Home remodeling projects in suburban Milwaukee or other small Southeastern Wisconsin communities often require approval of an architectural review board.

In a large city like Milwaukee, homeowners are generally free to update their property without major limitations. But in HOA communities and many smaller municipalities, architectural review boards must approve planned exterior changes before work can begin.

Fortunately, LaBonte Construction is experienced in working with municipalities to facilitate architectural approvals.

What is an Architectural Review Board?

An architectural review board (ARB) ensures that construction and structures comply with standards of architectural quality, consistency, aesthetic design, and finish.

So a change as simple as painting your house a different color must be approved in many jurisdictions.

What Remodels Need Architectural Review Board Approval?

While all ARBs have their own requirements, this list from the River Hills Building Board Application Checklist can provide a general idea. But you must contact your jurisdiction and follow their requirements.

The Whitefish Bay Example

The Whitefish Bay approval body is the Architectural Review Commission. It exists “to ensure that all construction and structures within the Village meet minimum standards of architectural quality, consistency, aesthetic design, and finish.”

Their goal is “the perpetuation of the Village character and atmosphere, preservation of existing property values, and enhancement of the desirability of the Village as a residential community.”

They closely examine every proposal. It recently required a homeowner to change a proposed awning window to double hung to match the home’s other windows.

Architectural Review Board Process

The following information is adapted from Whitefish Bay’s Application Checklist.

Pre-Development Conference

All petitioners must contact staff at the beginning of the design process. This pre-development conference identifies issues early on and sets realistic expectations based on village ordinances, regulations, and design guidelines (Chapter 16 Article XVI).

Architectural Review Board Application Requirements

The following information must accompany applications:

• One complete set of full-size drawings at ¼” scale (sheet size of 24″x36″).
• 7 complete sets of drawings reduced to 11×17″ (scalable if possible).
• 2 copies of colored elevation(s) or rendering.
• Samples of all exterior finish materials brought to meeting.
• PDF set of plans provided either via a flash drive or email.

Submittal Materials

Required drawings of all new structures, additions or remodeling:

Plat of Survey

Must include all property lines with distances and bearings, North arrow, exact location of all existing and proposed buildings, parking areas, drives, public improvements, easements, required setbacks, existing trees, grades at one-foot intervals and other key features of the site.

Site Plan

Must include all property lines, North arrow, zoning setbacks, all utility and access easements, the location of all existing and proposed buildings or additions including all roof overhangs, all hard surfaced areas, swimming pools and other accessory structures.

Floor Plans

Must include all floor plans of the proposed building. Each plan must include a North arrow, complete dimensions and include room names for each space. In the case of an addition, each room should be tagged either existing or new. For a detached garage, a separate plan, fully dimensioned, must be included.

All Elevations

Must include full elevations of all sides of the structure, drawn to scale and including soffit and ridge heights. If a building element may be skewed from another, additional drawings may be required to demonstrate the design. Any proposed building addition or remodeling should be drawn as they relate to the original structure, clearly illustrated as new building. ALL building materials must be identified and noted on each elevation drawing. This includes, but is not limited to:

• • Type and size of siding.
  • Type and size of all masonry, painted or pre-finished products or materials
  • Window type, style and material.
  • Roofing material, fascia, rakes, soffits, eaves and flashing materials.

Site Data

The information provided must be from the WFB Assessor’s WFB Assessor’s Parcel information Report. Enter the information on the design area information worksheet given at the Pre-Development Meeting.

• • • Dwelling and accessory square footages (existing and proposed).
    • Floor area ratios for subject property (existing and proposed).
    • Heights for subject property (existing and proposed).
    • Setbacks for subject property.
    • Floor area ratios for properties in the design area.

Streetscape Elevation

(Required for all new homes, demolitions, major remodeling and additions). Must be reasonably accurate, including “streetscape” elevation of the proposed project and adjacent structures as discussed with the building inspector. Projects involving demolition of an existing structure require an additional “streetscape” elevation of the existing and adjacent structures.

The streetscape should also include the top of foundation heights for the proposed project and the adjacent structures. (2 copies required). Encouraged, not required: a streetscape perspective for the proposed project, including the adjacent structures.

Supporting Documentation

All information related to the project that the applicant may deem as pertinent, including background or historical information on the property or letters from the neighboring residents.

Photographs

Provide colored pictures of ALL sides of the existing dwelling and accessory structures. Also, provide a colored picture of the front of each house in the “design area.” The homes in the design area must be clearly labeled by address. (2 sets of color copies).

