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A bathroom is one of the most useful things you can add when you finish a basement. It means guests don't have to head upstairs, kids can play downstairs all afternoon, and a lower-level guest suite or game room finally feels complete. It's also one of the more involved parts of a basement project, because water has to get in and out of a space that sits below the rest of the house. Here's what Lake Country homeowners should know before they start. Start with how you'll use i

If you're planning a basement bedroom, guest suite or a lower level your family will use every day, an egress window is likely part of the conversation. It's one of the most important safety features in a finished basement, and when it's planned well, it can also bring in natural light that makes the space feel like part of the home. Here's what Lake Country homeowners should know before they start. What is an egress window? An egress window is a window large enough for a per

A basement bar turns a lower level from extra space into the place everyone wants to be. It's where you host game day, pour a drink after a long week, or keep snacks close for movie night. The best basement bars feel like they were always part of the home, not an afterthought tucked in a corner. Here are the ideas we use most often, with three real lower levels from around Lake Country to show how they come together. Start with how you'll use it Before choosing cabinets or co

From comfortable family rooms to custom entertaining spaces, here's what Lake Country homeowners can expect to invest in a finished lower level in 2026.

A primary bathroom is one of the most rewarding rooms to remodel, and one of the hardest to price in your head. To make it easier, here is a recent estimate for a primary bath in an older home, updated to current pricing and broken down by category. Starting prices for every project type are on our pricing page. See more examples on our Real Project Investments page. Where the investment goes in a $122,000 primary bath The existing tub and deck were removed and walls were rel

One of the first questions we hear is, “What will my kitchen actually cost?” The honest answer depends on your space and the choices you make.

Your room may set the boundaries, but the way your family cooks, gathers and entertains should help shape the design.

Choosing the best flooring for a basement in Wisconsin comes down to one thing above all else: how well it handles moisture and cold. Lower levels sit against the ground year-round, so a floor that looks beautiful in a main-level living room can warp, smell musty or feel icy underfoot below grade. The good news is that today's materials make it possible to create a lower level that feels just as warm and finished as the rest of your home. Here's how the most popular options c

If you've collected a few quotes for a remodel, you've probably noticed that timelines vary widely. One company promises your kitchen in a matter of weeks. Another talks about months of design before construction even begins. Home renovation shows don't help, since they compress months of work into a single episode. The difference usually isn't about who works harder. It's about how each company is built. Here's a straightforward look at five common remodeling business models

At a glance: Primary bathroom remodel, part of a larger main-level renovation · Muskego, WI · 2026 NARI Remodeler of the Year Silver Award The story With busy careers that keep them traveling and young kids at home, these homeowners wanted a primary bath that felt like the best hotels they'd stayed in: a calm, spa-like place to recharge. The original room wasn't close. A corner whirlpool tub they rarely used took up most of the floor, the enclosed shower was cramped, the over

At a glance: Kitchen remodel, part of a larger main-level renovation · Muskego, WI · 2026 NARI Remodeler of the Year Gold Award The story A wall and peninsula closed this kitchen off from the family room, the range was tucked into a corner, and the refrigerator opened into the hallway. With school-aged kids and busy schedules, the homeowners wanted an open, high-performing kitchen made for cooking, family meals and entertaining, with more light and a better connection to the

At a glance: Condo kitchen remodel, part of a whole-condo renovation · Brookfield, WI · 2026 NARI Remodeler of the Year Bronze Award The story Low soffits, a bulky pantry, laminate counters and poor lighting left this kitchen feeling dark and closed in. The homeowner wanted a modern, bright, open kitchen that reflected her personal style, without changing the footprint. Drag to see the before and after. The design Removing the soffits made room for taller cabinetry and an air

At a glance: Basement finish · Muskego, WI · Golf simulator, full kitchen, theater area, gym & full bath · 2025 NARI Remodeler of the Year Silver Award The story This was an unfinished basement with exposed mechanicals and poured concrete walls, plus a 2-foot drop the homeowners had planned for a full-swing golf simulator. As avid golfers in a state where the season lasts about six months, they wanted a place to play year-round as a family, along with room to entertain, work

At a glance: Primary bathroom · Brookfield, WI · Design in collaboration with RMS Design & Planning The story This primary bath had a beige, builder-grade look and no focal point. A freestanding tub the homeowners rarely used took up the room's best natural light, while the shower sat small and closed in next door. They wanted a serene, nature-inspired retreat that felt personal, while keeping the tray ceiling, vanities and trim they loved. Drag to see the before and after. T

At a glance: Full lower level finish · Lisbon, WI · Wet bar, living area, playroom, gym, guest suite & full bath The story The homeowners had an unfinished basement and a growing list of things their family needed: a place to entertain, room for the kids to play, a dedicated space to work out, and somewhere comfortable for overnight guests. They wanted all of it to feel like a natural extension of their main level, not a basement. Drag to see the before and after. The design

At a glance: Kitchen, family room, laundry & baths · Hartland, WI The story Heavy wood tones, dark granite and an angled two-tier island made this open-concept main level feel dark and cramped, and the family room fireplace had no clear focal point. The homeowners wanted a bright, cohesive space built for family gatherings, without changing the home's footprint or losing its character. Drag to see the before and after. The design We kept the existing perimeter cabinets and re

At a glance: Lower level remodel · Hartland, WI · Wet bar, family room, bedroom/den, playroom & bath The story This lower level was a collection of disconnected rooms around one large, unassigned space, with painted brick-pattern concrete walls, a drop ceiling, and storage shelving as the first thing guests saw. The homeowners wanted it to feel as finished and inviting as the rest of their home, a space the whole family would use every day. Drag to see the before and after. T

Can You Really Live in Your Home During a Renovation? The short answer is yes, and many Wisconsin homeowners do exactly that. At Platinum Renovations, we've worked with many families in Waukesha, Milwaukee, Washington, and Ozaukee Counties who chose to stay in their homes during kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, and basement finishing projects. While it's not always easy, with the right planning and a contractor who understands the challenges, living through a renovatio

Attending a home show is a fantastic opportunity to gather ideas, explore the latest home renovation trends, and connect with trusted professionals. The NARI Home Show 2025 this October is a great chance to do all of this in one place. Whether you are planning a basement renovation, a kitchen remodel, or a bathroom upgrade, preparing ahead of time ensures your visit is productive and informative. Know What You Want to Learn Before you go, think about the areas of your home yo

Home renovations are exciting chances to transform your living space, but let’s be honest, they can also feel a little overwhelming if you’re not sure where to start. Planning a new kitchen, updating a bathroom, or finishing a basement becomes much easier with a thoughtful approach. Organizing your goals, budget, and inspiration upfront makes the process smoother, more enjoyable, and way less stressful! Set Clear Renovation Goals Every successful home remodel starts with a cl