The Best General Contractors in Wisconsin

Last updated on May 17th, 2024 at 01:23 am

If you love beautiful homes, then you need to visit Wisconsin. Visit Taliesin, visit the Seth Peterson Cottage, visit Burnham Block. Witness how Frank Lloyd Wright shaped the midwestern landscape with his designs by letting the landscape give shape to what shelter actually means. 

Of course, there’s more to Wisconsin than Frank Lloyd Wright. Locals and tourists enjoy the Badger state’s airshow circuit in Oshkosh during the summer, they hike on Wisconsin’s gorgeous trails, they enjoy the delicious cheese that made the state famous. And while you almost certainly know about Wisconsin’s famous dairy farms, you might not have heard they are an industry leader in ginseng root, or that they are also home to some surprising vineyards that craft impressive ice wines.

Wisconsin’s residential construction business is thriving, and there are a variety of architectural styles from which to choose. Remodeling is also a great choice. Of course, finding the right contractor can be time-consuming. To make it easier, we’ve put together this list of the top 15 best general contractors in the state. Below we note their specialties, their achievements, and the styles they offer.

Whether it’s a straightforward new build or a complicated custom remodel, you’ll find a contractor to serve your needs–and your neighborhood–here.

15) Refined Renovations

9730 W Bluemound Rd, Suite 10, Wauwatosa, WI 53226

Matthew Jahns started Refined Renovations in 2004. He brought nine years of experience and training to his new business, having previously worked for Milwaukee’s largest remodeling firm. Because of their excellent work, his firm has won awards from the Tour of Homes and Wisconsin Remodeler’s Association.

This beautiful rustic kitchen renovation can be found in Mequon. Triple windows were added to get the best view of the lake, and an island buffet and breakfast bar were installed to create a fun space for informal meals. Reclaimed wooden beams from an old barn make the room feel spacious. This new addition is a relaxing treat that makes you feel instantly at home.

14) Architectural Building Arts

720 Hill St. Suite 100, Madison, WI 53705

Since 1989 Architectural Building Arts (ABA) has grown to be one of Greater Madison area’s leading general contractors. They want to stand out from other general contractors, and they do: they have numerous awards from GuildQuality, Madison Trust for Historic Preservation, National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) and Madison ACE. The company also has  NARI-Madison Contractor of the Year Awards, and a NARI Green Recognition.

ABA remodeled this home and added a large sunroom that can be enjoyed by the family all year round. Wide windows illuminate the room with sunlight,  and sliding doors lead to an outdoor area. As a result, you enjoy the best of the outdoors while claiming all the comforts of the interior.

13) Ruebl Builders

W358 S 8401 State Rd. 59, Eagle, WI 53119

Ruebl Builders has a long history in remodeling that dates back to 1949, and they remain one of the best in Wisconsin when it comes to redesigning and recreating living spaces. In addition to being a premier remodeler, they’re also an industry leader in the luxury custom home building.

Most of the designs, homes, and remodels that Ruebl does make use of wood. Wood is sustainable, it adapts well to both cold and warm weather. Take the featured home to remodel above. They went with wood for the frame; the result is warm and striking; wooden table and chairs complete the effect. Wide window bays were installed to allow sunlight to penetrate the room, and glass and steel were incorporated to add a modern touch. A beautiful stone fireplace provides the warm center of this inviting living area.

12) QRS Group

2244 W Bluemound Rd, Suite D, Waukesha, WI 53186

QRS group knows our surroundings greatly affect our well-being. That’s why for 29 years, they have made it their mission to provide homes that will not only improve living spaces but elevate the quality of life for their clients.

They offer a wide variety of remodeling services for kitchen, bathroom, home theaters, basements, outdoor living spaces, interiors, and commercial spaces. Their projects have earned numerous Wisconsin Remodeler Awards and twice they’ve been awarded Best in Tour from the NARI Tour of Remodeled Homes.

One of their projects in West Allis, WI is a backyard transformed into a relaxing place to entertain guests. A koi pond frames a beautiful cedar pergola, and guests keep warm by a gas fireplace that also illuminates the night. This space invites you to have a glass of good wine and an even better conversation.

11) Design Tech Remodeling

10535 N. Port Washington Rd, Suite 204, Mequon, WI 53092

Design Tech Remodeling was established in 1997 to provide the Milwaukee area with remodeling services that prioritize great design and technical execution. Design Tech Remodeling’s professional design and carpentry team will handle your project from the planning phase to the design phase, to the moment you are ready to move in. They will take your vision and provide innovative ideas to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.  Design Tech Remodeling has won a Contractor of the Year Award from the NARI Home Improvement Council, as well as multiple Gold and Silver NARI Wisconsin Remodelers Awards.

This 1800’s farmhouse kitchen remodel provides modern amenities while blending with the home’s original character.  The white cabinetry with open-for-glass uppers is contrasted by Cambria countertops which flow cohesively with the Carrara Marble backsplash.  The original fireplace, reclaimed wood table, and hickory floors add to the original charm and warmth of the home.