Drainage

Grading of lots—the plans shall show current and proposed grades of the lot . . . and of immediately adjoining properties in sufficient detail to indicate the surface water drainage before and after completion of the grading. No permit shall be issued if the erection of the building and the proposed grades shall unreasonably obstruct the natural flow of water from the surface of adjoining property or obstruct the flow of any existing ravine, ditch, drain or storm water sewer draining neighboring property, unless suitable provision is made for such flow by means of an adequate ditch or pipe, which shall be shown on the plans and shall be constructed so as to provide continuous drainage at all times.

On larger projects the drainage review will be deferred to the engineering department. It will need to be completed prior to permit issuance not the ARC approval.

Other Information

Required by Building Inspector (as determined at the predevelopment conference) (This is used to determine general compatibility with the “Design Area”)

• • Front Yard Setbacks of all design area homes.
  • Side Yard Setbacks of all design area homes.
  • Heights of all design area homes.

Stake the Site

Stake the footprint location of all new residences, additions, and accessory buildings. Ribbon at least two inches wide and of a bright color must be strung to represent the perimeter or outline of the building. The site should be staked at the time of the submission, for staff and the Architectural Review Commission to visit the site.

Milwaukee-area architectural review board links

Note: Following are links that were readily available online. If your community is not listed here, you must contact your local government to be sure of their requirements.

• Bayside
• Brookfield (town of)
• Elm Grove
• Fox Point
• Franklin
• Germantown
• Grafton
• Historic Third Ward
• Menomonee Falls
• Mequon
• Milwaukee
• Muskego
• New Berlin
• Oconomowoc
• River Hills
• Shorewood
• Sussex
• Wauwatosa
• Whitefish Bay

Architectural Review Board: Conclusion

An ARB helps maintain a community’s architectural quality, consistency, and aesthetic design, but it’s also a burden for home remodeling. Fortunately, LaBonte Construction is experienced in working with municipalities to facilitate architectural approvals.

When you’re ready to discuss your home remodeling project, contact us. LaBonte Construction was voted Best of Milwaukee 2022 in Home Remodeling by Shepherd Express readers.

We also were voted best in the Basement/Rec Room Remodeler, Bathroom Remodeler, and Kitchen Remodeler categories.

As professional home remodeling contractors, we at LaBonte Construction understand that deciding whether to move or remodel is not easy.

We’ve been transforming houses into dream homes for years. And we’re here to help you make the right decision. Your home is where memories are made, and it’s important to consider all factors before making a choice.

Assess Your Current Home

Evaluate the strengths

Take note of the aspects that you love about your home. Is it the cozy living room, the charming backyard, or the nostalgic neighborhood? These are the features that make your home special and hold sentimental value.

Identify the weaknesses

Consider the space limitations—do you find yourself feeling cramped or wishing for more storage? Think about the functionality and layout of your home. Are there rooms that could be better organized or opened up for a more seamless flow?

Also, take a moment to reflect on the overall aesthetic appeal. Does your home reflect your personal style, or do you find it outdated and in need of a refresh?

And of course, don’t forget to consider the structural integrity of your home. Are there any issues like leaky pipes or faulty electrical systems that require attention?

Consider Potential for Improvement

Imagine your home with upgraded features and a layout that perfectly suits your needs. Think about the rooms that could benefit from a makeover, whether it’s the kitchen, bathroom, or even adding an extra bedroom. Take a moment to envision the possibilities and jot down your ideas.

Adding an addition to your home can increase living space and inject new life into the entire household. And it can also add value to your home if you need to relocate in the future.

Move or Remodel: Weigh the Pros and Cons

Understanding the benefits and challenges will help you make a well-informed decision.

Advantages of Remodeling

Avoid Rising Mortgage Rates and Other Costs

The recent economic downturn has prompted the Federal Reserve Bank to raise interest rates 10 times since March 2022. Since then, the average 30-year fixed rate mortgage has risen from 3.76% to 6.57% as of May 25—an increase of nearly 175%.

In addition, moving involves realtor fees, transportation expenses, and potential upgrades or customization to make the new space feel truly yours.

Opportunity to Personalize and Customize your Home

Whether it’s creating an open-concept living area, upgrading appliances, or adding a cozy nook, remodeling allows you to tailor your home to your lifestyle.

