Handyman services in

Elm Grove, WI

Elmbrook Handyman helps homeowners and property managers in Elm Grove with professional home repair, maintenance, and improvement projects. Whether you are handling a punch list, getting a property ready for move in, or taking care of overdue fixes, our team focuses on clear communication, clean workmanship, and practical solutions that move the project forward. This page also includes official Elm Grove homeowner resources so you can quickly find permit guidance, collection schedules, seasonal notices, and helpful local information.

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Services we offer in Elm Grove

Elm Grove Homeowner Resources

Garbage, recycling, and yard waste Collection

Elm Grove contracts with Johns Disposal for weekly trash and recycling collection using an "up the drive" service model. Yard waste runs on its own set of rules through the Village Recycle Center, scheduled brush pickups, and a seasonal leaf bag program. Use the disclosures below for set-out rules, accepted materials, and contacts.

Garbage collection

Weekly · Up-the-drive · 262-473-4700

Elm Grove contracts with Johns Disposal for weekly trash collection using an up-the-drive service model. The two biggest causes of missed service are cans not being accessible, and cans not being set out early enough.

Set-out timing

  • Trash is collected weekly.
  • Set trash out the night before, or by 6:00 AM on your collection day (Johns Disposal's own schedule notes a 7:00 AM cutoff — use 6:00 AM to be safe).

Up-the-drive placement

  • Place trash where it is visible and easy to access, typically at the end of your driveway.
  • Make sure cans are not blocked by vehicles or other obstacles.
  • Keep the area around your cans clear — Johns Disposal is not responsible for items left within 10 feet of your cans that weren't meant for disposal.

Container limits

  • Cans should be 32 gallons or smaller.
  • Cans should weigh under 50 lbs when full.

Cardboard and overflow

  • All cardboard must be broken down to be acceptable.
  • Extra cardboard should go out with recycling, not loose next to trash, so it doesn't get skipped.

Holiday delays

  • Certain holidays that fall on a weekday can trigger a one-day delay.
  • Confirm what applies for the current year using the annual Elm Grove collection schedule.

Large items and bulky pickup

  • Bulky items are allowed at the curb on your regular collection day, but only after you call Johns Disposal in advance to schedule pickup and confirm pricing.

Quick links

Call 262-473-4700 or email office@johnsdisposal.com — office hours Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–4:30 PM, Sat 8:00 AM–12:00 PM.

Recycling collection

Weekly · Same day as trash · 262-473-4700

Elm Grove recycling is collected weekly, on the same day as trash, using blue recycling bins for curbside service. The biggest reasons recycling gets skipped or rejected are late set-out, blocked access, unflattened cardboard, and contamination.

Set-out rules

  • Have recycling out the night before, or by 6:00 AM on your collection day.
  • Keep bins visible and easy to access, typically at the end of the driveway.
  • Don't let bins get "parked in" by vehicles — if the truck can't access them, they can be skipped.
  • Flatten all boxes so bins don't overflow and materials don't blow around.

Extra recyclables

  • Extra recyclables are allowed in additional blue bins. If you routinely have overflow, it's worth getting an extra bin so cardboard doesn't get forced into the trash.

Accepted curbside

  • Aluminum cans and clean aluminum foil
  • Tin, steel, and aerosol cans
  • Glass bottles and jars
  • Plastics #1, #2, and #5
  • Milk cartons and juice boxes
  • Loose newspaper and mail
  • Magazines and books
  • Flattened cardboard, cereal and shoe boxes, brown paper bags
  • Shredded paper — in a clear bag only

Keep these OUT of recycling

  • Plastic bags, Styrofoam, electronics, yard waste, clothing, hazardous waste, construction items, sharps and inhalers, and garbage

Quick links

Call 262-473-4700 or email office@johnsdisposal.com

Yard waste & seasonal pickups

Recycle Center · 3 brush pickups/yr · Leaf bags Sep–Nov

Elm Grove handles yard waste through a mix of the Village Recycle Center, scheduled neighborhood brush pickup dates, and a seasonal leaf bag pickup option. Brush piles placed too early, too late, or incorrectly stacked can be skipped, so set-out timing matters.

