Now booking Waukesha-area remodeling projects  ·  (414) 973-9177

Home Remodeling in Waukesha, WI

Kitchen, bath, basement, and attic remodeling for Waukesha’s Victorian-era downtown homes, 1920s bungalows, and postwar ranches — from a family-owned team just up the road.

Or call (414) 973-9177  ·  Family-owned since 2003

★ 5.0 (10)
Houzz
★ 4.7 (31)
Google
★ 4.8 (111)
Angi
A+
BBB since 2011
NARI
Certified Member
WI Lic#
1192772
Since 2003
Family-owned
1-Year
Workmanship warranty

Trusted Remodelers Serving Waukesha

Waukesha is the county seat and one of the most layered housing markets we work in. The blocks around downtown and Carroll University hold Victorians, Queen Annes, and turn-of-the-century homes from the city’s Spring City resort era. Head out toward Sunset Drive and the west side and the stock shifts to 1950s–70s ranches, split-levels, and Colonials. Each era brings its own remodeling realities.

2nd Life Home Remodeling is family-owned and based about 15 minutes east in New Berlin. We’ve spent 20+ years remodeling both ends of that spectrum across Waukesha County — restoring character in older homes near the Fox River while opening up dated floor plans in postwar subdivisions. We handle City of Waukesha permitting through Building Inspection so your project doesn’t stall at the counter.

Get Your Free Waukesha Remodeling Estimate

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Remodeling in Waukesha: Local Know-How

What Waukesha homeowners should know
Permitting
City of Waukesha permits are handled by Building Inspection at City Hall (201 Delafield Street). The City runs permits and inspections through its eTrakit online system, and remodeling work — including finished basements, structural changes, and bath and kitchen alterations — needs a permit before work starts. We pull and manage it for you.
Home styles & era
Victorians, Queen Annes, and turn-of-the-century homes near downtown and Carroll University; 1920s bungalows and Cape Cods through the older neighborhoods; and 1950s–1970s ranches, split-levels, and Colonials across the west and south sides.
Older-home notes
Pre-war Waukesha homes commonly carry knob-and-tube wiring, galvanized supply lines, plaster-and-lath walls, and thin insulation. Homes near the Fox River can also have damp or previously wet basements, which we address before finishing rather than after.
Climate
Wisconsin winters and humid summers are hard on older roofs, foundations, and original windows. Insulation, ice-dam protection, and basement moisture control are planned into every remodel we build here.
Downtown WaukeshaCarroll University areaFrame ParkCutler ParkFive PointsSunset Drive corridorFox River corridorWhite Rock area

Recent Waukesha-Area Projects

A look at our craftsmanship from your local neighbors.

What Waukesha Homeowners Say

★ 5.0 Houzz (10)  ·  ★ 4.7 Google (31)  ·  ★ 4.8 Angi (111)
“Great communication — Tim let us know what was happening every step of the way. Our house was built in 1922, so hurdles were expected, but the crew showed up on time each day, cleaned up, and met all our requests. When a small flooring issue came up months later, they honored their one-year warranty and came right out. Highly recommend — we’ll be using them again.”
— Elizabeth P., verified 2nd Life client ★★★★★ via Angi

Waukesha Remodeling FAQs

Do I need a permit to remodel in Waukesha?
Yes — for essentially any remodel involving structural, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work, and for finished basements. City of Waukesha Building Inspection (201 Delafield Street) issues permits through its eTrakit system. We complete the application and schedule every inspection.
Can you work on an older home near downtown Waukesha?
That’s some of our favorite work. We’ve spent 20+ years on turn-of-the-century homes like the ones around Carroll University, Frame Park, and Five Points — modernizing kitchens and baths while keeping the trim, plaster detail, and proportions that make the house worth owning.
Our basement has been damp — can it still be finished?
Often, yes, but not before the water is dealt with. Homes closer to the Fox River are more prone to it. We diagnose the source, fix drainage and moisture control first, and only then frame and finish — otherwise you’re paying twice.
How far is 2nd Life from Waukesha?
About 15 minutes east in New Berlin (18480 W. National Ave, New Berlin, WI 53146), family-owned since 2003.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes — Wisconsin Dwelling Contractor License #1192772, NARI Certified Member, BBB A+ since 2011, and a one-year workmanship warranty on every project.

Ready to Remodel Your Waukesha Home?

Free in-home estimates for Waukesha homeowners. Wisconsin Dwelling Contractor License #1192772  ·  Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–4:30 PM CT

Prefer to talk? Call (414) 973-9177