Construction Equipment Rental in Minneapolis, MN

About Construction Projects in Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis is the biggest city in Minnesota, and it’s still growing. Home construction hit a 10-year high in June 2017, and home prices are also at an almost all-time high. The huge U.S. Bank Stadium opened in 2016, and it will host Super Bowl LII in 2018. Before you take advantage of this growth with a large or small project, make sure you get all the licenses, insurance, permits, inspections, and equipment your business needs.

Licenses

Builders, electricians, plumbers, and roofers in Minnesota usually need one or more state licenses. You’ll also need a license if you work in more than one of these specialty trades:

• Excavation
• Masonry and concrete
• Carpentry
• Interior or exterior finishing
• Drywall and plaster

No matter what specialty you work in, you must get a license if your company’s yearly revenue is over $15,000. Fees are based on gross revenue, and licenses require a business and law exam and a trade exam. Inside Minneapolis, you’ll also need a license for these professions:

• Building wrecker
• Duct cleaner
• Gas fitter
• HVAC installer
• Oil burner installer
• Refrigeration systems installer
• Steam and hot water systems installer
• Sign hanger

Insurance

Contractors must have at least $100,000 of liability insurance coverage and $25,000 of property damage coverage. If you have employees, you’ll also need unemployment and workers’ compensation insurance. Contact the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry about any changes in your insurance to avoid fines up to $10,000. Minneapolis doesn’t have any extra requirements.

Permits

In Minneapolis, you’ll need a permit for all work that includes new structures or structural changes. Here are some of the most common projects that need permits:

• Renovations or additions
• Roofing
• Siding
• Walls or fences
• Replacing windows or doors
• Decks
• Stairs
• Flooring in condos and apartments
• Skylights
• Brick or stone facades
• Swimming pools
• Demolition of buildings over 1,000 square feet

When you apply for a permit at the Minneapolis Development Review, show your license. You can contact them for more information at 612-673-3000, and they’re open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays except on Thursdays when they open at 9 a.m. Permit fees are based on the cost of the job.

Inspections

After you get your permits, you’ll need at least one inspection. Someone must be at the site to escort the inspector, and permit fees cover inspection costs. However, you could have to pay an extra fee if you need multiple inspections. Before you make an appointment, the site should be ready for inspection.

Equipment

You’ll need the right equipment before you start working. Equipment for large jobs, like forklifts, scissor lifts, manlifts, and boom lifts, is essential but expensive. Fortunately, you can save money by renting instead of buying. Renting also lets you complete your project without having to store or maintain these big machines.

Make sure your Minneapolis business has all the licenses, insurance, permits, inspections, and equipment it needs to avoid delays or fines. Being well-prepared also makes your company more appealing to potential clients, customers, and investors.