The remodel, step by step
- Plan the project. Decide what you want, what it needs to fix, and a budget range. This often takes longer than the build (see timelines below).
- Get written estimates. Minnesota law says every proposal, estimate and contract from a licensed contractor must be in writing, with a detailed summary of the work, the materials, and the total price or how it will be calculated (Minn. Stat. 326B.809). See how to read a contractor estimate.
- Check the license. Remodelers must be licensed by the state, and the license number has to be on their contracts, ads and website (326B.805, 326B.87). Here's how to check.
- Sign the contract. Before you sign, the contractor must give you written performance guidelines, and you get a signed, dated copy of everything (326B.809). The contract should include the state's lien notice (more on that below). In homes built before 1978, the contractor must give you EPA's Renovate Right lead pamphlet before work starts (EPA).
- Permits. The contractor applies for the building permit, often with plans for review. Plumbing, mechanical and electrical work need separate permits. One metro city tells applicants to allow 7 to 10 working days for plan review (Coon Rapids); your city may differ.
- Order materials. Cabinets, windows, tile and special-order items can take weeks to arrive, so they're ordered as early as possible.
- Demolition. Old finishes come out, and hidden problems (rot, old wiring, water damage) show up here if they exist.
- Rough-ins and inspections. Framing, plumbing, electrical and ductwork go in, and inspectors check them before the walls close. Minnesota electrical work is inspected by the state or, in some cities, the city (MN DLI); plumbing permits must be pulled by a licensed plumbing contractor (MN DLI).
- Insulation inspection, then drywall. Insulation is inspected before it's covered (Coon Rapids).
- Finishes. Tile, flooring, cabinets, counters, trim, fixtures and paint.
- Final inspections. Trade finals come first, then the final building inspection. Smoke and CO alarms are checked at the final (Coon Rapids, Inver Grove Heights).
- Walkthrough and punch list. Walk the job with the contractor, list anything that isn't right, and get it fixed before final payment.
A real inspection sequence
Here's how one Dakota County city lists the inspections for a basement finish or remodel, which must be completed and approved in order (Inver Grove Heights):
- Electrical rough-in
- Framing, insulation, mechanical rough-in and plumbing rough-in (installed but not covered)
- Electrical final
- Building, mechanical and plumbing finals
The approved plans and permit card stay on site until the final building inspection. Requirements vary by project and city.
How long it takes
In Houzz's study of 2019 projects, kitchens took the longest: an average of 8.3 months to plan and 4.5 months to build. Primary bathrooms averaged 3.2 months of construction. Houzz's takeaway: planning can take twice as long as construction (Houzz). Smaller jobs move much faster, but the pattern holds: the more decided you are before demo day, the smoother the build.
Living through it
Most people stay home. In Houzz's kitchen study, 66% of remodeling homeowners stayed in the house, 26% moved out partially and 8% moved out entirely (Houzz). Plan for dust, noise and a temporary kitchen or bathroom setup, and ask your contractor how they'll contain dust and protect the rest of the house.
Minnesota-specific: test for radon
More than two in five Minnesota homes have radon levels that pose a significant health risk (MDH). The Minnesota Department of Health recommends testing before and after finishing a basement, adding an addition, making energy efficiency upgrades like new windows or insulation, or installing a kitchen vent hood (MDH).
Your warranty under Minnesota law
| Work | Warranty |
|---|---|
| All home improvement work | 1 year: free from defects from faulty workmanship or defective materials due to noncompliance with building standards |
| Plumbing, electrical, heating or cooling | 2 years: free from defects from faulty installation |
| Major structural changes or additions | 1 year workmanship and materials, plus 10 years against major construction defects |
Source: Minn. Stat. 327A.02. The Attorney General notes the home improvement warranty starts when the project is completed, and problems must be reported within six months of discovering them (MN Attorney General).
Your right to cancel
- If the contractor came to you (a sale made at your home, not at their place of business), you can cancel until midnight of the third business day (Minn. Stat. 325G.07).
- Insurance-paid work: you can cancel within 72 hours after your insurer tells you the claim was denied (Minn. Stat. 326B.811).