What does a general contractor do?

<div>General contractors are the ones that coordinate home construction projects. They are in charge of the day-to-day oversight of the subcontractors to ensure that the project is completed on time and to resolve problems as they arise. General contractors:<ul><li>Complete pre-construction planning, both with the customer and crew</li><li>Provide realistic cost estimates</li><li>Develop construction timelines</li><li>Ensure deadlines are met</li><li>Acquire permits as needed</li><li>Purchase supplies and materials</li></ul></div>

What questions should I ask a general contractor?

<div>Before hiring a general contractor for your home project, it’s a great idea to write down a list of questions to discuss with each prospect. Some example questions to get you started include:<ul><li>Which types of insurance do you carry?</li><li>Can you provide a list of references?</li><li>What is the expected timeline for this project?</li><li>How will my project be supervised?</li><li>Will you hire subcontractors for the job?</li><li>What is the best way to communicate changes?</li><li>Will you obtain all of the required building permits?</li></ul></div>

Should general contractors be certified or licensed?

<div>While city and state laws vary on general contractor licensing requirements, hiring an unlicensed general contractor could lead to poor quality work, costly future expenses, and potential code violations. Be sure to check our <a href="https://www.angi.com/angi-license-check.htm">state licensing tool</a> to review the local general contractor guidelines for your area.As you browse our pro listings, take note of the “Angi Approved” badge. Angi Approved businesses meet our standards for certification which include: <ul><li>The owner, principal, or relevant manager passed a criminal background check</li><li>Required to have applicable state and local licenses</li><li>Maintain an average star rating of 3.0 or better on our network, if they have at least one review</li><li>Paying to advertise their services</li><li>Meeting any other eligibility criteria required by Angi</li></ul>Keep in mind licensing is different from certifications. A license is a legal requirement to operate a business, while certifications are voluntary.</div>

Top 10 Best Contractors in Minneapolis, MN

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Verified Reviews for Contractor Service pros in Minneapolis, MN

*The Angi rating for Contractor Service companies in Minneapolis, MN is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Contractor Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Contractor Service companies in Minneapolis, MN is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Contractor Service needs.

Last update on August 04, 2025

Reviewed in August 2020
Northrup is truly a wonderful company. Bob Nentl communicated with us throughout the project and the carpentry was beautifully done, so the porch/sunroom looks like it was original to our 1913 home. Top-notch professionals, and we'd rehire them for any home improvement project.
Northrup Remodeling, Roofing & Exteriors
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Reviewed in February 2014
JNJ Carpentry LLC did a great job.
JNJ Carpentry LLC
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Reviewed in December 2012
ditional storage. Now, our old bed is very comfortable to sleep on. They also did creative carpentry as part of our kitchen remodel, creating a special drawer for recycling bags under a new extension of our counter top. It is beautiful, functional and creative.
JCJ CONSTRUCTION
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Reviewed in June 2008
Great. I also told him I had some carpentry work & he set that up for the same day. I left the house at 9:00 am came back from work at 4:00pm. Every thing was done and what a difference. The floors are so clean and shiny. The wood carpentry was great. They cleaned up wonderfully. I would highly...
MR SANDLESS
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Reviewed in July 2007
Greg and Roger did an absolutely beautiful job of carpentry and were able to make things look consistent despite our house's many idiosyncrasies. Their knowledge and expertise in working with older construction in South Minneapolis was invaluable. They got the job done right and we are so...
MUELLER CONSTRUCTION INC
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Reviewed in January 2007
We shook hands on the project in early June 2006, stupidly omitting the formality of a signed contract (although we've worked with several contractors on that basis in this area before). Mr. Gordon said he would complete the project the following week. He did not begin work for several weeks,...
BADGER STATE EXCAVATING
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Reviewed in July 2006
Did a great job, I had to call them back for one item that was unfinished, but it was finished. When I called the office about the unfinished item, she offered to have them come back for $250, I said 6' of space wasn't worth that. She asked what I would pay, and I said $25 and that's what they...
Midwest LeafGuard
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Reviewed in June 2002
HE PERSONALLY CAME OUT AND OVERSAW THE WORK BEING DONE. HE DID MOST OF THE CARPENTRY WORK HIMSELF. HE IS A SUPER NICE GUY. I FELT COMFORTABLE ENOUGH WITH HIM TO LEAVE HOUSE KEY AND ALARM CODE. I DO KNOW THAT AT LEAST FIVE PEOPLE ON OUR STREET HAVE CONTRACTED WITH HIM BECAUSE THEY SAW THE WORK HE...
RENISSANCE PAINTING / A-1 PERFECTION PAINTING
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Reviewed in May 2001
I HAD A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH PAUL AND HIS CREW. THEY WORKED ON MY JOB IN THE MIDDLE OF WINTER, ALL DEMO AND THE INITIAL SETTING OF FIVE HUGE WINDOWS WERE DONE IN ONE DAY. THEN THE TRIM CARPENTRY WAS DONE OVER THE COURSE OF THE FOLLOWING WEEK. THE WHOLE JOB WAS DONE PROMPTLY AND...
SILVERTREE CONSTRUCTION INC
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Contractors in Minneapolis

