Building A Home In SE Wisconsin

[rluzinski]

This is mrs rluzinski

We are looking to build a house and are indecisive about builders in the area. The two we are thinking about going with are Mastercraft and Bielinski. Does anyone have any good/bad experiences with either of them? Any other builders you would recommend?

 

Any advice for a first time homebuilder?

[MickeyDavis]

We built a home about 15 years ago with Badger Builders. It was an interesting experience. One thing we learned is that most of the builders use the same group of sub contractors so when they talk about how their quality is better, it really isn't.

 

We basically picked out one of the models we liked and made a few customizations. Of course you can make yours as custom as you like, even start from scratch. It all depends on your budget.

 

One nice thing about building is that you can make all of the decisions such as carpeting, cabinets, lighting, etc... instead of buying an existing house and then remodeling to fit your tastes.

 

Hopefully the inspectors in your city are good. It was amazing what the inspectors found while our home was being built.

 

Overall it was a good experience I guess. I wouldn't use Badger again, I didn't like their customer service during building and after. There were a couple of basic things that we didn't think about and they didn't tell us about. For instance, we couldn't afford to have the basement finished initially. Most builders will put in the pipe for a toilet in the basement so if you ever want to put one in down there you can. It's a relatively cheap thing to do. Our builder didn't do that or even ask us if we wanted it done. So when we did finish the basement into a recroom a few years later putting in a bathroom turned into a major expense.

 

Bielinski is I believe the largest builder in the state. I've heard mixed things about them but that is probably the case with any builder. I don't know anyone who has used Mastercraft so I can't offer an opinion on them.

 

I don't know if you already have a lot or not. We're glad we looked around quite a bit and glad we bought a lot that we thought may be too big at the time. You can always add on to your house but you can't add on to your land.

[Nottso]

Jude Tindall construction here in Twin Lakes. They do great work, and Jude is absolutely fanatical about customer service. They did some work for us last year and we couldn't be happier. If you're planning on coming this far Southeast, you might want to check them out.

[OldHoss]

If you're not too particular about the look/features of the house, you might want to buy a builder's model home, you can save a bunch and get a new home.

 

If you're particular about the design/features and if you can afford it, hire an architect to design the house and let them contract the builder, etc. An architect will ensure that your vision is not compromised and that the builder doesn't cut any corners (most will try to).

 

I worked in the paint industry for a number of years and I was amazed at all of the stories about builders sneaking 3/8" drywall instead of 1/2" or blowing texture over the walls to cover up shoddy workmanship, etc. I am certain that unless they're being watched, the builders will always have one thumb on the scale.

 

I haven't build a house, but a number of close friends have. To a person, those who used a builder were disappointed with some aspect of the build. Those who used an architect were happy.

 

Best of luck with the new home!

[Menotti80]

"nothin says more, about a home builder, than the homes that they buiiiiiilllllllldddddd..... Belman Homes"

[MickeyDavis]

Model homes can get a good deal but you have to be leary about how many corners may have been cut during the building process.

 

As I said in my post above a lot depends on the inspectors in your city. Our inspectors caught the subs using dry rot wood. And they caught many other things. Our builder told us that the inspectors in our city were "notorious for being way too picky". Uh huh. I was glad they caught "picky" things like dry rot.

[jwill535]

In the 8 years I spent being a carpenter I built about 40 homes and several buildings. The biggest piece of advice I can give you is go look at previous homes that this builder built. Most use the same floor plans if you are buying from them so you will be able to see what it is going to look like. You can do minor tweeks to the plan ie flipping the garage from one side to the other etc but then the plans have to be re stamped and submitted for approval and that is going to cost you a couple 100 so make all the plan changes you want right away.

 

Now when they are building the home, the biggest piece of advice I can give you is to STAY AWAY FROM THE JOB SITE DURING THE DAY, not only is it annoying having to work with the owner there asking stupid and yes they are stupid questions but it is unsafe. As for the owner(you) it's alone the lines of not wanting to see the kitchen of the restaurant that you are eating at. Now if you visit the site after working hours and have questions, feel free to address the builder.

