Home Remodeling and Construction in Racine, WI
Racine sits where the Root River meets Lake Michigan. We bring one crew and a free written estimate to its older homes and newer streets alike.
Our work in Racine
Remodeling and building in Racine.
Racine is the farthest town on our list, about 29 miles from Twin Lakes, and we are glad to make the drive. This is a city of brick storefronts downtown and large historic houses in the Southside district, with plenty of neighborhoods in between. Pembroke Construction handles kitchens, baths, basements, decks, roofing, windows, siding, painting, flooring and tile here. Every job starts with a free design and a free written estimate.
Racine homeowners often have a few extra things to sort out. Some houses sit inside a historic district. Many are old enough that lead-safe rules come into play. The City also has its own permit forms for roofing and for decks, which we cover below. We explain each step in plain language, and one crew handles the job. Military, seniors, teachers, first responders and people with disabilities can ask about our discounts.
The area
About Racine.
Racine is the county seat of Racine County, on Lake Michigan where the Root River reaches the lake. The 2020 Census counted 77,816 residents, and about 60 percent of homes are owner-occupied (2019 to 2023 estimate). Settlers from New England and New York arrived in the 1830s, and Racine became a city in 1848. Two historic districts, Old Main Street and Southside, are on the National Register of Historic Places, and Southside alone has more than 500 contributing structures built between 1842 and 1924. The city also has a lakefront pathway of about 9.8 miles and a 4-mile pathway along the Root River.
Projects
What we build in Racine.
Local conditions shape the work. Here is what we pay attention to in Racine.
Roof replacements
Racine does not allow new roofing over a roof with two or more layers, so those roofs need a full tear-off. We plan the permit and tear-off up front.
Decks and porches
The City has a residential permit form for decks, porches, pergolas and gazebos, and the work must meet the State of Wisconsin Deck Code. We design to that code.
Windows and siding on older homes
Around Old Main Street and the Southside district, windows, siding and trim are worth matching to the age of the house. We talk through repair versus replacement before ordering.
Kitchens, baths and basements
Older Racine houses often have tight layouts and original plumbing and wiring behind the walls. We open up what needs it and build updates that fit the home.
Every trade
Everything we do, in Racine.
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 Racine.
Permits and inspections
The City of Racine Building Division, part of the Department of City Development, issues residential permits from 730 Washington Avenue, Room 103. It has separate applications for roofing and for decks, porches and pergolas. Work done without a permit can mean double fees, and permits stay valid for 18 months. The forms also ask for the contractor's state credential numbers.
Historic districts
Racine has two National Register districts. Old Main Street holds buildings from 1847 to 1929, and Southside has homes from 1842 to 1924 in styles from Greek Revival to Prairie School. Before you choose windows, siding or a new porch, ask the city whether your address needs any review for exterior changes.
Lead, lakes and streams
The City's permit forms carry two reminders. Projects on homes built before 1978 that disturb paint, or involve windows, may require lead-safe renovation training under Wisconsin rules. Work near wetlands, lakes or streams must follow state and federal law, and disturbing an acre or more of soil brings erosion control rules.
Questions
Racine questions.
Things homeowners in Racine ask before they start. Don't see yours? Just call.
Prefer to talk it through? Call and ask for a free estimate.
Can I put new shingles over my old roof in Racine?
Not if the roof already has two or more layers. The City's roof permit application says new roof coverings may not go over an existing roof with two or more layers. Even with one layer, a tear-off lets us see the decking underneath. We go over the permit with you before work starts.
Do I need a permit to build a deck in Racine?
The Building Division has a residential alteration permit application for decks, porches, pergolas and gazebos. It asks for a site plan, a construction plan and the contractor's credential numbers, and the work must meet the State of Wisconsin Deck Code. Starting without a permit can bring double permit fees.
How do I know if my Racine house is in a historic district?
Racine's two National Register districts are Old Main Street, around downtown Main Street, and Southside, which has more than 500 contributing buildings. If your home is near either one, ask the city before you plan exterior changes. We are happy to meet at the house and help you ask the right questions.
Nearby
Towns close to Racine.
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 Racine, Residential Roof Permit Application
- City of Racine, Residential Alteration Permit Application (pergolas, pavilions, decks)
- City of Racine, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services
- U.S. Census Bureau, QuickFacts: Racine city, Wisconsin
- SEWRPC, 2020 Census population counts for Racine County
- Wisconsin Historical Society, Old Main Street Historic District
- National Park Service, Old Main Street Historic District (NRIS 87000491)
- Southside Historic District (Racine, Wisconsin)
- Racine, Wisconsin (geography, history)
Free estimate
Thinking about a project in Racine?
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