Milwaukee, Wisconsin is a city with a vibrant culture, a leading educational system, many hours of recreation, and a great dining scene. The city is known for treasuring its history. Its downtown has undergone a revitalization of its architecture, and it celebrates a series of summer festivities that honors the various cultures that have shaped the city into what it has become today.

Housing trends throughout this city show how historical occurrences like immigration, battle, and civil rights influenced it in addition to artistic trends. In this list are the best remodeling contractors in Milwaukee. Those listed below have a wealth of experience and understanding in remodeling. The companies featured have also received various honors during the course of their years of service, including certifications and accreditations.

S.J. Janis Company, Inc.

11501 W. North Ave. Wauwatosa, WI 53226

For 70 years, with S.J. Janis, well over 1,400 homeowners have transformed their visions into nice living spaces. Credited to the knowledge and expertise of its team, whether customers wish to construct a new addition or modify a single room, the project can be completed. S.J. Janis Company won three gold awards at the 2021 Remodeler of the Year Awards. The firm has consistently been awarded for 32 years straight. It is the only business to receive such recognition from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) Milwaukee award competition each year.

One of its projects was this Wauwatosa two-story home expansion, which called for more room and contemporary improvements. For entertainment purposes, the first floor now has a 440-square-foot family area with a mudroom. The remodeled kitchen, which is attached to the family room, has a Wolf range top and even a quartz island for additional countertop space. A brand-new, 380-square-foot master suite which includes a walk-in closet has been added to the second level. A practical laundry room and a kids’ bathroom were also constructed. A new pergola as well as a 430-square-foot garage are present on the exterior.

Carmel Builders

N85 W16100 Appleton Ave. Suite 212, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051

Carmel Builders is a firm that focuses on more complex projects that need meticulous attention to detail throughout project conception, project management, and execution. Louis Weiher, son of Tom Weiher, is Carmel Builder’s president as it enters its second generation of family ownership. Louis Weiher, who has experience in hospitality management, has made it a priority for the business to emphasize providing exceptional customer service and having the capacity to handle projects successfully. 

Carmel Builders has consistently received recognition and awards for 40 years. Recent honors received by the firm include 2022 Regional Winner for Residential Interior $250K to $500K during the NARI Contractor of the Year Awards, and 2021 Gold and Silver Awards for Residential Interiors $250K to $500K. Carmel Builders is a member and affiliated with NARI Milwaukee, their team being NARI certified simultaneously. The firm is affiliated with Metropolitan Builders Association (MBA), Remodelers Advantage University, and National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA). Carmel Builders also received an A+ Rating from Wisconsin Better Business Bureau (BBB).

MKE Design Build

3775A South Packard Ave. St. Francis, WI 53235

Tom Gies and Michelle Swier, the company’s owners, prioritize developing relationships with customers and take great delight in MKE’s craftsmanship. As they merge their academic and professional backgrounds, they can provide MKE clients with a comprehensive restoration from design and planning throughout execution and finished product. MKE is accredited by NARI Milwaukee, the team simultaneously being NARI-certified. The firm is also affiliated with BBB, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), and MBA.

Since being founded, MKE Design Build has been featured in various publications, including Milwaukee Magazine, TILE Magazine, and Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The firm is also a recipient of numerous awards, including the 2022 NARI Regional Contractor of the Year, along with a 2021 NARI Gold Award and Silver Award. Featured in this article is one of MKE’s award-winning projects. This master bath in Mequon won a Silver award for a Residential Bath of $25,000 to $50,000 during the NARI 2018 Wisconsin Remodeler of the Year.

Bartelt. The Remodeling Resource

528 Wells St. Suite B, Delafield, WI 53018

Since 1984, Bartelt has emerged as one of the top home and business remodeling companies in Southeastern Wisconsin. Owner Rick Bartelt founded the firm after working for many years in the family business and the carpentry industry. Bartelt. The Remodeling Source is a member of NARI Milwaukee, MBA, and Wisconsin Builders Association. The firm is also a certified Aging-in-Place Specialist by NAHB and a recipient of an A+ rating from BBB. Bartelt, aside from these accreditations, is also a recipient of numerous awards, including NARI 2022 Regional Contractor of the Year for the entire house $750,001 to $1,000,000 and Residential Interior $250,001 to $500,000 categories.