Preservation of Sentimental Value and Familiarity

Remodeling allows you to keep the emotional connection to your home while enhancing the functionality and aesthetics. You don’t have to say goodbye to the neighborhood you love or the neighbors who have become like family.

Challenges of remodeling

Disruptions During the Remodeling Process

Temporary relocation. Depending on the scope of the project, it may require temporarily relocating or adjusting to living in a construction zone. You’ll need to consider the timeline, coordination with contractors, and potential inconveniences such as noise and dust.

Unexpected issues. Remodeling can also sometimes uncover unexpected issues or delays, affecting both the timeline and budget. Be prepared for such possibilities to help navigate these challenges.

Advantages of Buying a New House

Move-in Ready Condition

With a new house, you can avoid the hassle and time-consuming process of remodeling. Modern features and up-to-date appliances can enhance your daily living experience, providing convenience and energy efficiency.

Finding a Location that Better Suits your Needs

Whether you’re seeking a quieter suburb, a vibrant city neighborhood, or a community with specific amenities, you have the freedom to choose the ideal setting for your lifestyle.

Long-Term Financial Investment

If the real estate market is favorable, you have the potential for equity growth over time.

Challenges of Buying a New House

Moving is stressful. Cleveland-based University Hospitals and mental health website Verywell Mind list only the death of a loved one and divorce or separation as more stressful. Moving is higher on their lists than coping with long-term illness or loss of a job.

Other studies—including one conducted for a moving company—found moving to be the most stressful life event.

Also, it’s essential to carefully consider the financial aspects, including upfront costs like closing fees, down payment, and the overall affordability of a new home.

And remember those rising interest rates.

Move or Remodel: Seeking Professional Guidance

Our team can sit down with you to discuss your goals, preferences, and budget. We’ll review your assessment of your current home, along with your ideas for improvement, and provide valuable input.

Our experience allows us to offer creative solutions that optimize space, functionality, and aesthetics. We’ll work collaboratively to refine the remodeling plan, stay within your budget, and address any concerns or challenges that arise.

Additionally, we’ll provide you with a detailed cost estimate for the remodeling project. This estimate will give you a clearer picture of the financial investment required and allow you to make an informed decision. We’ll discuss potential alternatives and options that strike a balance between remodeling your current home and buying a new one.

Throughout the process, we’ll be by your side, providing guidance, answering your questions, and ensuring transparency. Our goal is to empower you to make the best choice for your unique situation and help turn your vision into reality.

Move or Remodel: Conclusion

Deciding whether to remodel your home or buy a new one is a significant choice that deserves careful consideration. Your home is more than just a building.

By assessing the strengths and weaknesses of your current home, weighing the pros and cons of remodeling, and exploring the option of buying a new home, you are taking the first steps toward making an informed decision.

When you’re ready to discuss windows for your home remodeling project, contact us at LaBonte Construction, voted Best of Milwaukee 2022 in Home Remodeling by Shepherd Express readers.

We also were voted best in the Basement/Rec Room Remodeler, Bathroom Remodeler, and Kitchen Remodeler categories.

Where is the best TV placement for you? In many home remodeling projects, the TV ends up in the living room.

But maybe you frequently entertain guests in your living room while your TV stays dark. If you play board games or host a sewing circle more than watch TV, perhaps you should consider another room.

Regardless of which room in your home you put the TV, make sure you keep the following items in mind.

Best TV placement: Position in room

If watching TV is the primary activity in your TV room, take care to find the best place for it. And when deciding the best position, consider the viewers—not the TV­—first.

Position relative to seating

The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers recommends that the TV screen fill at least 30 degrees of your horizontal field of view.

Product ratings website, Rtings.com, features a TV size-to-distance calculator to help determine the best seating distance. For your convenience, a sampling of its calculations are below:

Position relative to lighting

Ideally, your TV screen will be untouched by direct light or a significant reflection.

So, a window on the opposite wall from the TV would be problematic.

Also, placing the TV directly in front of a window could aim two competing light sources at your eyes. This would cause eye strain and a compromised view of the screen.

The window in your TV room should be perpendicular to the screen and somewhat far from it. Letting your TV light itself will ensure you get the best picture possible.

But it’s also important to have sufficient ambient light. Many viewers’ preference for complete darkness is a poor choice for eye health.

Install an outlet if needed

You don’t want to compromise on TV placement because of an inconveniently placed outlet. Or allow unsightly and potentially hazardous extension cords and power strips to clutter your TV room.