CHRIS ELPERS CARPENTRY & REMODELING INC

CHRIS ELPERS CARPENTRY & REMODELING INC

Customers say: Quick response

25 years of experience

Free onsite estimate

A local business that prides itself in high quality work and personalized customer service. Specializing in Interior & Exterior Carpentry * Trim & Framing & Remodeling * Custom Cabinetry. and more.ASK ABOUT ANGIE'S LIST DISCOUNT. LICENSE: MN# 20381473

"Chris did an excellent job installing our medicine cabinet. He inserted a wood block and plastered the sides to help for the space that wasn’t a perfect fit. He was a professional communicator and adaptable to my schedule. Would recommend for a friend and would use his service again (hopefully not too often!)"

David W on June 2024

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

49 local quotes requested

We offer quality and affordable carpentry services.

"Excellent!!! Rick came out, bid the job, and did the job on the same day. A had a couple of crescent shaped windows needing inside trim work. Finished like a true professional! This guy knows what he’s doing. Very happy customer!😊 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"

Susan J on June 2025

We offer quality and affordable carpentry services.

Susan J on June 2025

JTS Carpentry & Remodeling

JTS Carpentry & Remodeling

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

194 local quotes requested

At JTS Carpentry, we specialize in creating finely crafted interior spaces that elevate the overall design and aesthetic of residential and commercial projects. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for woodworking, we take pride in delivering custom woodwork, intricate moldings, elegant cabinetry, and other bespoke carpentry solutions that enhance the beauty and functionality of any space.

"Everything went great. Jordan was very professional and attentive. highly recommend him."

Jesse S on November 2023

"Everything went great. Jordan was very professional and attentive. highly recommend him."

Jesse S on November 2023

Blue Sky Contractors LLC

Blue Sky Contractors LLC

Customers say: Quick response

3 years of experience

We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

"Tyler got the job done right, and went above and beyond. Deck flooring and railing replacement project. Quality of workmanship and materials was superior. Tyler listened to my ideas and proposed different solutions at different price points. He even painted the deck uprights, and went out of his way to replace a corner siding trim piece that was loose and in rough shape from a previous repair done by someone else. I would definitely hire Tyler again."

James W on July 2025

Bravo Construction Services LLC

Bravo Construction Services LLC

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

5 years of experience

"It was fantastic. Minimum maintenance required. Professional, clean, and fast for a reasonable price."

Shane C on January 2021

"It was fantastic. Minimum maintenance required. Professional, clean, and fast for a reasonable price."

Shane C on January 2021

Customers say: Quality work

6 years of experience

Free onsite estimate

Black Dog Built assists in all aspects of the renovation process, from design through construction. Projects ranging from a guest bathroom upgrade to a full home renovation, will be treated with innovation, craft and creativity. With a background in construction and sculpture, we will refine your home's style, with structural integrity and aesthetic detail. Brian has a Master of Science degree (M.S.) in Construction Management from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, and a Bachelor of Fine Art (B.F.A.) in Sculpture from Georgia State University. He has been in the construction industry for his entire professional career, ranging from single-handedly crafting artisan doors to overseeing multi-million dollar renovations as a Project Manager in Minneapolis, MN.

"Great experience with Black Dog Built. Easy to work with and good communication. Project was completed on time and budget and looks amazing! Iâ d highly recommend hiring them!"

Pat W on May 2023

"Great experience with Black Dog Built. Easy to work with and good communication. Project was completed on time and budget and looks amazing! Iâ d highly recommend hiring them!"

Pat W on May 2023

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

64 local quotes requested

Satin Touch, Inc., is a locally owned and operated company that values quality work in all aspects of the business. Our dedicated team of professionals have 100+ years of hands on experience to provide innovative ideas and suggestions tailored to your projects. Our services are custom to your individual needs, paying close attention to the details of your project. We specialize in fire restoration and home improvement projects.

