General Contractor Contractors in Minnesota

How to Hire a General Contractor in Minnesota

A general contractor manages a construction project from start to finish: pulling permits, scheduling and supervising subcontractors such as electricians and plumbers, ordering materials, and making sure the work passes inspection. You hire one when a project involves several trades at once, such as an addition, a major remodel or rebuilding after damage, and you want a single company responsible for the result.

What to check before you hire

• Verify the contractor's license with your state or local licensing board, because many jurisdictions license general contractors separately from individual trades.
• Ask for proof of general liability and workers' compensation insurance, and ask that their subcontractors carry it too.
• Get a written contract with a detailed scope, payment schedule tied to completed milestones, and a clear change-order process.
• Ask who the day-to-day project manager or site lead will be and how often you will get updates.
• Ask how subcontractors get paid, and request lien waivers with each payment so you are protected if a sub goes unpaid.

Questions to ask every contractor

• Which parts of the work will your own crew do, and which will subcontractors handle?
• Who is responsible for pulling permits and scheduling inspections?
• How do you handle change orders and unexpected conditions found behind walls?
• What does your warranty cover after the project is finished?

Frequently asked questions

When do I need a general contractor instead of a single trade?

If your project needs more than one trade, such as framing, plumbing, electrical and finishing, a general contractor coordinates everything and is responsible for the whole job. For a single task like a water heater swap, hire that trade directly.

What is a change order?

A change order is a written agreement to modify the original scope, cost or schedule. Insist that every change is documented and signed before the work is done so there are no surprises on the final bill.

How much should I pay up front?

Deposit limits are set by some states, and payment schedules vary. A common approach is a modest deposit followed by payments tied to completed milestones, never paying far ahead of the work.