Last updated on June 28th, 2024 at 04:51 am

In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the success of your commercial construction project hinges on selecting the right contractor. A reputable commercial general contractor does more than oversee the job; they ensure the highest quality materials and craftsmanship within your budget, safeguard against costly mistakes and delays, and diligently strive to get the job done correctly the first time. Their expertise and commitment can transform your vision into reality efficiently and effectively, underscoring the importance of making an informed choice.

The construction landscape is dynamic and competitive in Milwaukee, where the population stands at 563,305 and the median home value is $208,972. Commercial projects in this city come with average costs ranging from $100,000 to $850,000 and can go as high as $1,300,000. The cost per square foot averages $10, making selecting a contractor who can deliver quality results within budget is crucial. These projects can take up to 18 months to complete, requiring a contractor with the capability to manage long-term commitments effectively.

This article will highlight some of the best construction companies in Milwaukee. These contractors have been chosen for their proven ability to handle various commercial projects, commitment to quality, and track record of successful completion. Whether you’re planning to build a new office space, retail outlet, or industrial facility, these contractors are equipped to ensure your project is completed to the highest standards, on time, and within budget.

Overview: The Best Commercial Contractors in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

See Ranking Methodology at the bottom of this article to learn more.

VJS Construction Services

W233 N2847 Roundy Circle W, Pewaukee, WI 53072

If you’ve been doing business in Wisconsin for a long time, chances are you’ve heard of VJS Construction Services. Today, The firm is one of Wisconsin’s top general contractors, construction managers, and design builders. Following its philosophy that “Anything Less Than Exceptional Is Unacceptable,” the firm specializes in developing distinctive facilities for many industries. One of the leading construction companies in Milwaukee, WI, it was awarded one of the Milwaukee and Southeast Wisconsin Top Workplaces in 2021.

The Downtown Kitchen for the US Bank Center is an example of the firm’s commercial work. The Downtown Kitchen, previously known as the Galleria Cafe, is located at the Galleria level of the US Bank Center in downtown Milwaukee. The 15,000-square-foot development by the Bartolotta Restaurant Group underwent a reinvention, with new décor, lighting, and food stations. Today, the Downtown Kitchen provides an upscale location for thousands of employees at the US Bank Center and surrounding downtown office buildings.

Selzer-Ornst Construction Company

6222 W State St, Milwaukee, WI 53213

Few firms can claim to have served Wisconsin for over nine decades; Selzer-Ornst is one of those companies. Just like it does with the foundations of its projects, the firm also builds strong foundations with its owners, architects, clients, subcontractors, and vendors. Selzer-Ornst is proud to invest in industry experts, technology, and quality construction practices, and its in-house team includes a broad base of full-time employees with the initiative and commitment to deliver quality and valuable results. It was given the ABC No Lost Time Accident Award among the top Milwaukee commercial general contractors.

The firm is currently led by President Matthew Tadisch, a Green Bay native and Milwaukee School of Engineering graduate. Matthew has a Construction Management degree and a Masters in Business Administration from Marquette University. He has extensive experience as an assistant superintendent and project engineer for several construction companies and projects. Under Matthew’s leadership, the firm strives to create situations in which it can provide clients with a finished product that accurately realizes their vision while maintaining the demands of the budget and schedule. Some notable clients of the firm include Mercedes Benz and Audi.

Hunzinger Construction Company

21100 Enterprise Avenue, Brookfield, WI 53045

As a fourth-generation, family-owned business, Hunzinger Construction Company has served Southeast Wisconsin’s construction industry for over a century. Hunzinger Construction Company was founded in Iowa as the J.H. Hunzinger and Company by brothers John, Frank, Fred, and Charles, who wanted to leave their farm lives behind. Today, Hunzinger continues to cement its reputation as a go-to firm. Having positioned itself among the leading commercial general contractors in Milwaukee, WI, the company’s current president and CEO, John Hunzinger, is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP).

The firm has completed work for national brands like PFChang and Harley Davidson. Another example of its work is for T.G.I. Friday’s Front Row Sports Grill at Miller Park in Milwaukee. Hunzinger Construction Company was hired as a general contractor for this complete renovation and update of T.G.I.F. in Miller Park, and it was completed just in time for the 2014 Brewer’s season opener. Impressively, the firm completed the project in just five days. The project included interior millwork modifications and upgrades, new brick veneer wall surfaces, new finishes and décor, and lighting improvements. The modernized bar features a new granite bar surface with stainless nosings and rails, LED accent lighting, and custom wood paneling and is furnished with new seating. The project also included exterior façade enhancements at the entrances on the field-level concourse and in the beer garden.

Corporate Contractors Inc.

