--- title: "Thelen Total Construction — General Contractors | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/thelen-total-construction-pfvwus-pf~276891923 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~276891923.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Thelen Total Construction" category: ["General Contractors"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/45c319b00ea17e37_9668-w400-h400-b1-p10--.jpg address: "Elkhorn, Wisconsin 53121, United States" latitude: 42.7009 longitude: -88.5462 phone: "(262) 723-3588" website: http://www.thelenconstruction.com rating: 5 review_count: 17 best_of_houzz_awards: 5 followers: 239 last_updated: 2026-08-26 --- # Thelen Total Construction Original Houzz profile: [Thelen Total Construction](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/thelen-total-construction-pfvwus-pf~276891923) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** General Contractors - **Location:** Elkhorn, WI - **Serves:** Whitewater, Burlington, Elkhorn, Delavan, Lake Geneva, Twin Lakes, East Troy, Williams Bay, Delavan Lake, Walworth, Fontana, Powers Lake, Lyons, Springfield, Lauderdale Lakes - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (17 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2015–2020), for Service, Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 25,000 Ideabook Saves For over four decades we’ve built some of the most distinctive and beautiful homes on Lake Geneva, Delavan, Whitewater, Lauderdale Lakes, Elkhorn and surrounding Walworth County, Wisconsin. While building beautiful homes is what we do everyday, we keep in mind that for each one of our homeowners, theirs is the only new home construction project that matters. I founded Thelen Total Construction in 1974 with one simple but important goal: To make your home building experience a positive and enjoyable one. Fostered in an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust with conscientious, honest, and straightforward communication. ### Services Provided - Home Additions - Custom Homes - New Home Construction ### Areas Served - Whitewater - Burlington - Elkhorn - Delavan - Lake Geneva - Twin Lakes - East Troy - Williams Bay - Delavan Lake - Walworth - Fontana - Powers Lake - Lyons - Springfield - Lauderdale Lakes ### Typical Job Cost $450,000 - 5 million Many variables will decide on the cost - from: Size of home Quality levels of materials Number & quality level of amenities Architectural design Designing the home to fit the site Home site variables – well, utilities, driveway length, etc. Ancillary Spaces – garage, deck, screen porches, sub-garage, etc. We design your home to your budget, giving you the information you need to make the right decisions. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Thelen Total Construction | | Address | Elkhorn, Wisconsin 53121, United States | | Phone | (262) 723-3588 | | Website | http://www.thelenconstruction.com | | Followers on Houzz | 239 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/thelentotalconstruction?ref=hl - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/pub/randy-thelen/15/76b/2a3 - Blog — http://www.thelenconstruction.com/2012/09/housing-market-way-recovery/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Thelen Total Construction](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/thelen-total-construction-pfvwus-pf~276891923) - **Website:** http://www.thelenconstruction.com - **Phone:** (262) 723-3588 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - NAHB Certified Green Home Building, ProfessionalNAHB Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist, Milwaukee Area Builders Edge Award, Professional Builder magazine - Best in American Living Award, GuildQuality Guildmaster Award, 2016 Best of Walworth County New Home Contractor - **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2015–2020), for Service, Design. **Affiliations** - [National Association of Home Builders](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/national-association-of-home-builders-pfvwus-pf~562065019) - [Lakeland Builders Association](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/lakeland-builders-association-pfvwus-pf~1041743420) - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/better-business-bureau-pfvwus-pf~1830530549) - [NAHB Certified Green Professional](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/nahb-certified-green-professional-pfvwus-pf~1100930283) - [NAHB Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/nahb-certified-aging-in-place-specialist-pfvwus-pf~471784673) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 17 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Connie Costello, Dec. 2019** > We recently tore down our old lake home and had Thelen construction build a new one. > We would highly recommend them. They worked in a professional manner with great attention to detail. > The project was completed in a timely manner ahead of schedule. > Randy had some great design ideas after listening to our many wants and needs. > It was a pleasant experience working with them. **★★★★★ — kscott43, Oct. 2018** > Thelen Total Construction built our dream house for us last year. From start to finish the project seemed to move forward seamlessly. Of course their were a few glitches along the way and these were handled professionally and seemingly effortlessly. The entire staff from project start to finish wa a pleasure to work with. The quality of workmanship is exceptional. Questions or concerns were handled efficiently and in a timely manner. We would highly recommend Thelen’s and the venders they recommended for lighting, flooring, countertops for your complete dream home. Our great appreciation and respect to this exceptional company. **Comment from Thelen Total Construction:** > Thanks so much for your feedback! We also enjoyed the home building process with you both. Your business and friendship is deeply appreciated. **★★★★★ — Lisa