Village Recycle Center — best option for ongoing yard waste

  • Location: 900 Wall Street
  • Resident access only — proof of residency required. Contractors and contractor vehicles are not allowed.
  • Accepted: brush, grass clippings, leaves only. Hazardous waste is not permitted.

Recycle Center hours (seasonal)

  • January & February: closed
  • March: Saturdays 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
  • April–October 14: Tue & Thu 3:30 PM–7:00 PM, plus Saturdays 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
  • October 15–November 30: Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, Saturdays 8:00 AM–4:00 PM, Sundays 12:00 PM–4:00 PM
  • December: Saturdays 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
  • Holiday closures can vary by year — confirm on the Recycle Center page before you go.

Brush pickup (scheduled, 3x/year)

  • Village crews pick up brush on a scheduled basis three times per year; the Village posts the schedule and an interactive neighborhood map.
  • Set out no earlier than the weekend before your scheduled pickup, and no later than Sunday night before your pickup week.
  • Pile at the roadside in front of your residence, not in boulevard areas.
  • Lengths must be 6 feet or less, piled parallel with the road, cut ends pointing one direction — not one continuous pile.
  • Separate logs from brush; keep logs 3 feet or less.
  • No tarps, cans, or bags. Don't mix with trash or other yard waste (grass, garden waste, leaves, paper, plastic, weeds, trimmings).
  • Avoid placing piles near poles, trees, fences, mailboxes, rocks, or under wires/branches.
  • Brush set out after your last scheduled pickup date is subject to a $60 per load charge.

Special Brush Pick Up (paid, outside scheduled dates)

  • Available Monday–Thursday, year-round.
  • Fee: $60, covers one truckload of brush and cut logs (about 10–12 cubic yards).
  • 24-hour notice required; scheduling depends on Public Works availability.

Leaf disposal — two official options

  • Recycle Center drop-off: leaves accepted, but bags must be emptied on site. Contractors not allowed.
  • Sticker-based bag pickup: purchase approved Johns Disposal leaf stickers at Village Hall or the Police Department ($1.00 per sticker, sold in packs of five). Use biodegradable paper leaf bags purchased separately. Place bags at the street end of your driveway before 7:00 AM on trash pickup day. Collected September through November only, with an approved sticker.

Free wood chips

  • Elm Grove offers free wood chips made from brush brought to the yard waste facility. Pickup is available, or delivery to your driveway can be requested online.

Quick links

Village Hall 262-782-6700 — general questions, Recycle Center access   Johns Disposal 262-473-4700 — leaf bag pickup questions

Permits and home improvement guidelines

Elm Grove permits and approvals are handled through the Village's Zoning and Planning department, with building permitting and inspections supported through SAFEbuilt. If your project changes the exterior of your home, adds a structure, or involves work in the public right-of-way, it's worth checking requirements early so you don't lose time to rework or delays.

Does my project need a permit?

Apply online via Community Core

Elm Grove uses an online permitting system called Community Core for building permit applications, plan review, and fee payment. The Village encourages electronic submission for faster processing.

Common permit categories

  • Building, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and miscellaneous permits.

Other permits that can apply to homeowners

  • Demolition of a building requires a demolition permit.
  • Certain projects may need zoning approvals such as special exceptions, variances, or conditional use approvals depending on the situation and location.

Quick links

Plan prep & inspections

Schedule by 4 PM for next-day inspection

Plan submission

  • For permits involving interior work, three sets of plans illustrating all interior work must be reviewed and approved by the building inspector before permit issuance. Allow up to 10 days for review.

Inspections

  • Elm Grove requires rough and final inspections for permitted work.
  • Inspections must be scheduled by 4:00 PM for a next-business-day inspection.
  • Have your permit number ready when scheduling.
  • Inspection scheduling is handled through SAFEbuilt — the inspection line and email are listed on the Village Building Permits page.

Quick links

Building Board review

Required before permit submission · 1st & 3rd Tue, 5:30 PM

New disclosure — no equivalent existed in Bay View's ID list. Elm Grove's Building Board acts as a design/exterior-review gate before a permit can be filed, similar in spirit to a historic-district review but applying village-wide to exterior work.

Most exterior alteration or construction work requires Building Board review before you can submit a permit online.

