Contractors and Repair Shops in Minnesota
Licensing, written contracts, deposits and estimates for home improvement contractors and auto repair shops in Minnesota.
Short answer: Residential building contractors and residential remodelers must be licensed by the state. Exemptions include owners improving their own home or rental property and specialty contractors with gross annual receipts of $15,000 or less who obtain a certificate of exemption. Minn. Stat. §§ 326B.805, 326B.809
| Home improvement contractors | Residential building contractors and residential remodelers must be licensed by the state. Exemptions include owners improving their own home or rental property and specialty contractors with gross annual receipts of $15,000 or less who obtain a certificate of exemption. All agreements (bids, contracts, change orders) must be in writing, describe the work and materials, state the total price or how it will be calculated, include written performance guidelines, and be signed and dated by both sides, with a copy given to the customer at no charge. |
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| Auto repair rules | If the customer asks, a repair shop must give a written estimate before starting repairs, and must tell the customer about any separate storage, service call or estimate charges. A shop may not charge more than 110% of the estimate unless it gives a revised written estimate and the customer authorizes the extra work. Shops may not charge for unauthorized repairs or do repairs they know are unnecessary. For repairs over $50, the customer must receive a dated, itemized invoice that states whether parts are new, used, rebuilt or reconditioned. |
Where to get help in Minnesota
More Minnesota consumer protection
- The Lemon Law in Minnesota
- Your Right to Cancel a Purchase in Minnesota
- Filing a Consumer Complaint in Minnesota
- All Minnesota consumer protection rules
FAQ
What are the rules for home improvement contractors in Minnesota?
Residential building contractors and residential remodelers must be licensed by the state. Exemptions include owners improving their own home or rental property and specialty contractors with gross annual receipts of $15,000 or less who obtain a certificate of exemption. All agreements (bids, contracts, change orders) must be in writing, describe the work and materials, state the total price or how it will be calculated, include written performance guidelines, and be signed and dated by both sides, with a copy given to the customer at no charge.
What are your rights with an auto repair shop in Minnesota?
If the customer asks, a repair shop must give a written estimate before starting repairs, and must tell the customer about any separate storage, service call or estimate charges. A shop may not charge more than 110% of the estimate unless it gives a revised written estimate and the customer authorizes the extra work. Shops may not charge for unauthorized repairs or do repairs they know are unnecessary. For repairs over $50, the customer must receive a dated, itemized invoice that states whether parts are new, used, rebuilt or reconditioned.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.