"Satin Touch came and skillfully installed my back fence, completing it in just a few hours. Their work was excellent, and the workers were both professional and courteous. They listened to me, and gave me exactly the result I was hoping for. I would definitely hire them again!"

Cynthia W on January 2025

Iron & Oak, LLC

6971 Washington Avenue South

6971 Washington Avenue South

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

27 local quotes requested

Iron & Oak, LLC aims to be the Twin Cities Premier custom remodeler. If you are looking for a team with reliability, honesty, and integrity to go with unmatchable craftsmanship and communication we are the team for you! With over 40 years of combined construction experience, we can handle any bathroom, kitchen, basement, deck, or addition project as well as custom trim and wood products! Big enough to serve you well, and fast, small enough to be personable. If you are looking for the lowest price, we may not be the best for you, but if you are looking for Reliability, Integrity, Honesty, and Craftsmanship we are the right fit for you!

"I would recommend Iron & Oak to anyone. We decided to replace an old and falling apart solarium on the back of our house and wanted a three season screen porch on the same footprint. We had a number of contractors out to bid on the project.. some that provided low-cost, cookie cutter aluminum porches, some that were custom builders. In the end for us, due to the communication, dedication to quality, and reasonable value, we went with Iron & Oak. The entire process: the initial consultation with Peter, the planning of the project with Jake, and the team that they brought out to build the porch were all A+. On top of that, there is a value working with good people. Even when there were bumps in the road during the construction process, which is the norm and for the most part unavoidable, Iron & Oak was clear with their intention to take care of us as their customer and they followed up on that. They went above and beyond with this project and we are so happy that we made the decision to work with them."

Sam T on June 2024

21 years of experience

Gray Duck Remodeling LLC is a full service general contractor offering remodeling and handyperson services in the Twin Cities metro area. We specialize in updating vintage homes while maintaining the architectural charm, specifically porches, windows, doors and interior carpentry. We are a small company with lots of experience and capacity for larger projects. 20 years in construction and an education in construction management means your project will receive the budgeting, scheduling and hands-on attention it deserves.

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Home maintenance, everything from small tasks to large more involved jobs. Interior and exterior complete maintenance of structures and grounds. We are very familiar and compliant with all state federal and local codes and to all safety laws rules and ethics in the maintenance and building industries. We are a father son's Business structured and organized over 35 years ago as maintenance engineers which grew into general contracting for many years. Now we are a multi talented, multi trade company, licensed and insured.

"Easy to work with. They arrived on time and got right to work. Did a good job, kept things neat and cleaned up nicely when they were done."

Mike V on August 2024

"Easy to work with. They arrived on time and got right to work. Did a good job, kept things neat and cleaned up nicely when they were done."

Mike V on August 2024

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FAQs for contractor service projects in Minneapolis, MN

Generally, general contractors charge between $50 and $150 hourly, though not every contractor charges by the hour. If charging based on the project, you can expect a markup of 10% to 20% of the construction cost. You can expect to pay between $300 and $500 daily if charged by the day.

General contractors are the ones that coordinate home construction projects. They are in charge of the day-to-day oversight of the subcontractors to ensure that the project is completed on time and to resolve problems as they arise. General contractors:

Complete pre-construction planning, both with the customer and crew
Provide realistic cost estimates
Develop construction timelines
Ensure deadlines are met
Acquire permits as needed
Purchase supplies and materials

Before hiring a general contractor for your home project, it’s a great idea to write down a list of questions to discuss with each prospect. Some example questions to get you started include:

Which types of insurance do you carry?
Can you provide a list of references?
What is the expected timeline for this project?
How will my project be supervised?
Will you hire subcontractors for the job?
What is the best way to communicate changes?
Will you obtain all of the required building permits?

While city and state laws vary on general contractor licensing requirements, hiring an unlicensed general contractor could lead to poor quality work, costly future expenses, and potential code violations. Be sure to check our state licensing tool to review the local general contractor guidelines for your area.

As you browse our pro listings, take note of the “Angi Approved” badge. Angi Approved businesses meet our standards for certification which include:

The owner, principal, or relevant manager passed a criminal background check
Required to have applicable state and local licenses
Maintain an average star rating of 3.0 or better on our network, if they have at least one review
Paying to advertise their services
Meeting any other eligibility criteria required by Angi

Keep in mind licensing is different from certifications. A license is a legal requirement to operate a business, while certifications are voluntary.

Yes, most general contractors require a down payment for project completion. A reasonable down payment for a contractor is 10% to 25% of the total project cost, though that will vary based on project size and location. The down payment helps cover the upfront costs of materials and permits and helps ensure payment for the project at hand.