Projects that require Building Board review

  • Exterior alterations and additions
  • Accessory structures (sheds, pergolas, gazebos)
  • Pools, decks, retaining walls
  • Business signage
  • Sport courts
  • New home construction

Timing

  • Building Board review must happen before you submit the permit online — the Village notes that submitting online first will get the application denied and referred back to Zoning and Planning.
  • Materials must typically be submitted 2 to 4 weeks in advance to get on an agenda.
  • Meetings are held the first and third Tuesday of each month at 5:30 PM.

Quick links

Driveways & the public right-of-way

Driveway permit: no charge · Routed through Public Works

If your project affects the driveway, sidewalk area, street, ditch, or public right-of-way, Elm Grove routes permits through Public Works.

Driveway permit

  • Required for installation or improvement of a driveway, except seal coating — there is no charge for this permit.
  • Submitted to the Director of Public Works for approval, then forwarded to the Zoning Administrator for processing. Must be approved and on file before work begins.

Public Way Disturbance permit

  • Required for any excavation or work that disturbs a public street or right-of-way.
  • Fees can include a base fee, restoration fee, and bond or deposit.

Sewer lateral work

  • Requires a permit. Additional requirements can apply when a building is razed or remodeled in a way that disturbs an existing lateral.

Quick links

Building inspections FAQ

Verbatim answers from the Village FAQ

New disclosure — the Village's Building Inspections FAQ has enough homeowner-specific Q&A that it's kept as its own card rather than folded into Plan Prep & Inspections.

Do I need to submit plans for a permit related to interior building work?

Yes. Three sets of plans illustrating all interior work to be done must be reviewed and approved by the building inspector prior to permit issuance. Please allow up to 10 days for review.

How are wells regulated?

All residential and commercial structures in the Village are currently serviced by private wells for their primary water source. Depending on the nature of your construction project, the location of the well on your property may become important. Waukesha County is the entity responsible for regulating the use of wells.

Does my electrician need to be licensed by the Village?

No. However, your electrician does need to be licensed by the State of Wisconsin.

Do I need an electrical permit if I am just changing one outlet or a ceiling fan?

No. However, if new circuits or more outlets are added, a permit is required.

Do I need a heating (HVAC) permit if I am relocating a heat register and the related duct work?

No.

Does my plumber need to be licensed by the State of Wisconsin?

Yes.

Do I need to take out a plumbing permit if I am just moving a fixture?

Yes, if new piping is involved.

If I am a homeowner in the Village, can I do my own electrical work?

A property owner may personally perform electrical work in his or her own single family residence owned by and occupied by, or to be occupied by, him or her as a permanent residence, provided that: (1) a permit is applied for and secured in accordance with Chapter 106 (Building Construction); (2) all required fees are paid; (3) the work is performed by yourself in accordance with Chapter 106 of Village Code; (4) an inspection is applied for; (5) project approval is received from the building inspector.

If I am a homeowner in the Village, can I do my own HVAC work?

According to COMM 5.70 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code, a homeowner is allowed to service existing HVAC equipment. If any alterations or replacement of existing equipment occurs, a licensed contractor must perform the work.

If I am a homeowner in the Village, can I do my own plumbing work?

Homeowners of single family residences may obtain a plumbing permit for fixture replacements only, provided they occupy the residence. A homeowner may not replace fixtures in such a manner that requires relocation, alterations, removal, or addition to existing hard piped drains, vents, or water lines.

Homeowners may perform minor repair work required for proper maintenance of an existing plumbing system without obtaining a plumbing permit (example: faucet repair, drain cleaning, toilet exchange or repair, etc.). All other work requires a State of Wisconsin licensed Master Plumber to obtain a plumbing permit. All permits must be secured prior to work commencing.

Do I need a plumbing permit if I am adding a fixture or appliance?

Permits are required for dishwashers and water softeners, but not for garbage disposals. A plumbing permit is also required for a new sink, tub, or toilet.

Do I need a permit for a gas space heater?

Yes, if it is permanently installed.

Quick links

Seasonal Services and City Notices

Elm Grove seasonal rules and local notices can affect street access, parking, pickup timing, and outdoor project scheduling. The disclosures below cover the official places to check first, especially during winter storms, road work, or holiday service changes.

