Handyman Licenses in Wisconsin – Everything You Need To Know

Understanding the laws is a must if you’d like to offer professional handyman services in Wisconsin. Knowing what you can and can’t do will keep you safe from the law and confidently turning a profit.

I’ve poured over pages of difficult-to-understand legal jargon, spoken to state inspectors, and compiled the most critical information. And here’s what I’ve found.

Do you need a license to offer handyman services in Wisconsin?

It depends. If you’re content to work on smaller projects that don’t exceed a $1,000 price point, there’s no license required. If you aim to take on larger projects, you’ll need one.

There are a few factors to consider as you determine what’s best for you.

While you’ll be able to assemble furniture, mount TVs, repair doors and windows, patch walls and paint, and clean gutters without a license, you won’t be able to accept projects that impact the structural integrity of a home, require a permit, or surpass the $1,000 threshold.

If you intend to take on tasks that require a permit and are greater than $1,000 in cost, you’ll need a license.

In Wisconsin, a handyman license is referred to as a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier license (or certification).

How do I apply for a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier license?

Most handymen opt for the Dwelling Contractor Qualifier (DCQ) accreditation, as it allows work on 1-2 family homes and the ability to pull permits when needed.

Here are the steps you’ll need to take:

• Complete at least 12 hours in an approved Dwelling Contractor course within one year prior to the date of application.

• Fill out the application, providing supporting documents if applicable (out-of-state licensing, veteran documentation, criminal background, etc.).

• Pay the fee. Charges vary in Wisconsin and are calculated in the online application portal. For most, there is a $15 app fee, plus a $30 “credentialing” fee.

The other two licenses some consider are the Dwelling Contractor (DC) and Dwelling Contractor Restricted (DCR) options. Both are designed for owners, chairmen, or CEOs of contracting businesses, applying on behalf of their businesses. Neither certification allows you to perform handyman work unless they’re obtained in conjunction with the DCQ license.

Note that DC and DCR licenses have insurance and bonding commitments, while the DCQ doesn’t require either.

All applications are submitted online through the state’s Department of Safety and Professional Services. Processing time can take up to three weeks.

Renewal is every two years, requiring 12 hours of continuing education and a $30 fee.

Limitations for Handymen

Wisconsin is a state that allows some electrical and plumbing work to be performed by handymen. I wasn’t able to locate information on any permissible work in the HVAC field without an HVAC license.

Low-voltage electrical work is available to handymen, such as the installation and repair of telco, cable TV, computer networks, AV equipment, and security systems.

Handymen can perform a wider range of electrical work as long as they’re under the supervision of a licensed electrician.

It’s worth noting that the state allows homeowners to maintain and repair wiring on their own residence or agricultural property (or that of an immediate family member). While the installation of new wiring isn’t allowed, replacing existing light fixtures and ceiling fans is okay.

Clarification on electrical exemptions can be found here and here.

As for plumbing, handymen can make minor repairs to faucets, valves, pipes, and appliances, as well as clear drains, and replace toilet flappers without a speciality license.

As is the case with electrical work, homeowners can do plumbing projects on their own dwellings and farm properties. Wisconsin law stipulates that while plumbing can be performed in a homeowner’s existing residence, this privilege doesn’t extend to new construction.

Details on plumbing exemptions can be found here and here.

The electrical and plumbing exceptions above apply to both unlicensed handymen and those with a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier certification.

Advertising Restrictions

Like in most states, unlicensed handymen in Wisconsin need to be careful not to “oversell” themselves in their ads, on their websites, or on proposals and invoices. To avoid a run-in with the law, avoid terms like “Dwelling Contractor,” “Licensed Contractor,” “General Contractor,” “Residential Contractor,” and the like. These titles are reserved for handymen who have obtained their contractor-related licensing.

If you get your DCQ license, include your number (sometimes referred to as “certification number”) on your business communications. It’ll help establish credibility with prospective customers and avoid misconceptions from enforcers.

Insurance Requirements

Insurance mandates for handymen vary based on whether you’re licensed, as well as the type of license you have.

Unlicensed handymen and DCQs aren’t required to have insurance. While these handymen aren’t obligated to carry coverage, it’s a wise choice…just one serious claim can bankrupt your business and personal finances. Insurance is low-cost if you get it here.

DCs must hold a minimum of $250,000 of General Liability, a surety bond of $25,000, and Workers’ Compensation (if you have three or more employees).

DCRs need Workers’ Compensation (if you have three or more employees) and a surety bond between $5,000-$25,000 in value. DCRs are prohibited from projects that exceed the amount of the bond.

The insurance guidelines above are reiterated on all three Dwelling Contractor application forms.

Penalties for Contracting Illegally

Handymen engaging in electrical, plumbing, or HVAC (outside of the exemptions noted above), and unlicensed handymen working on projects over $1,000, put themselves at risk. Fines can reach $5,000 ($10,000 for unlicensed handymen), and repeat offenders face jail time.

Unlicensed contractors are also unable to pursue compensation for work performed…they’re restricted from using the legal system to sue non-paying customers.

Be smart—work within the parameters Wisconsin has laid out for handymen, and tread the gray areas carefully. The penalties aren’t worth it.

Anything else you need to know to start a Handyman Business in Wisconsin?

While a DBA registration (“Doing Business As”) isn’t required to perform handyman work in Wisconsin, the process is so easy and the fee so modest ($15), most handymen opt to take this step. This simple act allows them to assign themselves a moniker to help their business stand out.

For example, if your name is Bob Jones and you want your business to be called “Bob Jones Handyman Services,” you’ll need to apply. If you plan to limit your business name to your legal name (i.e., “Bob Jones”), you can skip the DBA registration process.

DBA filing can be done online or in person at the Department of Financial Institutions in Madison.

It’s also worth noting that local municipalities can impose their own requirements to operate a business. For example, the city of Milwaukee mandates additional home improvement licensing to engage in residential repair work. Check with the city clerk in the area you intend to work to ensure you have the certifications you need to provide handyman services legally.

Conclusion

Wisconsin is a great place to start a handyman business.

Handymen in the state are fortunate that no license, education, or training is required to begin making money. And for handymen who want to tackle larger projects, a few steps will earn them their Dwelling Contractor Qualifier license, along with the potential for greater earning power.

It’s also a state that allows handymen (both licensed and not) to perform light plumbing and electrical work, tasks that are forbidden in many other states.

And importantly, Wisconsin doesn’t cap the price of jobs handymen can tackle once they obtain their Dwelling Contractor Qualifier certification.

Do you offer handyman services in Wisconsin?

If so, I’d love to hear about your experience. Please leave a comment below to share any insights I may have missed.