Were you a customer of Minnesota Rusco?
When Your Contractor Disappears Overnight: what To Do Before You Do Anything
Are you looking for answers? If so, give us a call or fill out our contact form for assistance.
Were you a customer of Minnesota Rusco?
When Your Contractor Disappears Overnight: what To Do Before You Do Anything
Are you looking for answers? If so, give us a call or fill out our contact form for assistance.
Under Minnesota law, builders and vendors are required to set statutory warranties for new dwellings and other major construction projects. The responsibility for any issues ultimately depends on where the issue originates. By understanding the difference between builder warranties vs. manufacturer warranties in Minnesota, you can determine who is responsible for defects in the building.
Major construction defects can stem from problems with the workmanship or the materials. You must determine the root of the issue in order to figure out the proper warranty coverage and determine how to resolve the issue. It’s recommended that you hire a construction lawyer to represent you throughout your case. Even so, it’s critical that you understand Minnesota’s construction warranty laws for yourself, too.
In 2025 alone, Minnesota had more than 148,700 construction jobs. The state gained 18,283 new housing units between July 2024 and 2025, which marked a significant slowdown in construction activity across the state. Even so, there are around 2.5 million inhabited homes in Minnesota. When an issue arises with a construction project, it’s important to determine who is at fault in order to resolve the problem the right way.
Statutory builder warranties are required for new home construction projects and contracts for major structural changes to a home. There are different limits for different types of builder warranties. These warranties typically cover workmanship and materials, faulty installations, and major construction defects that arise from noncompliance with state building standards. Common examples of defects the builder warranties cover include:
However, contractors may not be liable for certain defects. Separate manufacturer warranties cover specific issues with appliances, building products, and equipment. Under Minnesota law, appliances and branded equipment typically fall under the manufacturer’s direct warranty rather than the builder’s general warranty. Examples of defects covered by these warranties include:
It can be challenging to determine who is liable for a construction defect without having an in-depth understanding of state warranty laws. A Minnesota construction attorney can help you understand your options based on the facts of the case.
The statutory limit on builder warranties in Minnesota depends on what exactly the warranty is covering. Builder warranties can typically last one, two, or 10 years. Together, these warranties provide comprehensive coverage against specific failures that may occur with construction projects.
The one-year warranty covers general defects that arise due to faulty workmanship or materials. The two-year warranty covers defects caused by faulty installations of different systems. The 10-year warranty covers major damage to the structural integrity of the building.
Manufacturer warranties in Minnesota do not cover damages and other issues caused by bad workmanship, faulty installation, or poor site ventilation. All of these issues are strictly covered under builder warranties instead.
These warranties also don’t cover damages from normal wear and tear or damages the property owner caused. This includes areas that require regular maintenance.
How long a homeowner has to report a defect to a builder in Minnesota may vary from case to case. In general, the owner of the property must provide written notice of a construction defect to the builder or contractor within six months under Minnesota law. The responsibility then falls on the contractor to inspect the issues and come up with a plan to fix them.
A Minnesota construction attorney can help a builder with a construction warranty case in a number of ways. For starters, they can protect their rights and lay out their legal options for navigating these types of issues.
Your attorney can inspect claims, stay on top of deadlines, and navigate Minnesota’s warranty laws. They can also defend you and help you resolve homeowner warranty disputes.
When it comes to navigating new construction and home improvement projects, it’s imperative that you understand state warranty laws and how they pertain to your specific situation. If you’re a builder or contractor facing a construction warranty case in Minnesota, look no further than Minnesota Construction Law Services (MNCLS) to represent you.
Since 2012, our legal team has been helping our clients protect their businesses throughout the state of Minnesota and navigate complex legal battles. Our firm has experience representing:
Our founder and head attorney, Bill Gschwind, worked in business and construction for years, which gives us in-depth insight into construction warranty disputes. Our goal is to keep you out of litigation. We work hard to handle your legal issues preemptively, so you don’t have to deal with lengthy legal battles.
If you need help resolving an issue, we can represent you. Our attorneys are experienced with mediation and arbitration. We work diligently to be your advocate when you need it most, so you can focus on what matters most: your business. When you choose us as your legal representative, you’re choosing a local firm with a reputation you can trust. We are members of the:
Our attorneys are experienced with mediation and arbitration. We work diligently to be your advocate when you need it most, so you can focus on what matters most: your business.
If you want to discuss your case in more detail, we’re here to help. Reach out to our office to schedule a consultation with a trusted attorney today. Our office is located in Roseville right off I-35W, making us a convenient trip for those who need us.
*Industry accolades and affiliations do not guarantee positive case results.
Fields Marked With an “*” are Required
"*" indicates required fields
The mission of Minnesota Construction Law Services is simple, we want to help you build and protect your business. We give you practical solutions, ones that will grow your business, not pad our wallet.
3030 Centre Pointe Dr.
Ste 100
Roseville, MN 55113
Copyright 2026 Minnesota Construction Law Services. All rights reserved.
*Images are obtained under license from Canva and other third-party stock image providers, with attribution included where required.
Digital Marketing By:
