Home Remodeling and Construction in Elkhorn, WI
Elkhorn is about 18 miles from Twin Lakes, and we bring free written estimates and free designs to homes around the courthouse square and across town.
Our work in Elkhorn
Remodeling and building in Elkhorn.
Elkhorn is the Walworth County seat, and its homes come from several eras: older houses near the courthouse square, post-war neighborhoods and newer subdivisions. That mix means very different jobs on the same street. Pembroke Construction, owned by Kyle Pembroke, handles kitchens, baths, basements, decks, roofs, windows, siding, painting, flooring and tile. Free written estimates, free designs, and one crew from first measurement to final sweep.
The city's own housing plan says homes that reach 40 to 50 years old often need major work on roofing, plumbing or heating, and that many post-war homes are small. It also says supporting maintenance and additions helps keep older housing in good shape. That is where we come in. We look at the whole house, talk through the options, and put the estimate in writing.
The area
About Elkhorn.
Elkhorn is a city in Walworth County, about 40 miles southwest of Milwaukee, and it has been the county seat since 1846. The 2020 Census counted 10,247 residents and 4,223 housing units, with about 59 percent of occupied homes owner-occupied. The courthouse square anchors downtown, and the Walworth County Fairgrounds are in the city. Sunset Park, Babe Mann Park and Harris Park are among the city parks. The Webster House, the Elkhorn Municipal Building and the 1909 Adkins House on the square are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The city's plan says a significant share of its homes predate World War II.
Projects
What we build in Elkhorn.
Local conditions shape the work. Here is what we pay attention to in Elkhorn.
Kitchens and baths in small post-war homes
The city's plan notes many post-war homes are small. A smarter kitchen or bath layout can add function without moving out of the neighborhood.
Roofs, windows and siding
Homes at 40 to 50 years often need roofing and other major updates, per the city's plan. New roofs, windows and siding are common first steps.
Additions, decks and basements
When a house runs small, a finished basement, deck or porch adds room without selling. The city's plot plan rules and setbacks decide what fits on your lot.
Painting, flooring and tile
Decades of wear show up on floors and walls. Fresh paint, new flooring and tile can bring older rooms up to date without a full remodel.
Every trade
Everything we do, in Elkhorn.
One crew handles the whole list, so a kitchen and a new roof can share one schedule.
Good to know
Permits and local details.
Every town has its own rules. Here is what we found for Elkhorn.
Permits and inspections
Elkhorn's Building and Zoning office, in the City Administration offices at Public Works, issues permits. The city has used a state-certified building inspector under contract, with a separate zoning administrator. Inspections are requested by phone, and the city prefers 48 hours notice. We walk you through the permit and help you schedule inspections.
Older-home issues
A significant share of Elkhorn's housing predates World War II, according to the city's plan, and homes at 40 to 50 years often need roofing, plumbing or heating work. For homes built before 1978, Wisconsin's Lead-Safe Renovation Rule covers paint-disturbing jobs like window replacement. Ask any contractor about it.
Just outside city limits
The city's building inspector attends joint extraterritorial zoning committee meetings, so homes just outside Elkhorn may follow a different zoning path than homes inside it. Tell us your address up front and we will find out which office handles your permit before we finalize your design.
Questions
Elkhorn questions.
Things homeowners in Elkhorn ask before they start. Don't see yours? Just call.
Prefer to talk it through? Call and ask for a free estimate.
Where do I get a building permit in Elkhorn?
Through the city's Building and Zoning office. Many projects need a permit, even fences, and the city publishes permit packets. The residential packet asks for a scaled plot plan showing structures, setbacks and the driveway, and the permit card must be posted where it can be seen from the street. We help you gather what the city asks for.
Do I need a survey for an addition or deck?
The city's residential packet accepts a scaled plot plan, but setbacks on a plot plan are measured at 1.5 times the normal requirement. A plat of survey from a Wisconsin-licensed surveyor does not carry that increase. A survey can leave you more room to build, so ask early, and confirm current rules with the city.
What if I pull the permit myself?
The city's packet says an owner who signs the permit application is responsible for code violations and citations. If a contractor signs as the owner's agent, the contractor takes that responsibility. It also warns that hiring an unbonded or uninsured contractor can leave you liable. Pembroke Construction is licensed, insured and bonded.
Nearby
Towns close to Elkhorn.
We also work in these nearby towns, and about 45 minutes around Twin Lakes.
Where this information comes from
We checked the details on this page against public sources. Rules and fees change, so confirm anything specific with your local building office or with us.
- City of Elkhorn, Building Inspections and Permits
- City of Elkhorn, Residential Building Permit Information Packet
- City of Elkhorn, Request for Proposals for Building Inspection Services (2024)
- City of Elkhorn Comprehensive Plan 2040, Chapter 2 (housing)
- City of Elkhorn, Community Profile
- City of Elkhorn, Parks, Trails and Facilities
- SEWRPC, 2020 Census Profile of General Population and Housing, Elkhorn city
- Wisconsin Historical Society, Henry D.L. and Jennie Adkins House (National Register)
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Walworth County, Wisconsin
- Elkhorn, Wisconsin (history, county seat, fairgrounds)
- Wisconsin DHS, Lead-Safe Renovation Rule
Free estimate
Thinking about a project in Elkhorn?
Tell us what you've got in mind. We'll set up a time to look at it, and you'll get the scope and price in writing, with the design work on us.
- Free written estimates and free designs
- Discounts for military, seniors, teachers, 1st responders and people with disabilities
- Twin Lakes, WI and about 45 minutes around it