General contractors
How can I check whether a contractor is properly credentialed in Wisconsin?
A common question, answered by the MadisonWI.com editors · November 10, 2026
1 answer
From MadisonWI.com
For work on a one- or two-family home, Wisconsin's Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) issues the Dwelling Contractor credential, which a contracting business holds in order to obtain building permits for one- and two-family dwellings. Trades such as electricians and plumbers have their own state credentials too. You can check the status of any of these with DSPS's free public LicensE look-up: search by the business or person's name and confirm the credential is active. It also helps to ask who will pull the building permit for your project; in the City of Madison, Building Inspection can tell you what your project needs. Nearby communities issue their own permits, so check with yours if you live outside Madison. Source: Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, Dwelling Contractor (checked November 2026).
Written by the MadisonWI.com editors · November 10, 2026