How Minnesota Contractor Check Scores Contractors
Every contractor listed with an MN Contractor Check badge is scored using the same 0–100 point system. This page shows exactly what we look at, how many points each area is worth, and what the different score ranges mean for you as a homeowner. The higher our score, the higher our confidence.
1. Licensing & Legal Status
We confirm the business is properly licensed and registered.
up to 20 points
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We confirm the contractor is operating as a legitimate business and, when required, holds the proper Minnesota trade licenses in good standing.
For trades that require licensing (RBP, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, etc.).
- License is active and current.
- Matches the business or qualifier name on file.
- Verified through Minnesota state licensing databases.
No suspensions, revocations, or disciplinary actions on record with the state.
Business is properly registered (LLC, corporation, or DBA) with the Minnesota Secretary of State.
Licenses must be valid for at least 60 days beyond the verification date.
We do not approve contractors with expired licenses or licenses expiring in the next few days unless renewal proof is provided.
2. Insurance & Risk Protection
We verify real, active insurance that protects homeowners.
up to 20 points
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We verify that contractors carry real, active insurance that protects you if something goes wrong.
Contractor carries active General Liability coverage, typically $1,000,000 or more per occurrence.
- COI (Certificate of Insurance) provided.
- Policy is active and not expired.
Either a Workers’ Compensation policy or a valid Minnesota exemption for businesses that qualify.
The name on the insurance certificate must match the legal entity provided by the contractor.
Mismatched names are treated as a red flag and may result in denial until corrected.
Contractors may earn extra points for showing additional coverage such as commercial auto or umbrella policies.
3. Business Credibility
We look at how established and real the operation is.
up to 15 points
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This section looks at how established the company is and whether they operate like a real business, not just a side gig.
- 1–3 years in business: +3 points
- 3–10 years in business: +5 points
- 10+ years in business: +7 points
Contractor has a website and consistent online identity (name, logo, contact, location).
Verified business address (shop, office, or legitimate home base) rather than unverifiable or temporary locations.
Use of a business bank account, invoicing, and structured payment methods earns additional credibility points.
4. Professional Standards & SOPs
Written processes, contracts, and job systems.
up to 15 points
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Strong companies have strong processes. We reward contractors who operate with written systems and clear standards.
Contractors provide written estimates and contracts for their work instead of relying on verbal agreements.
Use of tools like Jobber, Housecall Pro, ServiceTitan, SingleOps, etc. to track jobs and communication.
Written Standard Operating Procedures for:
- Job setup and staging
- Safety and jobsite protection
- Client updates and communication
- Cleanup and final walkthrough
Contractors who stand behind their work with clear, written workmanship warranties are scored higher.
5. Safety & Employee Standards
How they protect workers and your property.
up to 10 points
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OSHA-10, OSHA-30, or similar safety training for owners or field leaders.
Documented safety manual, jobsite rules, and regular safety meetings or tailgate talks.
Use of background checks for employees who work on or inside client property.
Written policy regarding substance use and, when applicable, testing protocols.
6. Reputation & Client Feedback
Reviews, references, and complaint patterns.
up to 10 points
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- 10+ Google reviews: +3 points
- 25+ reviews and strong rating (typically 4.7+): +4 points
Contractors who can provide recent, contactable references from Minnesota homeowners.
We review patterns of serious complaints, disputes, or legal issues.
Major unresolved complaints or patterns of abuse can reduce the score or lead to denial, even if other areas look strong.
7. Communication & Minnesota Commitment
Responsiveness and local, long-term presence.
up to 10 points
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We look at how responsive and professional contractors are during the verification process.
- Typical response within 24 hours earns higher scores.
- Clear written scopes of work and communication habits also count.
We prefer local, steady operators over temporary storm chasing outfits.
- Headquartered in Minnesota.
- Majority of work performed in Minnesota (typically 80%+).
These are the highest-scoring contractors in our system and typically have excellent safety, communication, and long-term track records in Minnesota.
Licensed (when required), insured, legitimate Minnesota businesses with solid practices and reputation. These contractors meet or exceed what most homeowners expect from a professional contractor.
These contractors meet basic requirements for licensing and insurance but may have fewer reviews, fewer years in business, or less developed internal systems. We show this so you can choose your comfort level.
Some issues are serious enough that we will not list a contractor at all until they are resolved, regardless of their score in other areas:
- No active General Liability insurance.
- No required Minnesota license for regulated trades.
- Fake or misleading business names on insurance or licensing.
- Major unresolved complaints, fraud reports, or clear scam behavior.
- Patterns that suggest storm-chasing pop-up operations with no real Minnesota roots.
Our goal is not to make decisions for you, but to give you real information and context. When you see an MN Contractor Check badge and score, you are seeing a contractor who has been through a structured, Minnesota-focused screening process instead of a pay-to-rank list.
Walk through how scoring, verification, and badges come together from first quote to final walkthrough, so you know where this scorecard fits.
Read How MNCC Works →Learn what Elite, Verified, and Standard mean in practice, and what it takes for a contractor to qualify for each badge. The more badges, the more confidence we have in them.
View Badge Verification Guide →Get clarity before you sign that contract.
Put this 0–100 scoring system to work on the company you’re thinking about hiring. We verify licensing, insurance, business standing, and red-flag patterns, then turn it into one clear score you can actually use when comparing bids.
- ✓Full 0–100 MNCC score based on this framework
- ✓License, insurance & registration verification
- ✓Clear summary of strengths, gaps, and red flags