“…We used Carmel Builders for two projects this last year (re-roofing and kitchen remodel) and think they are absolutely the best! Their customer service is fabulous.”
Our Philosophy
Building on passion and possibility
We believe in homes, not houses. We believe in the positive impact a space can have on you and your family when created with them in mind. We believe in function and form, creating an environment that is both practical and beautiful. We believe in your vision because we’re in this together; our goal as your partner is to help you realize your dreams.
Every remodel starts with your vision and a simple question: What do you want? Together we clearly articulate and define your wants and needs and come to an understanding of what you value most. In short, we build a relationship.
…We can honestly say that we have no regrets about hiring Carmel Builders! We believe that your design-build process was an excellent choice for us. We value your commitment to excellence!
Kelly & David Y.
Dedicated to your vision for 38 years.
Partners in Quality.
Homeowners and contractors should be partners. It’s a sentiment our founder Tom Weiher embraced 37 years ago – and it is the cornerstone of our business today. Family owned and operated from the very beginning, Carmel Builders extends that partnership to only the very best artisans and craftsmen in the region. It is what has made us one of the most respected design and remodeling firms in southeastern Wisconsin – and your choice for realizing your vision of the perfect home.
The best people
We’re just as passionate about spaces as we are the people we collaborate with. We understand our organization is only as strong as the people supporting it and are honored to collaborate with such a dedicated team.
Louis Weiher CR, CCP
President
Louis is President of Carmel Builders. As an industry leader he serves on the NARI BOD as a member of the Finance Committee and the Bylaws & Ethics Committee, is Chairman of the MATC Carpentry and Cabinetmaking Advisory Committee and member of the Chancellor’s Athletic Campaign Cabinet at UW-Milwaukee. In his spare time, Louis enjoys hiking with his dog, Owen. An experienced rock climber and active trail runner, he also enjoys a variety of outdoor activities. like fishing, camping, and skiing. Louis has a BA from UW Stout in hospitality business management and traveled extensively before returning to Wisconsin 16 yrs ago to run the family business.
Lane Buckner
Senior Project Manager
Lane Buckner is a senior project manager for Carmel Builders. With 30 years of experience, he’s worked all aspects of construction including commercial, residential, multi-family, and land development. Lane graduated from Auburn University with a dual degree in Business and Industrial Operations. He holds licenses and certifications in multiple states and recently earned his Certified Remodeler accreditation through the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). Lane is an avid sports fan and loving father to his wife and two children.
Kate Schley CR
Sales Design Consultant
Kate is passionate about helping homeowners transform their remodeling ideas and dreams into reality with over 15 years’ experience in residential Interior Design and project management. Kate has Bachelor of Arts from UW-Milwaukee and continues to learn as a NARI Certified Remodeler. Kate’s flair for design and artistic expression makes her a great resource for our clients as she embodies the values, ingenuity, and spirit of Carmel Builders. Kate has a busy life at home hosting friendly dinner parties, managing 3 active kids, enjoying music, church, and her loyal dog Tucker.
Tracy Schmidt
Office Manager
Tracy has been with Carmel Builders for 3 years and manages the office operations including AP/AR, payroll, financial reporting, HR, and company events. Tracy keeps the office running smoothly and efficiently. She communicates with vendors and clients and collaborates with everyone in the company on a daily basis. With a BA in Business Administration, Tracy relishes learning and is always seeking opportunities to expand her remodeling industry knowledge. When not working, she loves spending time with her son Max and their horses, dogs, and cats.
Dave Freigang
Project Manager
Dave has 38 years of experience working in the construction industry and is extremely skilled in estimating, scheduling, purchasing, and project management. He understands the complexity of working with trade partners and leverages his organizational and communication prowess to meet deadlines with exceptional quality. Dave’s carpentry, mechanical, inspection, and handyman talents make him a valuable asset to the Carmel team. He is currently studying to become a NARI Certified Remodeler and is “Lead-Safe Certified.” Dave also enjoys biking and is an award-winning winemaker.
Andrea Bowe
Office Coordinator
Andrea has a diverse background in customer service, project management, marketing, and sales. With a BA in Public Communication, her strong organizational, administrative, and communication skills help keep everything running smoothly in our fast-paced office. Andrea handles the office administration duties with a smile and supports our project managers and design consultants with their daily tasks. She enjoys working with the Carmel team and interacting with clients. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her 4 kids, fitness training, and her wonderful pup, Bambi.
Art Cartes
Lead Carpenter
Art has been in the construction industry for over 25 years, joining Carmel Builders in 2001. Art is a licensed Lead Carpenter and is lead-safe certified. He is an expert in both rough and finish carpentry. Art is one of Carmel Builders legendary problem-solvers and uses his skills to provide superior customer satisfaction while maintaining a safe working environment. When not hard at work, Art enjoys hunting, fishing and dog parks with his German short haired Pointer, Tucker.
Joe Weiher
Carpenter
Joe has been in the construction industry for 6 years perfecting his carpentry, roofing, and home exterior renovation skills. He is a doer and is responsible for everything on the job site, Joe loves seeing his client’s reaction to the high-quality work done by Carmel Builders. His strengths include demolition, woodworking, framing, and painting. He is continually expanding his knowledge of the remodeling industry through NARI certification courses. Joe’s hobbies include camping, bowling, reading, and is a huge Wisconsin sports fan.
John Spaeth
Carpenter
John has over 28 years of building experience as a rough and finish carpenter. He has deep expertise in all aspects of construction and is committed to completing every Carmel Builders project on-time while maintaining the highest-quality craftsmanship. He is passionate about making sure our clients are happy, not only with the work but also with the process and our company. John enjoys hunting, fishing, and spoiling his 3 grandchildren.
