Minnesota Homeowner’s Guide: Why Licensed Trades Are Critical
Protect Your Home, Your Family, and Your Investment
In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, our homes endure extreme weather that puts immense pressure on our electrical and plumbing systems. When these systems need repair, who you hire is the difference between a safe home and a major liability. In Minnesota, hiring a licensed professional isn't just a recommendation—it’s the law.
What "Licensed" Means in Minnesota
A license from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) is more than just a piece of paper. To earn a Journeyman or Master license in MN, a professional has:
Completed 4 to 5 years (approx. 7,000–8,000 hours) of documented on-the-job training.
Passed a rigorous state-administered technical exam.
Proven knowledge of the Minnesota Electrical Code or Minnesota Plumbing Code.
Maintained their credentials through mandatory continuing education.
The "Apprentice" Rule: They Cannot Work Alone
In Minnesota, apprentices are officially known as Registered Unlicensed Individuals. While they are essential to the trade, they are legally "in training."
The Law of Direct Supervision
According to Minnesota Statutes (326B.47 and 326B.33):
Physical Presence: A licensed Journeyman or Master must be physically present at the job site.
No "Remote" Supervision: Under MN law, electronic supervision (phone, text, or video) does not count. If the lead isn't in the building, the work must stop.
The 1:2 Ratio (Electrical): In Minnesota, one licensed electrician can supervise a maximum of two unlicensed individuals. If you see three "helpers" and only one lead, your job site may be out of compliance.
Trailblazer Tip!
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Trailblazer Tip! 〰️
If a contractor tells you, "I'm going to drop my guy off to start and I'll check in later," they are asking you to allow illegal work in your home.
Why Cutting Corners Costs More in MN
🛡️ Insurance Denials
If an electrical fire or major plumbing flood is traced back to unlicensed work, Minnesota insurers have the right to deny your claim entirely. You could be left paying for the full cost of home reconstruction out of pocket.
💰 The "Pay Twice" Penalty
Unpermitted work is a major red flag during professional home inspections. If a buyer’s inspector finds unrecorded repairs, you will likely be forced to hire a licensed pro to tear it all out and redo it correctly before the sale can close.
📜 Permit Roadblocks
In the state of Minnesota, permits are a legal safeguard. Only licensed contractors—or homeowners who physically reside in the home—are legally allowed to pull them. Unlicensed "handymen" cannot secure the necessary city inspections to prove the work is safe.
🏢 Rental Property Restrictions
Minnesota law is even stricter for landlords. If you own a rental property, you are legally prohibited from doing major electrical or plumbing work yourself. All trade work on rental units must be performed by a licensed contractor to ensure tenant safety.
“Choosing an unlicensed “handyman” for skilled trades might save $100 today, but it can cost thousands tomorrow”
How to Verify a License in Seconds
Minnesota provides a public portal called iMS to check any contractor's status. Before you sign a contract, verify they are "Active" and "Issued."
Follow these three steps:
Ask for the Pocket License: Every Minnesota electrician and plumber is required to carry their DLI license card.
Match the Name: Ensure the person standing in your home is the person named on the license.
Search the DLI Portal: Use the Minnesota DLI License Lookup to confirm their bond and insurance are up to date.
The Bottom Line
Your home will be one of your largest financial investments. Don't gamble with it. When it comes to Minnesota’s skilled trades:
Always hire Licensed Journeyman or Master pros.
Never allow an unlicensed individual to work alone.
Always verify the license, ask to see it—a true professional will be proud to show it as they are required to keep it on them.
The Ultimate Safety Net: Professional Home Inspection
Even if you follow all the rules and hire licensed professionals, your home likely has a history of repairs and DIY projects from previous owners. This is where "peace of mind" becomes reality.
At Trailblazer Home Inspections, we specialize in identifying exactly what’s happening behind your walls. Whether you’ve recently finished a renovation or are looking to purchase a new home in Minnesota, our mission is to ensure those critical electrical and plumbing systems are not just "working," but are safe, legal, and built to last. Trailblazer Home Inspections will know what permits have been pulled and what has not been closed before arriving to your home.
Don't Leave Your Safety to Chance
A licensed electrician keeps the lights on while the licensed plumbers keeps the water flowing; a Trailblazer Home Inspection ensures your entire home is a safe haven for your family. We catch the "unlicensed" mistakes that others hide, protecting your investment and your future.
Ready for total peace of mind? Before you buy, sell, or sign off on your next major home project, make sure it passes the Trailblazer test.
Serving Minnesota homeowners with integrity, expertise, and a commitment to safety.