Building a House in the Fox Cities: What You Need to Know

We may be a bit biased, but as the premier home builder in Northeast Wisconsin, there are two things we know to be absolutely true:

1. Building a new home is one of the most exciting projects you can take on.
2. The Fox Cities are one of the best places to live, work and play in all of Wisconsin.

It’s no wonder we’re thrilled to be building new custom homes throughout Northeast Wisconsin! As you start to research your options for building a home in the Fox Cities, keep these important tips and recommendations in mind:

Establish Your Construction Budget:

There’s no shortage of great financing options here in the Fox Cities, so one of the first things you should do when you decide to build a new home is to talk to your bank about the construction loan to the permanent loan process. There are financing options for every step of the new home build process, from lot loans for your vacant land to two-phase loans that are set up to pay your contractor throughout construction then roll into a mortgage when construction is complete!

Choose a Location for Your New Home:

Whether you already have kids enrolled in the Appleton Area School District and want to stay put within school boundaries, or you’re a recent retiree who’s looking for a spot to build on the waterfront on the Fox River or Lake Winnebago, choosing the lot for your new home build is incredibly important. We could make a case for living just about anywhere in the Fox Cities, but your lot selection is a truly personal decision and needs to be reflective of your lifestyle.

Think of where the lot is located in relation to your favorite amenities, but then also think about the slope and shape of the lot and your initial hopes for your new home. Which direction will the house face and what are the development plans for the neighborhood? What’s the traffic like in the area? Is it noisy? Will you have easy access to utilities, water, sewer, and gas? Is high-speed internet available yet? Your contractor should have more information and advice when it comes to selecting the right lot for your new home. Make sure to talk them through your wishlist and see what recommendations they have for you!

Available Fox Cities Lots from Virtue Homes

Build a Home For Today and Tomorrow:

You’ve probably been daydreaming about warm Wisconsin summer nights on the deck grilling out brats and sipping on something cold. You’ve probably even envisioned some epic Green Bay Packer parties, cheering for the Pack with the fireplace on, a fresh pot of chili brewing in your open concept kitchen. Planning ahead is great, but when you’re building a new home you need to look further into the future than the next great Wisconsin hosting opportunities.

Think of your current home, what works and what doesn’t? As you and your family age, you’re going to have different needs. A split layout, with bedrooms on opposite sides of the home, seems daunting with a newborn, but offers a welcome separation from guests and even teenagers down the line… An unfinished basement may not seem like a big deal now, but think of the time and headaches you’ll save yourself down the line by just finishing the basement space during construction! Beyond some of the convenience factors, you can plan now for a home you can grow old in comfortably. Incorporating universal design elements into your new build is a great way to create a functional, accessible, beautiful home that will be perfect for years to come.

Here are some of our favorite universal design items to keep in mind when planning your custom home:

• No step entry
• Single-floor living
• Wide doorways, with lever door handles and wide hallways
• Accessible switches and easy-to-use handles (front controls on your ranges, French door refrigerators, and front-loading washing machines are all things to consider!)
• Easy-to-reach storage with lever hardware or other easy-to-grab handles
• Walk-in showers with built-in storage and benches
• Task lighting and rocker-panel light switches

Customize Your Home’s Floor Plan:

There are a ton of great floor plan options already available, but no floor plan is perfect for your family and home. Customizing your new build allows you the chance to really build your dream home.

Think of all the things you have and do that a floor plan doesn’t necessarily allow for. Love boating or kayaking through the Fox Locks system? Design enough storage for your gear to winter at home with you! Spend your time ice fishing on Lake Winnebago in the winter? Make sure your garage has enough space for your ice shelter, augers, and fishing poles! We’re an active bunch here in the Fox Cities, design a home that has a place for everything you love!

Some of our favorite Fox Cities custom home features:

• Chef’s Kitchens
• Under-Cabinet Lighting
• Kitchen Nooks
• Built-In Shelving
• Personalized Mudrooms
• Pet Showers
• Dedicated Home Offices
• Game Rooms
• Home Theaters
• Outdoor Kitchens
• Custom Pools
• Fire Pits
• Basketball Courts
• Golf Ranges
• Playgrounds
• Oversized Garages
• Spa-Style Bathrooms
• Walk-In Showers
• Smart Home Automation
• Heated Floors
• Multiple Laundry Rooms
• Central Vacuum Systems
• Panic/Safe Rooms
• Wine Cellars
• Mother-in-Law Suites
• Home Gyms
• Libraries
• Home Bars
• Custom Closets & Storage

Choose the Right Fox Cities Home Builder:

The contractor you select to build your home is one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make. You’ll be relying on them to know the ins and outs of building permits, building codes, when to request an inspection and so on in Oshkosh, DePere, Kaukauna, Neenah, or wherever you buy your lot! Make sure you thorotential builder and feel good about their skills, experience and customer service before signing a contract!

Virtue Homes has over 65 years of custom home building experience and a keen eye for detail. From lot selection throughout the Fox Valley to custom floor plan design to home construction and move-in day, we’ll be there for you every step of the way. We’ve been a premier custom home builder in the Green Bay-Appleton-Oshkosh area for more than a decade and can’t wait to hear about your dream home!

Let’s Get Started!

Are you ready to learn more about building a home in Northeast Wisconsin? We can’t wait to talk! Contact us by giving us a call at 920-209-0305 or by filling out the form on our website to set up your free consultation!