10) Lowell Custom Homes

401 Geneva National Ave, So, Lake Geneva, WI 53147

Scott Lowell has had an excellent reputation for over 35 years.  Lowell Custom Homes has created award-winning, stunning homes that are not only aesthetically pleasing but withstand the test of time.  Lowell works with a variety of styles including classic New England shingle-style, traditional and transitional.  Peek at their online gallery and you’ll see the whimsical touch they put on each home they’re remodeling or building.

Understanding the homeowner’s vision, Scott Lowell reaches back to his New England roots for this inspired Lake Geneva home. The Hampton’s Shingle is an example of all-American architecture that embraces gracious living. Originally created as a departure from elaborate Victorian design, this style is synonymous with casual elegance. An asymmetrical arrangement of multiple rooflines, gabled facades, and Palladian windows define the look. Wrap around porches connect the interiors of this hilltop home with scenic grounds and the lake views. The interior features a domed entry, curved library walls, a chef’s kitchen, and secret rooms. Interior woodwork and molding contributes to the warmth throughout generous spaces. Volume ceilings and walls of windows on every floor invite the light and expose scenic vistas from every perspective.

9) AB & K

3636 S 108th st, Greenfield, WI 53228

AB&K was awarded the 2018 Remodeler of the Year Award from Milwaukee Lifestyle Magazine and they have recent awards from the Wisconsin Remodelers Awards as well.  It is one of the leading remodeling firms in SE Wisconsin.

They provide amazing kitchen, bath and basement services. Their Bathroom-in-a-Box package deal is especially convenient; AB&K teamed up with the Kohler brand to create top bathroom designs.

Their Mequon, WI home renovation, is the recipient of the Interior 2017 WRA Silver Award. A high ceiling houses a metal caged chandelier, which is framed by a floor-to-ceiling window that illuminates the room in daylight. The simple contrast of textures and colors perfectly complement each other.

8) Landsted

900 Crestview Dr. Suite 110, Hudson, WI 54016

Landsted is a Swedish term which means “haven, a place to escape from life’s worries.” Mark Erickson wanted a name that would describe his business and reflect his Scandinavian heritage. Mark got involved in the remodeling industry after graduation, and he later started Landsted in 1980 when he saw the need for a quality custom builder in St. Croix Valley. The team’s dedication to providing first-class homes throughout western Wisconsin and Twin Cities area has led to hundreds of satisfied clients.

Landsted’s work has brought home a couple of awards for their renovations, and they have been recognized by publications such as Builder Magazine, Midwest Home and Garden, Minnesota Business Monthly, and Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine.  

This home in St. Croix River was remodeled and repurposed into a summer cottage for a growing family. The brick fireplace serves as the heart of the living room, the kitchen and the dining area alike, keeping the entire area warm and cozy. Tall window panels light the space, simultaneously allowing residents to marvel at the natural world that surrounds the home.

7) Story Hill Renovations

12040 Feerick St. Unit F, Wauwatosa, WI 53222

Story Hill Renovations’ founder Jack Golatke has always admired the charm of historic homes. Along with his business partner, Tom Mainville, they continuously challenges themselves to elevate the function of these areas while maintaining their original period style. Story Hill Renovations aims to make the inevitably tedious transitions of remodeling as seamless as possible. With great attention to detail and excellent craftsmanship, Story Hill Renovations is among the to 10% of NARI members when it comes to professional certifications.

You can find a beautiful transformation of a home originally built in 1882. Story Hill carefully restored this home’s glory by using reclaimed materials to maintain its nineteenth-century feel. While history is taken into consideration, Story Hill also incorporated modern amenities: heated tile flooring, granite countertops, and semi-custom cabinetry.

6) TDS Custom Construction

1431 Northern Court, Madison, WI 53703

With over 30 years of field experience in home remodeling, TDS Custom Construction knows how to improve the spaces we call home. They work on small to large-scale renovations and guide each client with professional advice from a NARI-certified team.

Sam Breidenbach, TDS president, enjoys collaborating with his team on new projects that seek advanced solutions to improve the homeowner’s comfort and the home’s energy efficiency. Sam is an advocate of conservation and is a Master Certified Remodeler and Green Certified Professional. Their stellar works earned them a couple of the NARI Contractor of the Year awards, the Chrysalis awards, and the Madison Trust for Historic Preservation awards.

The featured work is a 1948 modernized home in Monona, WI. Without adding any additional area, this 1000-square feet home looks more spacious with an open floor plan and smart design. The minimalist design features lofted plywood ceilings, reclaimed white oak flooring, and simple fixtures. The clean horizontal lines bring Japanese inspiration to this Wisconsin home.