You’ve already invested in the best TV and comfortable seating for your space. So spending a little more for a convenient power source will be worth it.

Best TV placement: How to mount your TV

Do you want to mount your TV or put it on a media stand? Mounting a TV looks cleaner and frees up surface space for gaming consoles or Wi-Fi routers. A traditional media stand is more straightforward and won’t require any drilling. Then you will have more flexibility to rearrange your living room.

Directly on the wall

If everyone agrees on the TV placement, mounting it like a picture on the wall may be the tidiest option. In addition to freeing surfaces, it leaves the most square footage for non-TV activities.

Use a swivel TV mount

If different viewers have different preferences, of you have a wide seating area with a varying number of viewers, a swivel mount lets you angle the screen in any direction. This customizes the viewing experience for whomever is watching. Depending on the model, you can position the TV a few feet away from the wall. Or fold it in to keep the TV out of the way.

Hide it

If your TV is in a multi-use room, there may be times when you want it hidden from view. If you mounted your TV on the wall, perhaps adding a curtain rack above it could do the trick. Or you could use a movable partition.

One elegant and clever option is a TV lift cabinet.

Best TV placement: What’s the right height?

In addition to the distance between your TV and seating, it’s important to have your TV at the right height to avoid neck strain.

Experts recommend that the middle of your TV be at eye-level while seated. This is generally about 42 inches from the floor.

Feng Shui

The Bagua map is the Feng Shui energy map that helps determine positions and directions of objects, furniture, and other inanimate objects in a home. According to Fengshuitricks.com, the Bagua map can instruct us on TV placement:

According to the Bagua map, the north side supports a person’s career and professional goals, and the powerful Yang energy of the TV can support this if you place it on the north side of the room.

You can also put your TV on the south side of the room, which supports fame and recognition according to the Bagua map in the corner.”

If your focus is more on career and success, you can place the TV in the north to bring you luck.

However, if you’re looking for fame, want more followers on social media, or just need some recognition, you can place the television on the south end of the room.

Other Feng Shui TV tips:

Consider the position of the sofa. It must be placed in a commanding position, ideally in the center of the room. Also:

• The entry to the living room must not be behind the sofa.
• There shouldn’t be any windows, mirrors, or walkways behind the sofa.
• The sofa shouldn’t face heavy furniture or staircases.

Cover the screen when not in use. Ideally, store the TV in a cabinet that can be closed when the TV is off. Alternately, you can use a sheet, blanket, or a purpose-built TV cover. Covering the screen prevents the reflection of negative energy into the room.

Avoid clutter around the TV. According to Feng Shui, eliminating clutter ensures the clear flow of energy within the home. This applies to the area around the TV—particularly for any wires connecting to video games or home theater components.

The Best TV Placement For Your New Space

Regardless of your space or needs, contacting a qualified remodeling contractor like LaBonte Construction should be your first order of business after taking inventory.

LaBonte Construction was voted Best of Milwaukee 2022 by Shepherd Express readers in Basement/Rec Room Remodeling. We were also voted best in Home Remodeling, Bathroom Remodeling, and Kitchen Remodeling, and were finalists in Home Builder.

As a condo owner, you enjoy most of the same freedoms as an owner of a traditional house. But when remodeling a condo, you may realize that certain parts of your home don’t belong to you.

Your homeowner’s association (HOA) may respect the privacy and autonomy of each condo and its occupants. But it also must ensure the integrity of the entire structure, for the benefit of all residents.

So some items within your unit—like plumbing and electrical systems—are shared among multiple units, and considered common property.

Remodeling a condo: Know what you can and cannot do

The first step to renovating a condo is understanding the rules established by your HOA. Following their guidelines—usually called Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs)—is essential during any remodeling project.

In addition to structural integrity, HOAs are sensitive to one of the most common owner complaints: noise. Minimizing noise guides many HOA policies.

For example, you may want to replace old carpeting with nice, new hardwood or laminate flooring. It’s a popular upgrade for improving quality of life and increasing resale value. But you may also have to install insulated padding beneath the floor to deaden the clicking of your high heels.

As home improvement website The Spruce points out, some municipalities require permits for renovating a condo. For example, the City of Minneapolis requires a permit for condo owners to replace carpet with any kind of hard flooring.

Projects requiring HOA approval

When remodeling a condo, the following items are structurally significant for the entire building, so any alterations generally require HOA approval.

