Wertz Home Improvement in Baltimore: General Contractor for Kitchens, Bathrooms, and Additions
Wertz Home Improvement is a licensed general contractor in Baltimore County that handles kitchen and bathroom remodels, room additions, and whole-home renovations for homeowners in the greater Baltimore area. The company operates as a mid-sized firm taking on projects that typically range from $15,000 to $250,000, positioning it between one-person handymen and large commercial builders.
What Wertz Home Improvement Actually Does
Wertz focuses on interior and structural remodeling rather than new construction or commercial work. The company holds a Maryland Home Improvement License and carries general liability insurance. Projects include complete kitchen overhauls with cabinet, countertop, and appliance installation; full bathroom remodels involving tile work and plumbing; second-story additions; basement finishing; and room-by-room updates. The firm manages permitting, inspections, and code compliance for Baltimore County and municipal jurisdictions, which is a critical service since many homeowners are unfamiliar with local requirements.
Services and Pricing
Wertz charges a design consultation fee of $500 (credited toward a project estimate if the client moves forward). Kitchen remodels start at $20,000 for cosmetic updates using mid-range cabinets and counters, with full-gut renovations running $50,000 to $100,000 depending on appliance selections and structural changes. Bathroom remodels range from $12,000 for basic updates to $40,000 for spa-style installations with custom tile and heated floors. Additions and structural work is bid per project after site measurement and code review; a second-story addition typically ranges $100,000 to $250,000.
The company works with both its own crews and subcontractors for specialized trades like electrical and HVAC work. Labor rates average $60 to $85 per hour for crew time, though most projects are quoted as fixed-price contracts with payment schedules tied to project milestones (typically 30 percent down, progress payments at framing and rough-in stages, final payment upon completion).
How Wertz Compares to Other Baltimore Contractors
Wertz sits in the middle market. Smaller one-person operations like local handymen take jobs under $5,000 but often lack the bandwidth to manage multi-month projects or complex permitting. Larger firms such as Streicker Custom Builders or national franchises like Angi (formerly Angie's List) members tend to specialize in either luxury work (starting at $150,000) or serve as general contractors coordinating multiple trades without their own crews, which can reduce accountability on timelines.
Wertz's advantage is that it maintains in-house carpenters and project managers, meaning fewer coordination delays between trades and a single point of contact for problem-solving. For homeowners planning a mid-range remodel (under $100,000) in Baltimore County who want direct access to the contractor, Wertz is more accessible than large builders but more organized than independent contractors juggling five jobs simultaneously.
The trade-off: Wertz has a standard lead time of 4 to 8 weeks before starting work, whereas a sole proprietor might begin sooner but offer less consistency. Wertz also typically requires formal contracts and staged payments, not cash-based arrangements.
Who Wertz Suits and Who It Does Not
Wertz works well for homeowners doing planned, non-emergency renovations in single-family homes or duplexes in Baltimore County and the city proper. It is a fit if you need permitting handled, want a licensed contractor on file, or are planning a project lasting more than a month.
Wertz is not the choice for emergency repairs (burst pipes, roof damage), very small jobs (under $3,000), or if you need immediate availability. It is also not designed for commercial properties or multi-unit buildings outside the company's service area.
What the First Visit Involves
An initial consultation is a site visit during which a Wertz representative measures the space, asks about your budget and timeline, and identifies any structural or code considerations. This meeting typically lasts 45 minutes to an hour. You will receive a written estimate within 7 to 10 business days. The estimate includes a scope of work, material list, timeline, and payment schedule. Once signed, a start date is confirmed, and the project manager becomes your primary contact.
Hours, Location, and Logistics
Wertz operates Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday by appointment for consultations only. The company office is based in Baltimore County but serves Baltimore City and surrounding suburbs within roughly a 15-mile radius. Projects are scheduled year-round; summer scheduling fills 6 to 8 weeks in advance, so booking in winter or early spring often yields shorter wait times.
Wertz Home Improvement handles the administrative and structural complexity that homeowners typically underestimate, making it a straightforward choice for Baltimore-area remodelers who value licensed accountability and local permitting knowledge.
