Special Events

2009 Spring Home Improvement Showcase

Saturday, May 2 - Sunday, May 3
11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. each day
Admission: $8

Click here for a $2 off coupon on admission

Advanced ticket outlets for the Spring Home Improvement Showcase

Starting Mon., April 20, through Fri., May 1, at 4:30 p.m., advance tickets can be purchased at the Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Council office, 11815 W. Dearbourn Ave., in Wauwatosa and at the offices of the following event participants:

• Bartelt. – The Remodeling Resource N86 W14041 Beacon Street, Menomonee Falls, 262-250-7600
• B&E General Contractors, Inc. 6001 N. Green Bay Road, Glendale, 414-351-5558
• Cream City Construction, Inc. 3112 W. Highland Boulevard, Milwaukee, 414-774-7870
• S.J. Janis Company, Inc. 11501 W. North Avenue, Wauwatosa, 414-259-0300
• The OAR Group 13390 Watertown Plank Road, Elm Grove, 262-821-1100
• Renovators Ltd. 14260 W. Greenfield Avenue, Brookfield, 262-782-7860
• Weather-Tek Design Center, Inc. 3485 N. 127th Street, Brookfield, 262-373-0400

The Showcase will feature the following renovation projects:

Before	After	Before	After

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Bartelt. The Remodeling Resource
Project Type: Kitchen and Sunroom Remodel, 16000 W. Gebhardt Road, Brookfield

Directions: North Avenue west to Pilgrim. Left onto Pilgrim Parkway to Gebhardt Road and right on Gebhardt to home.

Now that their family has grown up, it was the perfect time for these homeowners to reconnect with their 1960s center entrance colonial. They loved their Brookfield location, but the home's compartmentalized organization was not conducive to their larger family gatherings. They desired the entertaining style kitchen and family living space found in newer homes. It made perfect sense to remodel their home, rather than consider moving away from a home filled with so many memories.

The goal of this project was to open up the home's interior by moving the kitchen to the front of the house. This allowed for the family entertaining spaces to flow freely into each other, providing plenty of space for family and friends to connect with each other. Now featuring an archway with oak columns, the kitchen transitions into the dining room. The existing three-season room was converted into a year-round sunroom. The new entertaining style kitchen and sunroom reflect the casual elegance desired while overlooking the outdoor swimming pool.

Before	After	Before	After

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B & E General Contractors, Inc.
Project Type: Two-story Addition and Kitchen, Great Room, Deck, and Master Bedroom/Bath Suite Renovation

Project Location: 2380 N. Terrace Avenue, Milwaukee.

Directions: Lake Drive south to Bradford Avenue. East on Bradford Avenue and south onto Terrace Avenue.

This Colonial Revival home renovation and two-story addition features fine design and material merged with remodeling craftsmanship. From the historically proper front entry, an exterior Ashlar stone pattern, and new canopy with custom ironwork, to the Ipe hardwood relaxation deck, the home contains both value and style.

Explore the renovated kitchen, featuring Crystal brand cherry cabinets and a gourmet central island crowned with Wild West green granite.

Unique burlwood herringbone backsplash tile with brass art deco accents adds flair. Relax in the custom-made, upholstered dining booth. Sleek red oak flooring leads you to the family room addition, where Crystal brand painted furniture-style bookcases with reed glass inserts, illuminated art niches, elegant crown molding, and Pella window and door products are featured.

The second level master suite encompasses mature living at its finest, beginning with a spacious master bedroom highlighted by a dramatic hip vault ceiling. The master bath includes a large under-mounted soaking tub, Crystal brand cherry wood double vanity, Costa Smeralda granite, and Kohler sinks, faucets, and shower sprays. Artistic highlights include the master shower tile application, pebble shower floor and free-form tub path, as well as the rain glass privacy screen. A second level concealed laundry closet boasts stacking appliances, sliding shelves, and storage bins.

