CG Schmidt — General Contractor in Madison, Wisconsin

What does a century-old Madison general contractor bring to a residential remodel?

With roots dating back to 1920 under founder Charles Schmidt, a Dutch craftsman, CG Schmidt blends old-school building know‑how with modern project delivery for Madison homeowners. The firm operates locally as part of Downtown Madison, Inc. (DMI) and is a Member of the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, anchoring its accountability to the community it serves. As a residential-facing general contractor, it applies the same rigor seen on notable local work—such as contributions at UW–Madison’s Union South, including the 330‑seat cinema—to kitchens, additions, and whole‑home transformations. Recognition from outlets like The Daily Reporter, including Women in Construction honors and Newsmaker features, underscores a culture of professional stewardship on and off the jobsite. For homeowners, that translates into disciplined planning, clean sites, and clear schedules. A dedicated superintendent coordinates vetted trades, while project managers maintain documentation, budget alignment, and daily communication so surprises stay out of your living space and off your invoice.

How does the team approach estimating, budgeting, and scope choices for your home?

• On‑site consultation clarifies goals, constraints, and existing conditions.
• Line‑item estimates outline base scope, alternates, allowances, and schedule.
• Permitting paths and cost‑control strategies are mapped before work starts.

CG Schmidt offers “Comprehensive project cost estimation and consulting and Garage and basement conversions” as an integrated, homeowner‑friendly service. Estimates are built from current local supplier quotes, historic production data, and insights reflected in the firm’s 2024 Annual Construction Forecast, giving you realistic pricing and lead times. Open‑book budgeting highlights where to invest and where to save, balancing allowances with durable specs that fit Madison living. The preconstruction team tests options—layout tweaks, structural strategies, and finish packages—so you can compare cost and value before committing. Once approved, the project manager locks materials, secures permits, and establishes milestone check‑ins that keep scope, schedule, and budget synchronized. If market conditions change, you see it early, with documented options to protect your priorities and avoid last‑minute compromises.

Why do local codes in Madison and Dane County matter for remodels and conversions?

Madison’s permitting and inspection process protects safety, value, and resale—and CG Schmidt designs residential work to meet those standards from day one. For garage and basement conversions, the team verifies egress, ceiling height, insulation, ventilation, fire separation, and energy‑code compliance, then engineers any structural reinforcement necessary for new loads. Zoning, stormwater, and occupancy rules are reviewed with the City of Madison so your plans clear approvals without costly redesigns. During construction, scheduled inspections are anticipated with clean documentation, from framing and MEP rough‑ins to final occupancy. Accountability extends beyond paper: the superintendent enforces site safety, verifies trade licensing, and logs daily progress. Closeout includes as‑built documentation, warranty information, and a walkthrough that confirms code requirements are met. This disciplined approach keeps homeowners off the hook for rework and ensures your new space—especially a conversion—functions properly, insures smoothly, and appraises as expected in Dane County’s competitive housing market.

Where can Madison homeowners connect and what recent milestones show staying power?

CG Schmidt’s Madison presence has included downtown offices at 10 E Doty St, Ste 615, and 433 W Washington Ave, reflecting a long commitment to the Capitol area and its neighborhoods. In 2024, the company purchased a 34,255‑square‑foot office building in Madison and announced plans to modernize the property while occupying three floors—tangible proof of local investment and stability. While headquartered in Milwaukee and expanding with an Arizona office in 2023, the team’s project management and field crews remain focused on Madison homes with responsive scheduling and on‑site leadership. Homeowners can call (608) 251-2442 during standard weekday business hours to discuss scopes or arrange a site visit. To explore capabilities and recent updates, visit CG Schmidt or follow their Twitter profile for industry news, community involvement, and progress highlights from ongoing local work.

Frequently Asked Questions About CG Schmidt in Madison, Wisconsin

1. How long does a typical Madison garage-to-living-space conversion take, and what steps come first?

   Simple garage or basement conversions generally run a few months, with timelines driven by permitting, lead times, and inspection milestones. CG Schmidt begins with documented existing conditions, detailed estimating, and a permit path that sets realistic start and finish dates.

2. What will I see in a line-item estimate from this contractor?

   Expect base scope, alternates, allowances, unit costs, and a schedule tied to procurement. Their estimating references current supplier quotes and forecasting data to minimize surprises and keep contingencies appropriate to your project.

3. Do they manage code compliance for egress, insulation, and fire separation in conversions?

   Yes. The team designs conversions around Madison and Dane County requirements—covering egress, energy code, ventilation, and fire safety—and coordinates inspections to close out the project cleanly.

4. Can a homeowner track progress and budget changes during construction?

   Project managers provide scheduled updates, log daily activity, and document any proposed changes before they’re approved. This accountability keeps scope, cost, and timeline aligned from start to finish.

5. Is there evidence of local craftsmanship that translates to residential quality?

   Local work such as the UW–Madison Union South cinema showcases disciplined execution and coordination. That same process rigor is applied to residential remodels, from kitchens to whole‑home updates and conversions.

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