Your rights
Wisconsin
Wisconsin · home improvement
Before work starts
We have no verified deposit limit for Wisconsin. Ask what the deposit pays for, and pay in stages tied to finished work.
Ask: What does the deposit pay for, and can the rest be paid in stages as work is done?
If a pitch at home, by mail or phone led to it
Mail a written notice before midnight of the third business day after you get their cancel notice. Money back within 10 days.
Some sales are excepted, such as emergency work you ask for in a signed waiver.
When it applies
A consumer contract (paid in cash of more than $25, or on credit) that began with a face-to-face sales pitch away from the contractor's regular place of business, such as at your home, or with a mail or phone pitch aimed at you, and that you signed or offered away from the contractor's regular place of business (a 'consumer approval transaction' under the Wisconsin Consumer Act).
If a sales visit at your home (or a phone or mail pitch aimed at you) led to a contract you signed away from the contractor's place of business, you can cancel by mailing a written notice before midnight of the third business day after the contractor gives you the required written cancellation notice. For this right, Saturdays, Sundays and listed holidays do not count. The contractor must return your money, including any down payment, within 10 days. The Wisconsin Consumer Act that creates this right does not cover contracts over $25,000 ($50,000 from January 1, 2027); for a larger contract, check with the state consumer protection bureau (DATCP) before relying on it. Separately, for roof or other exterior work on a one- or two-family home that is to be paid in whole or in part under a property insurance policy, you can cancel before midnight of the third business day after your insurer tells you in writing that the claim is denied in whole or in part.
Ask to see it before you sign
Dwelling Contractor
Your contractor
Whoever pulls the building permit for a one- or two-family home needs a DSPS Dwelling Contractor certification.
Wisconsin has no general home improvement contractor license. Whoever pulls the building permit for work on a one- or two-family home must hold a Dwelling Contractor certification from the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS), unless you, as the owner who lives there, pull the permit yourself. Electricians, plumbers and HVAC businesses need their own state credentials. Ask to see the certification before you sign.
Who needs one: Whoever obtains a building permit for work on a one- or two-family dwelling. The business needs a Dwelling Contractor certification or a Dwelling Contractor Restricted certification (a certificate of financial responsibility showing a surety bond or general liability insurance, valid for one year), and must hold or employ a certified Dwelling Contractor Qualifier who completes continuing education. Wisconsin has no separate statewide home improvement contractor license or registration; this requirement comes with obtaining the permit.
Who doesn't
Issued by: Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS), Dwelling Contractor certification
An estimate isn't the contract. Ask for all 14 in writing before you sign.
In the rule's words
Be in writing, along with every later change, whenever the contract requires any payment before the work is finished, or the contractor started the sale in person away from its place of business (such as at your door), by mail or phone, or with flyers left at homes.
In the rule's words
Be signed by all parties and clearly state all material terms. You must get a copy before work starts or before you pay anything.
In the rule's words
Show the contractor's name and address, and the name and address of the salesperson who solicited or negotiated the deal. If someone else will act as general contractor, show their name and address too.
In the rule's words
Describe the work and the principal products and materials: name, make, size, capacity, model and model year of principal products, and the type, grade, quality, size or quantity of principal building materials.
In the rule's words
State the total price including all finance charges. For time-and-materials jobs, state the hourly labor rate and every other term that affects the price.
In the rule's words
Give the dates or time period for starting and finishing the work.
In the rule's words
Describe any mortgage or security interest and any other document that is part of the contract, and state any warranty. A warranty must spell out its conditions, exclusions and limits and how soon the contractor will act on a valid claim, and you must get a copy of every warranty when you sign (a manufacturer's product warranty may instead come at installation, or at the end of the job if the contract says so).
In the rule's words
Keep any liquidated damages you would owe for breaking the contract at or below 10% of the contract price.
In the rule's words
Before you sign, give you a separate written notice that you may request lien waivers, and tell you every building permit the job needs. Work cannot start until the permits are issued.
In the rule's words
If the contractor has or will hire subcontractors or suppliers, include the Wisconsin construction lien notice (at least 8-point bold type if printed, or capital letters if typed) and give you a copy of the written contract.
In the rule's words
If the sale qualifies for the 3-day right to cancel, give you two copies of a 'CUSTOMER'S RIGHT TO CANCEL' notice in at least 12-point bold type.
In the rule's words
For roof or other exterior work on a one- or two-family home, give you before signing a statement asking whether the work relates to a property insurance claim, and attach a detachable notice of cancellation in duplicate.
In the rule's words
If the contractor says they are licensed, bonded or insured, give you a written statement describing that license, bond or insurance.
In the rule's words
If the deal was negotiated in a language other than English, be written in English and in that language.
Notes from our check
General information from official Wisconsin sources. For your situation, ask the state's consumer protection office or a lawyer.