Before	After	After

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Carmel Builders, Inc.
Project Type: Family Room Addition/Kitchen Remodel/Mudroom, Laundry Room, and Powder Room Renovation/Rear Entry Expansion

Project Location: 16350 W. Crescent Drive, New Berlin

Directions: From I-94, take Moorland Road south to National Avenue (about 4 miles), or from I-43, take Moorland Road north to National Avenue (about 1.5 miles). Turn west on National Avenue about one-half mile to S. Regal Manor Court. Turn south on S. Regal Court to W. Crescent Drive. Turn right on W. Crescent Drive about one block.

This makeover transformed a small and dated kitchen into a spacious living space.  Large windows and a patio door with transom windows in the bright family room addition overlook an expansive and lovely backyard.  The kitchen boasts unique birch cabinetry, solid surface countertops, and a large island with ample space for work and socializing.  Separated only by a half wall, the open concept captures what the homeowners desired.

Just off the kitchen, an entirely redesigned and remodeled back entry converted the cramped and cluttered area into a colorful and functional entrance.  With cabinets, coat hooks, lockers, a stacked washer and dryer, a laundry sink, and countertop, the redone space serves its dual purpose as mudroom and laundry much more efficiently.

Adjacent to the mudroom and laundry, the power room is entirely new. 

Painted and distressed vanity cabinets and solid surface countertop follow the theme of the kitchen island.

Before	After

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Connor Remodeling & Design, Inc.
Project type: Whole House Remodel and Addition

Location: 4942 N. Berkeley Blvd., Whitefish Bay

Directions: From I-43, Hampton Avenue east to Berkeley Boulevard and left.

The homeowners' goal was to turn their modest 1,350-sq.-ft. cape cod into a home that would give them enough room to meet the needs of their growing family. We first designed a new floor plan that would open up the existing space and create a natural addition, incorporating the style of the existing structure. The final design was an aesthetic match featuring a new rear gable and two large dormers.

The first floor layout consists of a newly remodeled kitchen with quartz countertops, maple cabinetry with double-stacked crown moldings, Kohler fixtures, glass mosaic tile backsplash, and slate tile flooring. The large dining room and family room feature new Eucalyptus hardwood flooring, French doors, and a newly created gas fireplace with a mosaic slate tile surround.

We opened up the existing front bedroom wall and constructed an eight-foot arched doorway between the den and living room. Built-in cabinetry with a solid wood countertop was added along with a walk-in closet. The entire existing first floor hardwood flooring was protected, patched, and refinished.

The second floor expansion included two additional children's bedrooms, a new full bathroom with maple cabinetry, Corian countertops, and a ceramic tile shower. For added privacy, the master bedroom was redesigned with a walk-in closet, hallway, and entry door off the main stairway.

Before	After

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Cream City Construction
Project Type: Dining Room Restoration, Kitchen and Lower Level Renovation

Project Location: 2217 E. Kenilworth Place, Milwaukee

Directions: North Lincoln Memorial Drive to Park Road, then to North Terrace Avenue (near Old North Point Water Tower).  South on North Terrace Avenue to East Kenilworth Place, then west to home (three blocks south of North Avenue and half block east of Lake Drive).

The kitchen and pantry renovation on this historic East Side three-story Tudor included painted  custom cabinets, marble and walnut counter tops, hand scraped wood floors, and stainless steel appliances.

This project also involved removing a false ceiling in the dining room. Unexpectedly, the removal of the plaster ceiling revealed original wood beams and an abandoned fireplace. It was then decided to recreate the original intent and aesthetics of the dining room by installing a cast stone mantle, reworking the firebox, and relining the chimney flue.

Unfortunately, the ceiling beams and plaster were water damaged and in disrepair. In the end, it was decided to encapsulate the old beams with new wood boards and trim, which match the original beam ceiling.

The existing lower level was remodeled to accommodate an exercise room and sitting room, plus freshen up a laundry room. To accomplish this without doing a complete remodel, the ceiling and walls were sprayed with fresh paint, drywall was added to some of the walls, and some were left exposed.

