Congratulations to Sam Lerchen on Earning His Michigan Builder’s License
At Level Up Improvement, we believe that professionalism is built through preparation, accountability, and a willingness to continuously grow. Those values are reflected not only in the work we perform on homes across Southeast Michigan, but also in the standards we hold ourselves to as a company. That is why we are proud to congratulate one of our owners, Sam Lerchen, on passing his exam and officially earning his Michigan Builder’s License.
This achievement is an important milestone for Sam personally, but it also represents something much larger. It strengthens our company from the inside out and reinforces our commitment to protecting homeowners, operating legally, and doing things the right way at every level.
Why This Milestone Matters on a Deeper Level
In 2024, Sam experienced a serious and unexpected medical emergency known as an AVM hemorrhage. An arteriovenous malformation, commonly referred to as an AVM, is a tangle of abnormal blood vessels that interferes with normal blood flow between arteries and veins. In Sam’s case, the AVM was located on his cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for balance, coordination, and precise motor control.
When an AVM ruptures, it causes bleeding in the brain and can become life threatening without immediate medical attention. Like many health emergencies, it came without warning and changed priorities instantly. While Sam continues to recover, the experience provided a powerful reminder that even the most driven, prepared individuals are not immune to sudden life events.
Because of that experience, our team understands better than most that anything can happen at any time. That understanding has shaped how we think about leadership, responsibility, and long term planning within our business.
Why Redundancy Matters in a Construction Company
Construction and home improvement projects rely on continuity. Permits must be pulled correctly, inspections must be scheduled on time, and licensed oversight must remain consistent from start to finish. When a company depends on a single individual to hold licensing or authority, customers are exposed to unnecessary risk.
By having multiple licensed builders within ownership, Level Up Improvement ensures that our operations never hinge on one person. Projects can continue without disruption, oversight remains in place, and homeowners are never left waiting or uncertain. This kind of redundancy is not about expecting problems. It is about building a company that can withstand real life and continue serving customers responsibly no matter the circumstances.
For our clients, this means confidence. It means knowing their project is supported by a leadership team that is fully qualified and legally accountable at all times.
Why a Michigan Builder’s License Is Required
In the state of Michigan, a residential builder’s license is required for contractors who perform regulated and structural home improvement work. This licensing requirement exists to protect homeowners and to ensure that construction work meets established safety and legal standards.
Builders must demonstrate knowledge of construction law, building codes, safety regulations, and proper business practices. Licensing also creates accountability, ensuring that contractors can be held responsible for the quality and legality of their work.
Licenses are regulated by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, often referred to as LARA. This oversight helps prevent unqualified or unethical contractors from operating unchecked and provides homeowners with clear protections if issues arise.
When a licensed builder is involved, permits are handled correctly, inspections are completed properly, and work is completed in compliance with state and local codes. Sam earning his builder’s license reinforces these safeguards and strengthens the systems we already have in place.
Building With Purpose and Preparedness
Earning a Michigan Builder’s License is not just about passing an exam. It represents commitment, resilience, and a willingness to take responsibility at the highest level. Sam’s achievement reflects his dedication to personal growth and professional excellence, even in the face of unexpected challenges.
At Level Up Improvement, we believe that strong companies are built with foresight. We invest in systems, licensing, and leadership because our customers deserve stability, transparency, and trust. Sam’s new license is another step forward in building a company designed to last and to serve homeowners with integrity.
We are proud of Sam, grateful for his continued recovery, and confident that this milestone strengthens our ability to deliver quality work the right way. Congratulations to Sam on earning his Michigan Builder’s License and on helping make Level Up Improvement a stronger, more resilient company for the future.