DIY-vs-License Matrix
The single most expensive question on an owner-build is which trades you can legally do yourself, which must be licensed, and which path costs you a utility rebate or warranty. Minnesota-specific. Updated as research lands.
The matrix
| Trade | Owner-installable in MN? | Licensed required? | Rebate impact | Code citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Site prep / excavation | — | — | — | — |
| Frost-protected shallow foundation | — | — | — | — |
| Pole-barn steel framing | — | — | — | — |
| Continuous exterior insulation | — | — | — | — |
| Metal siding through girts | — | — | — | — |
| Roofing (same assembly) | — | — | — | — |
| Plywood-shiplap interior | — | — | — | — |
| Electrical rough-in | — | — | — | — |
| Electrical final + panel | — | — | — | — |
| Plumbing rough-in | — | — | — | — |
| Plumbing final + DWV | — | — | — | — |
| In-floor PEX manifold + tubing | — | — | — | — |
| Geothermal horizontal loops (trench + PEX) | — | — | — | — |
| Heat-pump install + refrigerant | — | — | — | — |
| ERV/HRV install | — | — | — | — |
| Well / septic | — | — | — | — |
| Solar PV install | — | — | — | — |
| Battery system | — | — | — | — |
| Gas line (if any) | — | — | — | — |