How to Choose a Roofing Contractor in Minnesota: License, Bond, and Recovery Fund Checklist

How do I choose a Minnesota roofing contractor I can actually trust with a $30,000-$150,000 project?

The Minnesota DLI license, BBB Accreditation, and Minnesota Contractor Recovery Fund together protect homeowners more than most other states. The framework below uses the actual Minnesota statutes to vet contractors before signing.

I am Noah Bergland, co-owner of Owl Roofing in Shoreview.

The Minnesota DLI license verification

Minnesota Statute § 326B.805 requires residential building contractors to hold a state license. Verify at dli.mn.gov. The license must be active. The bond must be current. Open complaints are red flags.

The Minnesota Contractor Recovery Fund

Minnesota maintains a Contractor Recovery Fund — a fund that compensates homeowners up to $75,000 if a licensed Minnesota contractor causes loss through fraud, deceit, or breach of contract. The fund only applies to homeowners who hired a licensed contractor. Hiring an unlicensed contractor forfeits this protection.

BBB Accreditation

Owl Roofing is BBB Accredited. The BBB Accreditation requires meeting accreditation standards and resolving complaints. Verify any contractor at bbb.org before signing.

Manufacturer installer certification

GAF, James Hardie, LP SmartSide, DaVinci, Brava, and CertainTeed all maintain installer certification programs. Manufacturer extended warranties require certified installation. A $100K reroof without an extended warranty is leaving money on the table.

The vetting checklist

Verify Minnesota DLI license active and bond current. Verify BBB Accreditation. Verify manufacturer-certified installer for the specific product. Get three references on same-product installs. Read the written workmanship warranty (5–10 years industry standard). Itemize the contract scope. Confirm Minnesota Statute § 325E.66 compliance (no insurance claim negotiation).

“Clear communication, quality workmanship, and the job came in on time.”

— John Wharton, Verified Google review

What Owl Roofing Customers Actually Say

Real, verified Google reviews from real customers Owl Roofing maintains a 5.0 Google rating with 30+ five-star reviews.

Noah is the real deal. After our insurance denied our roof claim and the first roofer walked away, Noah showed up the next day and said he thought he could get us a new roof. He delivered. He got us a roof covered by insurance after it had already been declined. We came up with a nickname for him: “The Roof Whisperer.”

— Tyler Moberg, verified Google review

I am an Independent Insurance Agency owner and have worked with Noah on several roof projects. The homeowners have been extremely satisfied with the quality of work and craftsmanship Noah and his crews have provided. From filing the claim to replacing the roof and cleaning up the job site, Noah and his crew are the best!

— Fred Zappa, Independent Insurance Agency Owner

We used Owl Roofing for a repair on our roof in Brooklyn Park, and I was blown away by how good they were. Every member of the team communicated well about the process. Their price transparency was super helpful. They got the work done very fast, and the team was professional and very kind.

— Matt Brown, Brooklyn Park (verified Google review)

Noah and his team are outstanding! His clear communication, professionalism, and workmanship are top-notch. I recommend Owl Roofing to all my clients, friends, and family.

— Christine Westlund, verified Google review

It didn’t feel like dealing with a big company — it felt like working with people who actually care about the homes and community in the North Oaks and Shoreview area. Great people, great communication, and really solid work.

— Cody Warren, verified Google review

Frequently asked questions

How do I verify a Minnesota roofing contractor?

Look up the contractor at dli.mn.gov for active license and current bond. Check BBB at bbb.org. Verify manufacturer installer-certification status with the manufacturer.

What is the Minnesota Contractor Recovery Fund?

A state fund that compensates homeowners up to $75,000 for losses caused by licensed Minnesota contractors through fraud, deceit, or breach of contract.

What does Minnesota Statute § 325E.66 cover?

Roofing contractors cannot negotiate insurance claims on a homeowner behalf or offer to waive deductibles. Both are illegal in Minnesota.

Where to start

Request a free reroof estimate. For more, see 12 questions to ask a roofer, contractor red flags, premium exteriors guide.