Minnesota Residential Remodeler Contractor Book Package

Prepare for the Minnesota Residential Remodeler licensing examination with a focused book package built around the residential code, state statutes, administrative rules, and federal manufactured-home requirements used to regulate residential remodeling work in Minnesota. The Minnesota Residential Remodeler Contractor Book Package brings together the core references needed to study residential construction standards, remodeling requirements, contractor law, warranties, worker classification, licensing responsibilities, mechanics’ liens, manufactured housing, and other subjects covered by the state’s Qualifying Remodeler examination.

The Minnesota Residential Remodeler license is administered by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. A residential remodeling business must designate a qualifying person who passes the state’s Qualifying Remodeler examination before the company can apply for the Residential Remodeler license.

The Residential Remodeler license is designed for businesses performing qualifying residential construction work on existing structures. It is different from the Residential Building Contractor license, which also allows new residential construction. Candidates preparing for the remodeler examination should therefore understand both the technical requirements involved in modifying existing homes and the Minnesota laws governing residential contracting businesses.

This package includes Minnesota Statutes Chapters 176, 181, 326B, 327A, 327B, 333, and 514, the Minnesota Residential Code, 2020 Edition, Minnesota Rules Chapters 1300, 1303, 1309, 1315, 1322, 1350, 1360, and 2891, and applicable sections of the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 24. Together, these materials support both the construction-code and contractor-law sides of the licensing examination.

These materials support preparation for technical remodeling questions as well as the statutes and rules governing the residential construction industry. Candidates should be comfortable working with code provisions for existing residential structures and understanding the legal obligations that apply to a licensed remodeling business.

Exam Details

The examination required for the Minnesota Residential Remodeler license is the Qualifying Remodeler examination. The business’s designated qualifying person must pass the examination before the company can proceed with its license application.

• Exam: Minnesota Qualifying Remodeler Examination
• Licensing Agency: Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry
• Total Questions: 110 multiple-choice questions
• Time Allowed: 5.5 hours
• Passing Score: 70%
• Exam Format: Open book using references supplied for the examination
• Code Emphasis: Roughly 60% of the examination relates to Minnesota Residential Building Code provisions
• Law and Rules Emphasis: The remaining questions address statutes and rules governing the residential construction industry
• Prerequisite Experience: No prerequisite experience or educational requirement is required to take the Residential Remodeler examination

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry’s examination guide identifies a Residential Remodeler content outline that includes plans and specifications, energy-code envelope criteria, building planning and life safety, and other residential construction subjects. Candidates also need familiarity with contractor statutes and administrative rules.

The exam’s 110-question format requires broad preparation. Roughly 60% of the questions relate to Minnesota Residential Building Code provisions, while the remainder focus on laws and rules affecting residential construction businesses. A balanced study plan should therefore combine technical residential code review with contractor-law preparation.

Open Book Test

The Minnesota Residential Remodeler examination is an open book test.

Exam candidates are provided with the 2020 Minnesota State Residential Code and the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry’s Reference Manual for Residential Building Contractor and Remodeler License Exam for use during testing.

Because the testing references are supplied during the examination, candidates benefit from becoming familiar with their structure before exam day. Preparation should include practice locating building-planning requirements, energy provisions, structural requirements, safety requirements, administrative rules, licensing provisions, warranty law, lien law, and other contractor regulations.

Open-book testing still requires strong subject knowledge. Candidates who can quickly recognize the issue presented by a question are better positioned to locate the correct code chapter, statute, or rule without spending excessive time searching. With 110 questions and a 5.5-hour examination period, efficient reference navigation is an important part of preparation.