Snow & ice removal, winter parking

Snow emergency: no street parking

Elm Grove runs snow and ice operations during winter weather, which can affect curb access, driveway entry, and street parking. If you're scheduling service during snow season, plan for tighter access and occasional timing adjustments based on plowing conditions.

Snow emergency parking rule

  • During a declared snow emergency, there is no parking on Village streets.
  • The Village notifies the media when a snow emergency is in effect — check status before an appointment window to avoid towing or last-minute access issues.

Snow placement ordinance highlights (Village Ordinance 243-15)

  • Snow or ice removed from private property may not be deposited onto any fire hydrant, mailbox, or onto any paved right-of-way, public sidewalk, or other public place.
  • Snow and ice must be deposited so as not to obstruct or interfere with the passage or vision of vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
  • Snow and ice must be removed from any portion of a sidewalk that leads to the street and intersects with the curb at an intersection or corner.

Right-of-way obstructions DPW checks for

  • Manhole issues that need adjustment for the plow to travel over
  • Low-hanging tree branches that could damage trucks
  • Mailboxes in disrepair
  • Obstructions in the right-of-way, such as rocks or structures that could damage plows

Snow markers

  • Only break-away markers (fiberglass or aluminum) are allowed in the right-of-way. Steel stakes or other non-break-away markers will be removed by DPW crews.

Quick links

Road closures & recreation cancellations

Posted on the Village Alert Center
  • The Village uses the Alert Center to post official updates like road closings and detours — the fastest check when you see cones, temporary signage, or unexpected traffic changes near your neighborhood.
  • The Alert Center is also used for recreation cancellations, useful when planning around park activity, community programming, or high-traffic weekends.

Quick links

Holiday collection & Christmas tree pickup

Tree pickup: 1st–3rd Monday of January
  • Village News posts seasonal service updates and time-sensitive reminders.

Christmas tree recycling

  • Natural trees are picked up by Public Works starting the first Monday in January through the third Monday in January, weather permitting.
  • Place trees curbside and do not bury them after a snowfall.
  • Trees in plastic bags, and trees with lights, wire, or decorations, are not accepted.
  • After pickup is complete, Public Works will not return for another tree pickup — the next disposal option is the Recycle Center once it resumes Saturday hours in March.

Quick links

Community and Local Information

Elm Grove has a strong calendar and notification system through its official CivicEngage site. The disclosures below help residents quickly check events, meetings, closures, and schedules that can impact parking, street access, and project timing.

Village Hall & general contact

Village Hall · 262-782-6700
  • Village Hall is the general contact point for questions on permits, Recycle Center access, and other Village services.
  • Notify Me is the Village's official subscription hub for updates, covering categories like Calendar, Agenda Center, Alert Center, and News Flash — the best option if you want Elm Grove notices pushed to you automatically instead of checking manually.

Quick links

Call 262-782-6700

Village calendar, agendas & meetings

Agenda Center · iCalendar subscriptions available

Village calendar, events, and closures

  • Switch views (list, week, month) and filter by calendar type, like Community Events, Recreation, Library, Fire Department, and Village Calendar.
  • Use keyword search and date range filters to confirm a specific event, meeting, or closure window.
  • If scheduling work near Village Hall, the library, or Village Park, scan the calendar first to avoid conflicts with high-traffic times.

Subscribe to calendar events

  • Elm Grove supports iCalendar — add individual events to your calendar, or subscribe so it updates automatically as new events are posted.

Public meetings, agendas & local decisions

  • The Agenda Center is where Elm Grove posts agendas before meetings, then minutes after meetings.
  • Pair this with Notify Me to get alerts when new agendas or updates are posted.

Quick links

Library & recreation programs

Elm Grove Public Library · Recreation Department

Elm Grove Public Library

  • Maintains a dedicated events calendar for programs, workshops, and seasonal activities.
  • Library calendars are also one of the most reliable sources for closures and schedule changes around holidays.

Recreation programs and special events

  • Elm Grove Recreation posts programs, park-related updates, and special events throughout the year.
  • If planning work near Village Park, the pool, courts, or event areas, check recreation updates to avoid peak times.

Quick links

Planning a project in Elm Grove?

Ready to get that project off the list? Elmbrook works with Elm Grove homeowners and property managers on repairs and improvements of every size — locally operated, easy to schedule.

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