Bursich, Oct. 2017** > Randy and the whole Thelen crew are great to work with. The entire process was a good experience. We would definitely build with Randy again. **Comment from Thelen Total Construction:** > Thanks Lisa & Augi! It was great working with the two of you also. I am glad you were happy with the process, and are enjoying your beautiful home. **★★★★★ — Lakes Brick and Block, Feb. 2017** > Thelen Total Construction has been a customer of ours for over 25 years. We have had a very strong business relationship, along with a good personal relationship with Randy, Robert, and their work staff. We have had many opportunities to work a parade home for Thelen and have been able to appreciate the quality of construction which Thelen creates. The name says it perfectly, Thelen Total Construction. **★★★★★ — Mike & Judy O'Donell, Jan. 2017** > We work with Thelen Total Construction to open our current floor plain and also to do a total kitchen remodel. The total project from start to finish went great to the point we were totally amazed with the final results. Randy and his team were easy to work with and made the whole project non stress full. We would highly recommend Randy and his team. **Comment from Thelen Total Construction:** > Thank you Mike & Judy! It was a pleasure working with you on the kitchen remodel. **★★★★★ — Steve & Mary Schmitendorf, Jan. 2017** > Randy and the Thelen Total Construction team built us an outstanding custom home. They listened and incorporated our ideas into the project, which resulted in a high quality, well planned home. There were a few hiccups (as in any new construction) along the way, but our concerns were always addressed and resolved in a timely manner. We have no regrets and highly recommend Thelen. **Comment from Thelen Total Construction:** > Thank you Mary & Steve! We enjoyed working with you and really appreciated showing your beautiful home in the 2016 LBA Parade of Homes. **★★★★★ — Randy Norris, May 2016** > We are very pleased to be a very satisfied customer of Thelen Total Construction. They have a wonderful staff that is so easy to work with and Randy himself addresses every concern you may have during the building process. Quality workmanship!!! Great experience from start to finish. **★★★★★ — Donald Wickersheimer, April 2016** > Good morning, > After viewing Thelen Construction homes for several years that were part of the Lakeland Builders parade of homes we chose Thelen Total Construction to build our lake home based on the quality and workmanship they offered. > > Randy Thelen was the only builder that looked at our existing cottage we were thinking of remodeling and suggested tearing it down and building new and getting what we wanted vs. adding on to what we have. This was the best advise he could have suggested and we complied. > > Not only did we get a totally new home but everything that comes along with it at a cost that probably was not considerably more then a remodel / addition project. We were very pleased with the professionalism they exemplified , promises , timing, everything that goes along when building a new home. We would and have recommended Randy's company to prospective clients. **★★★★★ — billd412, Nov. 2014** > After visiting the Parade of Homes and observing the construction of homes on my lake it was Thelen Construction that stood out from the rest.. Through the whole process of design,budgeting, permitting, teardown and construction the Thelen team worked seamlessly with their knowledge of waterfront codes. Thelen and their choice of sub contractors made turning a vision into reality a pleasant experience with all their preplanning. I would definitely recommend and use them for any future projects.Bill & Diane D. **★★★★★ — loeds, Sept. 2014** > Thelen Construction completed our custom home in April 2012. We couldn't be happier with the results. We had a rough design idea and they were able to make it happen with added detail and refinements that make ours a truly one-of-a-kind, comfortable and efficient home. They were instrumental in securing a couple variances that made this house so unique. Follow up with the inevitable punch-list was excellent; they are not happy until you are happy. We are building a coach house nearby and are looking forward to working with them them again. **★★★★★ — mariecatherinerepp, Sept. 2014** > Thelen Total Construction designed and built an addition to our WI lakehouse. Our new space generously increased the size of the kitchen, added a huge family room, play room, remodeled bathrooms and a new upstairs bathroom. > We highly recommend Thelen Total Construction for their overall quality, integrity, superior workmanship, scheduling and accountability. The end result far exceeded our expectations, resulting in a lake home that will be enjoyed for generations. **★★★★★ — American Glass & Window, LLC, Dec. 2013** > Thelen Total Construction is a A+ builder / Remodeler > We have been working with them for several years now, and we hear nothing BUT good things from their customers about them. We are blessed to be a part of their contractors that they work with! ## Selected projects - [Modern Farmhouse Guesthouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-farmhouse-guesthouse-pj-vj~5538204) - Location: Lauderdale Lakes, WI - Photos: 10 - Description: This home was added to the homeowner's property to accommodate friends and family to the main retreat lake home. For large get-togethers, nothing beats the kitchen / dining room with two rectangular tables that can seat 24 guests! The modern farmhouse architecture is both rustic and contemporary, giving a casual vibe too the space. - [Powers Lake Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/powers-lake-retreat-pj-vj~2674672) - Location: Genoa City, WI - Photos: 24 - Description: This is a spacious lake home retreat, with a sophisticated interior design, which is both elegant and comfortable. This is a retreat that is designed to pamper