FAQs
Do You Have a Question? We Have the Answer!
Frequently Asked Subdivision & Lot Questions
A starting place for the questions buyers, builders, and landowners ask us most. If you have one we haven’t answered here, reach out. A member of our family will get back to you within the hour.
Can I build with any builder?
Yes. Any approved plan can be built by the builder of your choice.
Do I need to build within one year of purchase?
There are no time requirements for building.
Once I begin construction of my home, how long do I have to complete it?
Your home must be completed within one year of commencing construction. In addition, your basic landscaping (seed or sod) and driveway must be completed within one year from commencing construction.
How long does it take to have a house plan approved?
Submittal of a preliminary plan is required. No red-lined plans will be approved. Final plans must include all red-lined changes from preliminary plan review. In most cases final plans can be approved in about one week.
What do you look for when approving house plans?
Consistent architectural treatment on all four sides of the building, attention to details, and details appropriate for the style of the home. Please refer to your subdivision’s Guidelines for Plan Approval for details. For example, if shutters are used on the front of the home they must be used on all appropriate windows on the other three sides. Windows or doors may be added to walls that may otherwise be featureless regardless of indoor furniture placement.
What other improvements need approval from Siepmann Realty Corp?
Retaining walls, decks, swimming pools, fences, gazebos, dog kennels, and playsets must be approved in writing prior to installation.
What info must be submitted in order to obtain approval?
Three sets of plans must be submitted with the following:
- Decks: Floor plan, elevations, spindle and railing design, and materials and location relative to house & lot.
- Swimming Pool: Pool location relative to house & lot. Filter, pump & heater location (must be screened and placed next to building), and screening materials. Fence location, style & materials (product brochure or detailed drawing required).
- Fences: Location relative to home & lot. Materials, size of wall, height & style.
- Retaining walls: Location relative to home & lot, materials, and elevations above grade. Check Guidelines for Plan Approval for appropriate materials.
- Gazebos: Location relative to home & lot and materials & elevations. Check Guidelines for Plan Approval to verify if gazebo is allowed.
- Dog kennels: Location relative to home & lot, fence materials, and screening plant material. Detailed drawing or photo of proposed kennel. Check Guidelines for Plan Approval to verify if kennel is allowed.
- Playsets (with enclosures only): Location relative to home & lot, materials, and playset design.
Can my shingles be any color I choose?
No. Most of our subdivisions require at least dimensional shingles in a “weatherwood” color. Please refer to the “Guidelines for Plan Approval” for the specifications.
Is HardiPlank of similar fiber-cement siding considered a natural material?
No, but it is allowed in most of our subdivisions. Please refer to the “Guidelines for Plan Approval” for the specifications.
Is aluminum fascia allowed in any of your subdivisions?
No, except for Sivyer Homesites.
Is aluminum or vinyl soffits allowed in any of your subdivisions?
Please check the “Guidelines for Plan Approval” for your subdivision to verify whether aluminum or vinyl soffits are allowed. Aluminum or vinyl soffits are allowed ONLY in the following: Tree Tops, Longmeadow, Crooked Creek, Prairie Wind Farm or Trillium Hill. Subdivisions not mentioned above do not allow aluminum or vinyl soffits.
Who installs the lamp post?
The lamp post can be installed by your builder or a subcontractor. Please note that the lamp must be operated by an unswitched photocell as required by the deed restrictions. Be sure to call Diggers Hotline before you dig: 1-800-242-8511.
Where do I have to place my lamp post?
Please contact Siepmann Realty for a location specific to the subdivision.
Who installs the mailbox?
The mailbox vendor typically does not offer installation. This can be done by anyone with the proper equipment. Please contact Siepmann Realty or the local Postmaster for the exact location. Be sure to call Diggers Hotline before you dig: 1-800-242-8511.
Who maintains the open space?
The open space is maintained by the subdivision Homeowners Association. Each lot owner automatically becomes a member. An annual meeting is held to discuss the association budget, maintenance, responsibilities, and other activities. Annual dues are charged by the association to cover maintenance, insurance, and other costs and to create a capital reserve fund for future improvements or replacements.
