List of Contractors, Architects, Engineers and Other Service Providers
Basic Advice
The Michigan Barn Preservation Network (MBPN) has a committee of experts, who field inquiries from the public about barn rehabilitation. The Technical Committee helps individuals evaluate the condition of their barns and gives basic guidance on what to do next.
The MBPN Contractor List is a place for barn owners to start looking for help. We are currently updating our database of businesses that offer barn preservation or rehabilitation services. If you are a barn owner looking for additional information, please contact Tammis Donaldson at 248.629.7428 or use the form on the Contact page to submit a query.
Contractors who would like to be added to the list must hold a current MBPN Company-level membership and fill out the Contractor application form.
Disclaimer
There are many skilled, honest professionals who provide services for barn repair. As an organization, however, MBPN cannot and does not necessarily endorse any of the services listed here.
Licensing
When vetting contractors, check to see what licensing they have. In Michigan, a contractor generally needs a Residential Builder or Maintenance & Alteration (M&A) license for agricultural buildings if the project involves structural work or costs over $600, even though the building itself might be exempt from a building permit for the owner.
While Michigan doesn’t license general contractors for purely commercial/agricultural work, the $600 rule for residential-style projects and the scope of work (structural vs. minor repair) trigger licensing requirements through LARA (Licensing and Regulatory Affairs).
Check References
We urge all barn owners to do due diligence in checking out prospective service providers. This means:
- get and check references,
- get at least two and preferably three estimates, and
- get a written contract.
Barn School
The Technical Committee also oversees educational workshops, which are periodically scheduled to demonstrate important barn repair skills, such as foundation and sill repairs.