the owners and guests with beautiful spaces to enjoy the lakefront during the warm months and enjoy the interior spaces - anytime of the year! - [Family Home Extraordinaire](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/family-home-extraordinaire-pj-vj~6546460) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - Description: Expansive lakefront home designed to be both elegant and family friendly. - [Lauderdale Lakes Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lauderdale-lakes-retreat-pj-vj~5968784) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - Description: This home was designed to be a casual weekend get-away. It has a casual transitional style vibe. Kid and pet friendly durable materials were chosen - as you have more important things, like food, family and friends to focus on when you are at the lake! - [Family Enclave on the Lake](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/family-enclave-on-the-lake-pj-vj~5970850) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - Description: We designed a roomy lake home that can fit EVERYBODY: Adults, children, spouses, grandkids, cousins, friends, etc. For the family that really enjoys spending quality time together at the lake - now they have a special get-away place with room for everyone! - [Vista View on Lake Geneva](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/vista-view-on-lake-geneva-pj-vj~82218) - Location: Lake Geneva, WI - Photos: 18 - Description: This home was built by Thelen Total Construction in 2003. In 2017, it was sold to another family who requested that we update the look to reflect their style and taste. We took the beautiful, distinctive home to another level. The soft contemporary exterior of siding, stone and glass is just the beginning of the architectural excitement that awaits you inside this home. Amazing views of Lake Geneva envelope you throughout the home. This home design incorporates soaring columns, differing ceiling… - [Whitewater Lake Area Estate](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/whitewater-lake-area-estate-pj-vj~5977483) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - Description: This comfortable cottage style home has a vibe that is both rustic, and contemporary. Black window trim, a black front entry door, white painted trim and gray background create a unique energy - the perfect backdrop for art and furnishings. - [Contemporary & Bright Lakefront home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-and-bright-lakefront-home-pj-vj~5978486) - Location: Elkhorn, WI - Photos: 9 - Description: Spacious lake home is perfect for entertaining. This unique home features a contemporary interior design which includes two-levels of screened in porch/patio: The Patio Screen Porch is adjacent to the Great Room. The Screen Porch on the 2nd level of the home is adjacent to the Master Bedroom Suite. - [Green Lake Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/green-lake-retreat-pj-vj~2289113) - Location: Elkhorn, WI - Photos: 36 - Description: This was a very special project, building this lovely traditional lake home get-away on a beautiful and spacious lakefront lot. At over 8,000 square feet - it was designed for ample space for overnight guests with 2 guest suites and a bunk room each for boys and girls. Many delightful places to congregate in the home making it a welcome retreat for the owners and the lucky guests. - [Tuscan Villa Home on Lauderdale Lakes](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tuscan-villa-home-on-lauderdale-lakes-pj-vj~2274003) - Location: Elkhorn, WI - Photos: 24 - Description: This Tuscan Villa style home fully addresses all the wants and must haves of a luxury retreat on the lake. Whether you are hosting a large gathering of friends and family or desiring a serene place to restore mind and body, this home is the ultimate in comfort and amenities. - [Classic Contemporary Lake Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/classic-contemporary-lake-home-pj-vj~2162601) - Location: East Troy, WI - Photos: 20 - Description: This lovely Lake Beulah home has a simple and clean design that gives both a sense of calm and energy to the spaces. It's a timeless modern style, instead of having a trendy look that can date your home to a particular era. So while it definitely has a contemporary look - we feel it's also a classic! - [Delavan Lake Get-Away](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/delavan-lake-get-away-pj-vj~81330) - Location: Delavan, WI - Photos: 21 - Description: A lake home is a special place. A place to un-plug and enjoy time with family and friends, far away from the noise and distractions of city life. This traditional style home is warm and inviting for all to share. We've created a home that will a legacy for future generations to enjoy. - [Lauderdale Lakes Family Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lauderdale-lakes-family-retreat-pj-vj~77763) - Location: Elkhorn, Wi, WI - Photos: 25 - [Vintage Cottage on the Lake](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/vintage-cottage-on-the-lake-pj-vj~317871) - Location: Elkhorn, WI - Photos: 30 - Description: This is a richly detailed home with lots of nostalgic architectural details. We designed and built a home that only looks like it's 100 years old, without the headaches that come from owing an actual 100 year old home! One with excellent energy efficiency, long-lasting, maintenance saving materials, a layout that functions for how you live today, and with all the modern electronics and appliances that add ease and enjoyment to your life. - [Rustic Retreat on Green Lake](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rustic-retreat-on-green-lake-pj-vj~104441) - Location: Elkhorn, WI - Photos: 18 - Description: We built this home in 2000. Professional Builder Magazine awarded it one of their "Best in American Living" awards for design excellence. It features a traditional exterior combined with a rustic