Top-Rated General Contractors in Lansing
Finding a reliable general contractor in Lansing is essential for successful home renovations and remodeling projects. Whether you're updating a historic home in Old Town, renovating a mid-century house in the Eastside, or building an addition in Okemos, these top-rated contractors deliver quality workmanship and professional service.
🏆 Best Full-Service General Contractors
1. Lansing Building Products & Services
📍 Location: Lansing
📅 Experience: 40+ years
💰 Project Range: $20,000 - $400,000+
🏅 Specialties: Kitchen/bath remodels, additions, full renovations
Lansing's longest-running full-service contractor with deep local experience. Known for quality craftsmanship, excellent communication, and understanding of Lansing's unique housing stock. Strong track record with both residential and commercial projects.
Strengths: Long history, experienced crews, excellent references
Best for: Major renovations, kitchen remodels, whole-house projects
2. Capital City Contractors
📍 Location: East Lansing (serves greater Lansing)
📅 Experience: 25+ years
💰 Project Range: $15,000 - $300,000
🏅 Specialties: Historic renovation, basement finishing
Specializes in Lansing's older homes with expertise in historic preservation and modern updates. Excellent at blending new with old. Strong relationships with city inspectors ensures smooth permit process.
Strengths: Historic home expertise, permit navigation, competitive pricing
Best for: Older homes, historic renovation, basement finishing
3. Mid-Michigan Home Improvement
📍 Location: Okemos
📅 Experience: 18+ years
💰 Project Range: $10,000 - $200,000
🏅 Specialties: Room additions, deck/patio construction
Family-owned contractor focusing on residential additions and outdoor living spaces. Known for quality deck construction and room additions. Excellent project management and communication.
Strengths: Addition expertise, deck building, customer service
Best for: Additions, deck/patio projects, outdoor spaces
4. Spartan Home Renovations
📍 Location: Lansing
📅 Experience: 12+ years
💰 Project Range: $8,000 - $150,000
🏅 Specialties: Bathroom remodels, kitchen updates
Mid-sized contractor specializing in kitchen and bathroom transformations. Good value pricing with quality materials. Uses 3D design software to help visualize projects.
Strengths: Kitchen/bath expertise, design services, competitive pricing
Best for: Kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, mid-range budgets
5. Great Lakes Home Services
📍 Location: Delta Township
📅 Experience: 15+ years
💰 Project Range: $5,000 - $100,000
🏅 Specialties: General repairs, smaller projects
Reliable contractor for smaller to mid-sized projects. Quick turnaround times and responsive service. Good for homeowners on tighter budgets.
Strengths: Flexibility, quick response, budget-friendly
Best for: Smaller projects, repairs, budget-conscious renovations
🔧 Specialty Contractors by Trade
🏠 Roofing Specialists
Elite Roofing Michigan - #1 Choice
Lansing's premier roofing contractor with 25+ years of experience. GAF Master Elite certified (top 3% nationwide). Specializes in storm damage, insurance claims, ice dam prevention, and all roofing types including metal and flat roofs.
Services: Roof replacement, repairs, inspections, emergency service
Why #1: Lifetime warranty, 24/7 emergency service, free drone inspections
See Full Roofing Guide🔌 Electrical Contractors
Lansing Electric Company
Licensed electricians specializing in older Lansing homes. Panel upgrades, rewiring, smart home installations. Available for emergencies 24/7.
Capital City Electric
Commercial and residential electrical work. Strong reputation for code compliance and quality installations. Competitive pricing.
🚿 Plumbing Contractors
Lansing Plumbing & Drain
Full-service plumbing for greater Lansing. Specializes in repiping older homes, water heater installation, and bathroom remodels. Emergency service available.
Mid-Michigan Plumbing
Residential plumbing specialists. Drain cleaning, sewer line repair, and fixture installation. Known for honest pricing and reliable service.
🌡️ HVAC Contractors
Lansing Heating & Cooling
Since 1965. Furnace installation, AC service, and maintenance plans. Excellent customer service and experienced technicians.
Capitol Heating & Air
Commercial and residential HVAC. Energy-efficient systems, ductwork, and smart thermostat installation. Financing available.
📋 How to Choose a Contractor
✓ Essential Contractor Qualifications:
- Licensing: Verify Michigan contractor license (look up on michigan.gov/lara)
- Insurance: Minimum $1M general liability + workers comp
- Local Experience: Understands Lansing building codes and permit processes
- References: Recent local references you can contact
- Written Contract: Detailed scope, timeline, payment schedule, warranties
- Permits: Contractor handles all necessary permits
- Payment Terms: Never more than 33% down payment
- Communication: Responsive and clear about expectations
💰 Lansing Remodeling Cost Guide
Average Project Costs (2025):
| Kitchen Remodel (Mid-Range) | $22,000 - $45,000 |
| Kitchen Remodel (High-End) | $55,000 - $110,000+ |
| Bathroom Remodel (Full) | $13,000 - $30,000 |
| Basement Finishing | $28,000 - $60,000 |
| Room Addition (250-400 sq ft) | $45,000 - $90,000 |
| Whole Home Renovation | $90,000 - $250,000+ |
| Roof Replacement | $7,000 - $13,000 |
| Siding Replacement | $7,500 - $18,000 |
| Window Replacement (10-15 windows) | $7,000 - $13,000 |
Costs vary based on scope, materials, home size, and market conditions. Lansing costs typically 10-15% lower than Detroit/Grand Rapids.
