
_____ containing the name and business address for the salesperson. They
should show these to all prospective customers. - ANSWER License and
Identification Card
33.When a salesperson license under this act is discharge, what must happen -
ANSWER Within 5 days the contractor must return license to the
department and within 5 days the sales person shall return the ID card to the
department.
2026/2027 coMPlete Frequently tested
questions and VeriFied answers with
rationales | | already graded a+
<recent Version>
1. IRC (International Residential Code) - ANSWER Created to serve as a
complete, comprehensive code regulating the construction of single-family,
two-family and buildings consisting of three or more townhouse units.
2. First 2 chapters of code book are - ANSWER Administrative
3. Plans or supporting documents are almost always required by the controlling
authority prior to issuing a permit. T or F - ANSWER True
4. states. - ANSWER 12
5. Square edge vertical siding requires the joints to be covered with slender
pieces of solid wood called __________________. - ANSWER battens
6. Horizontal siding requires a lap of at least 1 inch, unless rabbeted. When
rabbeted it is 1/2 inch. Plain beveled siding is also called
___________________. - ANSWER clap board siding
,7. Building felt is available in 15 lb. or 30 lb. weight. It is used to protect wall
sheathing from moisture. It comes in rolls 36 inches wide and is applied
horizontally with joints lapped at least __________________. - ANSWER 2
inches
8. When installing building felt on exterior walls, if a vertical joint is needed, it
should be lapped at least _____________. - ANSWER 6 inches
9. Housewrap is used as an alternative to felt paper over wall sheathing. It has
the ability to allow water vapor to pass through, but not liquid water. T F -
ANSWER True
10.Plywood panel siding applied vertically may have vertical shiplapped joints
or a square edge. The square edge panel requires battens that cover the
joints, but the horizontal square edge joints require __________________. -
ANSWER Z flashing
11.As with all siding, vinyl siding requires a weather resistive barrier between
the siding and the wall sheating. T F - ANSWER True
12.When installing vinyl siding panels, nails should be driven straight, in the
middle of the nailing slot and NEVER driven tight. This allows the panel to
expand and contract without warping. T F - ANSWER True
13.It is not necessary to prime or seal the edges and end of plywood panel
siding before installation. T F - ANSWER False
,14.Horizontal joints between courses of beveled siding should
______________ be caulked. - ANSWER Never
15.A willful violation of building laws of the state subject to penalties? -
ANSWER Yes
16.Who does the homeowner need to send a copy of a complaint to? -
ANSWER Licensee being complained upon
17.What would cause the department to wait to initiate proceedings against you.
- ANSWER Providing them with alternative dispute resolution procedure.
18.What shall the department do with all final orders? - ANSWER Upload to
state Website within 30 days
19.What should the department post anually on its website? - ANSWER
Number of final orders of the board.
20.Can you place lien on real property with out a license? - ANSWER Nope
21.Who may come after you and what may be your penalty for not have a
license? - ANSWER Attorney General or prosecuting attorney, an a fine not
less than $5,000 and not more than $25,000
22.What does the code define "Board" as? - ANSWER The State Residential
Builders and Maintenance and alteration contractors board.
, 23.Who does the coded refer to the "Department" as? - ANSWER LARA
24.What does a residence license application require? - ANSWER 1. Address of
residence
25.2. Address of principal place of business.
26.What does a non resident license application require? - ANSWER 1. Address
of residence outside of state
27.2. Address of principal place of business in state
28.3. Consent to service form
29.How long is a passing exam score valid? - ANSWER 1 year
30.What shall the department issue you once you've completed all
requirements? - ANSWER Identification Card
31.What address will be on the license? - ANSWER Physical office Location,
which can be your home.
32.Upon approval the department shall issue a ____ and an ______________
_____ containing the name and business address for the salesperson. They
should show these to all prospective customers. - ANSWER License and
Identification Card
33.When a salesperson license under this act is discharge, what must happen -
ANSWER Within 5 days the contractor must return license to the
department and within 5 days the sales person shall return the ID card to the
department.
