The 10 Best Milwaukee, WI General Contractors

For all construction and home improvement projects that require a permit in MIlwaukee, you must hire a contractor who holds a city home improvement contractor license as well as a dwelling contractor certification from the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.

Milwaukee contractors must comply with both city and state requirements. The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services certifies dwelling contractors. Applicants must have completed 12 hours of an initial qualifier course in dwelling construction within the past year, and show proof of workers’ compensation and compliance with unemployment compensation requirements. Applicants must demonstrate financial responsibility with either a bond or liability insurance. The initial fee for a license is $45, with an annual fee of $30. Contractors must also obtain a City home improvement contractors license to work in Milwaukee. Applicants must hold general liability insurance, submit their fingerprints to the Milwaukee Police Department and pass a criminal background check. Contractors must complete 12 hours of continuing education every two years to renew their license and pay a $250 fee.

All licensed contractors in Milwaukee must hold workers’ compensation and general liability and property damage insurance with minimums of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident bodily injury liability, and $10,000 property damage liability or combined single limit of not less than $60,000. Additionally, licensed dwelling contractors must either hold a bond of at least $25,000 or an insurance policy with a minimum of $250,000 per occurrence of bodily injury to or death to persons or damage to property. Request copies of all certificates before any work begins on your property.

Generally, a permit is needed in Milwaukee for all new construction, additions and demolitions. Common projects that require a permit include adding doors, decks, fireplaces, garages, pools, new roofs, sheds, siding, signs, fences, retaining walls and stairs/steps. Usually, a permit is required for attic and basement alterations or conversions, bathroom remodels and may also be necessary for landscaping, a parking slab, or a driveway. If you are unsure if your project needs a permit, contact the Development Center at 414.286.8211.

The Development Center of the Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services is responsible for issuing permits and enforcing local building codes and regulations. You should determine with your contractor at the start of project planning who will acquire the permits. The Development Center provides a variety of services to assist you throughout the development process, including detailed online guides. Plan review is required for new residential construction, remodeling projects and additions. Permits are available online for licensed electrical, plumbing and HVAC contractors. More details are available on the Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services’ website.

The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services requires dwelling contractors to either hold a bond of at least $25,000 or an insurance policy. In the event of losses or damages incurred during a construction project, a homeowner can file a claim against a contractor’s bond.

The BuildZoom score is based on a number of factors including the contractor's license information, which is gathered from the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services and the Milwaukee City Clerk - License Division; building permit data, gathered from the Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services; and feedback and behavior we have observed in the BuildZoom marketplace and in other, third-party review sites.

We have analyzed every licensed contractor who has worked in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Using this information, we’re able to save you time, money and lessen your risk by providing you with a simple and straight-forward way to gather and receive multiple bids from vetted general contractors in Milwaukee. Click here to get started by providing us with a few details about your project.