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Minneapolis Garage Heater Install – Permit & Hookup Question

aesterling
aesterling Member Posts: 3
edited April 21 in THE MAIN WALL

Hi all,

I’m a homeowner in Minneapolis and planning to install an old Modine natural gas unit heater in my garage.

I looked into pulling the mechanical permit myself, but found that in Minneapolis, homeowners aren’t allowed to pull permits for this type of work. My hope is to handle most of the installation myself, then hire a licensed HVAC technician with the appropriate Minneapolis city competency cards to do the final hookup and pull the permit.

Is it realistic to find a tech willing to work with me in this kind of setup, or do most avoid jobs where the homeowner has done the bulk of the install? I'm certainly not expecting any kind of warranty.

I completely respect the time, training, and effort that goes into getting licensed and certified, and I’m not looking to undervalue that work. I can’t afford to hire out the entire job, which is why I’m hoping to find someone open to a homeowner-assisted install.

(I already checked the “Find a Contractor in Your Area” feature, but only saw one listing—and they specialize in steam/hot water systems.)

Thanks in advance for any insights or recommendations.

modine.jpg

Comments

  • ethicalpaul
    ethicalpaul Member Posts: 7,623

    still call them. Steam and hot water usually require some fuel to heat them

    NJ Steam Homeowner.
    Free NJ and remote steam advice: https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/new-jersey-steam-help/
    See my sight glass boiler videos: https://bit.ly/3sZW1el

  • aesterling
    aesterling Member Posts: 3

    @ethicalpaul good point! I'll try that, as well. Thanks.

  • ethicalpaul
    ethicalpaul Member Posts: 7,623

    the reason is because contractors who pay to be on this site tend to be worth calling. Good luck!

    NJ Steam Homeowner.
    Free NJ and remote steam advice: https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/new-jersey-steam-help/
    See my sight glass boiler videos: https://bit.ly/3sZW1el

    aesterling
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 17,714

    By all means try the listed contractor and mention to them that you found their name here.

    You need someone who is famallier with gas piping and flue venting the electrical portion is easy but also needs to be correct.

    Anyone compatent to install furnaces in your area is another option

    ethicalpaul
  • aesterling
    aesterling Member Posts: 3

    I spoke to the local contractor listed on the forum—he was very friendly and took the time to talk, which I really appreciated. He wasn’t interested in the project, and that’s totally understandable.

    I’m still hoping to get natural gas heat set up in the garage before fall, so I’ll keep looking for someone who’s open to working with a homeowner-assisted install. Thanks again to everyone for the advice and support!

    ethicalpaul

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