Find Certified Contractors in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Minneapolis requires building permits for most residential projects involving structural changes, major systems, or safety-related work. The City's Department of Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED) issues permits and conducts inspections.

Projects Requiring Permits:

• Basement finishing (always requires a permit)
• Decks over 200 sq ft or more than 30 inches above ground
• Roofing projects (most require permits in Minneapolis)
• Adding or removing walls, especially load-bearing walls
• Egress windows for bedrooms
• Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work

What Usually Doesn't Need a Permit:

• Painting, wallpaper, carpet, and flooring
• Replacing cabinets, shelving, or trim
• Freestanding decks under 30 inches high (but may need Zoning approval)
• Fences under 7 feet

Timeline: Work must begin and have a first inspection within 180 days of permit issuance.

More Information: Minneapolis Building Permits or call Minneapolis 311.

Minnesota requires residential building contractors, remodelers, and roofers to be licensed through the Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI). This applies to contractors working in Minneapolis and throughout the state.

How to Verify a License:

• Online: Use the DOLI iMS Licensing System—select "Continue as guest" to search without an account
• Search Options: Enter the contractor's name, company name, or license number
• By Phone: Contact DOLI at (651) 284-5034
• By Email: [email protected]

What to Check:

• License status (active, expired, or suspended)
• License type matches the work being done
• Bond and insurance are current

Specialty Trades: Electricians, plumbers, and HVAC contractors have separate licensing requirements. Verify these through DOLI as well.

Workers' Compensation: Minnesota is strict—workers' comp is required as soon as you hire your first part-time or full-time employee. Penalties for non-compliance can reach $1,000 per employee per week.

General Liability: General contractors typically need $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate. Residential contractors and remodelers must carry at least $100,000 per occurrence, $300,000 aggregate, and $25,000 property damage.

The Best Pick Promise: We verify that every Best Pick contractor holds valid general liability insurance and meets all state-mandated workers' compensation requirements. You can also verify a license directly via the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.

Minneapolis has a continental climate characterized by four distinct seasons. Winters are typically cold and snowy, with temperatures often dropping below freezing and occasional severe cold snaps. Spring brings a gradual thaw, with temperatures gradually warming up and flowers blooming.

Summers in Minneapolis are warm to hot, with average highs ranging from the 70s to the 80s Fahrenheit. Fall is marked by crisp temperatures and vibrant foliage, making it a favorite season for many residents.

With winters that can be long and harsh, heating services are essential—furnace and boiler maintenance should be scheduled before temperatures drop. Proper insulation in the attic, walls, and basement helps keep homes warm and reduces energy costs. Snow removal services, including roof snow clearing to prevent ice dam formation, are also in high demand during the coldest months.

Best Pick Reports conducts independent consumer satisfaction research in Minneapolis annually. We survey thousands of homeowners who have recently hired home service companies, analyzing their experiences to identify contractors who consistently deliver quality work.

To earn Best Pick certification in Minneapolis, companies must:

• Maintain a 4.0+ Google rating or 80%+ customer recommendation rate
• Hold all required state and local licenses
• Carry general liability insurance [+ workers' compensation where required]
• Have no unresolved complaints or regulatory violations
• Re-qualify annually through fresh consumer satisfaction surveys

We verify licensing and insurance annually for every certified company. When you hire a Best Pick contractor, you're also protected by our Best Pick Guarantee, which provides up to $2,500 in coverage if a certified company fails to meet their commitments.

Learn more about our certification process.