Can I park my boat/RV/Trailer outside in your subdivisions?
Only for brief periods of time for maintenance, loading, and unloading may these items be parked in your driveway or yard.
Why must my garage be on the high side of my lot?
In order to grade each lot in keeping with the master grading plan, garages must be on the high side of each lot. This eliminates the need for large, expensive retaining walls, excessive filling, and disputes over lot line grades.
How should I grade my lot to alleviate?
The finish grading of each lot must conform to the master grading plan. This plan systematically accommodates drainage for the entire subdivision. Any deviations from this plan must be approved by the municipal engineer.
What if my neighbor has graded his property improperly?
The deed restrictions call for each neighbor to grade their common lot lines so as not to increase the amount of water entering a neighbor’s property. All common lot line grading issues should be resolved between neighbors. The services of a professional engineer may be required. The local municipality will not resolve drainage issues between neighbors.
Buying a Homesite
Can I build with any builder?
Yes. Any approved plan can be built by the builder of your choice.
Do I need to build within one year of purchase?
There are no time requirements for building.
Once I begin construction of my home, how long do I have to complete it?
Your home must be completed within one year of commencing construction. In addition, your basic landscaping (seed or sod) and driveway must be completed within one year from commencing construction.
How long does it take to have a house plan approved?
Submittal of a preliminary plan is required. No red-lined plans will be approved. Final plans must include all red-lined changes from preliminary plan review. In most cases final plans can be approved in about one week.
What do you look for when approving house plans?
Consistent architectural treatment on all four sides of the building, attention to details, and details appropriate for the style of the home. Please refer to your subdivision’s Guidelines for Plan Approval for details. For example, if shutters are used on the front of the home they must be used on all appropriate windows on the other three sides. Windows or doors may be added to walls that may otherwise be featureless regardless of indoor furniture placement.
Can my shingles be any color I choose?
Three sets of plans must be submitted with the following:
- Decks: Floor plan, elevations, spindle and railing design, and materials and location relative to house & lot.
- Swimming Pool: Pool location relative to house & lot. Filter, pump & heater location (must be screened and placed next to building), and screening materials. Fence location, style & materials (product brochure or detailed drawing required).
- Fences: Location relative to home & lot. Materials, size of wall, height & style.
- Retaining walls: Location relative to home & lot, materials, and elevations above grade. Check Guidelines for Plan Approval for appropriate materials.
- Gazebos: Location relative to home & lot and materials & elevations. Check Guidelines for Plan Approval to verify if gazebo is allowed.
- Dog kennels: Location relative to home & lot, fence materials, and screening plant material. Detailed drawing or photo of proposed kennel. Check Guidelines for Plan Approval to verify if kennel is allowed.
- Playsets (with enclosures only): Location relative to home & lot, materials, and playset design.
Who installs the lamp post?
Please check the “Guidelines for Plan Approval” for your subdivision to verify whether aluminum or vinyl soffits are allowed. Aluminum or vinyl soffits are allowed ONLY in the following: Tree Tops, Longmeadow, Crooked Creek, Prairie Wind Farm or Trillium Hill. Subdivisions not mentioned above do not allow aluminum or vinyl soffits.
Where do I have to place my lamp post?
The lamp post can be installed by your builder or a subcontractor. Please note that the lamp must be operated by an unswitched photocell as required by the deed restrictions. Be sure to call Diggers Hotline before you dig: 1-800-242-8511.
Who installs the mailbox?
Please contact Siepmann Realty for a location specific to the subdivision.
Who maintains the open space?
The mailbox vendor typically does not offer installation. This can be done by anyone with the proper equipment. Please contact Siepmann Realty or the local Postmaster for the exact location. Be sure to call Diggers Hotline before you dig: 1-800-242-8511.
Can I park my boat/RV/Trailer outside in your subdivisions?
