Brick + Beam Detroit

[DIY] If I purchase a home from the DLBA, what jobs/tasks require a license? What am I not allowed to DIY build myself?

Asked by Ben at 1:43pm on Jun 16 2018

I'm fresh out of college and am a full time electrical engineer. I'm looking to move into my own home within the next 6 months or so, and am eyeing the DLBA homes I see available. I'm also fairly handy with tools from school projects and some HFH work on the side. However, I've had no formal training in regards to being a tradesman (and hence know when not to do something stupid).

I'm curious as to what I would be able to do on my own - not from an ability standpoint or a safety standpoint - but from a legal standpoint. From what I've gathered so far, it sounds like I can theoretically do all work on my own, so long as all building codes are met and all permits are pulled properly. But I'm having a very hard time finding exactly which tasks has restrictions on who can perform the work.

Would anyone be able to outline which tasks I need to hire a contractor/sub to complete from a legal standpoint, or have any resources that can better explain this part to me?

Thank you!

Discussion

at 10:16am on Jun 18 2018

I would recommend talking to somebody from BSEED (Building, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department) to understand what permits you will have to pull for the work you have in mind, and what licenses you need to have (plumbers, electricians, etc.), to pull those permits. This will help get you straight on the baseline requirements for building on any property, not just Land Bank.

Once you have a good understanding of that, you can talk to the Land Bank about how their requirements fit in with the general permitting requirements.

The DLBA has open office hours sometimes at Patton Recreation Center, and possibly other locations. I went to one and it was very helpful. You can email [email protected] to find out their schedule. As far as BSEED, I would just research on the website and/or call the main office line until you get to somebody who has some time to explain it to you and answer your particular questions.

Good Luck!

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