To install plumbing, heating or electrical in Minnesota, the mechanical
contractor must be licensed with the state.
A homeowner may draw a permit and do the work themselves. Also dare I say there may be a few scofflaws out there who draw no permit at all. They'll sneak off to Menards and just blatantly purchase the materials they desire, go home and install them. Some, who don't trust their skills enough, may further criminalize themselves and bypass a licensed contractor for an experienced handyman who will charge probably 60% less.
I'd like to recommend this bypass as a way to avoid the extraordinary expense of in-town contractors (at least for the smaller jobs) but I can't without a severe warning: there's a LOT of unqualified guys out there purporting to be experienced and knowledgeable. The "handyman" label is suspect for good reason. Get plenty of references from people you trust who have used the guy for a few years and know the work holds up and is code.
I think CM Zimmerman might be able to enlighten you on this process. It just shows that a good handyman is so rare that the swell of good feeling might just get him elected to a higher (?) calling.
Jon Gorder
Who of course is not encouraging illegal activity Loring Park
