Appleton Luxury Home Builder

Virtue Homes is the premier Appleton luxury home builder, with over 65 years of experience in designing and constructing custom luxury homes that reflect the unique lifestyles and personalities of each client. Our team of architects, designers, and builders bring their passion, creativity, and expertise to every project, ensuring that each build is a stunning masterpiece. Browse our portfolio to see the possibilities for your own Appleton luxury home.

How Long Does it Take to Build a Custom Home?

With Virtue Homes, our general timeline for custom home construction is as follows:

Lot Selection
1-3 Weeks

Design Build Plan
4-8 Weeks

Contract & Budget
4-6 Weeks

Home Construction
16-24 Weeks

Close Out / Move – In
1-2 Weeks

Appleton Custom Home Gallery

Appleton Spec Home Builder

If you’re not interested in building a full-custom home, we have a selection of luxury spec home designs to choose from. Each spec home floor plan allows for customization if a semi-custom home is a route you prefer to take.

Average New Home Price in Appleton

The average home price in Appleton is about $300,000. However, Virtue Homes doesn’t build average homes. We build fully custom, luxury homes far from your average home. Work with us to build your forever home at budget and in the wonderful community of Appleton.

Info for Appleton Home Buyers

Appleton Average NEW Home Price (2022)$300,000
Appleton School Districts and Schools– Kimberly Area School District
– Appleton Area school District
Appleton Town Hall100 N Appleton St., Appleton, WI 54911

Appleton Luxury Home Builder FAQs

A house is considered a luxury home if it offers high-end features, finishes, and amenities beyond the standard in its price range and location. This can include items such as custom design and architectural details, top-of-the-line appliances and materials, spacious rooms, and ample outdoor living space.

Characteristics of a luxury home can include large square footage, high ceilings, custom cabinetry, gourmet kitchens, spa-like bathrooms, and high-end flooring. Other common features are energy-efficient systems, multi-car garages, wine cellars, and smart home technology. Outdoor living spaces with swimming pools, outdoor kitchens, and fireplaces are also common.

To find a good luxury home builder, look for builders who have been certified by industry organizations, such as the National Association of Home Builders. Then review their past build projects to see if the quality, style, and capabilities align with what you’re envisioning for your own home.

Steps to building a luxury home include:

  1. Finding a suitable location
  2. Creating a budget and financing plan
  3. Hiring an architect or designer to create a custom plan
  4. Selecting a contractor and building team
  5. Making decisions on finishes, fixtures, and appliances
  6. Obtaining necessary permits and inspections
  7. Constructing the home
  8. Doing a final walk-through and inspection

The best luxury home builder will depend on individual preferences, budget, and location. Some well-known builders of luxury homes include Toll Brothers, Meritage Homes, and Pulte Homes. However, it is also important to consider smaller, local builders who may offer a more personalized approach and a greater understanding of the local market.

Custom Home Design Process in Appleton

The custom home design process can take approximately 5-9 weeks with Virtue Homes. You can start with one of our 8 floor plans and completely customize it to your wants and needs. If you opt for a 3rd party architect, the design process can take double the amount of time. The process consists of an initial floor plan, final floor plans, pricing plans, and final construction plans.

In this essential first step, we work together on the initial first and second-floor plan drafts. Our focus is on nailing down the layout and flow, integrating your must-haves and wish list items. We review the plans until you’re satisfied, providing a clear picture of your home’s functionality.

Timeline with 3rd Party Architect: 4-6 Weeks

Once the layout is confirmed, we complete the floor plans and develop the initial exterior elevations, showcasing the stylistic appearance of the front and back of your home. Multiple elevation options are proposed to match your desired look and feel. This stage also incorporates interior design details such as moldings and railings, offering a sneak peek into the final aesthetic.

Timeline with 3rd Party Architect: 2-4 Weeks

Once the layout and style are set, we craft a comprehensive set of plans to solidify pricing. These plans encompass all structural elements, materials, fixtures, and finishes, providing a precise estimate. Our meticulous approach covers everything, from flooring to cabinets to light fixtures, eliminating any unforeseen costs in the future.