• Interior or exterior walls
• Structural floor
• Ceilings
• Columns
• Finish flooring
• Plumbing
• Electrical
• Aesthetic changes to the exterior

Projects not requiring HOA approval

Although you should always verify with your HOA, it is likely that the following items will not require approval.

• Interior painting
• Crown molding
• Replacing baseboards
• Replacing or repairing door and window casings
• Replacement of light fixtures, outlets, and switches
• Replacement of shower, bath, or sink fixtures
• New floors that are the same type as the old floor
• Built-in cabinets and new kitchen cabinets

The type of condominium you live in may influence what kind of updates you can make. If your home is considered a site condo, townhome, or planned unit development, you may have more freedom in renovating.

Some CC&Rs may require permits or formal approvals before any type of work can begin. If in doubt, find out!

Remodeling a condo: Know when and where you can do it

The CC&Rs may have specific guidelines for what days of the week and times of day renovation work can be done. Rules may also govern the hours during which materials can be delivered to the building. They may also specify certain entrances, elevators, and hallways.

Not checking on these logistical details in advance can cause massive headaches later when trying to schedule deliveries or appointments.

Measure first, move second

In addition to knowing which doors and elevators you can use, it’s important to measure their dimensions first. You don’t want to haul a large drywall panel to your condo’s elevator before you realize it doesn’t fit.

Stay in your neighbors’ good graces

Cultivate and maintain a good relationship with your neighbors before you begin your remodeling project. Asking them about their experience with remodeling may give you valuable insight while also building a rapport—and their trust.

That positive relationship may be valuable if the access panel for your bathtub’s plumbing is in your neighbor’s bedroom.

And even if the access panel is within your own condo, the plumber may need to shut off the water. Will that affect your neighbor’s water supply?

Remodeling a condo: Give yourself a long timeline

Given all the requirements your CC&Rs may have, and the time required to secure the approvals and permits, it’s important to have a flexible timeline. Carefully estimate how long you think everything will take—and then add at least two months.

Be flexible

Some owners enter a project with very specific ideas about the finished product. They may have their heart set on a particular fixture or a specific type of faucet.

However, being open to suggestions from experienced professionals—or a creative friend or neighbor—may guide your project in exciting, unexpected directions. A cost savings here may create a new opportunity there.

Also, if you’re planning extensive renovations, you may want to find a place for you and your family to stay during the process.

When to consider hiring a contractor

Even if you think you can renovate a condo yourself, the job presents some unique challenges that hiring a contractor can solve:

• Navigating your HOA’s regulations can be nerve-wracking. Let a professional contractor review your CC&Rs with you to ensure the renovations are within regulations.
• In a condo, the space is limited, finite, and shared. An experienced contractor specializes in maximizing space and working within the restrictions of multi-family housing.
• CC&Rs often limit renovation work to normal weekday business hours, to minimize noise on evenings and weekends. Rather than choose between your first-shift job and your renovation, you may want to hire a contractor instead.

When you’re ready to begin remodeling a condo, please contact us at LaBonte Construction.

We were voted Best of Milwaukee 2022 by Shepherd Express readers in Bathroom Remodeling, Home Remodeling, Kitchen Remodeling, and Basement/Rec Room Remodeling. Also, we were finalists in the Home Builder category.

Our home remodeling firm gets the most calls about building a home gym after the holidays. But seasonal weight-gain guilt and New Year’s resolutions are only part of the increasing popularity of home-based exercise spaces.

Home gyms are common home remodeling projects for fitness enthusiasts and large homes year-round.

The safety concerns of the last few years made working out at home even more commonplace. This trend was on public display during the meteoric rise of Peloton’s stock while gyms were forced to close.

Home gyms are often further down the remodeling list than adding a powder room or remodeling a kitchen. But they are often less expensive than a wine cellar or home theater.

In Milwaukee, home exercise rooms are often part of a basement remodeling project. In order to make your new home gym a place you want to use, it is important to:

• Find the perfect space.
• Adequately plan space based on your equipment.
• Consider the lighting.
• Make sure there are entertainment options.
• Choose the best materials.

Location

Choosing the right room can affect the home gym’s aesthetic, and how often you use the space. It will also determine how extensive the remodeling process is going to be.

Choosing a room close to a bathroom means you can avoid walking through the house full of sweat.

Picking a room with natural light can make you feel more energetic and motivated during dark winter months.

Depending on the types of exercises you do, you may want to select an isolated location so your workout does not interrupt your housemates’ sleep or work.

