What areas of Wisconsin do you build custom homes in?

We build throughout Milwaukee’s Northshore and the surrounding region, including Mequon, Bayside, River Hills, Cedarburg, Thiensville, Grafton, Saukville, Port Washington, Germantown, West Bend, Jackson, Richfield, Hubertus, Fond du Lac, and throughout Ozaukee and Washington Counties. If you’re unsure whether we build in your area, just give us a call — we’re happy to discuss your location.

How long has Mikkelson Builders been building custom homes?

We have been building homes in the Milwaukee area since 1908 — over 115 years. Founded by architect Fred A. Mikkelson, we are now a fourth-generation, family-owned business. That longevity isn’t just a number — it represents generations of trusted relationships, refined craftsmanship, and deep roots in the communities we build in.

Who will I be working with during my home build?

You will work directly with our owners — John Mikkelson, Cameron Mikkelson, and Fred Dahms Jr. — throughout the entire process, from your first conversation through move-in day. You will never be handed off to a project manager or third party. This direct access is one of the things our clients value most, and it’s simply how we’ve always done business.

Do you have an in-house architect, or do I need to hire my own?

We have in-house architects on our team. You’ll work one-on-one with them to create a home design that is completely customized to your vision, lifestyle, and budget. There’s no need to hire an outside architect — we handle design and construction under one roof, which makes for a much smoother, more cohesive experience.

Can I build on my own lot, or do you only build in specific developments?

Both! You are welcome to build on a lot you already own, or we can help you identify and select a suitable lot from our curated selection of available properties in the Milwaukee area. Either way, we’ll work with you from the very beginning to make sure the site is right for your vision

What sizes and styles of custom homes do you build?

We build single-story and two-story custom homes ranging from approximately 1,600 to nearly 5,000 square feet, with 3 to 5 bedrooms. We offer a wide variety of architectural styles — from ranch and craftsman to colonial, prairie, and contemporary. We also offer floor plans with first-floor primary bedrooms for clients seeking single-level living. Every plan can be customized to your exact specifications.

What is “True Cost Billing” and how does it work?

True Cost Billing is our transparent approach to construction pricing — and it is rarely seen in the home building industry. Rather than presenting a single lump-sum contract, we provide you with a fully itemized breakdown of every cost category, including materials, labor, overhead, and profit, so you know exactly where every dollar goes. It also gives you the flexibility to substitute your own contractors for any category if you choose. We believe in complete honesty and transparency, and this system reflects that.

How much does it cost to build a custom home with Mikkelson Builders?

The cost of a custom home depends on many factors — lot size, square footage, finishes, site conditions, and your specific design choices. Because every Mikkelson home is truly custom, we don’t publish a fixed price per square foot. What we do promise is complete transparency through our True Cost Billing system, so you’ll always know exactly what you’re paying for and why. We encourage you to reach out for a conversation — we’re happy to discuss budget ranges that match your goals.

How long does it take to build a custom home?

Custom home timelines vary based on the complexity of the design, permitting in your municipality, weather, and material availability. We will give you a clear timeline at the outset of your project and keep you updated throughout the process. Our clients consistently tell us that we keep things on track — direct owner involvement means nothing falls through the cracks.

Do you incorporate green building and energy-efficient features?

Absolutely. Sustainability and energy efficiency are important to us and to our clients. We are a Trade Ally of Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy program, and we incorporate Energy Star certified products throughout our homes. For projects that involve a tear-down, we partner with Recyclean, Inc., the Midwest’s leading deconstruction company, to reclaim and donate building materials rather than sending them to a landfill — which also provides a meaningful tax benefit to our clients.

Can I use my own subcontractors or suppliers?

Yes. Our True Cost Billing system is specifically designed to allow for this. If you have a preferred contractor or supplier for any category of work, you can simply substitute their pricing into the itemized cost breakdown. We are flexible and collaborative — our goal is to deliver the best possible outcome for you, and that sometimes means working with people you already know and trust.

What sets Mikkelson Builders apart from other custom home builders in Wisconsin?

Several things: over 115 years of continuous operation and an unmatched reputation in the Milwaukee area; direct access to the owners throughout your entire build; in-house architectural design; True Cost Billing transparency; long-standing relationships with the finest subcontractors and suppliers in the region; and a genuine commitment to green building. Our clients often note that listing agents specifically call out “Quality Built Mikkelson Home” in property listings — that kind of recognition speaks for itself.

How do I get started building a custom home with Mikkelson Builders?

The first step is simply a conversation. Reach out to us by phone at 262-241-8740, fill out the contact form on our website, or send us an email. There’s no pressure and no obligation — we just love talking about homes and helping people explore what’s possible. We’ll listen to your vision, answer your questions, and help you understand the path forward.

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