Business Details
28 Years
experience
Historic Home Restoration Experts Since 1998
At Thoughtful Craftsmen, we are dedicated to preserving the historical integrity of homes and buildings constructed before WWII. With over 20 years of expertise since our founding in 1998, we specialize in restoring wood elements, windows, doors, and intricate architectural details for residential and commercial properties in Milwaukee and surrounding areas. Our approach combines traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques to ensure functionality while maintaining historical accuracy. We prioritize listening to our clients' needs, offering tailored solutions that respect each property's unique character. Our team undergoes rigorous training to understand historic structures as integrated systems, allowing us to address both visible and hidden challenges.We have completed nearly a thousand projects, ranging from individual window restorations to large-scale commercial renovations like the Dousman StageCoach Inn. Our commitment to quality extends to our in-house painting crew, ensuring seamless transitions from carpentry work to final finishes. We foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation, encouraging employees to develop specialized skills in historic preservation. Our anti-sales philosophy focuses on honest assessments, recommending repairs over replacements when appropriate and even directing clients to alternative solutions if they better suit their needs. This dedication to integrity and community has earned us recognition as a premier historic restoration company in the region.
Services
Window Restoration
Porch Repair
Roofing
Painting
Storm Windows
Exterior Restoration
Interior Restoration
Door Restoration
Siding Repair
Plaster Repair
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We have 25 years of experience in historic home preservation.
- Our team receives specialized training in pre-WWII architectural systems.
- We employ an anti-sales philosophy focused on honest assessments.
- We guarantee period-accurate restoration using traditional craftsmanship.
- Our in-house painting specialists ensure seamless finish quality.
Associations and certifications
- State Historical Society
- Historic Preservation Commissions
What people say
Excellent job from beginning to end
Perfect blend of historic accuracy
Super friendly and human
Incredibly kind people
Highest quality materials
Services
Window Restoration
Specialized restoration of historic wood windows including double-hung, casement, and leaded glass models. Our process includes hardware repair, glass replacement, weatherstripping installation, and paint restoration. We preserve original materials while improving functionality and energy efficiency through precise tuning techniques.
Porch Restoration
Comprehensive restoration of historic porches including railings, columns, floors, and ceilings. We use traditional carpentry methods to rebuild structurally sound porches that maintain original architectural details. Our work enhances both aesthetic value and structural integrity while preserving historical accuracy.
Roofing & Cedar Shingles
Expert restoration and replacement of historic roofing systems featuring cedar shingles and traditional flashing techniques. We address complex issues with built-in gutters and flat roofs using period-appropriate materials and methods. Our work ensures long-term durability while maintaining original roof profiles.
Storm Windows
Custom-built wood storm windows with dual-track systems combining historic aesthetics with modern functionality. Our windows match original designs while improving energy efficiency. Each unit undergoes quality paint finishing and includes integrated screens for ventilation.
Interior Restoration
Preservation of historic interior elements including plaster walls, wood trim, and period-specific finishes. We repair damaged surfaces while maintaining original textures and profiles. Our approach balances preservation of original materials with necessary replacements for structural integrity.
People
Erik Lindberg
Founder
Founder of Thoughtful Craftsmen with over 25 years in historic restoration. Developed the company's philosophy emphasizing preservation over replacement. Passionate about maintaining architectural integrity through traditional craftsmanship methods.
Alex Montezon
Co-Owner
Co-owner instrumental in expanding service offerings beyond basic restoration. Focused on developing training programs for craftsmen and maintaining high standards in period-accurate restoration techniques.
Questions
What types of historic restoration projects do you handle?
We specialize in residential and commercial historic home restoration including windows, porches, roofing, painting, and interior elements for properties built before WWII across Milwaukee and surrounding areas.
Can you match original architectural details exactly?
Yes, our craftsmen use traditional techniques to replicate original wood profiles, plaster textures, and paint finishes while ensuring structural integrity and modern functionality improvements.
Do you handle full home restoration projects?
We offer comprehensive restoration services covering both exterior and interior elements, from individual window repairs to complete home preservation projects maintaining historical accuracy throughout.
How do your storm windows differ from modern replacements?
Our custom wood storms maintain original aesthetics while improving energy efficiency. They feature dual-track systems with integrated screens and are approved by historic preservation commissions for period accuracy.
What cities do you serve?
We primarily serve Milwaukee, Shorewood, Eastside, North Shore, Cedarburg, Wauwatosa, Columbus, Brookfield, and surrounding Wisconsin communities with historic preservation needs.
How long does a typical restoration project take?
Project timelines vary by scope but average 2-4 weeks for exterior restoration. We prioritize quality workmanship and will never rush projects to maintain our high standards of historic preservation.
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