The workout and sitting room floors were completed with carpeting.

Before	After

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Design Group Three, Inc.
Project Type: Sunroom Addition/Family and Breakfast Room Remodel

Location: 9009 W. Daventry Road, Mequon

Directions: From 92nd Street and Mequon Rd., take 92nd Street south one block to Daventry and go east one block.

Prior to commencing a major landscaping and pool project, the owners contacted Design Group Three, Inc. to replace two sets of patio doors in their existing breakfast room. Well into the first meeting the owner mentioned that she had always wanted a small sunroom off the family room. With the new landscape and pool plans well under way such a room would be even more welcome.

The owner's concern over the family room becoming dark and difficult to furnish, as well as roof line complications and existing window placements, kept others from developing a room that overcame these issues and met the owner's desires.

Design Group Three, Inc. took the challenge and designed a modest sunroom open to the family room offering dramatic views of the landscaping, pool and patio from both rooms. A vaulted ceiling with high transom windows insures both the sunroom and family room receive plenty of daylight. The plan also includes a connection to the breakfast room enlarging that room and making it more useful.

Oh yes, two sets of patio doors were installed in the breakfast room.

Before	After	After

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Joseph Douglas Homes and Remodeling LLC
Project Type: Lower Level Renovation

Project Location: W204 N6130 Lannon Road, Menomonee Falls

Directions: From Hwy. 45, take Silver Spring Road west about six miles to Lannon Road. Then go north about one mile to the home on the right.

During the course of this project, an unfinished basement with a full walkout exposure was converted into 1,880 square feet of entertaining area. As you enter the expansive Grand Room, you first will notice the impressive fireplace.  The colorful slate tile hearth and surround pleasantly contrast the stately floor-to-ceiling caramel-colored surround. Flanking the fireplace are entertainment centers with unique curvilinear construction.

On the other end of the Great Room, wainscoting and custom wall texturing prove a nice distraction while playing pool or cards.  Above is a barrel-vaulted ceiling complete with wood beams, crown, and accent lighting. Open to the Grand Room is a one-of-a-kind bar, which boasts multiple layers of contoured components capped with a textured concrete countertop.

In addition to a spacious office, the project is nicely completed with a full bath, which contains a vessel sink and custom-tiled shower.

Before	After

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Dwelling Renovations LLC
Project Type: Kitchen, Living Room, and Dining Room Remodel

Project Location: 925 E. Bay Point Road, Bayside

Directions: From I-43, Brown Deer Road east to Lake Drive. North on Lake Drive then west on E. Bay Point Road to home.

In this innovative remodel, open space and unique design made the homeowner's modern vision a reality. After completely gutting the 1950s kitchen and laundry room, we installed updated electrical, insulation and drywall, low voltage can lights, Decora switches and outlets, and new Eagle windows. We installed cement board tile backer over new sub floor and new spa green slate in the kitchen area.

We removed the upper cabinets and installed custom mocha-colored base cabinets. For a floating effect, cabinets were pulled away from the entire north wall and the sink base cabinet and apron were cantilevered above the floor in front of the new window, with a custom-made aluminum post holding up the end adjacent to the window. Clean and simple glacier white Corian countertops with an aluminum backsplash were installed. The island also has custom mocha cabinets and glacier white Corian, which was turned down to become end panels for a clean surface visible from the entry. The opposite side of the kitchen features full height pantry cabinets with white glass doors, which provide enough storage for the entire kitchen and more. Rather than door pulls, cabinet push latches result in a clean wall of glass. All appliances are stainless steel.

We removed the closet from the family and dining room for space. Walls separating this room from the fireplace room were reframed with an eight-foot walk-through opening. Walls were also removed and widened to create better flow into the kitchen. Existing flooring was replaced with oak hardwood flooring, a family room picture window was replaced, and can lights were installed, some with wall washer trims to highlight wall art.

