For work on one- and two-family homes in Wisconsin, the contractor who pulls the building permit must hold a Dwelling Contractor certification from the Department of Safety and Professional Services (homeowners pulling a permit for their own home are the exception). Ask for it, and confirm it with the state's license lookup.

Get a written contract that covers scope, materials, a payment schedule tied to completed work, who pulls permits, how change orders are priced and approved, and a target timeline. Be wary of large upfront deposits.

Ask to see two or three similar projects and talk to those homeowners. Good remodelers in Madison are often booked months out, so start the conversation well before you want work to begin.