Timeline with 3rd Party Architect: 2-3 Weeks

Before breaking ground, we complete the final step: refining plans for permitting and construction. Adjustments are made based on pricing and input from building officials. This comprehensive plan includes structural bracing, sections, and all necessary details for your municipality to issue a building permit. With these detailed plans, you can confidently move into the construction phase.

Timeline with 3rd Party Architect: 2-3 Weeks

Custom Home Floor Plans in Appleton

Designing your dream home is an exciting opportunity and with a custom home floor plan, you can ensure that every detail is tailored to your specific needs and desires. Working with a local architect or home designer in Appleton (like us!) is the best approach to designing your floor plan, as they can help bring your vision to life while ensuring that your design is functional, efficient, and meets all necessary building codes and local regulations.

At Virtue Homes, our team of experienced Appleton-based designers is here to help guide you through the design process and provide design concepts and ideas to fit your needs and preferences. Whether you’re interested in revising one of our pre-designed floor plans or starting from scratch with a full custom design, we’re here to help bring your dream home to life.

Don’t miss this opportunity to create your perfect living space. Schedule a consultation with Virtue Homes today to start designing your custom home floor plan.

Home Design Tips & Trends

Home design in Wisconsin is a combination of classic styles and modern touches with an emphasis on comfort, functionality, and natural elements. If you’re interested in learning more about current home design tips and trends, and how to incorporate them into your new home, check out our guide to 2023 Home Design Tips & Trends. Or, for more personalized guidance in designing your new home, get in touch with us today!

Custom Home Design FAQs

Custom home design refers to the process of creating a unique and personalized design plan for a new construction or renovation project. It takes into account the specific needs, preferences, and budget of the homeowner to create a customized solution that fits their lifestyle and vision.

Custom home design offers several benefits, including:

  • Unique aesthetic: A custom home design will reflect the personal style and taste of the homeowner, making it a unique and visually appealing living space.
  • Functionality: Custom home design allows for the creation of a functional living space that is tailored to the specific needs and requirements of the homeowner.
  • Increased value: A well-designed custom home can add value to a property and increase its marketability in the future.

The custom home design process typically involves several steps, including:

  • Initial consultation: A meeting with the designer to discuss the homeowner’s design preferences, budget, and project goals.
  • Site analysis: A thorough evaluation of the building site to determine any potential challenges or opportunities.
  • Concept development: The creation of a preliminary design plan, including floor plans, elevations, and a site plan.
  • Design refinement: The fine-tuning of the design plan based on feedback from the homeowner.
  • Final drawings and specifications: The production of detailed construction drawings and specifications.
  • Permit procurement: The obtaining of any necessary permits and approvals from local authorities.
  • Construction: The actual construction of the home, which is usually carried out by a builder.

Designing a custom home can be more expensive than building a production home, as it involves a more detailed and personalized design process. However, custom home design also offers the opportunity to create a unique and functional living space that is tailored to the specific needs and budget of the homeowner.

Staying within budget while designing a custom home can be challenging, but there are several strategies that can help:

  • Portfolio: Review the designer’s portfolio to assess their design style, approach, and past work.
  • Experience: Look for a designer with experience in the type of project you are planning, such as residential design, green building, or renovations.
  • Communication: Choose a designer who is easy to communicate with and responsive to your questions and concerns.
  • Budget: Consider the designer’s fees and make sure they fit within your budget.
  • References: Ask for references from previous clients to get an idea of the designer’s work quality and reputation.

Staying within budget while designing a custom home can be challenging, but there are several strategies that can help:

  • Prioritize your must-haves: Make a list of the features and finishes that are most important to you, and prioritize them based on your budget.
  • Be realistic about costs: Research the costs of different materials, finishes, and products and be realistic about what is affordable within your budget.
  • Work with a designer who understands your budget: Choose a designer who has experience working within budgets similar to yours and who is committed to helping you stay within your budget.
  • Be flexible: Be open to making changes to your design plan as needed to stay within budget. For example, you may need to use lower-cost materials in certain areas or make changes to your floor plan to reduce costs.
  • Consider cost-saving options: Look for cost-saving options, such as using recycled or salvaged materials, that can help reduce the overall cost of your project.

