Frequently Asked Questions

Company

Who is Bielinski Homes?

Bielinski Homes was founded by two brothers, Harry Bielinski and Frank Bielinski, who began their careers as carpenters, building detached garages. Shortly after, Harry and Frank expanded into building new homes and became the largest homebuilder in Wisconsin within a short amount of time. Fast forward a few years, Frank’s son, Paul Bielinski, continues building upon the family legacy. In 2021, Bielinski Homes surpassed building more than 12,000 new homes and condominiums, making us the largest and most experienced new home builder in the state of Wisconsin.

How long has Bielinski Homes been in business?

Founded in 1960, Bielinski Homes has been building new homes in Southeast Wisconsin for more than 65 years.

How many homes has Bielinski built?

Since 1960, we have built more than 12,000 single family homes and condominiums.

Why choose to build with Bielinski Homes?

We offer a wide range of home building options with a customer first approach. Choose from already built homes that are move-in-ready (RediHomes®), vacant lots for new builds, and a variety of unique floor plans that can be modified to your specific needs. From start to finish, we help you every step of the way during your new home building process.

 

Process

Where can I get a Bielinski home built?

We build new construction homes across nine counties in Southeastern Wisconsin. Our building territory includes Dodge, Jefferson, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington, and Waukesha Counties.

How long is the construction process in Wisconsin (from contract to closing)?

The new home building process in Wisconsin can vary based on weather, location, materials, and customization. For a timeline estimate, please contact one of our new home consultants.

How do I choose design features and personalize my floor plan?

The personalization process for your new Bielinski home is guided by our experienced Design Studio team. You’ll attend two key meetings: the first focuses on special requests, and the second is dedicated to selecting products and finishes such as flooring, cabinetry, countertops, and lighting. Complex and special requests will require additional meetings to be scheduled. All modifications and design selections will be clearly priced and reviewed with you before final approval.

How do we communicate during the home building journey?

We have a team of staff that prioritize clear and consistent communication to ensure you are adequately educated and informed at every stage of the homebuilding process. From contract to closing, our team will provide you with regular updates and answer any questions to eliminate any uncertainties and build your confidence every step of the way.

Product

Do you offer home and lot packages?

Bielinski homes does not offer home and lot packages in the form of a single contract at closing when choosing to build in a Bielinski neighborhood. However, we can offer guaranteed pricing if you choose to build in the majority of our neighborhoods.

What turnkey products do you offer?

Our RediHomes® and condominiums are turnkey products and can be purchased though a simple real estate transaction. These products are offered in a variety of locations and at various price points throughout Southeastern Wisconsin.

Do I need to own a lot before scheduling a home building consultation?

No, you don’t need to own a lot before meeting with us. While having a lot in mind can be helpful, it’s not required. Bielinski Homes offers assistance with lot selection and can help you find the ideal location to build your new home in Southeastern Wisconsin.

How do I find the best lot for my new home?

Every lot is based on personal preferences. Here are some of the most common factors we recommend considering when selecting the right lot for you.  

  • What are your neighborhood preferences? All neighborhoods vary. 
  • Do you want to live near a park, pond, lake, biking or walking paths, etc.?
  • How far do you want to live from destinations you frequent? Think about your commute to work, distance from schools in your district, travel time to your local grocery store.

 

What is an ideal lot shape and size to look for?

Consider your lifestyle and living preferences when looking for an empty lot to build your home on. Do you want to live on a sloping lot or have a flat yard? Keep in mind that the size and shape of your lot will have a large influence on the floorplans you can choose from for your new home. In general, a ranch home needs both a wider and deeper building pad than a two-story home. However, this is only a general rule. You should ensure the dimensions of the home you select work with the lot you choose.

Are your homes environmentally friendly?

Yes, every Bielinski Home is sustainable by employing both green building and energy-saving practices. Learn more about how we build.

What features are included in Bielinski Homes?

We have multiple lines of homes that have different inclusions. Each floor plan has standard options with the ability to adjust for unique capabilities based on your desired amenities and lifestyle preferences. To get a better sense of what is included, start by exploring our floor plan options and choose a floor plan you like, then look at the floor plan details and features that are included. If the floor plan doesn’t have everything you are looking for, contact one of our experts for more details.

Pricing & Financing

What is the cost to build per square foot?

The cost to build per square foot varies from home to home. Square foot costs are not a recommended tool to use when comparing costs across home builders as each home builder offers different inclusions. As more features and upgrades are included in the base price, the square footage price will increase. What’s important to know is inclusions cost less than upgrades, so the more a home builder includes in the base price, the lower the cost. One additional tip is that it is less expensive to build a home vertically than horizontally. Therefore, a two-story home will cost less than a ranch when the footages are the same.

Are there any hidden or unforeseen costs?

While Bielinski Homes does not hide any costs, there can be unforeseen costs if the price is not guaranteed. These unexpected costs typically occur on build jobs outside of a Bielinski Homes neighborhood and in more rural areas but are not limited to this. For example, we cannot guarantee the price of a well on a rural lot as we do not know how far drilling is required before hitting suitable drinking water.

Does it cost more to build in the winter?

Building a new home does not cost any more or any less in the winter. The cost is the same. However, additional ancillary costs like heating your new home do exist.

Does it cost more to build on our lot than in your neighborhood?

The building cost is the same whether you choose a lot in a Bielinski neighborhood or on any lot within our building territory. However, the price of the lot and lot improvements will vary from community to community.

