Top Home Remodeling
Contractors in Madison, WI

While the two terms are often used interchangeably, they do not refer to the same process/service:

• Home remodeling involves changing the function or flow of the space by altering its structure. 
  • Examples: Changing kitchen layout for increased practicality, removing walls for easier navigation, or adding a bathroom for increased convenience.
• Home renovation focuses on non-structural changes, typically to improve the aesthetic appeal of the space.
  • Examples: Replacing flooring, refinishing cabinetry, updating architectural details, or refreshing the interior or exterior with a new coat of paint.

To ensure the work complies with Wisconsin building codes, a permit is required for major home remodels, such as:

• Structural changes (e.g., adding/removing interior walls, door/window relocation);
• Infrastructural changes (e.g., plumbing, electrical, HVAC modifications);
• Home additions (e.g., adding a bathroom, extending a room).

You can obtain a permit from the City of Madison Development Services Center, but note that every reputable remodeling contractor will offer to handle this part of the work for you.

In the sea of home remodeling contractors in Madison, the best ones will stand out with:

• Licenses, insurance, and certification that comply with Wisconsin’s requirements for structural, infrastructural, and specialty work.
• Excellent reputation, both on trusted online review platforms and among residents.
• Complete transparency, reflected in detailed cost estimates and project timelines.
• Professional communication that is respectful, direct, and informative.

While virtually every upgrade can increase the property value, home remodels that consistently deliver strong ROI are (in order):

• Kitchen remodels (improve functionality and aesthetic appeal for the central area of the home);
• Bathroom remodels (enhance comfort and convenience, especially with modern fixtures and luxury features);
• Basement conversions (add square footage and extra functionality);
• Energy efficiency upgrades (reduce utility bills and appeal to eco-conscious buyers).

Due to Wisconsin’s capricious climate, the best time for interior home renovations is typically late fall through early spring. Since weather conditions during this period limit the capacity for exterior work, home renovation contractors in Madison often have better availability, meaning that your project will be scheduled and executed faster.

On the flip side, spring and summer are generally considered to be perfect times for exterior renovations due to favorable weather conditions. However, this also translates to higher demand for remodelers and renovators, which may result in longer waiting times and potentially higher costs.

A full or whole-home remodel typically includes major overhauls or updates to multiple areas of the home, often involving structural changes, essential system upgrades, and comprehensive interior/exterior finishes.

In contrast to partial (room-by-room) home remodeling, these types of projects are planned holistically, resulting in a more consistent design across all areas of the home, more efficient execution, and fewer disruptions over time thanks to end-to-end coordinated project management.

While the exact order will depend on your lifestyle requirements, the best home remodeling contractors in Madison advise prioritizing the tasks as follows:

1. Safety upgrades: Foundational and structural elements affect the stability of the property and influence every other aspect of remodeling.
2. Infrastructure: Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and insulation ensure code-compliance, safety, and long-term energy efficiency. Plus, they can be costly and invasive to update/replace at later stages.
3. Functionality: Layout alterations and other functional changes (e.g., additions, conversions) have the greatest practical impact on your day-to-day life, and should be prioritized over cosmetic upgrades.
4. Aesthetics: Cabinetry, countertops, trim, fixtures, paint, and similar cosmetic updates should be lowest on the priority list – unless you’re remodeling/renovating a home purely with the intention of selling, in which case they could be bumped up.

In just a few short years since our founding, Gartmann Renovations has become the leader among home remodeling contractors in Wisconsin, owing to our extensive expertise, comprehensive range of services, dedication to client satisfaction, and adherence to the highest standards of quality and professionalism.

Backed by over a decade of experience, we approach every project with the utmost professionalism and a can-do mindset, ensuring the final result reflects the highest quality standards and exceeds your expectations. With your vision as a baseline and our expertise in home remodeling, only sky is the limit – so don’t hesitate. Reach out to us today and let’s bring your dream home to life!