Awards and accolades
The high honors and praise we’ve received over the years are a testament to our commitment to your vision. We’re deeply proud of what we’ve accomplished together.
2017 Wisconsin Remodeler of the Year Awards
GOLD AWARD Residential Kitchen over 150k
BRONZE AWARD Residential Bath 75k-100k
BRONZE AWARD Residential Bath over 100k
2016 Wisconsin Remodeler of the Year Awards
GOLD AWARD Residential Kitchen under 100k
GOLD AWARD Residential Addition Over $250k
SILVER AWARD Residential Kitchen 60k-100k
2015 Wisconsin Remodeler of the Year Awards
SILVER AWARD Residential Kitchen 60k-100k
SILVER AWARD 2 Residential Bath 25k-50k
BRONZE AWARD Residential Interior 75k- 150k
2014 Wisconsin Remodeler of the Year Awards
SILVER AWARD 2 Residential Bath 25k – 50k
SILVER AWARD Residential Kitchen 30k – 60k
2013 Wisconsin Remodeler of the Year Awards
GOLD AWARD Residential Exterior under $100k
GOLD AWARD Residential Bath $30-$60k
SILVER AWARD Residential Kitchen $80k-$120k
SILVER AWARD Residential Kitchen $40k-$80k
Mary Fox-Hagner Lifetime Achievement Award – Thomas Weiher
2012 Wisconsin Remodeler of the Year Awards
GOLD AWARD Residential Interior $100k -$250k
2011 Wisconsin Remodeler of the Year Awards
GOLD AWARD Residential Addition $100k -$250k
GOLD AWARD Residential Interior over $100k
SILVER AWARD Residential Interior $50k -$100k
2010 Wisconsin Remodeler of the Year Awards
GOLD AWARD Residential Kitchen $40k – $80k
SILVER AWARD Residential Bathroom $30k – 60k
2009 Wisconsin Remodeler of the Year Awards
GOLD AWARD Residential Kitchen $40k – $80k
SILVER AWARD Residential Bathroom $30k – $60k
SILVER AWARD Residential Interior under $50k
BRONZE AWARD Residential Bathroom $15k – $30k
2009 National Contractor of the Year Achievement Awards
National Professionalism Award – Thomas Weiher
2008 Wisconsin Remodeler of the Year Awards
BRONZE AWARD Residential Addition $100k – $200k
Local Achievement Professionalism Award – Thomas Weiher
2007 Wisconsin Remodeler of the Year Awards
BRONZE AWARD Residential Kitchen over $100k
Certified Remodeler “Superstar” Award – Louis Weiher
2006 National Contractor of the Year Achievement Awards
Harold Hammerman “Spirit of Education” Award – Thomas Weiher
2006 Wisconsin Remodeler of the Year Awards
SILVER AWARD Residential Kitchen $60k – $100k
SILVER AWARD Entire House Remodel $500k – $1kk
2005 Wisconsin Remodeler of the Year Awards
SILVER AWARD Residential Interior over $100k
SILVER AWARD Residential Bathroom $30k – $60k
Gordy Ziglinski “Spirit of Education” Award – Thomas Weiher
2004 Wisconsin Remodeler of the Year Awards
SILVER AWARD Residential Bathroom $15k- $30k
SILVER AWARD Residential Interior over $100k
2003 – Wisconsin Remodeler of the Year Awards
GOLD AWARD Residential Kitchen $30k – $60k
Certified Professional of the Year – Thomas Weiher
President’s Award – Thomas Weiher
Professional Affiliations
Carmel Builders is proud to be a member in excellent standing with the following professional organizations:
Other Memberships and Affiliations:
President Milwaukee NARI 2009-2010
Vice President Milwaukee NARI 2005 – 2008
Milwaukee NARI Board of Directors 2004 – Present
Milwaukee/NARI Finance Committee 2003 – Present
Milwaukee/NARI Education and Certification Committee 2001 – Present
Menomonee Falls Chamber of Commerce Member 1997 – Present
Carpenters and Cabinet Makers Advisory Committee for MATC 2004 – Present
Other Memberships and Affiliations:
Milwaukee NARI Secretary, Louis Weiher 2018
Milwaukee NARI Board of Directors, Louis Weiher 2017 – Present
MATC Carpenters and Cabinet Makers Advisory Committee 2012 – Present, Louis Weiher current Chairman
Milwaukee NARI Finance Committee 2011 – Present
Milwaukee NARI President 2009-2010
Milwaukee NARI Vice-President 2005-2008
Milwaukee NARI Board of Directors 2004 – 2011
Milwaukee NARI Education and Certification Committee 2001 – 2007
Menomonee Falls Chamber of Commerce Member 1997 – Present
Milwaukee NARI Home Improvement Council 1986 – Present
Geographic Locations
Carmel Builders is proud to serve the greater southeastern Wisconsin region and are always looking to expand our family of customers. Below are some of the communities we’ve developed relationships with and built spaces in.
- Bay View
- Bayside
- Brookfield
- Cedarburg
- Delafield
- Elm Grove
- Fox Point
- Franklin
- Germantown
- Glendale
- Grafton
- Hartford
- Hartland
- Hubertus
- Lake County
- Menomonee Falls
- Mequon
- Milwaukee
- Muskego
- New Berlin
- Oconomowoc
- Pewaukee
- Richfield
- River Hills
- Shorewood
- Slinger
- Sussex
- Thiensville
- Waukesha
- Wauwatosa
- West Bend