CONTRACTOR EDUCATION

The HBA offers continuing education for members as well as non-members. Please view the information below for upcoming seminars/workshops that HBA has to offer.

If you have any questions about Builder Education and/or upcoming seminars please contact the HBA office at 920-922-9067.

**Click on link(s) below for upcomimg seminars.

Contractor Certification Requirements - IMPORTANT!

Any contractor wishing to work on a one- or two- family dwelling project, that is required to have a municipal building permit, will need to hold TWO certification cards from the Department of Commerce.

The Dwelling Contractor Financial Responsibility Certification now known as the Dwelling Contractor certification (DC) . This is renewable annually, through the Department of Commerce, with a nominal fee and is held by the company.

Beginning January 1, 2008, that company must have an minimum of one individual to also hold a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier certification (DCQ) . As of January 1, 2008, the local official issuing a building permit will be required to check for both of the certifications. The Dwelling Qualifier Certification (DCQ) will require continuing education of 12 credits with in a two year period.**(see #2 below if you are a new contractor or not a principal of the company)

There are two ways to obtain the Dwelling Contractor Qualifier Certification.

1.If your Financial Responsibility Certification was current in April of 2006 you have the opportunity to be "grand fathered in" to the program and should have received a letter to that effect. Upon receipt of your Qualifier Certificate you will have approximately one year and nine months to obtain your required 12 credits. For information on upcoming classes click here.
2.**If you are a new builder or did not carry the proper credentials at that time, you will be required to take and pass a contractor initial training class approved by the Safety and Building Division.

For detailed information on this process as well as a current application please visit the department of commerce site at the following link. http://www.commerce.wi.gov/sb/SB-CredDwelConExplan0707.html

The Department of Commerce’s Emergency Rule

Relating to Building Contractors

May 29, 2009
What is the Building Contractor Registration program?
Building Contractor Registration is to identify building contractor businesses working in Wisconsin and to provide more information to contractors.

Identifying contractor businesses helps local and state agencies have a better chance making sure the businesses are following the same rules in terms of employees, taxes, permits, workers compensation, and unemployment insurance. BCR works against unfair competition.

Providing more information on codes, code changes, employer regulations, education, and business responsibilities helps contractors provide better service and helps consumers get better results. Contractors often complain that no one is telling them about what's going on and the BCR is a way to provide contractors with more info.

Building Contractor Registration has multiple facets
The registration will aid the department's communication, education and oversight, efforts for businesses which create or alter buildings in ways that limit the safety and health risks for the citizens of Wisconsin. In setting up the relationship with contracting businesses, S&B will more efficiently and effectively inform contractors about safety regulations and consumer protection regulations. Lack of information about codes and government processes is one of the most common complaints by contractors.

Unfair business competition is another common problem for contractors. Contractor registration helps employees, employers, and government agencies work against "Misclassification of Workers."

The BCR will assist the Department of Commerce with carrying out statutory mandates. Commerce is charged with facilitating the establishment and retention of business enterprises in Wisconsin, and with seeking closer cooperation and coordination between units of state government, so that the economy of the state may continue to develop. The department also protects public health, safety, and welfare relative to design, construction, use and maintenance of public buildings and places of employment, public swimming pools, and sets statewide standards for the construction of one- and 2-family dwellings.

List of those who are already registered with the Department of Commerce who are exempt from this emergency rule
• A dwelling contractor certification
• A dwelling contractor – restricted certification
• A manufactured home manufacturer license
• A manufactured home dealer license
• A manufactured home installer license
• An electrical contractor certification
• An electrical contractor – restricted certification
• An HVAC contractor registration
• An elevator contractor license

Renters and those homeowners working on the property they own are not required to have this registration

Definition and explanation of those contractors who are covered under this rule (see enclosed summary of those covered along with flow chart)

"Construction business" means a trade that installs, alters or repairs any building element, component, material or device that is regulated under the commercial building code, chs. Comm 60 to 66, the uniform dwelling code, chs. Comm 20 to 25, the electrical code, ch. Comm 16, the plumbing code, chs. Comm 81 to 87, or the public swimming pools and water attractions code, ch. Comm 90.

The term does not include the delivery of building supplies or materials, or the manufacture of a building product not on the building site.

A person applying for a building contractor registration shall submit all of the following:
An application in accordance with s. Comm 5.01
An application fee and a registration fee in accordance with s. Comm 5.02, Table 5.02
The social security number or federal employer identification number for the business.
A statement certifying compliance with worker’s compensation requirements under ch. 102, Stats., and unemployment compensation requirements under ch. 108, Stats.

What responsibilities you will have once you are registered to comply with this rule
Include their registration number on all construction bids and contracts.
Not contract with another person or entity to engage in construction business activities unless the person or entity holds a credential under sub. (1) (a) or (b) 1.
Not commence a construction business activity until a permit is issued for the construction for any project that requires a uniform building permit under s. Comm 20.08.
Not commence a construction business activity until a permit is issued for the construction for any project that requires a municipal building permit involving a public building, a place of employment or a one- or 2- family dwelling.
Not commence a construction business activity until plan approval has been obtained as required under ss. Comm 61.30, 82.20, 83.22, or 90.04.

Who in your company has to sign up for this registration?
The person applying for a building contractor registration shall be the owner of the construction business, a partner in the construction business applying on behalf of a partnership, or the chairman of the board or chief executive officer applying on behalf of the construction corporation.

Uncertain if you have to register, ask the Department of Commerce directly in writing via e-mail at: comsbbuildingcontractor@wisconsin.gov

How do you register for the new Building Contractor Registration?
You can register on line at: https://apps.commerce.wi.gov/credential-online-application/ and you will need the following:

• Social Security Number or a Federal Employer Identification Number
• Business Name and Address
• Applicant Name and Address
• Email Address for the Applicant or Business
• Payment of $100 (By check or credit/debit card)

If you meet the definition in III above you must registered for this new credential by July 1, 2009