Appleton Basement Finishing & Remodeling

Virtue Homes specializes in basement finishing and remodeling tailored to your unique needs. Whether you want a family room, man cave, bar, bedroom, home theater, gym, office, or playroom, we’ll design and build a basement that matches your style and budget. Our Appleton basement renovation contractors have the expertise to create the customized basement space you’ve dreamed about. Contact Virtue Homes today to schedule a consultation and get started on your basement finishing or remodeling project!

Appleton Basement Finishing Gallery

Our Appleton basement finishing gallery showcases the best basement renovation projects in the area. From cozy family rooms to stunning home theaters, the gallery features a variety of styles and designs to inspire your own basement remodel. Take a look and be inspired by the possibilities for your own space in the Appleton basement finishing gallery.

Basement Finishing FAQs

The cost of basement finishing can vary greatly depending on factors such as the size of the basement, the materials being used, and the level of customization desired. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $10,000 and $50,000 for basement finishing.

The process of finishing a basement typically involves the following steps:

  • Planning and design
  • Removing or relocating existing fixtures and utilities
  • Installing insulation, drywall, and flooring
  • Adding electrical and lighting
  • Installing heating and cooling
  • Adding any desired features such as a bar, bathroom, or home theater

Like basement finishing, the cost of basement remodeling can vary greatly. Factors such as the size of the basement, the materials being used, and the level of customization desired will all impact the final cost. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $10,000 and $70,000 for basement remodeling.

Basement remodeling refers to making changes to an existing basement space to improve its functionality and appearance. This can include adding or removing walls, updating fixtures, and changing the floor plan.

Basement renovation, on the other hand, refers to a complete overhaul of the basement space. This may include gutting the space and starting from scratch, as well as addressing any structural or foundational issues. Basement renovation is often more extensive and costly than basement remodeling.

Basement Layout Ideas

Your basement doesn’t need to be dark, damp and visited infrequently. Virtue Homes designs and builds basements suitable for entertaining guests and cozy nights in. Watch your favorite football team in a customized home theater, create your dream office or create an innovative play area for children. The possibilities are endless!

Basement Layout Ideas

  • Guest room
  • Additional living room/den
  • Home gym
  • Wine cellar/bar
  • Cinema 
  • Office
  • Laundry room
  • Wet or dry bar
  • Rec area
  • Craft room

Basement Finishing Process

At Virtue Homes, our motto is “sharp details, smooth finish.” Our business prides itself on creating hassle-free, easy experiences for our customers. View our testimonials to see for yourself!

Step 1:

In-Home
Consultation

We will start with an in-home consultation to go over your budget, your vision for the basement, and any functional needs you have.

Step 2:

Project Plans &
Specs

Our team will then draft up the plans for your basement finishing project, as well as the design-build specifications.

Step 3:

Proposal & Scope
of Work

You will then receive a cost proposal and detailed scope of work for the basement finishing project.

Step 4:

Construction
Starts

(Upon Approval)
When you’ve approved the proposal and scope of work plans, we will get the project underway.

Contact us to get started on your dream basement.

Home Lots for Sale in Appleton, WI

Appleton offers a range of available residential home lots for those looking to build their dream home. With a variety of sizes and locations to choose from, there is something to fit every need and budget.

From picturesque wooded lots to flat, open spaces, there is no shortage of options for those looking to build in this thriving community. With access to quality schools, shopping, dining, and recreation, Appleton is the perfect place to build a home and create lasting memories with family and friends. Contact us for available home lots for sale in Appleton.

The Fox Valley's Custom Home Builder

Virtue Homes aims to be the most reliable, trustworthy, and quality custom home builder in Wisconsin. To accomplish this, we go above and beyond for every one of our clients, because that's the Virtue Way. Learn more about the Virtue Homes team and the standards we set for all of our home building projects.

Build My Dream House