This article features Bartelt’s NARI-winning entire house remodel. The competence and qualifications of the 1990s house received more financial investment for high-quality finishes. The homeowners desired areas that had more personality in addition to enhanced functionality. Low-maintenance materials were updated for the home’s façade. A wider laundry room and additional space off of the kitchen were made possible by an expansion. The inside was charmingly embellished. The newly renovated kitchen, which has double islands, bespoke cabinets, and a greater connection to adjacent rooms, is now the center of the home’s entertaining activities.

Brillo Home Improvements

5315 N. Lovers Lane Rd. Milwaukee, WI 53225

Brillo Home Improvements is a full-service residential and commercial remodeling firm that thrives on client satisfaction. The firm, which began as a small roofing business in 1977, has developed in 45 years as a full-service firm, with a NARI award-winning staff of home remodeling experts. Brillo specializes in all facets of home improvement, including attic conversions, lower-level remodels, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, space design and planning, and replacement of doors and windows.

Brillo is a recipient of numerous accolades, including a Grand Prize for Showroom Design during the 2018 Crystal Cabinet Design Awards, a Silver Award for Residential Interior under $75,000 during the 2014 and Milwaukee Wisconsin Remodelers Awards, 2013 NARI Wisconsin Remodelers Awards Gold and Silver Awards for Residential Kitchens $40,000 to $80,000 and Residential Bath Over $60,000. Featured here is a photo of a Cedar Street kitchen renovation. There was a huge pantry taking up far too much room prior to renovating. Brillo took that out and altered the finishes better to capture the personality and history of the house.

AB & K Bath and Kitchen

3636 South 108th St. Greenfield, WI 53228

Since 2000, AB&K has grown to be one of SE Wisconsin’s top remodeling firms. Together, the designers at AB&K have over  150 years of expertise in enhancing homes with architectural elements, completing basements, upgrading kitchens and bathrooms, and coming up with one-of-a-kind solutions for clients. The company has garnered over 140 independent, national, and local renovation design awards for projects costing anything from $20,000 to $200,000, including wine cellars.

Featured here is AB&K’s two-time gold awardee kitchen remodel. The homeowners were now able to host visitors in their remodeled kitchen without feeling confined. For this late 1980s home, AB&K gave it the open-concept appearance the owners had always desired. In order to increase ambient light in the room, the team moved the previous dining and kitchen space and demolished the wall between them.

Gabor Design Build, LLC

W156 N11238 Pilgrim Rd. Germantown, WI 53022

Gabor Design Build was established in 2000 as a one-man firm. At present, the firm grew into one of Southern Wisconsin’s leading home remodelers. It now has its own 5,800 square feet showroom with 40 members of the team, supporting the vision of helping clients create their homes. GDB is a member of NARI, GuildQuality, Metropolitan Builders Association, and Wisconsin Builders Association and is an accredited firm by the BBB. The firm also has won several awards, including a Silver Award for ​Residential Addition of $100,000 to $250,000 in the 2018 Remodeler of the Year and a People’s Choice Award for Historic Renovation in the 2010 MBA Fall Remodeler’s Tour of Homes.

This article features a whole house remodel completed by Gabor Design Build. The project starts from the outside, updating the sidings of the home and garage plus a significant addition on the back of the home. Every room and area inside gets improvements. The entrance door and stairway of the great room were made visible, and even the kitchen received an update and modernization. New sitting and dining areas, a wet bar, first-floor laundry, as well as a new master bedroom were all added. The firm even transformed the existing bedroom into a walk-in closet and even a new master bath. New stair railings were installed, and a bedroom was converted upstairs. There was enough area in its basement to add two further bedrooms.

LaBonte Construction

1051 E. Ogden Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53202

LaBonte Construction was established in 2006 and has ensured satisfactory outcomes through meticulous planning, the utilization of premium materials, and skilled craftsmanship. The company’s objective is to provide a functioning house for clients and their families where they can enjoy the spaces regularly and create memories. LaBonte Construction consistently strives to create heirloom-caliber projects using the finest supplies.

