Empire Home Remodeling: 7 Best Ways to Choose a Contractor (Proven Guide)

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Empire home remodeling is an established provider of windows, baths, siding, roofing, doors, and related renovation services for suburban homeowners across southeastern Wisconsin. If you want a trustworthy contractor—and want to avoid the classic remodeling headaches—this guide explains exactly what Empire Home Remodeling does in 2024, what you won’t find on their site, and how to make a smart hiring decision for your next project.

Key Takeaways

  • Empire Home Remodeling serves Milwaukee and many southern Wisconsin communities, offering warranties, financing, and a strong local reputation for windows, baths, siding, roofing, and more.
  • Project cost details and completion metrics are not published; ask for line-item breakdowns, completion rate, and proof of licensing before you sign.
  • Use our expert-vetted checklist to compare Empire and other home renovation contractors—protect yourself from delays, surprise costs, and warranty confusion.

What Empire Home Remodeling Does (2024 Service Snapshot)

Empire Home Remodeling specializes in full-service exterior and bath remodels for suburban homeowners in southeastern Wisconsin. Their offerings in 2024 include:

  • Windows: New and replacement installation
  • Bath Remodeling: Bathtub liner/shower surround installs, tub-to-shower conversions, built-in seated showers, barrier-free showers, and traditional bath updates
  • Siding: Multiple material options for residential exteriors
  • Soffit, Fascia & Gutters: Functional and curb-appeal-focused upgrades
  • Roofing: Installations and replacements
  • Doors: entry and patio doors
  • Sunrooms: Available historically—always confirm availability

Service areas include Milwaukee, Brookfield, Wauwatosa, Kenosha, Racine, Oak Creek, Waukesha, Oconomowoc, New Berlin, Sheboygan, Janesville, Watertown, Pewaukee, Lake Geneva, and dozens of other southern Wisconsin communities. See Empire’s Service Map here.

Empire advertises over 25 years in business (since 2006), but recent project completion stats, average project size, and turnaround times are not published.

Informational: User wants to learn about the range of remodeling services offered by Empire Home Remodeling and how to choose the right provider.

What Empire Publicly Shows — And What’s Not Reported (the Project Metrics Gap)

Empire Home Remodeling provides a strong overview of its services, history, and ratings, but you won’t find specifics on how many projects they complete per year, their on-time completion rate, or their average bath or siding project size in 2024. This “metrics gap” is typical in the remodeling industry—few home renovation contractors share these numbers up front.

Why does this matter? Knowing a contractor’s completion rate and average project size helps you judge their fit for your project and their ability to deliver on time. Without this info, you risk missed expectations or delays. BBB disputes for similar contractors often arise from unmet expectations or unclear timelines.

What should you do? Always ask for the following before you sign a contract:

  • Empire’s (or any contractor’s) average project size for your type of remodel
  • On-time completion rates for the past 12 months
  • How many similar projects they complete each month
  • Actual timelines for recent comparable jobs

If these are unavailable, ask to speak to recent clients or request sample project schedules. For full guidance on gathering details, see our Shortlist Checklist below.

Typical Price Ranges & How to Set Expectations (Empire vs. Industry Averages)

Empire Home Remodeling does not publish any specific project cost breakdowns online. This is standard for the industry, as there are many variables—size, materials, permits—but it means you need a benchmark for fair pricing when evaluating your estimate from Empire or any home renovation contractors.

2024 Southeastern Wisconsin Industry Averages:

  • Bathroom Remodel: $10,000 to $25,000 (mid-range, per HomeAdvisor)
  • Kitchen Remodel: $25,000 to $60,000 (partial) or $100,000+ (full)
  • Whole-House Renovation: $50,000 to $200,000+, depending on size and complexity

Empire does provide free estimates and offers 0% financing for qualified buyers. Always request a line-item estimate with allowances for materials, labor, demo, permits, and “change orders.” Compare your Empire quote to at least two others.

For affordable bath remodel ideas and expected costs, see our related article on how much to remodel a small bathroom.