Before	After	Before	After

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Froze′ Design-Build, Inc.
Project Type: Interior Remodel/Addition

Project Location: 4910 N. Lake Drive, Whitefish Bay

Directions: Hampton Avenue east to Lake Drive and north to home.

Ingenious design coupled with traditional Tudor style has provided these homeowners with a warm and exciting new space. Two separate additions achieved the client’s spatial needs.

The first floor addition houses an expanded and remodeled kitchen featuring a view of Lake Michigan, Golden Aurora granite countertops, limestone tile backsplashes, twin Subzero refrigerator and freezer units, and a Wolf cooktop. Locally milled custom beaded inset cabinetry, including a segmented round booth, desk, and island canopy, adorn the kitchen. An existing brick chimney was exposed and 2-1/4” thick cut stone shelves were installed for a unique touch.  Adjacent to the kitchen, a new mudroom with cubbies was created.

Complimentary dormer additions over the existing garage created space for a new private office with a full bathroom. Stone countertops, custom cabinets, and subway tile complete the space. Tigerwood floors and Marvin windows with lead grids were used throughout the office. Access to the office was achieved by reconfiguring the existing maid’s staircase with a series of winder steps and platforms.

After

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Great Lakes Pool & Spa Inc.
Project Type: In-Ground Pool, 9009 Daventry Road, Mequon

Directions: From 92nd Street and Mequon Rd., take 92nd Street south one block to Daventry and go east one block.

This Mequon home features a new in-ground, rectangle swimming pool, 18 feet by 36 feet.  It is eight feet deep with an eight-foot walk-in step.  The pool has the luxury of heat, LED color lights, and an in-floor pool cleaning system with a salt chlorine maintenance system.

Before	After	Before	After

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S.J. Janis Company
Project type: Kitchen and Powder Room Remodel and Two-story Addition

Project Location: 1829 N. 69th Street, Wauwatosa

Directions: From North Avenue, south on 69th Street for 3.5 blocks.

A complete redesign was needed for the out-of-date kitchen in this 1914 stucco colonial. We opened the kitchen up to the dining room using a decorative piece of cabinetry as a divider, and installed period-style maple cabinetry with a combination of painted and stained pieces. We took advantage of the nine-foot ceiling height with one-foot tall display cabinets.

With the new design, the amount of storage space and countertop was doubled. Featuring three stool spaces, a large island contains the sink, dishwasher, and storage. Granite tops and a tile backsplash add punch to the overall look and style, tying together the wall color and new hardwood flooring. The entire first floor's existing hardwood flooring was refinished and stained to match. A powder room was added in a convenient space off the kitchen and family room.

An existing single story screen porch was removed before implementing a two-story addition containing a sunroom on the first floor and walk-in closet on the second floor. In part of the second story, space was designed for a future master bath. The new sunroom opens off the dining room and serves as a quiet reading room for the family, as well as an overflow area for use while entertaining.

Before	After	After

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J&J Construction
Project Type: Addition with Resistance Pool

Project Location: N19 W28914 Golf Ridge North, Pewaukee

Directions: From I-94, exit Hwy. SS north to Golf Road and left to Hwy g (Elmhurst Road). Right on Hwy. G to Golf Ridge South and right to Golf Ridge North.

The homeowners envisioned an indoor pool area, increased lower level storage, a separate crafting area, and a deck from which they could watch deer and other wildlife. The pool was designed to have no temperature restrictions, thereby allowing its use as a hot tub.

Because this project was an addition to a condominium, creating this space and meeting the homeowners' needs meant satisfying a number of requirements, the least of which was condo association approval of both the building plan and contractor. The initial designs were altered by drainage and civil easement restrictions.

Interesting construction details include dual foundations (one each for the addition and the pool), and a site-specific environmental conditioning system. The final as-built addition displays numerous windows with excellent cross-ventilation and natural light, and offers the homeowners an alternate entertainment area for their grandchildren and guests.