LaBonte Construction won several accolades including the 2021 Shepherd Express Awards for Best Home Remodeler and Best Bathroom Remodeler. In the same year, from the same award-giving body, the firm was also a finalist for Best Home Builder, Best Kitchen Remodeling, and Best Basement Remodeler. In 2020, it also won a Wisconsin Remodeling Award (WRA) for Residential Kitchens of $60,001 to $100,000. Aside from the following awards, LaBonte is also a BBB-accredited business and a recognized member of NARI.

Story Hill Renovations

12040 Feerick St. Unit F, Wauwatosa, WI 53222

Story Hill is a remodeling contractor with extensive expertise, and it specializes in kitchen and bathroom remodels. It can do renovations for old houses, basements, and even attics. Story Hill Renovations LLC was established in 2004 by Jack Golatke and Tom Mainville, who are both certified and recognized remodelers of NARI. The company’s team is composed of NARI Milwaukee members and fully qualified, insured experts.

Story Hill Renovations won two awards for basement and kitchen remodeling in the 2012 Wisconsin Remodeling Awards (WRA). The company was also highlighted in three episodes of the local remodeling program “Made in Milwaukee” on the DIY Channel. One of their award-winning projects is this Wauwatosa Ranch Whole House Remodel. Three bedrooms were moved around to make place for a second full bathroom and master closet. All new cabinets, wallpapers, fixtures, and fireplace inserts were added to the home. Using only the original millwork and adding finishing touches that echoed 1950s, Story Hill provided the clients with a “Retro” ambiance.

Paul Davis Restoration, Inc.

W226 N918 Northmound Dr. STE. 100, Waukesha, WI 53186

For each size project in Milwaukee and throughout nearby regions, Paul Davis provides a comprehensive array of award-winning remodeling services. Established in 1966, Paul Davis is a fast-expanding system of 300 privately held and operated franchisees. The firm is assisted outside the state’s boundaries by a national franchise and a significant loss division that focuses on business insurance restoration.

Throughout its years in service, Paul Davis has won numerous accolades. Naming a few would be the 2015 BBB Torch Award, America’s Top Remodeler, Contractor of the Year Remodeling Awards, and Going the Extra Mile (GEM) Community Service Award. More than 1,000 estimators and 1,300 project managers work for Paul Davis, which currently has over 300 offices and has created more than two million projects.

JM Remodeling & Construction

7701 North Teutonia Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53209

JM Remodeling has provided services to clients since 1990 and is a full-service design and build company. It specializes in commercial and residential remodeling and restorations including additions, bathrooms, carpentry, roofing, kitchens, dormers, and siding. The firm is a member of NARI, accredited and certified by BBB, Vinyl Siding Institute (VSI), LP Smartside, and Mastic Home Exteriors.

JM Remodeling has won numerous accolades throughout its 25 years in business. Some of the awards received are two awards for Residential Bathrooms, two awards for Residential Exterior, and one Award for Residential Kitchen during the 2016 NARI Milwaukee Wisconsin Remodeler’s Awards. The firm was also presented with an award for Residential Exterior Under $100,000 and a Residential Kitchen for $30,000 to $60,000 at the 2015 NARI Milwaukee Silver Awards.

Cream City Construction

3112 W. Highland Blvd. Milwaukee, WI 53208

Cream City Construction fulfills many projects as a byproduct of referrals or repeat business from clients who were pleased with the company’s workmanship and customer service. Jim Grote and Todd Badovski, the company’s founders, have 50 years of combined expertise throughout the design-build renovation and remodeling business. The firm collaborates with clients to establish the design plans, determine the project budget, and construct the client’s project. 

Since the firm’s establishment, it has received numerous accolades, including the Best of Show award from the 2018 Milwaukee NARI: Tour of Remodeled Homes and the Gold Award for Master Bathroom Renovation at the 2016 Wisconsin Remodeler Awards. Cream City is accredited by BBB and is also a member of NARI and the Milwaukee Historic Preservation Commission.