interior reminicent of a Northwoods lodge. In 2010, we built an addition to the home that included a spacious screen porch with an outdoor kitchen, a second master bedroom suite, a bunkroom and three baths. Most of the photos here are of the addition project. - [Tuscan Lakeside Manor](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tuscan-lakeside-manor-pj-vj~90911) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 23 - Description: This architecture and interior home design is all about mixing the formal with the informal, the old with the new to create a home that is spacious, vibrant and inviting. You can't help but notice all the detailing that gives this home an European touch. - [Lake Effect](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-effect-pj-vj~76774) - Location: Elkhorn, WI - Photos: 14 - [Casa del sueno](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/casa-del-sueno-pj-vj~76261) - Location: Elkhorn, WI - Photos: 15 - [The Lodge on Middle Lake](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-lodge-on-middle-lake-pj-vj~771394) - Location: Elkhorn, WI - Photos: 27 - Description: The exterior of this lakefront home uses wood, stone and beams creating a rustic lodge look. Inside, the design and décor feature unifying craftsman and natural material elements, creating a cozy and casual ambiance. A wonderful escape from busy city life! The Interior Design firm - Katherine Elizabeth Designs helped create the unifying exterior and interior design shown. - [Green Lake Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/green-lake-cottage-pj-vj~81458) - Location: Elkhorn, WI - Photos: 26 - Description: We design and build many lakefront homes in Walworth County, Wisconsin: On Lake Geneva, Delavan Lake, Whitewater Lake and Lauderdale Lakes in Elkhorn, among the well known lakes in the area. This design integrates wonderfully with the property and draws it's inspiration from the great shingled seaside cottages of Newport and Cape Cod - with classic details throughout and a comfortable "at the lake" ambiance. [See all 24 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/thelen-total-construction-pfvwus-pf~276891923) ## Ideabooks - [Modern Rustic](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/131548029/list/modern-rustic) — 2 ideas - [Front door](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/130851947/list/front-door) — 1 idea - [Great Extertiors for Lake & Country Homes](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/43926392/list/great-extertiors-for-lake-country-homes) — 59 ideas - [Foyers & Mudrooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/43876942/list/foyers-mudrooms) — 24 ideas - [Master Bedrooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/43922579/list/master-bedrooms) — 30 ideas - [Master Baths](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/43870421/list/master-baths) — 38 ideas - [Sunroom](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/43883209/list/sunroom) — 17 ideas - [Bunkroom Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/43873437/list/bunkroom-ideas) — 13 ideas - [ManCave Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/45267758/list/mancave-ideas) — 26 ideas - [Awesome Screen Porches](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/43883225/list/awesome-screen-porches) — 33 ideas - [Powder Rooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/43922874/list/powder-rooms) — 28 ideas - [Bar / Recreation Room](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/43882921/list/bar-recreation-room) — 22 ideas - [Kid spaces](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/46930059/list/kid-spaces) — 6 ideas - [Laundry Room](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/43874706/list/laundry-room) — 8 ideas [See all 14 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/randythelen) ## Community Q&A **Q: exterior colors** *(in Photo Questions)* Will you share the color of shakes and trim please? A: Hi. This home was built in the year 2000. We don't have the information from that period, unfortunately. Please note outdoor photos of exterior colors can vary a lot, depending on the time of day and time of year too. I would suggest printing this photo, and bringing it to a paint store for color matching. **Q: What does the floor plan look like?** *(in Photo Questions)* I love the outdoor space and would like to see if this floor plan would work for us. A: Hi. This floor plan was designed to maximize the views of the lake, and also includes a screen porch, deck & under deck terrace place. **Q: Paint** *(in Photo Questions)* Hi, I was wondering if you could share the paint color for this room. It's beautiful. TY A: Good Morning. That is a nice shade of dark beige/taupe. I checked & this home was completed in 2012. Paint was provided from Sherwin Williams. The color - I could not find information on. Thinking it's possible they may not carry that particular color today. Also keep in mind that in a photo, color can look quite different depending on time of day the photo was taken, lighting and post production of the photo. **Q: island dimensions, aisle size** *(in Photo Questions)* Thank you! Would you mind sharing the dimensions of the island? how much space between island and cooktop? A: I was checking the cabinet supplier invoice to see if they put the dimensions on it - but unfortunately it was not included. You can probably "guestimate" based upon the chairs there - taking the average width of a chair into consideration. Plus the butcher block top is oversized to create a seating area. As for space between the island and the countertop by the back wall - I believe it's about 40". **Q: where is the kitchen table from?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Sorry, I don't have that information available. **Q: ceiling height?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The ceiling height is 10 feet. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-26.*