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Frequently Asked Questions

JJB Home Improvements is a complete design-build partner serving homeowners across Metro Milwaukee. We bring designers, project managers, and skilled craftsmen together under one roof, so you work with a single trusted team from your first idea through the final walkthrough.

Our promise is simple: we handle the mess, you get your dream home!

JJB is a true design-build partner. A general contractor typically only builds; a design firm typically only designs and hands the plans to someone else to construct. We do both under one roof, which means no juggling separate companies and no communication gaps between designer and builder.

Learn more by clicking on our About Us page.

We serve homeowners throughout Milwaukee County, Waukesha County, Ozaukee County, Washington County, the North Shore, and the surrounding communities. Not sure if your address is in our service area? Give us a call, and we’ll let you know.

Learn more by clicking the Service Areas page.

Yes. JJB Home Improvements (Black River Design Build Inc., DBA JJB Home Improvements) maintains the credentials Wisconsin requires of residential remodeling companies, including Dwelling Contractor Certification and Dwelling Contractor Qualifier certification through the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, and we carry general liability insurance on every project. We’re happy to provide documentation during your consultation.

Yes. Navigating permits, codes, and inspections is one of the most complex parts of any remodel, so we handle it for you. Our team coordinates with local municipalities throughout your project to make sure everything is fully compliant.

We’re proud members of the Lakeland Builders Association, the Glendale Chamber of Commerce, NARI, the Metropolitan Builders Association, the Wisconsin Builders Association, and the National Association of Home Builders. These affiliations keep us current on best practices, codes, and industry standards and connect us to a trusted network of suppliers and tradespeople.

The Home Process Agreement outlines what you can expect from us and what we ask of you at each stage of your project. You can review the full agreement on our website, and we’re happy to answer any questions about it during your consultation.

Learn more by clicking our Home Process Agreement page.

Through our financing partner, Figure, you can turn your home equity into funding for your project, with monthly payments that are often 3–4x lower than a personal loan and terms up to 30 years.

You can also contact our CFO, Brian Sullivan, to discuss other financing options: (414) 581- 4164 or brian@JJBhome.com

A Project Estimate is our best approximation of your design concept’s cost, giving you financial transparency before construction begins. Once we understand your project, we deliver a detailed proposal outlining key build aspects and “Allowances” — budgets for essential materials and services like electrical, plumbing, HVAC, countertops, and windows. Estimates can change, but we’ll always inform you of cost adjustments through change orders before proceeding.

You can also click on our Design-Build Remodeling Estimator page to get an honest cost range in seconds.

A Preliminary Budget, typically set within a $10,000 range, is an early planning tool that guides selections throughout your project. With so many materials, methods, and designs to choose from, having a clear budget goal lets us make the best recommendations for your needs — covering everything from structural changes and mechanical plans to material choices and amenities. Once it’s set, our designers, project managers, architects, and engineers prepare construction documents to minimize surprises down the road.
Your Lookbook is a comprehensive guide to all the customizable building materials for your project. You’ll review and approve your selections before construction begins to ensure timely ordering, confirm fit and design compatibility, and lock in every design decision upfront — preventing costly changes later. Choosing materials from our curated “Top Performers” list also helps us keep costs competitive, stand behind our products, offer strong warranties, and install everything efficiently. If our curated options aren’t quite right for you, we also offer a Custom Design Selection service for an additional fee.
A Design Concept is a pre-construction tool that keeps us on budget, aligns our vision with yours, and identifies any additional professionals needed to finalize plans for permitting and construction. While factors like architecture, engineering, and surveying can occasionally add time, we aim to deliver your initial concept within days.

It starts with your Initial Consultation, where one or two of our team members meet with you to discuss your “needs” and “wants” for the project, your budget, site access, and preferred timeline, while taking measurements and photos. To move forward, you’ll sign a Design Contract with a deposit typically ranging from $1,500–$5,000 depending on the scope of your project — larger projects, like home additions, require a minimum $5,000 deposit.

Depending on project size and complexity, your design concept is typically ready within 2–10 business days for smaller projects, or up to 4 weeks for larger-scope work like home additions. Once it’s ready, you’ll receive existing and new floor plans plus 3D visuals, and we’ll walk through precise numbers and next steps together. Once you approve the concept, we move to Commit to the Build.

It depends on size and complexity. A smaller project, like a bathroom renovation, might take a few weeks; larger remodels or additions can take several months. Once we understand your project’s scope, we’ll provide a detailed timeline and keep you updated every step of the way.
We are. Our team removes construction debris, sweeps work areas, and leaves your space ready to enjoy. If your project has special clean-up needs, we’ll discuss those in advance so your home stays comfortable and presentable throughout.
Not for every hour, but it helps to be available for key updates and decisions. Our team keeps communication clear and can coordinate remotely as needed. If your project needs specific access arrangements, we’ll plan those out together in advance.

No. JJB Home Improvements has an in-house design team. You do not need to hire a separate designer or architect. Our designers work directly with you from the first consultation through material selections and final permit drawings. This is one of the primary advantages of the design-build model.

You can learn more by clicking our Design Build page.

