Can I Pull My Own Building Permit in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin's owner-builder exemption allows homeowners to pull building permits and perform construction work on their own owner-occupied single-family dwelling without holding a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier (DCQ) certification. This exemption is one of the most homeowner-friendly in the Midwest, covering structural work, framing, roofing, siding, insulation, drywall, and finish work. The homeowner must be the applicant on the permit and must personally perform or directly supervise the work. The exemption extends to trade work as well. Homeowners can perform their own electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work on their owner-occupied single-family home, though separate trade permits are still required and all work must pass inspection by the appropriate trade inspector. The electrical, plumbing, and mechanical codes still apply in full — the homeowner exemption waives the licensing requirement, not the code compliance requirement. There are important limitations. The owner-builder exemption does not apply to rental properties, investment properties, duplexes (even if owner-occupied), commercial buildings, or properties being built for immediate sale (speculative construction). If you build a home under the owner-builder exemption and sell it within one year, some municipalities may scrutinize whether you were genuinely building for personal occupancy or acting as an unlicensed contractor. Some municipalities require owner-builders to sign an affidavit confirming they will occupy the home. From a practical standpoint, pulling your own permit means you are the responsible party for all code compliance. If the work fails inspection, you must make corrections. If issues arise after the project is complete, you cannot hold a contractor responsible. Building inspectors sometimes scrutinize owner-builder work more carefully because they cannot rely on the contractor's professional experience. Before embarking on a major owner-builder project, consider taking a code compliance class or hiring a private building consultant to review your plans. The money saved on contractor labor can easily be lost if significant rework is required due to code violations.

Check Your Municipality

Permit requirements, fees, and exemptions vary by municipality. Verify the specifics for your location.