New Builder Education Classes
Beginning January 1, 2008 contractors and remodelers need a new credential in order to pull building permits in Wisconsin – the Dwelling Contractor Qualifier Certification (DCQC).
People who received their Dwelling Contractor Credential after April 11, 2006 must earn 12 credits in order to apply for the new Dwelling Contractor Qualifier Certification. Along with the application, they must submit proof that they passed a test associated with those 12 credits. A memo issued by the Department of Commerce states, "At least one-third of the subject matter identified in the education approval process shall cover subject matters in construction law/business practices and at least one-third in construction codes."
People who held or had applied for the Dwelling Contractor Credential (formerly known as dwelling contractor financial responsibility certification) as of April 14, 2006 may qualify to be "grandfathered in." However, they need to apply for the Dwelling Contractor Qualifier Certification by September 1, 2009 in order to get grandfathered status. Grandfathered credential holders do not need the Initial Training, but they will need to earn 12 credits of Commerce-approved continuing education in order to renew their Dwelling Contractor Qualifier Certification. (Be aware that you need to apply for renewal 3 months before the expiration date.)
WBA's "New Builder Education" 12 credits may count either for those who need TO APPLY for their Dwelling Contractor Qualifier Credential or for those people who need 12 credits in order TO RENEW their Qualifier Credential (COURSE I.D. # 8931). We will offer live “New Builder Education” classes again in Fall/Winter 2008-2009.
NEW! Contractor Education DVD/Online now available!
12-credit WI Commerce Approved Course you can take at home!
This 12-hour version is based on a live seminar and includes a fat workbook with all of the PowerPoint slides, reference documents, and a 120-question exam. Either version works on recent Windows platforms.
This DVD/Online Version of “New Builder Education” provides 12 credits for those who need the Initial Training to be eligible for the new Dwelling Contractor Qualifier Credential OR for those who need 12 continuing education credits to renew their Dwelling Contractor Qualifier Credential. Initial Training participants need to pass the 120-question exam with a grade of 70% or better in order to be eligible to apply for the new credential.
The seminar content includes all of the material described for live presentations. The course cost is $139 for WBA members; $239 for non-members. For more information, click here for a three-page brochure or call Cindi Gruebling at 608-242-5155, ext. 18. To register, fill out the registration form (page three of the brochure) or call Kim Fay at 608-242-5155, ext. 10.
Details of the three phases are as follows:
Phase I - Contracts, Specifications & Plans
This 4-hour course will review the important elements of building, remodeling and trade contractor agreements. A discussion of the construction and remodeling contracts will address (but is not limited to): legal description of the property; down payments; work credits; construction payments; contingencies; financial closing date; escrow; insurance; change orders; construction time and construction delays; building site conditions; weather conditions; supervision of work; utilities; work stoppage or default; possession and occupancy; termination; collection costs; disputes and resolutions; signatures; enforceability; and copyright notice.
This session will also examine important elements of a trade contractor agreement contract, which covers project description/location; contract price; changes; authority to contract for the work; default prior to start of construction; project time; signatures; enforceability; entire agreement; acceptance; and any special provisions.
Special attention will be paid to recent changes to Wisconsin lien law and requirements of the "Right to Cure" law, which went into effect in 2006.
In addition, this segment will examine a building specifications form that addresses many of the elements associated with new home construction.
Phase II - Codes, Regulations & Construction Practices
This segment will teach the different portions of the Uniform Dwelling Code related to phases of the residential construction process. Special emphasis will be placed on Comm 20-22, including the requirements of the state's new contractor education law. The instructor will also address the important elements of Comm 23-25 (HVAC, electrical and plumbing). Learners will also gain an awareness and knowledge of appropriate municipal codes and ordinances.
In addition to new home construction codes, attendees will learn the requirements of the state's Home Improvement regulations (ATCP 110). Construction practices will be included in the discussions associated with remodeling and new home construction.
Phase III - Customer Service & Ethics
This segment will cover elements important to good customer service and relations, including the regulations associated with theft by contract. This phase will also convey to the learner the appropriate steps for the closing of a new construction project, and elements of a home warranty.