Building a home is more than picking out finishes and layouts. It’s about setting yourself up for comfort, savings, and peace of mind—every single day. At PLH Exclusives, we specialize in high‑performance homes that do just that. These houses don’t just sit pretty on the lot—they work smarter, cost less to run, and last longer.
If you’re thinking about building your next home, here’s how investing in a high‑performance design can pay off now—and for years to come.
Where We Build and Why It Matters
PLH Exclusives proudly builds in Northern Wisconsin communities—like St. Germain, Eagle River, Minocqua, and Boulder Junction—as well as Central Illinois, including the Peoria and Bloomington-Normal regions. Both regions are known for their natural beauty and outdoor lifestyle—but they also present unique challenges like seasonal weather swings, humidity, and rural site conditions. Long winters, humid summers, and remote properties make energy efficiency, durability, and low maintenance essential, not just nice to have. That’s where high-performance homes truly shine. Whether you’re building a vacation getaway or your forever home, our designs are tailored to thrive in this unique environment.
Energy Efficiency That Pays You Back
Winters? Long and cold. Summers? Hot, humid, and buggy—whether you’re in the woods of Wisconsin or the farmland of Central Illinois. A regular house might struggle to keep up. However, a high-performance home is built for the extremes, utilizing materials and systems that minimize the load on your heating and cooling systems.
With thick insulation, high-performance windows, and air sealing that prevents drafts, your home retains warmth in the winter and stays cooler in the summer. Combine that with an efficient HVAC system and zoned temperature control, and you’ve got year‑round comfort without monthly surprises on your utility bill.
In short? Less energy out equals more money in your pocket. And that adds up, especially when you’re heating a home through a Wisconsin winter.
Fewer Repairs, Less Stress
No one builds a house thinking, “I can’t wait to fix this in five years.” We get it. At PLH, we use materials that stand up—moisture-resistant drywall, fiber-cement siding, durable metal or composite roofing, and innovative water management systems.
These upgrades don’t just look good—they’re built to resist rot, mold, water damage, and the wear and tear that comes from living in a wooded, seasonal climate. And in Central Illinois, where farmland winds, intense storms, and temperature swings are common, those same materials deliver long-term durability and peace of mind. That means fewer phone calls to contractors, fewer urgent repairs, and more time enjoying your home.
And when something does need attention, it’s rarely a big-ticket surprise. That kind of predictability is a win for your wallet and your peace of mind.
Better Air Quality = Healthier Living
A high‑performance home isn’t just efficient—it’s healthier. Because the house is sealed tightly, we add balanced ventilation systems that bring in clean, filtered air and push out stale or polluted air. That helps control humidity, reduce allergens, and eliminate issues like mold or dust mites.
So you breathe better. Your kids breathe better. And you spend less on things like doctor visits, allergy medication, or emergency fixes, such as mold removal. It’s the kind of long‑term benefit that feels good and saves money without even thinking about it.
Built to Appraise Higher and Sell Faster
Efficiency and innovative construction aren’t just perks—they’re selling points. High‑performance homes often get a better appraisal and draw more attention on the market. Whether it’s the ENERGY STAR rating, quieter interiors, or the promise of lower monthly costs, buyers are taking notice.
In fact, homes built to higher performance standards tend to sell faster and at a premium. For people buying vacation homes in the Northwoods or building a forever home in Central Illinois, knowing they won’t have to worry about big energy bills or major repairs is a significant draw.
Insurance Savings from Smarter Design
Let’s talk resilience. Stronger homes—those built with impact‑resistant shingles, moisture barriers, and fire‑retardant materials—don’t just handle bad weather better. They also cost less to insure.
Many insurance companies offer lower premiums for homes that are less likely to suffer storm or water damage. By building it right from the start, you can see savings on your insurance bills year after year.
And since we stay current on what insurers look for, we help our clients get those perks whenever possible.
Smarter Water Use for Long-Term Savings
Water may seem inexpensive now, but costs increase, and wasted water can add up quickly. High-performance homes often feature low-flow faucets, dual-flush toilets, and rain-smart landscaping. If you’re using a private well, efficient water use also means less stress on your pumps and plumbing.
We design with native plants, rain gardens, and innovative irrigation systems to reduce water use while maintaining your property’s aesthetic appeal. That means smaller water bills, lower maintenance, and a more sustainable setup in the long term.
Fewer Surprises, More Predictability
Here’s a common story: A beautiful, six-year-old home suddenly needs mold remediation or a new HVAC unit. Not cheap—and not fun.
With high-performance design, such surprises are rare. Every part of the house is designed to function as a cohesive system, from the roof to the basement. That means fewer gaps, better drainage, and components that don’t wear out fast.
We walk you through all of this upfront—so you know what to expect, how to maintain it, and how it’ll perform. Your budget stays in your hands.
Built to Last—No Corner-Cutting
We don’t build fast and cheap. We build smart and strong. From advanced framing techniques to trusted brands in siding, roofing, windows, and HVAC, we’re picking materials that last for decades, not just until the next owner moves in.
This matters in the Northwoods, where snow loads, freeze-thaw cycles, and shifting weather can significantly impact a house. A high-performance home from PLH is built to withstand the challenge.
Attracting Buyers Who Care
Increasingly, people are seeking homes that are energy-efficient, low-maintenance, and environmentally responsible. Whether it’s younger buyers, retirees looking to age in place, or folks building a second home, these groups are prioritizing performance.
In both Northern Wisconsin and Central Illinois, that demand is growing. A smart, efficient home is one of the few investments that actually grows in value as it gets older because its benefits are built in.
Smart Controls for Smarter Living
Today’s high‑performance homes don’t stop at insulation. We also include innovative systems that allow you to control heating, cooling, lighting, and energy use from your phone. That’s not just convenient—it saves money.
Turn off the lights in the bedroom. Adjust your thermostat while you’re out fishing. Receive a text when your furnace filter needs to be changed. It’s about putting you in control of your home, not the other way around.
How PLH Exclusives Make It Easy
We don’t just draw plans and hand you a blueprint. Our process walks with you from the first idea to the final walkthrough:
- Start with a consultation – We get to know you, your land, and your goals.
- Performance design – Every part of the plan is made to work for comfort, savings, and long‑term value.
- Build it right – Our crews are seasoned, precise, and local. No cutting corners.
- Support after move‑in – We check systems, offer maintenance tips, and help with future upgrades.
We know the soil here. We know the seasons. And we know what it takes to build a home that earns its keep, year after year.
Ready to Build Smart?
Whether you’re planning a vacation home in Wisconsin or a family home in Illinois, a high‑performance home isn’t just a place to live. It’s a financial decision that pays you back in comfort, health, and long-term value. At PLH Exclusives, we design homes that feel good, perform better, and cost less to own.
Call us at (309) 704‑4282 to start your build. Or contact us to see what we’ve built—and what we can do for you. We serve clients throughout Northern Wisconsin and Central Illinois with custom designs that reflect your lifestyle and stand the test of time.