[endaround]

Both Mastercraft and Bielinski are huge builders. Its nice in teh sense that you'd think they are stable, but in reality Bielinski has been in serious financial strains since a CEO of theirs basically stole a bunch of money. Now I may some what biased against Bielinski since my mother grew up near the family and has told a few stories, but in general they tend to be ok. I think Mastercraft is slightly better but it really depends on what you're looking for.

 

Stay away from Karek, you can always point out the Karek home because it always looks like crap. You may want to look into Brookstone, they are premoded though.

 

I assume given those choices you are looking for a smaller home, where exactly are you thinking of building? Bellman for example doesn't do much in the Fox Valley that I'm aware of.

 

One thing to keep in mind is Bielinski models are all fully upgraded and don't in most ways represent the base price you get quoted.

 

Especially now don't be afraid to approach smaller custom builders, even though their model homes may be 3500 sq ft, they'll build smaller right now.

 

If Russ wants to IM me with a little bit more specific info I may be able to help a bit more

[rluzinski]

This is russ. We are looking in Oak Creek and are looking in the 1800-2200 ft^2 range. That's what has really annoyed me about looking at model homes. I'm walking through homes that I could easily afford.... if they hadn't put in $100,000 grand of upgrades. No, I will not be purchasing the $500 bathroom faucet.

[brucrustu]

My brother has a Karek and it's just OK.

 

We liked wolter bros. when shopping for his house. They are really nice and I know a carpenter that works with them and he sez they are great to work for. We saw three of their houses and liked them all.

The only reason he didn't use them was he found a finished house that he liked in his price range.

 

My folks built a house with 3d construction out of burlington and are really pleased with it. It is a very nice 2700 ft ranch w\ exposed basement. But Scott and his crew are open to about anything I think. They are custom builders so you can make any plan you want and they will draw anything up on their CAD for you. Also they have crews of their own that do most of the work. These guys really care about you and won't call your questions "stupid".

 

I think I would have a big problem building with someone who didn't want me to look in the "kitchen".

 

It's your hundreds of thousands and you need to live there, possible for a long time. The carpenter will never be back. So find somebody who cares.

During my parents build we had a great relationship will all the craftsmen and saw them everyday. It doesn't hurt if your carrying some donuts or a big thermos of coffee(we built in feb.)

If I had someone who didn't want me there I wouldn't want them there.

 

We built a one of a kind house and made changes as we went because of what we saw and what craftsmen suggested. The house is better for it.

 

Good Luck whatever you decide.

[jwill535]

Let me clarify my "stupid" comment. First off don't go with the workers don't care bit, guess what, other then the owners the workers couldn't care less about the house they are working on, it is just another home they are building. That is not to say they aren't doing a good job, they are, but it is just another random house to them. Let me put it this way, if you were a teacher would you want a parent sitting in the room critiquing how you teach? As for the "stupid" comment, what I ment were the people that come around and start pointing out things that they don't think are right or question how things are done when in reality they generally have no idea what they are talking about or how things are done. If you want to show up and watch fine, but please stay off the site until they are not working. Now there are some nice people that will bring you stuff(rare in my time working) but generally the people that show up during the dare are more annoying then anything and it is dangerous for them to be there.

 

I would recommend a smaller custom home builder. What I mean is not a huge multi crew builder. They tend to have a ton of turn over. The smaller companies tend to have guys that have been together for awhile and they tend to get the job done quicker and better.

[DuWayne Steurer]

I was a foreman on a concrete wall and flat crew for 8 years, and whle I wasn't ever thrilled about a homeowner being on a site, I certainly didn't begrudge them the abillity to be there. While to you, it might be "just another random home", it's not random to them. It's the biggest investment they will EVER make, and it's THEIR home. They have every right to ask whatever question they might have, however stupid it may seem. The stupidest question is the one that doesn't get asked because the person that's doing the asking is made to feel "stupid".

 

Did homeowners ask me questions that made little or no sense? Sure. Did they make comments about things they had no clue about? Sure. Did I have an occasional customer who wanted to get "too close" to the action, and I had to remind them of safety rules and issues? Sure. Instead of complaining about it or making them feel stupid, I'd take the time to explain and educate. I know the old adage "the customer is always right" isn't exactly true, but at the same time, you can certainly make that person feel like their input is worth something.

