Continuing Education

Contractor Education Requirements

Check your Contractor Credential Status at the WI Dept of Safety & Professional Services website. Remember, you must complete your continuing education requirements at least 3 months prior to the renewal date of your credential!

Since Jan 1, 2008, contractors and remodelers have been required to obtain the Dwelling Contractor Qualifier Credential in order to pull building permits in Wisconsin. Attending the NW Wis Professional Builder Education Workshop will meet the requirements for new builders needing the initial training credits, and provides 12 continuing education credits for contractors who already hold the Dwelling Contractor Qualifier. Contractors must attend both days in their entirety in order to receive credit. Partial credits will not be available.

• Dec 8-9, 2011--NW Wis Professional Builder Education Workshop. 12 credits for Initial Contractor Certification or continuing education credits. Course held at Chippewa Valley HBA, 4319 Jeffers Rd, Eau Claire. Builders Association Member rate is $130 ($225 for non-members)

If you need to take the 12 credit "new builder" series to earn your Qualifier Credential or need Continuing Education Credits, the WI Dept of Safety & Professional Services lists sources available throughout the state. Here is a source that  is WI DSFS-approved, and you can complete it without leaving your home or office!:

• The Metropolitan Builders Association is offering their DSPS-approved 12-credit "new builder" course via DVD set. As a member of Heart of the North Builders Association, you will receive their HBA Member rate of $130 ($225 for non-members). An info/order form is available here.

  Completing this DVD and associated test will also satisfy the12-credit continuing education requirement for those already holding their Dwelling Contractor Qualifier.

To find other WI Dept of Safety & Professional Services-approved continuing education courses, click here.

Lead Safe Renovator Requirements

As of April 22, 2010, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services along with the EPA is requiring those involved in renovations in homes built before 1978, disturbing more than 6 square feet per room of interior space or more than 20 square feet of exterior space to have Wisconsin Lead-Safe Renovator certification.  This includes remodeling, repair, rehab, weatherization, painting, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, window refinishing or replacement, carpentry etc. To learn more, visit www.dhs.wi.gov/lead/.

Anyone who is paid to perform work that disturbs potential lead-contaminated surfaces is subject to this rule!

Courses are available throughout the state, offered by WBA, Lake States Environmental, and others. Check their websites or the WI Dept of Commerce for course schedules, prices and availability.

General Membership Meeting Education Topics

Please contact us if you have any questions or suggestions for future education topics.

Follow-up & Resources

Thanks to Kris Schmid of Legacy Solar Systems for enlightening our members and guests on the variety and scope of residential solar energy systems available at our Oct. 14, 2010 General Membership Meeting. Kris can be contacted at 715-653-4295 solman@legacysolar.com.

Some of the resources & references Kris mentioned include:

Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA)
Located in Custer, WI (east of Stevens Point)
A national leader in renewable energy education, annual energy fair that draws 20,000+ attendees
www.the-mrea.org  715-592-6595

Energy Star
Spreadsheets on major appliances and their energy use. www.energystar.gov

Books
Energy Efficient Building by Editors of Fine Homebuilding
The Natural House by Daniel D. Chiras
The Solar House by Daniel D. Chiras (passive solar)
The Solar Electric House by Steven J. Strong
Solar Water Heating by Bob Ramlow

Magazines
Home Power Magazine www.homepower.com
Solar Today www.solartoday.org 
___________

Fall Protection Information from the May 13, 2010 General Membership Meeting:
Click for OSHA's Construction eTool page on Falls
OSHA Compliance Assistance Specialist Mary Bauer left a CD of information following her presentation. If you need any of the materials she referenced, please contact Barb to have the document(s) emailed to you.

DOT Information from the June 08 & Feb 10 General Membership Meetings:
If you missed the June 2008 and/or Feb 10 meetings, you missed a very informative topic. Dan Boese of the Dept. of Transportation explained who needs a DOT number, who needs a CDL, who needs a medical card, etc. More information on this topic can be found at Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's site, http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/.

Member-Hosted Meetings

If your company would like to sponsor a General Membership Meeting, please download HNBA's policy and agreement form and submit no less than 6 months prior to the date of the meeting you would like to sponsor.

Right to Cure

Builders and Remodelers: make sure you're handing out the Right to Cure brochure with each contract you enter into with a homeowner!