Licensing Steps

1. Select the Residential Remodeler license. This license is intended for businesses performing qualifying residential construction work on existing structures.
2. Designate a qualifying person. Every company seeking a Minnesota Residential Remodeler license must identify an individual who will serve as the company’s qualifying person.
3. Confirm the individual’s qualifying role. The qualifying person must hold an eligible position in the business, such as proprietor, owner, officer, member, partner, chief manager, or qualifying managing employee, depending on the business structure.
4. Apply for the Qualifying Remodeler examination. The designated qualifying person must apply to take the state examination administered by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.
5. Prepare with the residential code and legal references. Study the 2020 Minnesota Residential Code together with the statutes, administrative rules, and federal provisions relevant to residential remodeling.
6. Take the Qualifying Remodeler examination. Complete the 110 multiple-choice questions within the 5.5-hour testing period.
7. Achieve the required passing score. Candidates must earn at least 70%.
8. Receive the qualifying registration. After passing, the qualifying person is assigned a QC registration number used by the Department of Labor and Industry to track qualifying status and continuing education.
9. Apply for the Residential Remodeler business license. After the qualifying person passes the examination, the company may continue with its state license application.
10. Submit required business documentation. The company must provide the information and documentation required by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.
11. Maintain an active qualifying person. The company must continue to have an eligible qualifying person associated with the license.
12. Complete required continuing education. The qualifying person must satisfy applicable Minnesota continuing education requirements to maintain qualifying status.

State Requirements

Minnesota licenses residential remodeler businesses rather than simply issuing a contractor license to the individual who passes the examination. Each company must designate a qualifying person who meets the applicable requirements and passes the Qualifying Remodeler examination.

The Residential Remodeler license allows the licensed business to perform qualifying residential work on existing structures. It does not provide the same new-construction authority as the Residential Building Contractor license.

This distinction is important for businesses deciding between the two license classifications. Minnesota states that a Residential Building Contractor license allows all work permitted under the Residential Remodeler license plus new residential construction. The Residential Remodeler license is limited to work on existing structures.

The qualifying person must be properly associated with the business. Depending on the entity type, the individual may be an owner, officer, member, partner, chief manager, proprietor, or qualifying managing employee. A managing employee serving as the qualifying person must be actively engaged in the residential contracting or remodeling business on behalf of the licensee.

There are no prerequisite experience or educational requirements to sit for the Residential Remodeler examination. Passing the examination establishes the qualifying person’s eligibility to support the company’s license application, subject to the remaining state requirements.

After passing, the qualifying person receives a QC registration number. This registration number identifies the individual as a Qualifying Remodeler. It is not the company’s contractor license.

The business must separately complete the Residential Remodeler licensing process and satisfy the applicable insurance, business, workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance, disclosure, and other requirements established by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.

Minnesota residential contractor qualifying persons are also subject to continuing education requirements. Maintaining the qualifying person’s status is important because the business must continue to have an eligible qualifying person associated with its license.

Reference Books

• Minnesota Statutes Chapters 176, 181, 326B, 327A, 327B, 333, & 514
  These statutes cover important legal and business topics for Minnesota remodelers, including workers’ compensation, employment issues, worker classification, contractor licensing, residential warranties, manufactured housing, assumed business names, mechanics’ liens, and related contractor responsibilities.
• Minnesota Residential Code, 2020 Edition
  This is the primary technical residential construction reference for the Qualifying Remodeler examination. It covers building planning, life safety, foundations, floors, walls, roofs, stairs, guards, structural requirements, materials, and other provisions relevant to residential remodeling.
• Minnesota Rules Chapters 1300, 1303, 1309, 1315, 1322, 1350, 1360, & 2891
  These rules address Minnesota building code administration, state residential requirements, energy provisions, manufactured housing, prefabricated structures, and other regulatory subjects that affect residential construction and remodeling.
• Code of Federal Regulations, Title 24, Parts 3280, 3282, 3285, & 3286
  These federal regulations cover manufactured home construction and safety standards, enforcement procedures, installation standards, and installer requirements relevant to manufactured housing work.

