Building, Electrical, and Plumbing
Licensing Information
Wauwatosa, WI

Some basic information regarding building, electrical, and plumbing licenses that every contractor and property owner should know when considering these types of work.  Generally speaking, licenses and certifications mean that a person or contractor has shown some level of proficiency through testing or some other quality control standard.

• Building - All contractors that perform work on a one or two-family dwelling shall hold a valid State of Wisconsin Dwelling Contractor Financial Responsibility Certification and a valid Dwelling Contractor Qualifier Certification.
  Click here to download a Residential Building Permit application. 
  Click here to download a Commercial Building Permit application.
• Electrical - All contractors performing electrical work in the City of Wauwatosa shall hold a valid Wauwatosa Electrical Contractor's License.  In addition, the supervising electrician shall hold a valid State of Wisconsin Master Electrician's Certification. 
  Click here to download a Electrical Contractor's License application.  
  Click here to download a Electrical Permit application.
• Mechanical - All contractors performing Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) work in the City of Wauwatosa, including installation and service work, shall hold a valid State of Wisconsin HVAC Registration.        Click here to download a Mechanical Permit application.                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
• Plumbing - All contractor's performing plumbing work in the City of Wauwatosa shall hold a valid State of Wisconsin Master Plumber's or Journeyman's Plumber's License. 
  Click here to download a Plumbing permit application
• Inspection - All inspectors performing residential and commercial inspections are State of Wisconsin certified and licensed to perform inspections within their respective fields.  Many inspectors are multidisciplined and can inspect in more than one inspection category.  These certifications and licenses have been obtained through specialized training and each inspector is required to participate in continuing education on an annual basis.

Click her for link to State of Wisconsin, Department of Commerce, contractor license, certification and registration.  http://www.legis.state.wi.us/rsb/code/comm/comm005.pdf

For the property owner:  We recommend that you solicit at least two, preferably three bids, have all contracts including change orders in writing, ask for verification that the contractor is licensed or certified, and that a copy of any required permit will be provided.  Checking references for happy customers is a good indicator of their job qualifications.  We also suggest that you withhold final payment until all inspections are completed.  This is your best protection from fraudulent contractors.

Remodeling and home improvement contractors are also governed by the State of Wisconsin, Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection, Chapter 110.  This administrative code outlines prohibited trade practices, building permits, warranties, and contract compliance standards.