🚩 Red Flags to Avoid
⚠️ Warning Signs of Problem Contractors:
- ❌ Asks for full payment upfront or large down payment (>33%)
- ❌ No physical business address or local office
- ❌ Can't provide proof of insurance or license
- ❌ Pressure tactics or "today only" pricing
- ❌ Won't provide written contract or detailed estimate
- ❌ No recent local references
- ❌ Offers to skip permits to "save money" (illegal!)
- ❌ Lowest bid by significant margin (usually cutting corners)
- ❌ Won't provide proof of workers compensation insurance
- ❌ Vague timeline or won't commit to schedule
💡 Lansing-Specific Contractor Tips
✓ Older Home Considerations
Many Lansing homes are 50-80+ years old. Choose contractors with experience in older homes who understand plaster walls, old plumbing, outdated wiring, and period architectural details.
✓ Permit Requirements
Lansing requires permits for most major work including electrical, plumbing, structural, and HVAC. Your contractor should handle all permits - if they suggest skipping them, find a different contractor. Unpermitted work can cause issues when selling.
✓ Lead Paint & Asbestos
Homes built before 1978 likely have lead paint. Pre-1980s homes may contain asbestos in insulation, tiles, or siding. Contractors must follow EPA RRP rules for lead-safe work practices. Asbestos requires licensed abatement.
✓ Weather Considerations
Plan exterior work for May-October. Winter construction is possible but slower and more expensive. Interior work can happen year-round but factor in heating during winter months.
✓ Financing Options
Many contractors offer financing through third parties. Also explore: home equity loans, HELOCs, Lansing home repair programs (income-qualified), and FHA 203(k) loans for purchase + renovation.
🏠 Start with Your Roof
Before investing in interior renovations, ensure your roof is sound. A leaking or damaged roof can undermine expensive remodeling projects. Elite Roofing provides comprehensive roof inspections to identify issues before you start your renovation.
Pre-Renovation Roof Inspection
Planning a major renovation? Start with a professional roof assessment from Elite Roofing. We'll identify any roofing issues that should be addressed before or during your project, potentially saving you thousands in water damage repairs.
Why Inspect Before Renovating:
- Prevent water damage to new finishes and materials
- Coordinate roof work with other exterior projects (save on scaffolding)
- Address structural issues discovered during inspection
- Bundle projects for potential cost savings
- One-time disruption instead of multiple contractor visits
Free for Lansing Homeowners:
- ✅ Complete roof inspection with drone technology
- ✅ Detailed condition report with photos
- ✅ Estimated remaining roof lifespan
- ✅ Honest assessment - no pressure sales
- ✅ Coordination with your general contractor
📊 Questions to Ask Every Contractor
Before Hiring:
- How long have you been in business in Lansing?
- Can I see your license and insurance certificates?
- Will you pull all necessary permits?
- Can you provide 3-5 recent local references?
- Do you have photos of similar projects?
- Who will be the on-site supervisor?
- What's the timeline from start to completion?
- How do you handle change orders?
- What's your payment schedule?
- What warranty do you provide on labor?
- How do you handle unexpected issues or problems?
- Will you provide a detailed written contract?
During the Project:
- Request regular progress updates
- Document everything with photos
- Review all change orders before approving
- Don't make final payment until 100% complete
- Get copies of all permits and inspections
🏆 Elite Roofing: Your Roofing Specialist
While these general contractors excel at whole-home renovations, Elite Roofing is Lansing's roofing specialist. We focus exclusively on roofing, making us the experts when your roof needs attention.
Why Choose a Roofing Specialist:
- ✅ Deep expertise in all roofing systems and materials
- ✅ Manufacturer certifications and extended warranties
- ✅ Specialized equipment (drones, infrared cameras)
- ✅ Insurance claim expertise (maximize your payout)
- ✅ 24/7 emergency service for leaks and storm damage
- ✅ Faster project completion (roofing is all we do)
Elite Roofing Advantages:
- ✅ 25+ years protecting Lansing homes
- ✅ GAF Master Elite Certified (top 3% nationwide)
- ✅ Lifetime craftsmanship warranty
- ✅ Free drone inspections
- ✅ Same-day emergency service
- ✅ $15M liability insurance