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Environmental, Design and Building Technologies Department

LCC > Environmental, Design and Building Technologies Department

Construction and Maintenance Program

Residential Building Program - Career Facts

What is a residential builder?
Residential builders build houses, apartments and condominiums. All aspects of construction, including sub trades, construction materials and general business, are part of residential builders' knowledge.

What types of skills are required?
A residential builder must have basic math skills, apply construction methods and techniques, and know the proper use of construction materials. A residential builder must also have significant knowledge of blueprint reading, estimating, code requirements, and small business administration and management.

Where are they employed?
Graduates of this program begin on a framing crew or interior trim crew and move up to crew leader. The next step is to become a superintendent or construction manager. Eventually, they may begin their own building business. The graduates may also get involved in the supply side of the construction business. To obtain a Residential Builder's License or a Maintenance and Alteration Contractor's License, you must pass an exam administered by PSI Examination Services. After passing the exam, application for the license to the State of Michigan must be made. No work experience is necessary, but the state has different requirements depending on how the business organization is established.

What degrees are available?
An associate in applied science degree and a certificate of achievement are available in Residential Building.  Graduates may also go on to a four-year institution to get a bachelor's degree in Construction Management.

What is the average salary?
Average hourly wages for residential builders range from $13.50 to $19.37 per hour.



Environmental, Design and Building Technologies Department - Phone: 517-483-5338- Contact Us