How to Vet a Remodeling Contractor in Minnesota: 10 Questions That Protect Your Home and Your Budget

By Tom Henjum, President, Boyer Building Corporation

Why the Contractor Selection Process Matters

A remodeling project is more than a construction project.

For months, you’re trusting a team with access to your home, your family routines, and significant financial investment.

The best contractor isn’t necessarily the cheapest.

The best contractor is the one who demonstrates professionalism, transparency, communication, proven processes, and a history of successful projects.

At Boyer Building, we’ve spent more than 70 years helping Twin Cities homeowners navigate complex remodeling and custom home projects. Our approach is built on thoughtful planning, detailed communication, experienced project management, and craftsmanship that stands the test of time.

When homeowners ask us what separates successful projects from stressful ones, the answer is simple: The right contractor makes all the difference.

How to Go About Choosing the Right Contractor

Choosing a remodeling contractor can feel overwhelming. Most homeowners remodel only a handful of times in their lives, yet the decisions they make during contractor selection will impact their construction experience, finances, daily routine, and home value for years to come.

The good news? Most remodeling headaches can be avoided by asking the right questions before selecting a contractor and signing a contract.

If the project is important like planning a kitchen remodel, home addition, whole-home renovation, or custom home project in Minnesota, here are ten questions every homeowner should ask before hiring a contractor.

1. Are You Properly Licensed in Minnesota?

This is the first question—and one of the most important. Ask for their license number.  A legitimate contractor will gladly provide it – and then can be verified through the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry

Minnesota requires residential building contractors and remodelers to hold an active state license. Licensed contractors must meet state requirements, maintain insurance coverage, and comply with continuing education standards.

Don’t simply take a contractor’s word for it.

2. Do You Carry Liability and Workers’ Compensation Insurance?

Ask for proof of insurance and confirm the coverage is current.

Licensing and insurance are not the same thing.

If an accident occurs on your property or damage happens during construction, proper insurance protects both the homeowner and contractor.

Minnesota licensed contractors must maintain liability insurance and comply with workers’ compensation requirements.

3. Who Will Actually Be Working in My Home?

Many homeowners assume the person who sells the project is the person managing it.

That isn’t usually the case.

Ask:

• Who will be in my house?
• Who is my day-to-day contact?
• Will there be a dedicated project manager?
• How often will I receive updates?
• What subcontractors will be involved?

At Boyer Building, typically the project is assigned a dedicated Project Manager & Field Supervisor who serve as the homeowner’s primary point of communication from start to finish. We believe transparency reduces stress and prevents surprises.

4. Can You Walk Me Through Your Remodeling Process?

Experienced contractors follow a defined process.

You should understand:

• Design and planning timelines
• Material selections
• Permit acquisition
• Construction scheduling
• Change order procedures
• Final walkthrough expectations

A contractor who cannot clearly explain their process may not be organized enough for complicated project.

The best remodeling experiences happen when homeowners know what to expect before construction begins.

5. What Does Your Contract Include?

A quality contract protects everyone involved.  There should be no pressure to sign a contract other than the desire to get the project started.

It should clearly define:

• Scope of work
• Materials and specifications
• Project allowances
• Payment schedule
• Timeline expectations
• Change order procedures
• Warranty information

Minnesota’s Department of Labor and Industry specifically recommends detailed contracts with clear payment schedules, timelines, and written change order requirements.

6. How Are Payments Structured?

Be cautious of contractors requesting large upfront payments before work begins.

Professional contractors typically establish milestone-based payment schedules tied to project progress.

Payments should correspond with completed work, inspections, and material procurement.  Monies paid should be similar to work performed & ordered.

A clear payment structure protects both parties and provides accountability throughout construction.

In addition, like here at Boyer Building, if there is a need for a Design Agreement, we will have this payment request come first so that we can start on your design needs as soon as possible.

7. How Do You Handle Changes During Construction?

Changes happen.

You may decide to upgrade materials, alter layouts, or add features once work begins.

Ask how changes are documented and approved.

At Boyer Building, every project change is reviewed, priced, and approved through a formal change order process. This ensures homeowners understand cost and schedule impacts before decisions are made.

Beware of any verbal approvals by your contractor that is not documented.

8. What Is a Realistic Timeline for My Project?

One of the biggest frustrations homeowners experience is unrealistic scheduling.

Ask contractors:

• When can work begin?
• What could impact the timeline?
• How are delays communicated?
• How often will I receive schedule updates?

A trustworthy contractor discusses potential challenges openly rather than promising unrealistic completion dates.

Construction schedules involve permitting, inspections, material lead times, weather conditions, and labor coordination.

Honest expectations are always better than unrealistic promises. Keep in mind that Minnesota has a seasonal construction season where projects take longer during the busy summer season than the rest of the year.

9. Can I Speak with Recent Clients?

Online reviews are helpful, but direct conversations often reveal more.

Ask for references from projects completed by your contractor.

Questions to ask former clients:

• Would you hire them again?
• Was communication consistent?
• Did the project finish close to schedule?
• Were budget discussions transparent?

Pay attention to recurring themes. Strong contractors earn repeat business and referrals because clients trust the experience, not just the final product.

At Boyer Building, a significant portion of our work comes from returning clients and referrals—one of the strongest indicators of long-term customer satisfaction.

10. How Do You Handle Problems When They Occur?

Every remodeling project encounters challenges.

The difference between a great contractor and a poor one is how those challenges are handled.

Ask:

• What happens if a material is delayed?
• How are unexpected conditions addressed?
• Who communicates issues and solutions?

Professional contractors do not hide problems. They communicate early, present options, and work collaboratively toward solutions.

Warning Signs Homeowners Shouldn’t Ignore

Over the years, we’ve heard many stories from homeowners who wished they had asked more questions before signing.

Watch for:

• Limited experience and company history
• High-pressure sales tactics
• Extremely low bids compared to competitors
• Lack of written documentation
• Poor communication before work begins
• Requests for unusual payment methods
• No physical business presence
• Difficulty providing references

If something feels off during the proposal stage, it often becomes more difficult once construction begins.