Moving to Wisconsin as a residential contractor: every state's rule

1. 1Pre-license course. Complete the required pre-license course. At least 12 hours in a DSPS-approved initial qualifier course in dwelling construction, completed within one year before the Dwelling Contractor Qualifier application; proof of completion is uploaded in LicensE. The course must teach and test construction laws, construction codes and construction business practices, and online and correspondence courses need a score of at least 70 percent. DSPS publishes a list of approved course providers, several of which teach online; course fees are set by the provider..
2. 2Application fee. Pay the application fee ($15). Dwelling Contractor Qualifier application fee (Wis. Admin. Code SPS 305.02, Table 305.02), paid in LicensE..
3. 3License fee. Pay the license or certificate fee ($30). Dwelling Contractor Qualifier certification fee; the certification is valid for two years from the date of issue..
4. 4Application fee. Pay the application fee ($15). Dwelling Contractor (or Dwelling Contractor Restricted) application fee for the business, paid in LicensE..
5. 5License fee. Pay the license or certificate fee ($25). Dwelling Contractor (or Dwelling Contractor Restricted) certification fee; the certification is valid for one year from the date of issue..
6. 6Insurance. Carry the required insurance. Proof of financial responsibility for the Dwelling Contractor certification: general liability insurance of at least $250,000 per occurrence for bodily injury, death or property damage, from an insurer authorized in Wisconsin or eligible as a surplus lines insurer in one or more states. The surety bond below is the alternative. The policy may not be canceled without 30 days' written notice to DSPS (10 days for nonpayment), and DSPS suspends the certification if replacement cover is not filed in that window..
7. 7Surety bond. Post a surety bond (if applicable). Alternative to the liability policy: a surety bond from a company authorized in Wisconsin, written in the name of the state for anyone harmed by a breach of the one- and two-family dwelling code. A bond of at least $25,000 qualifies for the full Dwelling Contractor certification. A bond of less than $25,000 (the statutory minimum is $5,000) gives the Dwelling Contractor Restricted certification, and the business may not work on any dwelling whose estimated cost of completion is greater than the bond..
8. 8Insurance. Carry the required insurance. Worker's compensation insurance where Wis. Stat. chapter 102 requires it, and unemployment insurance contributions where chapter 108 requires them; the business attests to both by submitting the Dwelling Contractor application. The Department of Workforce Development answers coverage questions at (608) 266-1340 (worker's compensation) and (608) 266-3131 (unemployment)..
9. 9Background check. Complete a background check. DSPS Form 2255, Trades Convictions and Pending Charges, is filed with either application if you have convictions or pending charges. DSPS may revoke or suspend the Dwelling Contractor certification for a conviction of a crime related to dwelling construction, for building without a required permit, or for having been adjudged bankrupt two or more times..

Published fees on this path total $85, excluding exam-vendor fees, bonds, and insurance.