Guides for homeowners

Plain answers to the questions that come up before you hire. Each guide is written from official sources and lists them.

• Do I Need a Permit in Duluth, MN? Rules by Project

  Which home projects need a permit in Duluth, MN and which do not, who should pull it, the 2026 flat fees, and what happens if work starts without one.

  Checked November 12, 2026

• Electrical Work in Minnesota: Permits and Who Can Do It

  Who may do electrical work on a Minnesota house, when you can do your own, how to get a permit, who inspects it, and how to check an electrician's license.

  Checked November 12, 2026

• How Do I Know a Plumber Is Legit in Minnesota?

  How to check a Minnesota plumber's license, what each license level allows, the bond and insurance limits, and how permits, inspections and complaints work.

  Checked November 12, 2026

• How to Check a Contractor's License in Minnesota

  Three steps to check a Minnesota contractor's license with the state before you hire, how to read the license number, and what our listings show.

  Checked November 12, 2026

• Ice Dams in Minnesota: Causes, Fixes and What Not to Do

  What causes ice dams, what to do when water comes in, what makes them worse, and who fixes the cause. From University of Minnesota and state sources.

  Checked November 12, 2026

• Licensed, Bonded and Insured in Minnesota: What It Means

  What licensed, registered, bonded and insured each mean for a Minnesota contractor, who must have which, and what protection each one gives a homeowner.

  Checked November 12, 2026

• Mechanic's Liens in Minnesota: How to Avoid Paying Twice

  How mechanic's liens work on a Minnesota home: who can file, the notices you should get, the 45-day and 120-day deadlines, lien waivers and safe payments.

  Checked November 12, 2026

• Minnesota Contractor Recovery Fund: How to Get Paid

  A licensed Minnesota contractor took your money or left the job. Who can claim from the Contractor Recovery Fund, the steps, deadlines, limits and documents.

  Checked November 12, 2026

• Minnesota Home Warranty Law: New Homes and Remodeling

  Minnesota law puts one-, two- and ten-year warranties on a new home sale, and some of them on home improvements. Coverage, the six-month notice rule and steps.

  Checked November 12, 2026

• Problem With a Contractor in Minnesota? Your Options

  Bad work, a job left unfinished or a contractor who will not fix it: the steps for Minnesota homeowners, from a state complaint to court and the Recovery Fund.

  Checked November 12, 2026

• Storm Damage in Minnesota: Roofers and Insurance Claims

  After hail or wind, know your rights before you sign with a roofer in Minnesota: deductibles, the 72-hour cancel rule, authorization forms and red flags.

  Checked November 12, 2026

• Who Needs a Contractor License in Minnesota?

  The Minnesota contractor license test for homeowners and contractors: who needs one, who is exempt, the eight special skills, fees, exams and penalties.

  Checked November 12, 2026