Certifications, Warranties & Credibility Signals

Credentials matter for peace of mind. Empire Home Remodeling stands out with:

  • BBB A+ rating and solid complaint resolution history
  • Longstanding manufacturer partnerships (KHPP, BCI, Home Guard)
  • Clear installation warranties and a customer satisfaction guarantee
  • In business since 2006 (over 25 years)
  • Award-winning, woman-owned, and actively involved locally (Proud Partner of the Milwaukee Brewers)
  • Angi rating of 4.9/5

Always verify Wisconsin state contractor licensing and general liability/workers’ comp insurance coverage for any home renovation contractors—ask for the certificate before signing.

Common Customer Pain Points with Contractors — How to Avoid Them

Homeowners in Milwaukee and southern Wisconsin report these frequent issues with home renovation contractors:

  • Delays: Missed deadlines due to weather, supply chain hold-ups, or scheduling
  • Poor Communication: Difficulty reaching the contractor or getting status updates
  • Surprise Costs: “Change orders” that inflate the original scope
  • Warranty Disputes: Misunderstood coverage or denied claims for installation defects
  • Material Quality: Cheaper substitute products without disclosure
💡 Pro Tip: Before signing, get a project timeline in writing, and clarify how change orders are handled. If your estimate is vague, ask for details or have them specify what’s “excluded from price.”
🔥 Hacks & Tricks: Request recent project photos, not just online reviews—ask for both “best case” and “toughest job” examples to reveal how the contractor solves problems under pressure.

Empire takes steps to address these issues by offering written warranties, a detailed process for all jobs, and flexible payment options. For more guidance, see related coverage on power home remodeling best practices.

Informational: User wants to learn about the range of remodeling services offered by Empire Home Remodeling and how to choose the right provider.
Informational: User wants to learn about the range of remodeling services offered by Empire Home Remodeling and how to choose the right provider.

How Empire Addresses Expert Selection Criteria (What to Check)

The best home renovation contractors provide proof across five areas:

Expert CriteriaEmpire Home RemodelingWhat to Request
Licensing & InsuranceNot published — ask to see certificatesFull WI license, $1M+ liability, worker’s comp
Reputation & RatingsBBB A+, 4.9/5 AngiAsk for 5 recent references
WarrantiesAdvertised for all installationsWritten copy, length & exclusions
Financing & Payments0% interest, credit cards acceptedClarify terms & fees
ExperienceIn business since 2006Years with current crew/lead installer

Want a deeper checklist? Find our step-by-step Shortlist Checklist below, or see more expert hiring tips in our home improvement contractor guide.

Empire’s Process and Materials — What’s Typical vs. Unique

Empire Home Remodeling uses a structured process common to most reputable remodelers:

  • Contact to Request a Quote
  • In-Home Consultation & Design
  • Measurement & Materials Selection
  • Scheduled Installation Day
  • Above & Beyond Post-Project Follow-up

Materials are sourced from KHPP, BCI, and Home Guard for windows, baths, siding, and doors. Work is backed by their manufacturer tie-ins and installation warranties.

What’s not unique in 2024? Empire does not currently highlight proprietary or eco-friendly materials, 3D digital design, or advanced tech like smart-home integration—if sustainability is important, ask about this up front. Their main differentiator is customer service, as reinforced by a 4.9/5 Angi rating.

Three Important Details Most Competitor Pages Miss (and Should Include)

Top-ranked competitor pages for home renovation contractors—including those comparing Empire—routinely omit these key details:

  1. Detailed pricing or cost breakdowns. Always ask for a transparent line-item estimate (labor, materials, permits) for your project. If the contractor is vague, it’s a red flag.
  2. Customer testimonials or case studies with metrics. Don’t settle for two-sentence reviews. Ask for before/after project photos, timelines, and costs. See how Empire stacks up by requesting this info.
  3. Licensing, bonding, and insurance coverage specifics. You should never have to dig—request copies of current certificates and verify active coverage.

Homeowners researching Empire or other Wisconsin remodelers should always put these three topics at the top of their decision checklist. For more on budget transparency, read our guide to general contracting services.

