Six Wauwatosa Homes on Milwaukee/NARI Tour of Remodeled Homes

Wauwatosa residents will have an opportunity to “Explore Remodeling’s Finest” at the 14th annual Milwaukee/NARI Tour of Remodeled Homes, Sat., May 18 – Sun., May 19, 2013, from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily.

The Tour of Remodeled Homes is produced by the Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Council, Inc., and sponsored by Kohler Co. in conjunction with First Supply, and by VerHalen, The Pella Window Store. The event will allow attendees to view 14 recently completed remodeling and home improvement projects from Milwaukee/NARI contractors at homes throughout southeastern Wisconsin.

The Tour of Remodeled Homes will feature the following six renovation projects in the city of Wauwatosa:

Allen Kitchen & Bath: Kitchen and Powder Room Remodel • 2012 Forest Street, Wauwatosa
Creative design was used to develop a functional kitchen while maintaining the charm of a typical Wauwatosa home. The new homeowners desired more storage and a more inviting space for family and friends to gather. Removing soffits allowed for ceiling height cabinetry with classic crown molding. An “eat-in” kitchen was created by adding a bistro table and small TV, while decorative task lighting showcased the rich granite countertops and cherry wood cabinetry. The powder room adjacent to the kitchen now features built-in cabinetry in place of a wall hung sink and a mosaic porcelain tile floor, while a Corian countertop with integral sink was installed with the cabinetry set back to accommodate the small space.

S.J. Janis Company, Inc.: Kitchen Remodel • 2139 N. 81st Street, Wauwatosa
This 1920’s Wauwatosa kitchen underwent a complete redesign to increase functionality, accommodate lifestyle needs, and house a full array of appliances within the existing footprint. The renovation features glass mosaic tile and stylish pendant lighting that highlight the period-sensitive natural cherry shaker style cabinetry and crown molding. Custom cabinetry utilizes innovative storage techniques for increased efficiency and flexible use. The new layout incorporates a gas cooktop, built-in double ovens, paneled dishwasher, and a refrigerator. Quartz countertops and porcelain floor tile featuring mosaic detailing at the door thresholds provide low-maintenance durability.

Owner Assisted Remodeling: Kitchen Remodel • 2445 N. 64 Street, Wauwatosa
This 1930’s Milwaukee Cape Cod has been home to generations of the same family since its construction. The clients wished to create a contemporary kitchen while maintaining the historical flavor of the era in which it was built. A functional layout was achieved by swapping the refrigerator and range to the opposite walls. The kitchen is now more functional following the removal of soffits around the perimeter, which allowed for full height cabinetry and full size appliances. Stainless steel appliances, a vibrant color scheme, and horizontal repetition throughout give this space a contemporary influence. Original maple flooring was refinished and the cream city brick chimney was exposed to restore the home’s historical aesthetics. Maple veneered slab front cabinet doors and backsplash tile laid in a subway pattern speak to both styles. New windows were installed, providing greater comfort and additional energy savings.

Pekel Construction & Remodeling, Inc.: Family Room and Mudroom Entry with a Seasonal Open Air Portico • 7907 Mary Ellen Place, Wauwatosa
This project includes a family room and mudroom entry addition, with a second story open-air portico above. Constructed with exterior finishes of stucco and locally quarried Lannon Stone, the addition is the centerpiece to this 1940’s Lannon Stone Tudor home. The new rear entry overhang leads into a tiled mudroom entryway featuring a spacious walk-in closet and storage area. The entryway is separated from the family room space with a pair of classic French doors. Stepping down, the sunken family room is replete with a coffered ceiling, red oak hardwood flooring, built-in lighted bookcases, window seats with storage, a Lannon Stone fireplace, and floor to ceiling windows. Another French door from the family room addition leads to the private back yard and stone patio area, with a second pair of doors joining the living room space.

Jim Wirtz’s Woodworks, Inc.: Kitchen Remodel • 1822 N 72nd St., Wauwatosa
The owners desired a more open, well lit, and functional kitchen. Engineering and installing a new header in the main support wall allowed for the elimination of several feet of wall space and a doorway to enlarge the entryway connecting the kitchen to the rest of the home. Soffits were reduced to make more room for custom maple cabinetry, allowing for more storage and additional counter space. A new electrical service and panel, as well as all new plumbing for the kitchen and the laundry room below the kitchen, were included. The kitchen now features a custom banquette with maple tabletop, granite countertops, tile backsplash, patched and re-finished hardwood floors, and ample lighting. A lighted transom above the sink features custom stained glass to match stained glass in other parts of the home.

Jim Wirtz’s Woodworks, Inc.: Kitchen Remodel • 1831 N. 71st St., Wauwatosa
The outdated and poorly laid out kitchen was adjacent to an unheated, seldom used, enclosed porch. The owners were looking to open up the kitchen by utilizing the unused space, so walls were removed to combine the spaces, and the porch area was re-built to become part of the kitchen. The new layout features custom cabinetry stained to match existing woodwork, awning windows, custom transom windows, and architectural features copied from the front of the house. An arch in the soffit above the sink, bead board in the tray ceiling, soap stone counter tops, tile backsplash, new hardwood floors to match existing floors in the home, and base and casings to match the existing floors make the kitchen look and feel as if it were part of the original home.

For more information on the Milwaukee/NARI Tour of Remodeled Homes, visit www.milwaukeenari.org or call 414-771-4071.