Exam Room Approved Books

• Minnesota Residential Code, 2020 Edition
  The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry provides the 2020 Minnesota State Residential Code for candidates to use during the Qualifying Remodeler examination.
• DLI Reference Manual for Residential Building Contractor and Remodeler License Exam
  This state-provided examination reference contains the statutes, rules, and regulatory information used for the law and business portions of the Residential Remodeler examination.

The other statutory, regulatory, and federal references included in this package support study of the legal framework behind the DLI reference material. Using them during preparation can help candidates understand the underlying rules instead of relying solely on last-minute searches during testing.

Test Information and Study Materials

Plans and Specifications: The Residential Remodeler examination outline includes plans and specifications. Review how building documents communicate dimensions, materials, structural information, project scope, and code requirements.

Building Planning and Life Safety: Study residential egress, stairways, required exit doors, smoke alarms, separation between a dwelling and garage, safety glazing, guards, handrails, and other life-safety provisions.

Residential Energy Code: The remodeler content outline includes energy-code envelope criteria. Review insulation, interior air barriers, wind-wash barriers, vapor retarders, fenestration, doors and windows, and mechanical or passive ventilation requirements.

Existing Structure Considerations: Remodeling work often involves modifications to buildings that already contain structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Candidates should be prepared to determine how new work must comply with applicable residential code requirements.

Foundations and Structural Work: Review footing and foundation requirements, framing modifications, bearing conditions, structural openings, beams, headers, joists, rafters, trusses, and other subjects that may be relevant when remodeling an existing dwelling.

Wall Openings: Remodelers frequently create or modify openings for windows, doors, and room alterations. Study header requirements, bearing, framing connections, safety glazing, emergency escape requirements, and weather protection.

Stairs and Guards: Stair modifications are a common remodeling issue. Review riser height, tread depth, landings, headroom, handrails, guards, opening limitations, and related dimensional requirements.

Roofing and Exterior Work: Review roof coverings, underlayment, flashing, weather-resistant exterior systems, wall coverings, drainage, and structural requirements that may apply to additions and alterations.

Code Administration: Minnesota Rules Chapter 1300 addresses permits, inspections, approvals, code enforcement, alternative materials, and related building-code administration topics. Remodelers should understand when permits and inspections apply to project work.

Minnesota Residential Amendments: Minnesota Rules Chapter 1309 contains Minnesota-specific residential provisions. Candidates should be prepared for differences between Minnesota requirements and the underlying model code.

Contractor Licensing: Minnesota Statutes Chapter 326B is a major legal study area. Review the role of the qualifying person, business license requirements, enforcement authority, contractor responsibilities, and prohibited practices.

Workers’ Compensation and Employment: Minnesota Statutes Chapters 176 and 181 contain important provisions affecting construction businesses, employees, and worker classification. Contractors should understand why proper classification and employment practices matter.

Residential Warranties: Minnesota Statutes Chapter 327A addresses statutory warranties applicable to residential construction and home improvement work. Remodelers should understand the responsibilities these provisions can create.

Mechanics’ Liens: Minnesota Statutes Chapter 514 governs mechanics’ lien rights and procedures. Review the importance of notices, payment rights, lien claims, and the contractor’s responsibilities when performing residential work.

Business Names: Minnesota Statutes Chapter 333 addresses assumed names. Contractors operating under a business name different from the legal entity name should understand applicable business-name registration concepts.

Manufactured Housing: Minnesota Statutes Chapter 327B, Minnesota Rules Chapter 1350, and federal Title 24 provisions address manufactured homes. Review construction standards, installation requirements, and the regulatory distinction between manufactured and site-built housing.

Prefabricated Construction: Minnesota Rules Chapter 1360 addresses prefabricated structures. Remodelers should recognize when special regulatory provisions apply to factory-built construction components or structures.

Federal Manufactured Home Regulations: Title 24 Parts 3280, 3282, 3285, and 3286 cover manufactured-home construction and safety standards, procedural requirements, installation standards, and installer program requirements.