The open space is maintained by the subdivision Homeowners Association. Each lot owner automatically becomes a member. An annual meeting is held to discuss the association budget, maintenance, responsibilities, and other activities. Annual dues are charged by the association to cover maintenance, insurance, and other costs and to create a capital reserve fund for future improvements or replacements.
Why must my garage be on the high side of my lot?
Only for brief periods of time for maintenance, loading, and unloading may these items be parked in your driveway or yard.
How should I grade my lot to alleviate?
In order to grade each lot in keeping with the master grading plan, garages must be on the high side of each lot. This eliminates the need for large, expensive retaining walls, excessive filling, and disputes over lot line grades.
What if my neighbor has graded his property improperly?
The finish grading of each lot must conform to the master grading plan. This plan systematically accommodates drainage for the entire subdivision. Any deviations from this plan must be approved by the municipal engineer.
Additional questions may be sent to info@siepmannrealty.com.
Working With Siepmann
How long does it take to have a house plan approved?
Submittal of a preliminary plan is required. No red-lined plans will be approved. Final plans must include all red-lined changes from preliminary plan review. In most cases final plans can be approved in about one week.
What do you look for when approving house plans?
Consistent architectural treatment on all four sides of the building, attention to details, and details appropriate for the style of the home. Please refer to your subdivision’s Guidelines for Plan Approval for details. For example, if shutters are used on the front of the home they must be used on all appropriate windows on the other three sides. Windows or doors may be added to walls that may otherwise be featureless regardless of indoor furniture placement.
What other improvements need approval from Siepmann Realty Corp?
Retaining walls, decks, swimming pools, fences, gazebos, dog kennels, and playsets must be approved in writing prior to installation.
What info must be submitted in order to obtain approval?
Three sets of plans must be submitted with the following:
- Decks: Floor plan, elevations, spindle and railing design, and materials and location relative to house & lot.
- Swimming Pool: Pool location relative to house & lot. Filter, pump & heater location (must be screened and placed next to building), and screening materials. Fence location, style & materials (product brochure or detailed drawing required).
- Fences: Location relative to home & lot. Materials, size of wall, height & style.
- Retaining walls: Location relative to home & lot, materials, and elevations above grade. Check Guidelines for Plan Approval for appropriate materials.
- Gazebos: Location relative to home & lot and materials & elevations. Check Guidelines for Plan Approval to verify if gazebo is allowed.
- Dog kennels: Location relative to home & lot, fence materials, and screening plant material. Detailed drawing or photo of proposed kennel. Check Guidelines for Plan Approval to verify if kennel is allowed.
- Playsets (with enclosures only): Location relative to home & lot, materials, and playset design.
Is HardiPlank of similar fiber-cement siding considered a natural material?
No, but it is allowed in most of our subdivisions. Please refer to the “Guidelines for Plan Approval” for the specifications.
Is aluminum fascia allowed in any of your subdivisions?
No, except for Sivyer Homesites.
Is aluminum or vinyl soffits allowed in any of your subdivisions?
Please check the “Guidelines for Plan Approval” for your subdivision to verify whether aluminum or vinyl soffits are allowed. Aluminum or vinyl soffits are allowed ONLY in the following: Tree Tops, Longmeadow, Crooked Creek, Prairie Wind Farm or Trillium Hill. Subdivisions not mentioned above do not allow aluminum or vinyl soffits.
How should I grade my lot to alleviate?
The finish grading of each lot must conform to the master grading plan. This plan systematically accommodates drainage for the entire subdivision. Any deviations from this plan must be approved by the municipal engineer.
Additional questions may be sent to info@siepmannrealty.com.
Buying a Homesite
What is a conservation subdivision?
A conservation subdivision is a neighborhood designed around the land, not around lot counts. Natural features — wetlands, prairies, tree lines, topography — are preserved first; homesites are placed around them. Residents own a smaller private lot but gain shared access to trails, woodlands, and protected open space.
What's the difference between buying a lot and buying an existing home?
