Published August 28, 2026
Minnesota gives homeowners better tools than most states to check a contractor before signing. Almost nobody uses them. Here is the ten-minute version.
1. Verify the license number
Residential building contractors and remodelers in Minnesota are licensed by the Department of Labor and Industry and carry a license number. Ask for it in writing and look it up on the DLI license lookup. Confirm the name on the license matches the name on your contract — not a similar-sounding DBA.
Our license number is QC807391. Any contractor should hand theirs over without hesitation.
2. Get the certificate of insurance sent by the insurer
Do not accept a PDF from the contractor. Ask them to have their agent email the certificate of insurance directly to you, listing you as certificate holder. You are checking for general liability and workers' compensation. If a worker is hurt on your property and the contractor has no comp coverage, that exposure can land on your homeowners policy.
3. Insist on lien waivers
Under Minnesota lien law, a supplier or subcontractor who does not get paid can file a mechanic's lien against your property — even if you already paid the general contractor in full. Protect yourself by requiring signed lien waivers from the contractor and any major subs or suppliers with each payment. This is standard practice and no legitimate contractor will object.
4. Read the contract for these five things
- A fixed scope with materials specified by brand and model, not "or equal"
- A payment schedule tied to milestones, never a large deposit up front
- Who pulls the permit (it should be the contractor)
- Change order procedure in writing
- Start and substantial completion dates
Minnesota also gives homeowners a right to cancel certain home solicitation sales within three business days. Any contract signed at your kitchen table after a knock on the door should include that notice.
5. Storm-season red flags
- Showed up after a hailstorm with out-of-state plates
- Offers to "waive" or "cover" your deductible — that is illegal in Minnesota
- Wants you to sign an "authorization to inspect" that is actually a contract contingent on claim approval
- Pressures you to sign before the adjuster comes out
- Large cash deposit, no physical local address
6. Check the work, not just the reviews
Ask for three addresses of similar jobs completed in the last year in your area. Drive by. Reviews can be bought; a two-year-old deck cannot.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I check if a Minnesota contractor is licensed?
Ask for the license number in writing and look it up on the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry license lookup. Confirm the licensed name matches the name on your contract.
Can a contractor legally waive my insurance deductible in Minnesota?
No. Offering to absorb or rebate your deductible is illegal in Minnesota and is a strong signal to walk away.
What is a lien waiver and why do I need one?
It is a signed release confirming a contractor, sub, or supplier has been paid. Without it, an unpaid sub can file a mechanic lien on your home even if you paid the general contractor in full.