Handyman in Wisconsin

[Jared Baker]

Hello BP!

I recently started a new job and I am looking to possibly partner with my uncle to purchase a duplex this year. Our goal is to find a duplex that is in need of repair so we can add value to create a nice ARV. As such, the agreement will be that he puts up the capital and I put up my time and energy to fix up the building. Seems like a good plan so far right?

So, I have helped my dad remodel his house, helping with maintenance, doing repairs, helped close in the front porch, and built a new porch on the back of the house. In addition I also helped him build a 100'x30' shed. So with all of that I have a fair deal of knowledge on how to do things and have access to the resources to figure out how to do the things I don't.

So before we find the ideal property I figure there will be possibly 4-10 months before we find something that will fit what we are looking for. So in this time I want to start a handyman business. My plan is to take smaller jobs(that should be obvious) but wont actually make any money. I want to use maybe the first dozen jobs or so as free labor for the customer. So I would do the work, get the experience, and the customer would just pay for materials. I think this would get me a good foundation to be able to then figure out what I would have to charge later on and give the experience to make the best choices when fixing up the duplex that I purchase.

So with all of that said, here is my question. In Wisconsin what are the legal requirements for a handyman? I have seen some states require that you have a licenses, so don't require it, some put a limit on how big a job you can accept, or how you advertise. So here in Wisconsin what license or paperwork do I need so I don't get fined or huge tickets and where can I find that information? I spent most of my weekend combing the internet to see what I could find for Wisconsin but I can't seem to find anything. Any help will be appreciated!!

Thanks!

[Glen Morrow]

Check your local building permit department.  Here in milwaukee, you cant pull a building permit unless you have a contractor’s license which requires a state single family dwelling contractor’s license which requires a bond or insurance.