Before	After

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The OAR Group Inc.
Project Type: Lower Level Build Out

Project Location: 1645 Lindhurst Drive, Elm Grove

Directions: From Watertown Plank Road. in downtown Elm Grove, north on Legion, east on Elmhurst Parkway, and north on Lindhurst Drive.

The new, finished basement gave this 1950s Elm Grove ranch a contemporary living and entertainment space for the whole family to enjoy. This large area features a bedroom with new egress window, full bathroom, bar and pool table area, theatre area, workshop, exercise room, ample storage, and reading area near the fireplace. The homeowners' desire for a modern, contemporary new space was met with clean lines and unique materials, finishes, and colors. Great attention was paid to maintaining a natural feel with a dramatic look.

A large radius countertop invites guests to the elevated bar - the focal point when entering the basement - with rich espresso cabinetry, laminate countertops, and gray glass tile in mod geometric rectangles lining the backsplash. Generous space was created for the pool table nearby with full view of the theatre area. Flooring throughout includes carbonized bamboo and modern shag carpeting. Ample lighting creates a warm, cozy atmosphere, eliminating the "basement" feel.

For an open, airy feel in the exercise room, Lumicor panels with grass reeds were inserted into the walls, providing diffused light and an impressive design element. The bathroom boasts a unique use of rectangular tile in rich chocolate browns, a floating vanity, and lime green glass border with brown tiles on the backsplash. The sitting area near the natural fireplace showcases a unique, functional laminate bench, which hides plumbing while providing future access and serves as a table.

Before	After	After

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The OAR Group Inc.
Project Type: Master Suite Attic Conversion

Project Location: 2445 N. 64th Street, Wauwatosa

Directions: From North Avenue, go two blocks north on 64th Street.

This Milwaukee bungalow received a contemporary twist with the transformation of the unfinished attic into a master suite bedroom and open concept spa bathroom.

The bathroom, open above with no walls extended to the ceiling and no doors, made maintaining both privacy and open exposure a challenge. A rounded shower was created for a dramatic look as the living space is entered from the stairs. The interior of the shower features mosaic glass, and subway tile lines the walls of the bathroom. There is also a freestanding soaking tub at the bathroom's entrance.

Due to the unique challenge of a bungalow attic, the addition of plumbing, electrical, and HVAC were needed to accommodate the new bathroom and heating of the once-unfinished space. All the windows were replaced and relocated to accommodate the location of the new walls. A full electrical plan with ample recessed lighting transforms the room into a warm, inviting sanctuary.

A fresh palette of grays, chocolates, and cool blue hues give this modern space a calming, tranquil feel. Rich chocolate bamboo covers the floor, while espresso alder wood cabinetry and white marble enhance the bathroom and add to the design consistency. This new attic space boasts unique ceiling and wall angles, exposed chimney, ample storage, and an office area.

After	After	After

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Pekel Construction & Remodeling, Inc.
Project Type: Two-story Addition, with a Kitchen, Sunroom, Studio, and Bedroom

Project Location: 4965 South Nicolet Drive, New Berlin

Directions: 124th Street south to Edgerton Avenue. West on Edgerton to Nicolet Drive and north.

The project featured a two-story addition, which included a new bedroom on the second floor, re-purposing of an existing bedroom to a children's computer/study area with built-in furniture, and a new staircase leading from the foyer to the second floor.

The first floor of the addition includes a studio with French pocket doors, built-in furniture, cork flooring, and a wine refrigerator. The sunroom features heated tile flooring and windows with between the glass mini blinds.

In the existing home, an office space on the first floor was converted to a game room and all the wood floors were refinished. The kitchen was gutted and remodeled with custom maple cabinetry, granite counters, a dine at island, custom tile backsplashes, all new built-in appliances, and a custom wood inlay into the flooring surrounding the island. The remainder of the first floor was redecorated to finish off the project.