Buying a lot means you choose the location first and design the home to fit it. You work with a custom or semi-custom builder, navigate building approvals, and plan for a longer timeline, typically 12 to 18 months from lot purchase to move-in. The benefit is a home built exactly for how you live, on a parcel you chose for its specific qualities.
What should I look for when buying a lot?
Look at sun exposure (morning or afternoon), drainage, soil and topography, distance to utilities, the school district, and proximity to amenities. Review the subdivision’s architectural guidelines and any covenants, the timing for building, and the total project cost including site work. Walking the property with the developer is the best way to understand all of it at once.
What happens on a first site visit with Siepmann?
We walk the property with you and ask questions you might not have considered — like whether you’re a morning person, which affects house orientation. We explain the architectural guidelines, what the conservation space means for your daily life, and what to expect at every step. Most people leave thinking: I never knew this was an option.
How much does a homesite cost in a Siepmann community?
Lot prices in our communities typically range from $250,000 to $300,000, though pricing varies by community, lot size, and features. The total project cost (lot, home, site work, and finishing) usually falls between $1 million and $1.5 million. We share full cost transparency early in the conversation, so there are no surprises later.
Why do Siepmann homeowners stay in their neighborhoods so long?
Most Siepmann homeowners live in their community for 20 years or more. The conservation design, architectural standards, and amenities create a place people don’t want to leave. Young families come for the school districts and the space. Retirees come for the low maintenance and the conservation areas. Both find a neighborhood where neighbors know each other and property values hold.
Do I have to use a specific builder if I buy a Siepmann lot?
No. Siepmann communities are open to any quality custom or semi-custom builder. We don’t lock our developments into one builder, which gives you the freedom to choose the right partner for your home. Many of the builders we work with are members of the Metropolitan Builders Association and have built in multiple Siepmann communities.
Working with Siepmann as a Builder
What are Siepmann's architectural standards?
Siepmann requires four-sided architecture, no identical homes within sight of one another, and specific exterior materials including HardiPlank™, LP Smartside™, and GAF Weathered Wood Shingles. Each community has its own Architectural Library with detailed guidelines. We review plans early and give clear feedback, so construction timelines stay on track.
How does the Siepmann architectural review process work?
Siepmann reviews plans directly rather than delegating to a homeowners association, which keeps standards consistent across every phase of every community. We provide feedback early, often before the final design is locked, so changes can be made efficiently. Our goal is to help builders succeed in our communities, not to slow them down.
Selling Your Land
How do I sell my land to a developer in Wisconsin?
Selling land to a developer typically starts with a conversation about your property, your goals, and the timeline. A reputable land developer will walk your property with you, research zoning and entitlement options, and give you an honest assessment of value before recommending a path forward. Siepmann works with a limited number of properties at a time, so each one gets our full attention.
What's the difference between a land broker and a residential Realtor?
A residential Realtor specializes in homes and uses tools like MLS to list and sell finished properties. A land broker specializes in raw or undeveloped land — analyzing sun exposure, wetlands, utility access, zoning flexibility, and potential development uses. Land carries different valuation drivers than homes, and the right broker understands what your parcel could become before recommending how to price it.
About Siepmann
Who is Siepmann Realty?
Siepmann Realty is a family-owned land development and brokerage company in Southeast Wisconsin. Since 1943, four generations of the Siepmann family have specialized in conservation subdivisions — neighborhoods designed around natural land features. We develop a limited number of communities each year and work with custom home builders who share our standards.
The Siepmann DIFFERENCE
75 Years of Quality & Tradition
Our Team
For three generations, Siepmann Realty has followed a philosophy that is rooted in creative land planning, open space design, architectural foresight, and attention to detail. Our goal is to develop a property that grows into a community.
Our Roots
Kick-the-can. Ghosts in the graveyard. Flashlight tag. The best childhood memories are made in the best neighborhoods. Where did you grow up? What’s yours? At Siepmann Realty, we’ve been developing subdivision communities and family memories since 1943.
