Licenses are required for all residential building contractors and remodelers in Minnesota who contract with a homeowner to construct or improve dwellings by offering more than one special skill.
The easiest kind of contractor's license is a Class “B” Contractor's License. This license allows you to do general contracting work. There are also licenses for specialty contracting work called a Class “C” Contractor's License.
While most residential building contractors need a license to work in the state of Minnesota, there are a few exceptions. You don't need a license if: You're an employee of a licensed contractor or a subcontractor who doesn't work directly with the homeowner. Your work is limited to buildings with more than four units.
Handymen are exempt if making under $15,000/year in a single trade. No distinction between “major” or “minor” repairs – all handyman work over the limit requires a license. Property owners never need a license for working on their own residence.
A Building Permit is not required for: Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work.
Who does not need a contractor license? Residential building contractors whose gross annual receipts from their residential activities are less than $15,000 and have a Certificate of Exemption.
The exam consists of 110 multiple choice questions and a score of 70% or higher is required to pass. Roughly 60% of the exam questions relate to the provisions of the Minnesota Residential Building Code and the rest relate to the statutes and rules governing the various aspects of the residential construction industry.
Contractors looking to apply for a license will go through Minnesota's Department of Labor and Industry. General contractors will need a residential building license, while subcontractors performing work in more than one of the following trades also require a license: Excavation. Masonry/concrete.
You may also file a complaint by: email at dlintractor@state.mn; or. calling 651-284-5069 or 800-342-5354.