Case Studies & Testimonials — What to Look for and How to Ask for Them

Empire’s public reviews are strong, but lack before/after photos, actual timelines, and budgets attached to specific jobs. Here’s how to get actionable info:

  • Ask for a case study with these details:
    • Timeline (estimate + actual start/finish)
    • Project scope (bath remodel, siding square footage, total windows replaced, etc.)
    • Total cost (or at least range for the project size)
    • Photos before, during, and after
    • What went well—what was delayed or surprised the customer
  • If not available, ask for at least three recent references with detailed stories—not just star ratings.

Use this template when contacting Empire:

Case Study Request Template:

“Could you share a recent case study or testimonial for a project like mine (bath remodel/siding/windows)? I’d like to see before-and-after photos, actual timeline, and the total investment if available.”

For more contractor vetting tips, read our insights on finding home improvement contractors.

Shortlist Checklist — Questions to Ask Empire (and Other Contractors) Before Hiring

Before you hire Empire Home Remodeling or any contractor, use this actionable checklist:

  • What is your completion rate and average project size for my remodel type?
  • Do you guarantee timelines in the contract?
  • How are change orders and scope changes authorized and priced?
  • Can you provide proof of active licensing and insurance for Wisconsin?
  • What are the written warranty terms (length, exclusions, process for claims)?
  • Do you offer 0% interest financing—what are the terms?
  • Can I see recent, detailed project photos and speak to references from the last 12 months?
  • What are your payment milestones and accepted payment methods?

Using this list will give you a strong sense of how responsive and transparent Empire is compared to other home renovation contractors.

How to Get a Reliable Estimate from Empire (Step-by-Step CTA)

To get the best value, follow these steps when requesting your estimate from Empire Home Remodeling:

  1. Gather and provide clear photos, rough measurements, and a priority list for your project.
  2. Ask for a written, itemized quote that breaks down every cost—materials, labor, permits, demolition, disposal fees, tax.
  3. Clarify what is and isn’t included; ask for precise allowances on materials and brands.
  4. Request a written project schedule with start and completion dates—and ask about penalties if the project runs late.
  5. Ask for financing options in writing; confirm payments, fees, and what’s required to qualify.
  6. Before signing, read the warranty and request all exclusions or limitations in writing.
  7. Verify their licenses and insurance documents before you hand over any deposit.
  8. If they can’t provide any of the above, consider it a red flag—get estimates from two other local contractors to compare.

Get started by contacting Empire Home Remodeling for your free estimate and include all your questions up front.

empire home remodeling - Illustration 3

FAQs to Answer in the Article

Does Empire Home Remodeling provide written warranties?

Yes, Empire includes installation warranties on all projects. Ask for a written copy, including details on coverage, claims, and exclusions.

Does Empire Home Remodeling service my area in southeastern Wisconsin?

Empire services Milwaukee and dozens of surrounding communities including Brookfield, Kenosha, Racine, Waukesha, Oconomowoc, and more. View Empire’s Service Area for your ZIP code.

How long does it take between estimate and installation?

Timelines vary, but Empire typically schedules installations within weeks after material selection. Get your expected start and finish in writing before committing.

What financing options does Empire Home Remodeling offer?

Empire advertises 0% interest financing for qualified buyers and accepts credit cards. Always confirm duration, terms, and eligibility at your estimate appointment.

What if I want detailed cost breakdowns or case studies before hiring?

Request a line-item quote, recent project case studies (with timeline and costs), and current licensing/insurance certificates before you sign anything.

Conclusion

Choosing the right contractor for your remodel requires more than star ratings or glossy before-and-afters. Empire home remodeling offers proven warranties, strong reviews, local expertise, and flexible financing for southeastern Wisconsin homeowners—but leaves crucial project metrics and price examples off their site. Use our checklist when you contact Empire, request missing data before committing, and always compare two or three detailed bids to avoid surprises.
Ready to take the next step? Contact Empire Home Remodeling with a request for their average project completion rate, recent case studies, detailed cost breakdown, and written warranty before signing your next contract.

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