Yes. All structural, electrical, and plumbing work requires a permit from your municipality’s building department — in the City of Milwaukee, this is the Department of Neighborhood Services (DNS). JJB prepares and submits all permit applications in-house as part of the design-build process. Permitted work protects your home’s resale value and your homeowner’s insurance coverage.

Metro Milwaukee has one of the highest concentrations of pre-1960 homes in the Midwest. These homes frequently require electrical panel upgrades ($5,000–$10,000), removal of knob-and-tube wiring ($2,000–$15,000), asbestos testing and abatement, and lead paint mitigation. JJB identifies all of these during the design consultation and site visit, before any contract is signed. Budget a contingency of $5,000–$20,000+ for homes built before 1960.

You can also click on our Design-Build Remodeling Estimator page to get an honest cost range in seconds.

Design-build timelines are typically faster than the traditional separate-hire process because design and pre-construction planning happen in parallel. Common construction timelines: bathroom remodel (4–6 weeks), kitchen remodel (4–6 weeks), basement finish (6–8 weeks), home addition (12–15 weeks). Custom cabinetry adds 2–6 weeks of lead time before construction begins.

The highest-ROI projects in Metro Milwaukee are: (1) mid-range kitchen remodels; (2) bathroom additions and primary bath upgrades; (3) basement finishing — the best cost-per-square-foot investment in a Milwaukee home; and (4) deck construction. Design-build projects tend to deliver stronger resale value because design intent and construction execution are managed by the same team.

Milwaukee home additions cost $100k–$175k+ for standard-grade construction, $150k–$200k+ for premium, and $175k–$300k+ for luxury. These are all-in costs, including design, foundation, framing, roofing, electrical, plumbing, insulation, drywall, flooring, and interior finish. A bedroom addition typically runs $100,000–$250,000, depending on tier — entry $100K–$175K, mid-range $175K–$200K, premium $200K–$250K. A primary suite (bed + bath) starts at $150,000–$200,000 at the entry level.

You can learn more by clicking our Home Additions page.
You can also click on our Design-Build Remodeling Estimator page to get an honest cost range in seconds.

Building a second story is often 15-25% less expensive than building out because you’re using the existing foundation. However, your home’s structure must be able to support the additional weight—something we assess during your free consultation.

Most home additions take 12–15 weeks from the start of construction to completion. Smaller or single-room additions tend to land toward the shorter end of that range, while second-story additions and larger builds run longer. Once we understand your project’s scope, we’ll provide a detailed week-by-week timeline.

Yes, in most cases (varies by project). We use dust containment systems, maintain separate work zones, and schedule disruptive phases strategically so you can stay comfortable at home.
Most single-story homes can support a second story, but it depends on foundation strength and existing wall framing. We provide a structural assessment during your consultation to determine feasibility.
Most family room additions are 300-500 square feet (roughly 15×20 to 20×25), providing comfortable seating for 6-8 people plus entertainment equipment without feeling oversized.
Yes. All additions require building permits, and many require zoning approval. JJB manages the entire permitting process—you don’t deal with inspectors or city offices.
Primary suite additions, functional kitchen expansions, and additional bathrooms typically return 60-80% of investment. In Metro Milwaukee’s competitive market, guest suites and home offices are increasingly valuable.
Foundation and structural work typically account for 30-40% of costs. HVAC, electrical, and plumbing extensions add another 15-20%. Proper upfront planning prevents costly surprises during construction.

In Metro Milwaukee, a full-service design-build kitchen remodel ranges from $20,000 for a basic cosmetic refresh to $195,000 or more for a custom luxury remodel. A full design-build gut renovation with layout changes and premium materials runs $80,000–$100,000. Appliances are always separate: a mid-range suite adds ~$10,000–$15,000.

You can also click on our Design-Build Remodeling Estimator page to get an honest cost range in seconds.

A full kitchen remodel can include custom cabinetry, countertop installation, layout changes, relocated plumbing, gas, and electrical, tile work, lighting upgrades, and more. We design around how you actually cook, gather, and live — not just how the space looks.

You can learn more by clicking our Kitchen Renovation page.
See pictures of our kitchen renovation projects on the Our Work page.

Once your design is finalized, construction usually takes 4–6 weeks.
In most cases, no. We use dust containment systems and schedule disruptive phases strategically so you can stay in your home throughout the project. That said, most homeowners lose full use of their kitchen for the bulk of construction, so we’ll talk through a temporary setup during your consultation.
Yes, reconfiguring a kitchen’s layout, including moving a sink, range, or outlets to fit your new design, is something we handle regularly. We’ll flag any structural or mechanical considerations during your Design Concept so there are no surprises once construction starts.

Milwaukee bathroom remodel costs range from $15,000–$25,000 for a half bath cosmetic update, to $40,000–$50,000 for a standard full bathroom gut-and-remodel (fixtures in the same location), to $115,000–$130,000 for a primary or master bathroom. Luxury primary baths can reach $135,000–$260,000+.

You can also click on our Design-Build Remodeling Estimator page to get an honest cost range in seconds.