Reference Navigation: Practice identifying whether a question is primarily a building-code issue or a contractor-law issue. Then move directly to the appropriate code chapter, statute, rule, or reference-manual section.

Timed Practice: Candidates receive 5.5 hours for 110 multiple-choice questions. Practice working at a steady pace while preserving enough time for code research and more complex legal questions.

Balanced Study: Roughly 60% of the exam concerns residential code provisions and the remainder concerns statutes and rules. Divide preparation accordingly rather than studying construction topics alone.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps Minnesota Residential Remodeler candidates organize preparation around both technical residential construction requirements and the contractor laws that govern licensed remodeling businesses. The Minnesota Residential Remodeler Contractor Book Package brings together the major references needed to build a structured study plan for the Qualifying Remodeler examination.

Trade-focused review helps candidates work through building planning, life safety, stairs, foundations, framing, roofing, energy requirements, existing-structure modifications, manufactured housing, contractor licensing, warranties, worker classification, lien law, and other examination subjects.

Reference-navigation practice is especially useful for an open-book test. Candidates can become familiar with the structure of the Minnesota Residential Code and the organization of Minnesota statutes and rules so they are better prepared to locate specific requirements during the examination.

Practice-oriented preparation also helps candidates develop the habit of reading complete provisions instead of relying on isolated keywords. Definitions, exceptions, tables, and Minnesota-specific amendments can change how a requirement applies to a remodeling situation.

The Qualifying Remodeler examination combines construction knowledge with business and legal responsibilities. A strong preparation strategy therefore includes technical code review, contractor-law study, reference navigation, and realistic practice with questions involving existing residential structures.

1 Exam Prep supports candidates through organized study guidance, remodeling-focused review, regulatory preparation, reference navigation, and confidence-building study structure. The goal is to help candidates prepare effectively without guaranteeing a particular examination score or licensing outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the Minnesota Residential Remodeler Contractor Book Package?

The package includes Minnesota Statutes Chapters 176, 181, 326B, 327A, 327B, 333, and 514; the Minnesota Residential Code, 2020 Edition; Minnesota Rules Chapters 1300, 1303, 1309, 1315, 1322, 1350, 1360, and 2891; and federal regulations in Title 24 Parts 3280, 3282, 3285, and 3286.

Which exam is required for the Minnesota Residential Remodeler license?

The business’s designated qualifying person must pass the Qualifying Remodeler examination before the company can apply for the Residential Remodeler license.

How many questions are on the Minnesota Residential Remodeler exam?

The examination contains 110 multiple-choice questions.

How much time is allowed?

Candidates receive 5.5 hours to complete the examination.

What score is required to pass?

A score of 70% or higher is required.

Is the Minnesota Residential Remodeler exam open book?

Yes. It is an open book test. The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry provides approved reference materials for candidates to use during the examination.

What books are provided during the exam?

Candidates are provided with the 2020 Minnesota State Residential Code and the DLI Reference Manual for Residential Building Contractor and Remodeler License Exam.

How much of the exam covers residential building code?

Roughly 60% of the examination relates to Minnesota Residential Building Code provisions. The remaining questions focus on statutes and rules governing the residential construction industry.

Is prior experience required before taking the exam?

No. Minnesota does not require prerequisite experience or education to take the Residential Remodeler examination.

What is the difference between a Residential Remodeler and Residential Building Contractor license?

A Residential Remodeler license allows qualifying work on existing residential structures. A Residential Building Contractor license allows the work permitted under the remodeler license and also allows new residential construction.

Does the person who passes the exam receive the business license?

No. The person who passes becomes the company’s qualifying person and receives a QC registration number. The Residential Remodeler license is issued separately to the qualifying business after the licensing requirements are completed.

What should I focus on while studying?

Focus on building planning, life safety, energy-code envelope requirements, stairs, framing, foundations, roofing, existing-structure modifications, Minnesota contractor licensing law, worker classification, warranties, mechanics’ liens, manufactured housing, and efficient code navigation.