Kitchen Remodelers in Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee Kitchen Remodeling

Upgrading your kitchen in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a great way to add value to your home in a city that is enjoying solid growth following the dip in the real estate market that occurred in 2007/2008. Marred by the housing crisis that ravaged the whole of the United States, Milwaukee’s progress in the housing market has been slow but steady. Today, homeowners using improvements and upgrades — particularly in high-traffic, key areas such as the kitchen — to add value to their homes are seeing positive returns and improving their own quality of life.

Choosing to upgrade your kitchen is no small project, as it often comes with a five-figure price tag and many choices from flooring to cabinetry to backsplash colors. This means there are plenty of opportunities to make improvements to Milwaukee homes without breaking the bank. The key is understanding the market and what kitchen remodel options fit into your budget before choosing a contractor and project area wisely.

Average Cost for Common Kitchen Remodel Tasks

To remodel a kitchen in the Milwaukee area, expect to pay much less than the national average of $19,968. The average Milwaukee homeowner pays an average of $8,236, which is less than half the national averageThere are several small projects that, together, make up a kitchen remodel, each of which have a range of costs associated with them. Carefully considering the cost of each of these is the best way to maximize results and save money where needed. These comparisons below show how common kitchen remodeling elements compare in Milwaukee versus the national average.

While figures for individual projects in Milwaukee remain below the national average, they are not as dramatically low as the total costs. This means that many homeowners choose to selectively remodel their kitchens, focusing only on a few key projects rather than a full-scale remodel.

Licensing and Other Requirements

Contractors in Milwaukee must abide by state laws and regulations when it comes to licensing and certification in order to obtain building permits for any jobs they complete. Wisconsin offers general contractors three classes of certification that homeowners should check on before the commencement of any work:

1. Dwelling Contractor Certification: allows contractor to work on one- and two-family homes
2. Dwelling Contractor Certification-Restricted: allows contractor to work on one- and two-family homes on projects that total $25,000 or less
3. Dwelling Contractor Qualifier Certification: allows contracting businesses (rather than individuals) to perform work on one- and two-family homes

Additional certifications are required in Wisconsin for plumbers and electricians, who are often necessary during kitchen remodel projects. These additional certifications are required by the city in order to obtain a permit and legally perform electrical or plumbing work. Homeowners can check on the qualifications of particular contractor in Milwaukee through the city's search engine on www.city.milwaukee.gov.

Other Projects to Consider

When undertaking such an extensive home improvement project, it may seem like too much to do anything more. However, there are a few key ways to save money and/or expand your finished project that are worth considering. These projects are great companions to a kitchen remodel.

Cabinet Refacing

Historic homes often have a lot of character that more modern homes may lack, so much so that taking out that character can seriously affect the value of these homes. In this case, refurbishing some elements, such as cabinets, is a great way to preserve the authenticity of a home's style while also making a space feel new. In Milwaukee, the price for cabinet re-facing is $6,400.

Including a Kitchen as Part of an Addition

If you want to elevate the impact of a kitchen remodel, consider completely reimagining the space. Including a kitchen remodel as part of a larger addition project is one way that homeowners can put a personal touch into their space as well modernize it, expanding square footage, counter space, and cabinets. In Milwaukee, the average homeowner paid $39,498 for an addition, with most paying $20,308 to $61,428.

Hiring an Interior Decorator or Designer

When maximizing a small space or updating an older home while preserving its charm, sometimes a homeowner should consult a professional. Interior designers can help fuse style and function with value and design while recreating a space. Hiring a designer costs, on average, $5,060, with most homeowners paying $1,853 to $8,500.

The Milwaukee area has a lot to offer homeowners looking for affordable city living, but in a housing market still recovering from a major downturn, maximizing your home's value is essential. Remodeling your kitchen to make it more functional and stylish is one way to do just that, and those living in Milwaukee have affordable options. With most homeowners paying less than half the national average for a completed kitchen remodel project, making changes that greatly impact the perception and value of your home is possible.

Popular Milwaukee Neighborhoods

The city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin sits on the southwest shore of Lake Michigan and is home to over half a million residents, making it the largest city in the state. Known for its tradition of brewing, this city has experienced some major growth and renewal in recent times, which has helped it develop into a more modern, desirable Midwestern city for young residents and families, particularly those looking for affordable lakefront properties.

In a still-recovering market, homes throughout the Milwaukee area are gaining value on par with the country as a whole. In 2014, the average home in Milwaukee sold for $219,500, which is very close to the national average of $216,567. However, where in the city a person lives has a huge effect on that home's value as well as the particulars of any kitchen remodel project. From modern skyscrapers featuring top-of-the-line condos to family-focused communities with higher-priced, larger homes, here are some of the key neighborhoods in the city of Milwaukee worth noting:

• Bay View
  This is an up-and-coming area popular with young families and first-time homebuyers with a rich blue-collar, lower-middle class history. The area's predominantly bungalow-style homes are often valued below $200,000, though many need updating.
• Whitefish Bay
  With a distinctive small-town feel, Whitefish Bay is a popular place for families and those with more money to spend on modern, larger homes. This area is known for its good schools and more liberal residents.
• Wauwatosa
  Another popular family enclave, Wauwatosa homes are mixed between mid-century bungalows and large, old Victorian-style mansions. Often valued below $250,000, these homes are on small lots and may need modernization.
• Historic Third Ward
  Homes in this area just a few blocks south of downtown are full of character. Notable for its art galleries and theatres, this district offers a series of condos in refurbished warehouses.