 

I know if I was having a home built for me, and I showed up on site (which I would definitely do) and I saw workers rolling their eyes, (seen it), complaining openly of me being there (heard it), and basically making me feel like I didn't belong there, I'd absolutely question how much they care about putting together the most expensive thing I'm ever going to buy. And I'd probably look at getting a different builder.

 

A lot of customers would also like to be on site taking pics and video of the process, and that's fine too, as long as there's no safety concerns.

 

Russ and Mrs. Russ, if you do decide to build, and you have questions, or just want to see what's going on, if there's a builder that's making you feel unwanted on YOUR site, it's probably not the right builder for you.

[jwill535]

No I totally agree. I did the exact same thing as you, always answered questions, joked and laughed with owners etc. and always had my guys be nice to them. I will say that it would be that only a few homes did the people having the house built come out to the site. I don't make want to make it seem that the workers will throw up their arms and get ticked off. When I say it's just another home to the builders, I mean the field crew, not the owner. It has nothing to do with how much effort they are putting into the job. After you spend a couple years building homes, they all run together and 90% of the work for a home is the same. I am just saying what the workers are thinking. Now that my career has taking me from the field to the office my annoyances now are Engineers and unreasonable building owners/construction management types.

 

Revised advice. Showing up once a week to see progress and shoot the poop with the guys is fine. Showing up every day and hanging out for hours(happened before) that is not ok. If you have any questions regarding how it is being built, refer to the builder himself or the project manager. As someone on the office side of the business now, answers given by the field guys may not be exactly the same as what the builder wants.

[Chio151]

Try to find a builder who actually has licensed architects on staff. That way, more customizations are possible. Also, make sure to find a builder willing to give a detailed rundown of all costs involved including sub-contractors, materials, etc. I have heard way to many horror stories about escalating costs from builders who didn't disclose everything.

 

I've heard great things about James Craig Builders though.

[MickeyDavis]

I was at our house virtually every day when it was being built. I never stayed very long and didn't bug the workers but it was fun watching the progress.

[jwill535]

Most builders use the same subs for all of the jobs they do. Like I said earlier in this thread, find a company that you like what they offer and speak with some of the people they built houses for in the past, if you are able to track those people down.

 

Some building tips

 

- Insist on plywood instead of insulation on your walls, I was never a fan of insulation walls, all you need is a zipper and a fist and you are in someones house.

- Insist on 9' ceilings in your basement, doesn't seem like much but you will love it. With the price of wood now it won't be that much more.

- If you can get manufactured joists instead of TGI's do it. Your floor with not make noise and feel stiffer.

- Do not pay for the "Energy savior" windows, not only are they really expensive, they are worthless. Get double pained windows and spend the difference in really nice window treatments.(If you want to know more about heating and cooling let me know)

- Before you get into of picking the tile, carpet, paint, trim etc. come up with colors and and schemes that you are going to want. It will take alot of stress out of siting in their office going over the books of samples.

- If you are able, put a stairwell in your garage to your basement, trust me you will love this.

- Put a drain in your garage, you will thank me in the winter. Putting one in is only a couple 100 before the floor is poured.

- If you are going to have a deck, pay the little extra up front for the TREC Deck or the other synthetic material decks. What you save up front putting in treated lumber you will spend having to seal it year after year.

[JimH5]

My wife and I visited the Miracle Homes tour in Oconomowoc tonight. I'm not a builder, just someone who has visited a ton of these kind of events over the years.

 

Miracle seem to be interested in adding creativity in a lot of their designs. Lots of little nooks and sneakaway spots for kids to enjoy, and still very livable for adults, too. They seem to have a lot of customization options and floorplans.

 

I think there are some showhouses in Milwaukee, too. . .plus they'll build anywhere.

[Chio151]

Miracle seem to be interested in adding creativity in a lot of their designs. Lots of little nooks and sneakaway spots for kids to enjoy, and still very livable for adults, too. They seem to have a lot of customization options and floorplans.

From what I understand they also have an interest in generating mold in their homes.