711 Wells Street, Suite 120, Delafield, WI 53018

Corporate Contractors, Inc. (CCI) is a leading general contracting firm. For over thirty years, the firm has completed thousands of construction projects locally and across the nation. CCI, led by its president, Brad Austin, ensures that each project receives both inspired design and purposeful construction that reflects a client’s vision.

The Hotel Goodwin in Beloit is a good example of the firm’s work. The project scope involved transforming a three-story former professional office building into a sleek, modern thirty-four-room boutique hotel. The hotel includes a first-floor restaurant and a rooftop terrace. CCI successfully completed this adaptive reuse project, with the hotel’s build and design even garnering an award.  

JCP Construction

1849 N MLK Drive, Suite 200, Milwaukee, WI 53212

What began as a multi-family home renovation firm has steadily evolved into a commercial and large residential construction company. Among the best Milwaukee commercial general contractors, JCP Construction has flourished under the keen eyes of its founders, the Phelps brothers, who have over 40 years of experience in the industry. The firm’s experience covers over $300 million in projects — a formidable feat that distinguishes the firm as one of the best in the area.

One example of the firm’s work is the Bader Philanthropies Headquarters. For this project, JCP Construction was the Construction Manager. The firm self-performed all the structural and site concrete work. The resulting project is a structured, clean space whose exterior blends a myriad of materials for a professional corporate look.

JM Remodeling & Construction, LLC

7701 North Teutonia Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53209

JM Remodeling & Construction, LLC is a full-service remodeling company that has been proudly serving for merely four decades, providing high-quality services. Under the leadership of owner James Meldman, the firm offers continuing education opportunities for its staff to improve their quality of service and expand their knowledge of current industry trends and technologies. Positioned as one of the leading construction companies in Milwaukee, the firm’s dedication to continuing education has received several Wisconsin Remodelers awards in 2016.

Regarding commercial remodeling projects, the firm’s scope ranges from industrial and office to retail buildings, both complex and straightforward. JM Remodeling & Construction has completed small jobs, under a thousand dollars, and jobs that came in over one million. The firm can perform such a range of work because it maintains its full-service field crew of carpenters, tapers, and painters with experience and knowledge to complete clients’ construction projects efficiently. As a result of its efficient and high-quality work, over 60% of the firm’s customer base is repeat business.

Kelly Construction & Design

225 East Street, Paul Ave, Suite 205, Milwaukee, WI 53202

Kelly Construction & Design is a full-service general contractor with over 30 years of experience. During that period, the firm constructed projects that amounted to $50 million. Known as one of the best construction companies in Milwaukee, WI, the company has expanded its geographic reach beyond its headquarters in Chicago, allowing it to serve a good chunk of the Midwest.

Kelly Construction & Design works across several markets. The firm completed work for multiple Concentra Medical Centers across Metro Chicago and Metro Milwaukee. On average, each center is 10,000 square feet. Overall, the firm completed tenant improvements for 14 medical centers, with the total for the improvements coming up to a value of $8.4 million. For all fourteen facilities, the firm ensured that each was equipped with the necessary tools and equipment, making the centers functional and clean in style. 

Ranking Methodology

To evaluate the performance of contractors, our methodology employs a systematic approach that considers various factors contributing to customer experience and satisfaction. We focused on assessing the commercial contractors in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area. The methodology involves assigning weightings to specific categories based on their significance in determining customer service quality. Here’s the breakdown of the categories and their respective weightings:

• Average Customer Satisfaction (35%): This metric represents the average rating given by customers across the same review platforms as the Average Customer Satisfaction Score. A higher average rating indicates greater overall satisfaction with the service provided.
• Service Rating Score (25%): We analyze the ratio of high (4-5 stars) to low (1-2 stars) ratings for each business across multiple review platforms: Google, Houzz, and Yelp. A higher percentage of positive reviews contributes to a higher score, reflecting better customer satisfaction.
• Complaint Percentage (25%): We analyze the ratio of complaints to total reviews for each business. A lower complaints ratio indicates better service quality and results in a higher score.
• Business Hours and Availability (10%): The operating hours of each business are assessed to gauge accessibility. Companies with extended operating hours are awarded a higher score, as they offer greater convenience to customers.
• License Status (5%): We verify the licensing status of each contractor with their local licensing board to ensure legal compliance. Companies with valid licenses receive a higher score, reflecting professionalism and adherence to regulations.
• Total Score: We determined the overall rating for every contractor by calculating a weighted average, with the category weight determining the amount the subscore contributed to the total score 

Additional Note: Service Rating Score, Average Customer Satisfaction, and Complaint Percentage are calculated with a Bayesian estimate to account for if the contractor has a low number of total reviews. A Bayesian average is a statistical method used to calculate the average of a set of data points while taking into account prior information or beliefs about the distribution of the data. It combines the observed data with a prior distribution to generate a more accurate estimate of the true average.