Our bathroom remodels can include custom vanities, modern fixtures, elegant tile work, spa-like showers or soaking tubs, updated lighting, and full layout reconfigurations — whether you’re refreshing a guest bath or building a luxury primary suite retreat.

You can learn more by clicking our Bathroom Renovation page.
See pictures of our bathroom renovation projects on the Our Work page.

Yes, converting a tub to a walk-in shower (or adding a tub back in) is one of the most common requests we handle. It typically involves some plumbing and layout adjustments, which we’ll map out during your Design Concept so there are no surprises once construction starts.
Once your design is finalized, timelines generally run 4–6 weeks.
No, you can stay in your home during a bathroom remodel. If it’s your only bathroom, let us know during your Initial Consultation so we can plan the timeline and any temporary arrangements around it.
Absolutely. Curbless showers, grab bars, wider doorways, and heated floors can all be incorporated into your design so your bathroom stays comfortable and safe as your needs change. Just let your designer know your priorities during your Initial Consultation.
Yes. Adding a bathroom is a typical upgrade that requires extending plumbing lines and may involve additional permitting depending on your home’s setup. We’ll assess feasibility and cost during your consultation.

A lot more than storage. We regularly transform basements into rec rooms, home theaters, guest suites, home gyms, or entertainment hubs — whatever your household needs most. If you can imagine it, we can likely help build it.

You can learn more by clicking our Basement Renovation page.
See pictures of our basement renovation projects on the Our Work page.

Basement finishing costs in Milwaukee range from $55,000–$70,000 for a basic rec room finish, to $100,000–$115,000 with a bathroom added, to $160,000–$195,000+ for a full multi-room design-build buildout. Basement finishing is widely considered the highest ROI remodeling investment.

You can also click on our Design-Build Remodeling Estimator page to get an honest cost range in seconds.

Most projects take 6–8 weeks to complete, depending on size and code requirements.
It depends on how the space will be used: for example, a basement bedroom typically requires an egress window for safety and code compliance. Our team handles the permitting and code requirements for your project, so you don’t have to sort out the details yourself.

Tuckpointing is the process of repairing and reinforcing the mortar joints in brick and stone masonry. Signs you may need it include crumbling or missing mortar, cracks along joint lines, water staining, or visible gaps between bricks. Left unaddressed, deteriorating mortar can lead to structural instability and water damage.

You can learn more by clicking our Tuckpointing or Foundation Repair pages.

Most of our tuckpointing work is backed by a 40-year guarantee. If a joint we’ve repaired fails within that window, we’ll fix it at no cost to you.

See pictures of our tuckpointing projects on the Our Work page.

Small cracks, minor discoloration, or isolated chips can often be repaired. Widespread cracking, bulging, soft spots, or signs of moisture behind the surface usually point to a larger issue that calls for replacement. We assess the full picture — not just the surface — before recommending a path forward.

You can learn more by clicking our Stucco or Foundation Repair pages.

We guarantee most of our stucco work for 20 years, so your investment stands up to Wisconsin’s weather for decades to come.

See pictures of our stucco projects on the Our Work page.

It depends on the extent of the damage and the condition of the structure underneath. Isolated issues like a few soft boards, a wobbly railing, a cracked stair tread — can usually be repaired. Widespread rot, a failing ledger board, or structural post damage often points to replacement. We assess the whole deck, not just what’s visible, before recommending a path forward.
In most Metro Milwaukee municipalities, yes — deck construction and major rebuilds typically require a permit. We handle the permitting process for you as part of every deck project.

We build with both classic wood and low-maintenance composite options, including TimberTech and AZEK decking and Harmony railings, so you can choose the look and maintenance level that fits your lifestyle.

You can learn more by clicking our Deck Contractor page.

For most Milwaukee homeowners, composite decking delivers better lifetime value. Pressure-treated wood costs $17–$25/sq ft installed and requires staining or sealing every 1–3 years, with a lifespan of 15–20 years. Composite (Trex, TimberTech, AZEK) typically runs $30,000–$36,000 installed for a 192 sq ft deck, up to $70,000–$100,000+ for a larger 480 sq ft deck — including railing and one stair run — but requires minimal maintenance and lasts 25–50 years.


You can also click on our Design-Build Remodeling Estimator page to get an honest cost range in seconds.

In most cases, we can address specific problem areas without disturbing the rest of the structure. We’ll walk you through exactly what needs attention and why during your consultation.

We repair and replace wood siding, door and window trim, and sheathing damaged by water, pests, or general wear — even on homes without a lot of exposed exterior wood, since sheathing issues can hide beneath other materials. Regular maintenance and prompt repairs help your home’s exterior stay solid and good-looking for years to come.

You can learn more by clicking our Carpentry page.

It depends on your roof’s age, the extent of the damage, and whether the issue is isolated or widespread. Storm damage, a handful of missing shingles, or a small leak can often be repaired. A roof nearing or past the end of its expected lifespan, or with widespread wear, usually calls for full replacement. We’ll give you an honest assessment either way.

You can learn more by clicking our Roofing page.

Get 5% off a new project with us for up to 6 months.

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