5) Klassen Remodeling & Design

12424 W. Lancaster Ave. Butler, WI 53007

Founded as Wallner Builders, Ron Klassen purchased the business and renamed it Klassen Remodeling & Design (KR&D). His goal was, and is, to provide Wisconsin with timeless home renovations that improve the owner’s lives.

Klassen Remodeling & Design was given the Guildmaster Award of 2018, several NARI Contractor of the Year Awards, as well as a number of Wisconsin Realtors Association awards. KR&D provides a wide array of services including kitchen and bath renovations, home additions, historic renovations, interior, and exterior remodeling, and the whole house remodels.

This historic Spanish Revival home renovation in Whitefish Bay, WI brought out the gorgeous, stained glass windows. Klassen worked along with the Wisconsin State Historic Society to create a design that would meet WSHS standards and please the client too.

4) S.J. Janis Company Inc.

11501 W. North Avenue, Wauwatosa, WI 53226

Winners of the 2015 Milwaukee/NARI Wisconsin Remodeler and the Highest Distinction from the Guildmaster Guild for Quality, SJ Janis Company has proven to their clients and the rest of Wisconsin that they can and will deliver great results.

Gary Sannes graduated with a degree in the sciences, but he found a better use for his talents in the home improvement industry. He began to learn the ins and outs of the industry when he joined the team at S.J. Janis in 1977. By 1984 he had become the owner.

This conservatory addition in Pewaukee, WI features a touch of urban design; it’s a fresh, light touch on the home’s Tudor architectural style. The client wanted an area where she could hold weekly bridge club gatherings, and this 670-Square feet conservatory space brings the outdoors closer with an abundance of natural light.

3) Stebnitz Builders Inc.

204 Commerce Ct, Suite #3, Elkhorn, WI 53121

Stebnitz Builders, Inc. is celebrating over 46 years of service to southeast Wisconsin. Founded by Stan Stebnitz in 1972, original projects were limited to general carpentry work and the occasional addition. With the help of Stan’s three sons, Dave, Gary and Dan, the company grew and was recognized for its quality and integrity. The tradition of family ownership and involvement continued when Dave’s son, Chris Stebnitz, purchased the business in 2005 and became the company’s third-generation owner. “Our team culture has the same goals today, to ensure our clients are well-served now and in the years to come,” Chris said. “That approach is something that’s critically important to our team and the family name. It’s a focus that will allow this company to continue my grandfather’s legacy by serving Walworth County for another 46 years.”

Delivering great client service and an exceptional client experience is evident by the many accolades and awards they’ve received. They are a Certified Green Professional, Certified Graduate Remodeler, Certified Remodeler, Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist, have been a Guildmaster Award Winner since 2014.

photo credit to KayserPhotography

This home on Lake Beulah, WI was a mix of rustic and traditional architectural designs. The homeowner wanted it to have more of a contemporary-rustic feel. Stebnitz removed walls to create a relaxing flow from the living room to the kitchen. A wall of windows were installed allowing for more natural light and an improved view of the lake. Now sunlight plays on the stained wood, and a rustic sliding barn door evokes the home’s rural roots.

2) Froze Design Build

11124 N. Cedarburg Rd. suite 240, Mequon, WI 53092

In 1984, Richard Froze founded Froze Design Build to serve Wisconsin with original, graceful designs. With a father working as an Engineer, Richard began to train himself on the basics of the building industry as a child; a lifetime love of remodeling has stayed with him since. He studied architecture in college and refined his skills by joining the carpenters union and becoming a master carpenter.

His professionalism and his expertise are reflected in his company’s award-winning works. In 2015, Froze Design Build was named as the Remodeler of the Year in two categories. And in 2016, they were featured in two articles of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

This wide, spacious room addition is a great place to hold parties. Walls were painted a simple white to contrast with the wood window frames and upholstered furniture.  

1) Degnan Design-Build-Remodel

119 S. Main St, DeForest, WI 53532

Abe Degnan and his team at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel (DDBR) have one goal in mind: they want to earn your trust with their astounding home transformations. As a child, Abe grew side-by-side with his family’s construction business, and Abe acquired his interest in construction and design. He later graduated with a degree in Architecture and brought new ideas to the family-owned business.

DDB offers a range of services, including kitchen and bathroom remodels, basement improvement, whole home remodeling, and outdoor living additions. Their world-class standards and unparalleled service have earned them a couple of awards from NARI, including Contractor of the Year.

This home addition was designed for a medium size family looking to celebrate Spring graduation with family and friends. The family wanted an area where they could have private conversations while enjoying the scenery of their spacious backyard. Panel windows illuminate the room and delineate the millwork; a brick fireplace keeps the area warm during winter; finally, the room was well insulated to make this porch a gorgeous way to enjoy Wisconsin winters.

How can I find a contractor near me?

Read our latest articles on the best contractors in and near Wisconsin. If you don’t see your project type below, just let us know – we are happy to create a tailored recommendation list just for you.

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