5 Best Custom Home Builders in Wisconsin

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As a licensed builder with over a decade of experience, trust me when I say location matters more than everything else. The location you choose will determine everything; from how easy the soil is to build on, how much work you’ll need done, and how much you’ll have to spend on the project.

From building codes to sustainability, there are several factors to consider before you start construction. But once you have the right location for your home, half the work is done.

Your next big task is choosing a team. You need a team with curated experience and patience to work with you to bring your dream home to life.

Thankfully, you’ll find a lot of professional builders in Wisconsin. Whether you want a luxury build, an eco-conscious project, or a cozy farmhouse-style home, here are five custom home builders in Wisconsin that are perfect for the job.

  1. Tim O’Brien Homes

    Tim-O'Brien-Homes
    Source: Tim O’Brien Homes 

    If sustainability and eco-consciousness are important to you, you’ll love this company. Tim O’Brien Homes is one of the top green builders in Wisconsin. With a 4.2-star rating on Houzz and hundreds of satisfied clients, this design-build firm maintains a strong reputation for excellence.

    Their team consists of specialists who will help through every step of the process, from picking locations and lending to 3D visualization and interior design.

    The company also builds and sells move-in-ready homes in sought-after neighborhoods in Milwaukee. 

    Services:

    • Energy-efficient Home Planning
    • 3D Rendering
    • Interior Design
    • New Home Construction

    Service Area: Milwaukee, Madison, and surrounding areas 

    Contact: 262-421-4626

    What Clients Say:

    “The building process was seamless, and the level of professionalism was tiptop. Their architectural knowledge and product expertise were excellent. Tim O’Brien was upfront with cost, and their ability to meet deadlines was superior.”

    – Tara Nale, Houzz

  2. Highland Builders

    Highland-Builders
    Source: Highland Builders

    Founded in 2003, this 5-star rated construction company specializes in building and designing high-end custom homes. Founded by an architect and structural engineer, the company takes pride in building dream homes that will last a lifetime.

    Their process starts with a questionnaire to get to know your vision for your home. Then, they draft a commitment-free design contract that outlines the scope of your project. Next, they bring in qualified subcontractors to give estimates for the building, and finally, construction starts.

    Services:

    • Architecture
    • Home Remodeling and Renovation
    • Home Additions
    • New Home Construction

    Service Area: West Bend, Wisconsin, and surrounding areas 

    Contact: 262-573-3585

    What Clients Say:

    “It turned out better than we expected! Knowing how complex a build can be and all the moving parts and people on the project, I was anticipating a lot of issues, but I can honestly say there were none.”

    – Paul Poblocki, Houzz

  3. WLH Custom Homes

    WLH-Custom-Homes
    Source: WLH Custom Homes

    Based in Green Bay, WLH is a design-build firm that specializes in creating intricate custom homes. With a 5-star Houzz rating, the firm is dedicated to making custom home building a fun and exciting process.

    Their in-house team starts with a consultation where they learn your ideas for your home. They’ll also study the topography and grade of nearby houses and other factors to come up with the best structure for your build. Their design process involves using 3D rendering to give you a 360-degree virtual tour of your home. 

    The team will handle every stage of construction from building to interior design. However, if you have already started work with a different team, they will agree to work with outside teams. 

    Services:

    • Architecture
    • Interior Design and Decor
    • 3D Rendering
    • New Home Construction

    Service Area: Green Bay, Wisconsin 

    Contact: 1-920-434-3010

    What Clients Say:

    “Since I live about 2000 miles away from the build site, I was unable to travel to select items or do walk-throughs until the very end. Everything was done through email and telephone, and we could not be happier with our home! The quality is superb and it looks gorgeous!”

    – Mary Kiepert, Houzz

  4. Perthel Homes

    Perthel-Homes
    Source: Perthel Homes 

    This family-owned construction company has been in business for over 40 years. They boast a 5-star review on Houzz and have won multiple local awards over the years.

    Perthel Homes’ process starts with an initial consultation where they’ll discuss your design needs and budget. Next, they’ll put your ideas together with their technical expertise to design a house that matches your vision. After the design is settled, their team begins construction while the project managers keep you informed of the building progress.

    Finally, they’ll carry out a post-production walk-through to find any need for improvement.

    Services:

    • Architecture
    • Structural and Soil Engineering
    • New Home Construction
    • Surveying and Landscaping

    Service Area: Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin 

    Contact: 262-367-7157

    What Clients Say:

    “We moved into a new build home, quality of build and interior were high, any things we needed to address were dealt with promptly and without fuss. We would definitely use Perthel in the future.”

    – Alex Harris, Houzz

  5. Design Group Three

    Design-Group-Three
    Source: Design Group Three

    Design Group Three boasts a 5-star rating on Houzz and multiple awards won since their founding in 1989, making them one of the best design-build firms in Southeastern Wisconsin.

    Their in-house team consists of seasoned architects, designers, carpenters, and craftsmen who come together to build houses in different styles.

    The company not only works on custom home builds, they also offer renovation and remodeling services.

    Services:

    • Architecture
    • Home Remodeling and Renovation
    • Home Additions
    • New Home Construction

    Service Area: Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin 

    Contact: +1-414-962-5560

    What Clients Say:

    “Design Group Three is meticulous, in constant contact during the project, informed us on specifics as the project was underway, kept close to the project timeline, has reliable and highly qualified workers who explain their job, and enjoys conversing with the homeowner. At no time did we feel dissatisfied or in the dark.”

    – Sylvester Kreilein, Houzz

Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring A Builder

  • Is your team fully licensed?
  • Can you provide a free consultation and estimate?
  • Can you offer a regular schedule for progress updates throughout the project?
  • Will your team be handling all the work or will you bring in external workers?
  • Is there room in the contract for change-orders after work starts?
  • Can you provide labor and material warranties?
  • How will construction waste disposal be handled?

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing A Builder

  1. Ignoring Energy Efficiency: Homes that are built with energy efficiency in mind are always more comfortable and save more money in maintenance costs. Choose a builder that knows how to prioritize energy efficiency from roofing type to HVAC elements.
  2. Rushing The Process: Discuss extensively with your builder to get a realistic timeline before signing the contract. Keep in mind that custom constructions take longer than renovations and remodels.
  3. Not Checking Credentials: Check every contractor’s credentials carefully. Look online for reviews of their work and ask them for references to confirm that they are as qualified as they say they are.
  4. Not Studying the Contract: Study the contract carefully before signing. Understand what’s expected of you and what the contractor will and will not be doing.
  5. Choosing The Cheapest Company: The most expensive company isn’t always the best, but basing your choice on pricing alone can lead to problems down the line. Especially since you may eventually need to spend more than your initial budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost to build a house in Wisconsin?

It costs $300,000 to $600,000 on average to build a new house in Wisconsin. The exact cost depends on factors like the style and size of the house. 

How long does it take to build a custom home in Wisconsin?

Building a custom home in Wisconsin takes around 6 to 10 months. 

What process takes the longest when building a custom home?

Usually, the design stage takes the longest. Once you’ve decided on the exact details for your home’s design, building can proceed rather quickly, depending on the style and size of the house.

Build Your Dream Home

Whether you want a grand mansion with elaborate roofing styles and stunning concrete porch designs or a simple space with modest decor, these custom home builders will make it happen.

You don’t need to search for a roofing company or a decorative concrete company; Wisconsin’s custom home builders will handle your project from start to finish. All you have to do is sit back and watch your dream home come to life.

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