Pole Barn & Post-Frame Builders

Michigan's construction code act does not treat a building incidental to agricultural use of the land as a building unless it is used for retail trade, and the Michigan Farm Bureau notes that certain agricultural buildings are exempt from state building permits. A garage, shop or home does not get that exclusion, and the residential code only exempts one-story detached accessory buildings of 200 square feet or less, so ask your local building department first.

Michigan licenses residential builders and maintenance and alteration contractors through LARA, and you can check a license with LARA's Find / Verify a BCC Licensed Professional or Business lookup. The licensing law exempts owners building for their own use and jobs whose total contract price is under $600.

The pad has to carry the building's weight. Morton Buildings advises removing organic matter and loose topsoil, filling low spots with well-graded fill compacted to 95 percent of maximum density, and adding coarse stone to help water drain away, so ask each builder who does this work and whether it is in the quote.

Yes. MISS DIG 811 must be contacted at least 3 business days before any digging, whatever the depth, and the service is free. Private lines, such as a line to a grill or sprinkler system, are not marked by MISS DIG and need a private locator.