Do you offer financing?

We do not finance new homes, but we can recommend lenders that have successfully worked with our customers in the past. See your new home consultant for details.

Do I need to be pre-approved by a lender?

We highly recommend being pre-approved by a lender. Pre-approvals help us determine which home size and style will fit into your budget. If you don’t have a lender, we can recommend one.

What is a construction loan, and how does it work?

A construction loan gives an individual the money needed to build a new home. Unlike a standard mortgage, the term on a construction loan only lasts for the time it takes to build the new home. The lender pays the loan to the builder, and not the borrower, in installments as building milestones are achieved. During construction, the only payments the borrower makes goes towards interest. Once the construction is complete, the lender transitions the loan to a mortgage. For more detailed information, contact a lender.

Design

Can I personalize or change the floor plans?

Yes, you can request personalization of our plans to fit your needs. Personalization can be achieved through both product selection and structural revisions. At least two Design Studio meetings with our talented design staff are required.

What home design options are available?

Bielinski Homes offers a wide range of design options to personalize your new home. From cabinetry and flooring to countertops, paint colors, and lighting. If you would like to see our curated selections, schedule an appointment with your new home consultant to arrange a tour of our Design Studio.

Where can I get design inspiration for my new home?

You can explore our model homes and RediHomes®. Touring our fully decorated model homes is a great way to explore design possibilities and get inspired. Our model homes showcase popular floor plans, finishes, and upgrades available in our portfolio.

What are the most popular design trends for new homes?

Our most popular design trends include open-concept layouts, quartz countertops, luxury vinyl plank flooring, oversized kitchen islands, and spa-inspired bathrooms. Energy-efficient features and smart home integrations are also in high demand.

What is included in a home design appointment?

During your Design Studio appointment, you’ll meet one-on-one with a professional design consultant who will help you select finishes, fixtures, and features for your home. You’ll have the opportunity to see samples and receive expert guidance to bring your vision to life.

What is a RediHome®?

A RediHome is a professionally designed, move-in-ready home. These homes are either already under construction or recently completed, offering a faster move-in timeline compared to building from the ground up. RediHomes® feature today’s most popular floor plans and design finishes, selected by our in-house experts to provide style, comfort, and functionality. They are ideal for buyers who want the quality of new construction without the wait.

Construction

How long does it take to build a new home?

The amount of time to build a new home is ever-changing. Plus, factors like the extent of personalization changes, individual municipal requirements, product availability, and labor availability contribute to the timeline’s length. In essence, every new build is unique and will take a different amount of time. Contact a new home consultant to discuss current timeframes.

Are there any times of the year when you cannot build?

We build new homes all year-round,  including the winter months. However, there are certain times of the year that construction may be slower. For example, in early spring, many Wisconsin municipalities enforce road weight limits after the snow thaws. These temporary restrictions prevent heavy equipment from accessing certain roads, which may cause brief delays in the building process.

Do you have your contractors or use subcontractors?

All work performed on your home is completed through a base of subcontractors. Each subcontractor receives a scope of work from Bielinski Homes to ensure they complete your new build using our stringent standards. Bielinski Homes does employ construction managers who ensure our subcontractor base adheres to our schedule and construction standards. Each customer is assigned a construction manager who will update you on the progress of your home every week.

Can I supply my own home building materials?

We do not allow customer-supplied materials.

Can I make changes during construction?

All decisions are final when you sign the final change request after the Design Studio meetings. We do this to improve efficiencies in both the pre-construction and construction process. In addition, many products require long lead times. As a result, we order them early in the process. Once ordered, we cannot revise or cancel the order. We understand that there are circumstances when you require a change. In those cases, we can change for an additional fee as outlined in the contract. Please note that late changes will cause delays in the construction process and may increase the cost of your new home. See your new home consultant for details.

What is included in the price of a new home?

The base price includes the home’s standard features, such as foundation, framing, windows, roofing, flooring, cabinetry, countertops, and appliances. Additional options and special requests will result in changes to the final price.

Can I visit the construction site during the building process?

Yes, buyers are encouraged to schedule site visits at key stages of construction. For safety reasons, all visits must be coordinated with your assigned new home consultant or construction manager.

How do I know my home construction is done right?

Each Bielinski home is overseen by an experienced construction manager who coordinates the building process, ensures quality standards, and keeps your project on schedule. They will also serve as your point of contact throughout construction. In addition, your new home is inspected at key points by municipal authorities.

How to know if my home is built properly for Wisconsin’s climate and weather?

Bielinski homes are engineered for durability and energy efficiency in Wisconsin’s seasonal climate. Our homes include high-performance insulation, weather-resistant materials, and energy-saving systems to ensure comfort year-round.

Can I help build my new home?

Construction must be performed by licensed contractors with proper insurance. If someone outside of Bielinski’s contractor network performs any construction our new home warranty policy will be void.

Warranties

What warranties do you offer?
  • 1-year builder warranty – Our 1-year builder warranty is a callback service that will address any of the minor settling issues that may occur in your new home. These services will happen at 4 months and 11 months after closing. We will also complete seasonal work like exterior painting if you closed on your new home during the winter.
  • 10-year structural warranty – Our 10-year structural warranty guarantees the structural integrity of your new home.
  • Manufacturer warranties – Your new home also comes with warranties on the products installed in your new home from the product manufacturers.