Ask an Expert—City of Minneapolis

10:30 am – 2:30 pm

Always a popular feature of the Housing Fair, our “Ask an Expert” area features staff from the City of Minneapolis, MN Dept. of Energy Resources and Master Gardeners to answer your individual questions.

Building and Remodeling

Construction Code Services (CCS)
Division of Inspections

Construction Inspections includes building, plumbing, mechanical and elevator inspections. Construction projects have required inspections that need to be completed at different stages of the project. Staff members from these areas will be able to provide information on:

• The requirement for hiring a licensed contractor as opposed to doing it yourself or having the neighborhood handyman make a repair or replace an appliance.
• How a homeowner can check their appliances to insure they are venting properly.  A simple check can be done every time the filters are replaced (monthly).
• Cautioning the homeowners on installing in-floor heating systems: The requirement for rough-in inspections BEFORE the floors are poured.
• Can a homeowner really install the new styles of piping systems (CSST, PEX, etc.) themselves; when the installation of these new systems require the installer to be “Certified”?

Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard

Department of Regulatory Services

Minneapolis Regulatory Services works to ensure the safety, health, accountability, and livability of our community. Within Regulatory Services, the Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control Department focuses on lead hazard grant projects, asthma interventions, education, outreach, indoor air quality concerns and the enforcement of health and housing codes. A staff member will be available to answer questions regarding indoor radon, asbestos, mold, lead hazards, asthma triggers, integrated pest management and grants for window replacements.

Solid Waste, Recycling and Graffiti Programs

Division of Solid Waste & Recycling

Get all your trash-related questions answered. The Division of Solid Waste & Recycling is committed to protect the health and safety by providing solid waste management services that result in a clean and livable city. Graffiti programs and removal information will also be available.

Ask an Expert—MN Department of Commerce

Division of Energy Resources

The Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources provides information on energy conservation, efficiency, and renewable energy options for Minnesota homeowners, businesses, local governmental agencies, and other organizations. Terry Webster will be on hand to answer questions about strategies for making your home as energy efficient as possible. Learn more about options ranging from air sealing to insulation to new mechanical equipment to lighting options and more. There will be a workshop on Avoiding Dubious Energy Investments at 1:15 p.m. in Room 150.

Ask an Expert—Master Gardeners

10:30 am – 2:30 pm

Master Gardeners are University of Minnesota-trained volunteers who educate the public about a variety of horticulture topics. Volunteers teach youth about gardening at schools and other community locations, instruct community members on how to grow vegetables and assist residents on how to install a rain garden, low impact lawn or plant a tree. Have questions? Stop by and ask a Master Gardener!