Before	After

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RCI Design Build
Project Type: Addition, Kitchen Remodel, and Landscaping, 18220 San Lucas Court, Brookfield

Directions: From the north, Hwy. 18/Bluemound Road to Brookfield Road and south to Greenfield Avenue. Go east to San Lucas Court then north.

From the south, Hwy. 18/Bluemound Road to Calhoun Road and go south to Greenfield Avenue. West to San Lucas Court and north.

This traditional home remodel with modern touches created family-friendly spaces and entertainment areas both inside and out. The remodel features a kitchen and dinette expansion with mudroom, laundry, office, screen room, wet bar, and second floor balcony addition. The remodel also includes a beautiful new landscape with tiered patios and a glass fire pit.

The cook top wall includes a custom plaster hood surrounded by a glass and stone tile splash. The adjacent wall holds a flat screen TV and phone/mp3 charging station viewable from the oversized island, which features abundant counter space and seating. Nearby, a furniture-style buffet highlights one of the many windows with transoms above. Explore the custom birth cabinets with many built-in amenities, detailed moldings, and columns. Eclectic combinations of Corian, Zodiaq, and "Juparana Persian" granite countertops are installed throughout. A custom designed stained glass privacy panel sits above the wet bar.

Multiple art niches, decorative light fixtures, and ambient lighting highlight and add drama to the newly remodeled spaces. The colorful screen room tile enhances the room's gray stained cedar interior and beaded ceiling. The new landscape can be viewed from all spaces.

Before	After	Before	After

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Renovators Ltd.
Project Type: Addition

Project Location: 2529 N. 94th Street, Wauwatosa

Directions: From Center Street, turn south on 94th Street for two blocks. From Swan Boulevard, go west on Ridge Boulevard to 94th Street and south.

This Wauwatosa Cape Cod kitchen was expanded dramatically with an 11' x 11' dinette addition, which includes a vaulted ceiling, expansive use of glass, and a mission style kitchen.

The new kitchen incorporates Cherry wood cabinetry, craftsman style doors, built-in wine bottle storage, blue Pearl granite countertops, a raised breakfast bar, ceramic tile backsplash with glass accent tiles, stainless steel appliances, and hardwood flooring.

The small kitchen built within the original room footprint was designed for maximizing storage, increasing countertop space, and orienting the preparation area with sight lines toward the backyard. The abundant use of windows in the dinette addition provides a view of the homeowners' gardens, and a patio door allows easy access to the backyard. A new utility closet with rollout shelves helps separate the kitchen from the home's side entry.

After

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Wandsnider Landscape Architects
Project Type: Landscape Development/Swimming Pool and Patio Environment

Project Location: 9009 W. Daventry Road, Mequon

Directions: From 92nd Street and Mequon Rd., take 92nd Street south one block to Daventry and go east one block.

Explore this well-orchestrated landscape environment designed to envelope a swimming pool, sunroom, and breakfast nook. Indoor spaces and views unfold across the terrace and pool and into the backyard, focusing on pieces of sculpture, a garden wall, and mature evergreen trees. Like indoor spaces, the outdoor spaces are designed as eating and entertaining areas, as well as for sunning and recreation.

The pool was sited off to the side so as not to dominate the view when covered. The paved surfaces - stoops, walks, and patio - were designed to help create more of an expansive feel. At night, the landscape lighting further enhances this effect and takes away the cold, dark feel of the glass. Further out, a garden wall helps define the space and pulls an architectural element into the site. An ornamental metal fence surrounds the perimeter, while its relative transparency allows the space to "breathe," without the feeling of being penned in. Mature evergreens were added to frame the perimeter, screen outside views, and provide a windbreak. Bluestone and Beldon 760 brick paving materials were used to detail the outdoor surfaces. An island with a Bluestone counter creates an additional sitting area in conjunction with the grill.

As the newly planted horticulture grows, the flowering trees and shrubs along with various perennials will explode with seasonal bursts of color and texture to complete the feel of this landscape environment.