If budget is a concern, avoid an area of the house without existing walls, and pick a spare bedroom or attic instead.

In addition to the size of the room, also consider the height of the room depending on what exercises you want to be able to do.

Remember, depending on your equipment, your room does not have to be huge!

Equipment

Take an inventory of the exercise equipment you own or will need for your workout before calling a remodeling contractor.

Doing some online research about the required clearances around each piece of equipment will give you an idea of how much space your remodeling project will need.

Don’t forget to consider the height of the machines! If you find you do not have a ton of space, consider products from companies like Mirror, Tonal, or Forme, which offer a comprehensive workout without taking up much floor space.

Lighting

While we encourage all our home remodeling clients to incorporate as much natural light into their projects as they can, most of our clients build a home gym in the basement, where natural light is hard to come by.

Instead of excessive LED lights seen in warehouse-style commercial gyms, we can work with a lighting designer to install layers of lighting that create a less sterile mood and be customized to your family.

Having a unique fixture not seen in commercial applications can be a really fun way to create a unique space and a sense of luxury.

By making a lighting plan before we start the remodeling project, we can make sure all your workout zones are well lit.

Incorporating mirrors can also help brighten the space as well as provide a visual component to your workout.

As with all rooms, consider the paint color and sheen. A light color can help reflect light and make a space feel brighter. A dark color with accent lights can make a room feel more industrial.

See also: Our post, Paint Sheens Explained.

If you can’t get all of the lighting you want in your space, adding glass doors or walls can brighten up a dark space and allow in natural or made light from an adjoining room.

Entertainment

Maybe you have a Peloton with an integrated screen. Or you might think the mental image of a trimmer you is all you need to stay focused. But you should probably still mount a television.

Adding a smart TV can allow you to access workout videos on YouTube, from streaming services, or even a private training session over Zoom or Skype.

In addition to a TV, adding a set of speakers from your distributed audio system will allow you the same control over your music and podcasts as you have in the rest of your home.

OK, so if haven’t installed a whole-home audio system yet, Wi-Fi speakers from Bluesound or Sonos would be great too. Both options are discrete and provide access to lots of music or other audio formats from your phone.

Many of these speakers can be wall or ceiling mounted so they won’t occupy valuable floor space—or get karate kicked or body checked in the heat of the moment.

Materials

Flooring

The most common materials are vinyl, rubber, foam and turf. Weightlifters may also want a dedicated lifting platform, which is often made of sturdy wood.

Commercial gyms most commonly use rubber flooring for its durability and ease of cleaning. Athletic training facilities or sports performance centers often use turf.

Foam is a popular home-gym flooring choice, but foam floors are not as durable, are less resistant to moisture, and provide less traction.

Horse stall mats are also popular options for home gyms.

Soundproofing

Clanging, banging, and grunting are fine at Planet Fitness or the South Shore Athletic Club. But you might want to keep those noises inside your home gym.

If you have the luxury of building new walls for your home gym, you can use products specifically designed for sound reduction, such as QuietRock drywall and ROCKWOOL Safe’n’Sound insulation. There’s even soundproofing paint. On existing walls, you could add soundproofing tiles.

On a limited budget, hanging blankets or quilts on the walls can make a difference as well. But many websites, such as Soundproof Nation, list some other relatively inexpensive methods that are somewhat less tacky.

You can also replace regular, hollow doors with solid-core doors.

Other considerations

Our motto, “Home is in the Details,” applies to a home gym as much as the rest of your house.

After the major design is tackled, it is important to think about smaller items that make working out at home as enjoyable as a club and encourage you to stay with your fitness goals.

Storage

Storage solutions will help you keep the floor free from clutter. Consider hooks for resistance bands or your boxing gloves and racks for your foam rollers or yoga mats.

Cabinets

Installing custom cabinetry or a bar is a great idea for storing clean towels, a hamper for dirty towels, or house a beverage center (internal link) to keep you hydrated.

Seating

It’s nice to have a chair to sit down and tie your shoes, or a bench to relax on between sets.

Create the Best Fitness Room for Your Home

Regardless of your space or needs, contacting a qualified remodeling contractor like LaBonte Construction should be your first order of business after taking inventory of your wants and needs.

LaBonte Construction was voted Best of Milwaukee 2022 by Shepherd Express readers in Basement/Rec Room Remodeling. We were also voted best in Home Remodeling, Bathroom Remodeling, and Kitchen Remodeling, and were finalists in Home Builder.