Why Every Southeast Michigan Homeowner Should Call 811
Every yard in Metro Detroit hides something you can’t see—gas, cable, electrical, and water lines that keep your home running. One wrong shovel strike can shut them all down—or worse, cause an explosion.
That’s why Michigan law requires every homeowner and contractor to contact MISS DIG 811 before breaking ground.
In a recent Hire It Done episode on 101 WRIF, Adam Helfman spoke with Eric Urbain of MISS DIG 811, the state’s official utility safety notification system.
“You call 811 first so you don’t have to call 911 later,” Eric explained.
MISS DIG 811 is a free service that alerts utility providers to mark where underground lines run before you start a project. Those colorful flags you see on lawns? That’s MISS DIG at work, protecting homes and lives across Southeast Michigan.
Understanding MISS DIG 811 and Michigan’s Digging Law
Michigan’s “Call Before You Dig” law isn’t a suggestion—it’s a safety requirement.
Whether you’re adding a deck in Livonia, planting trees in Rochester Hills, or building a fence in Ann Arbor, you must request a utility locate at least three business days before starting any excavation.
Here’s how it works:
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Dial 811 or visit MissDig811.org to submit a ticket.
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MISS DIG notifies all member utilities near your property.
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Within three business days, crews mark underground lines with colored flags or paint.
Those colors matter:
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Red = Electric** **
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Yellow = Gas** **
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Orange = Communications / Cable** **
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Blue = Water** **
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Green = Sewer** **
These markings show exactly where not to dig—saving you from a very expensive mistake.
Even Small Projects Can Cause Big Damage
A common misconception is that only large construction projects require MISS DIG 811.
But according to Eric Urbain, that’s far from true.
“A quarter of all utility line damages this year were caused by hand tools,” he shared.
That means even simple DIY tasks like planting a bush, replacing a mailbox, or installing a fence can damage buried lines.
Telecom cables often sit just a few inches under the sod, and most gas lines are plastic—not steel.
One shovel strike could knock out your Wi-Fi, spark a gas leak, or cut power to your entire neighborhood. In Michigan’s dense suburbs, that’s a risk no homeowner should take.
Hire Contractors Who Follow the Rules
If you’re hiring someone to install brick pavers, pour a patio, or redo your driveway, your contractor is legally responsible for calling MISS DIG 811.
Adam Helfman was blunt about it:
“When you ask a contractor about MISS DIG and they look confused—that’s a red flag.”
Contractors who skip this step often cut corners elsewhere.
If they’re unlicensed or uninsured and damage a utility line, your homeowner’s insurance could deny coverage.
By confirming that MISS DIG was called, you protect yourself from liability and document that the proper safety protocol was followed.
Pro Tip: Always ask your contractor for the MISS DIG ticket number before work begins. That paper trail can save you time and stress if something goes wrong.
Plan Your Project the Right Way
Planning is everything—permits, materials, staging, and safety checks. Calling MISS DIG is part of that planning phase.
Once you place your 811 request, utility crews have three business days to mark your yard. Adam suggests taking photos of the flags once they’re in place—just in case wind or curious kids move them.
“Good contractors build time for MISS DIG into their schedule,” Adam said. “Bad ones rush the process and end up delaying the project even more.”
Responsible contractors in Metro Detroit use that three-day window to prep the site, order materials, and coordinate with neighbors—so by the time the flags are down, the project is ready to roll.
MISS DIG 811’s New Mobile App: Safety in Your Pocket
Technology is making Michigan’s digging process smarter. MISS DIG 811 recently launched a mobile app for contractors and homeowners, giving instant access to:
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What each flag color means
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Michigan MISS DIG laws and deadlines
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Training videos and damage prevention tips
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Real-time ticket updates via Positive Response
You can download the app on Google Play or the App Store by searching “MISS DIG 811.”
It’s especially useful for busy contractors who handle multiple projects across Southeast Michigan.
“It adds credibility,” Adam said. “You can tell a homeowner, ‘Yes, we follow MISS DIG—it’s standard procedure.’”
How AI Is Improving Safety Across Michigan
Behind the scenes, MISS DIG 811 is adopting artificial intelligence to manage over a million annual requests. The goal: catch mistakes before they reach field crews.
“AI won’t replace jobs,” Eric explained. “It’s making our tickets more accurate and our process safer.”
AI can spot odd entries on tickets, verify addresses, and help operators prioritize high-risk locations.
As the technology evolves, it will speed up response times and reduce errors that lead to accidents.
For homeowners, that means faster service and more confidence that their utility markings are correct. It’s another way Michigan is using innovation to keep people safe where they live and work.
Safety Costs Nothing — Skipping It Could Cost Everything
Calling MISS DIG 811 is free. It takes minutes and saves thousands. Every year, countless Michigan homeowners avoid disaster because they took that simple step.
“What’s the worst that happens?” Adam said on air. “You call MISS DIG, give them your address, and three days later there are flags everywhere. And it doesn’t cost a thing.”
That’s a pretty good deal for peace of mind.
Communication Is the Real Tool of Every Great Contractor
From permits to planning to safety calls, communication ties everything together. The most successful projects aren’t the fastest—they’re the best coordinated.
“The key to all successful home improvement is communication,” Adam reminded listeners.
When you hire a contractor in Southeast Michigan, look for that professionalism.
Ask about their process.
Ask how they schedule MISS DIG.
Ask how they keep you informed from start to finish.
The best ones will have clear answers every time.
Final Takeaway: Don’t Dig Blind—Call MISS DIG 811
Before you plant, build, or install anything in your yard, make the call that protects everything beneath it.
Dial 811 or visit MissDig811.org to submit a ticket. It’s fast, free, and required by Michigan law.
And if you want to ensure every contractor you hire follows that law, visit HireItDone.com to find pre-screened, licensed professionals who get it done right the first time.
Because in home improvement, the smallest step you take before you dig could be the one that saves your home.
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About Hire It Done:
Hire It Done is a trusted resource for navigating the home improvement process, led by industry expert Adam Helfman. Focused on educating homeowners, Hire It Done provides key questions to ask contractors, especially those they may avoid answering. Through its weekly national radio show, Hire It Done offers practical advice and connects homeowners with elite contractors for a hassle-free experience. The platform has become a go-to for homeowners seeking expert guidance and reliable contractors.
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About Adam Helfman:
Adam Helfman has been Metro Detroit's trusted home improvement expert for over 35 years. As the founder of Hire It Done, he’s connected homeowners with top-quality contractors for two decades. Adam's popular Saturday morning home improvement radio show has been a go-to resource for Metro Detroiters for 18 years.
With his extensive industry experience, he knows the critical questions homeowners need to ask. Including those contractors often avoid. Tune in to hear how you can hire the right pro and avoid costly mistakes.
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