Effingham Homes

"A BETTER WAY TO BUILD"

About Us

Effingham Homes, located in Effingham, IL, has been a trusted contractor since 1980, serving areas such as Effingham, Danville, Jerseyville, Decatur, Edwardsville, and beyond. With an expert in-house set-up crew boasting over 100 years of combined experience, we are dedicated to making your dream home a reality. In addition to building multi-family homes, we specialize in the construction of commercial buildings, modular homes, and more. Contact Effingham Homes today for more information.

Our Story

Effingham Homes is a time-tested, family-owned business, based in Effingham, Illinois, with an outstanding reputation based upon years of experience and knowledge in the manufactured and modular home industry. Established in 2001, our founding mission was straightforward – provide “A Better Way To Build” by offering well-designed, comfortable, and affordable homes for families in Effingham and the surrounding communities.

Thanks to decades of experience, the founder of Effingham Homes, Steve Thoele knows the industry inside and out. Going back to 1980 when Steve got his start in the industry setting homes for a local retailer; and then in 1987 he started his own company called Thoele Mobile Home Service, where he provided home transport services, setting and finishing homes and even rehabbing homes for the low-income community. This experience gave Steve a lot of insight into not just the shortcomings of the industry but most importantly how to improve on the industry as a whole. It wasn’t long before the decision was made in 2001 to open Effingham Homes, a business devoted to the local community, offering A Better Way to Build!

Almost 25 years later, the team at Effingham Homes includes skilled craftspeople, experienced management professionals, dedicated sales associates, and customer service representatives, and they are all are considered part of the Effingham Homes family, and when you build a home with us you are family too!
Like we said, Effingham Homes is a family business with Steve Thoele as the Owner/Operator, who still oversees each project Effingham Homes obtains. Tammy Wente (Steve’s daughter) holds the title of Office Manager but she is much more than that… Tammy is responsible for developing and maintaining our relationships with our builders and contractors, assists with home design, participates and organizes all trade shows, marketing and more! Tammy is an active member of the Effingham Area Home Builders Association, having served numerous terms as President. Undoubtably, her connection and dedication to Effingham Homes and the local community is invaluable. Steve’s brother, Kevin Thoele, who started in this industry straight out of high school, manages our team of service specialists at Effingham Homes. Kevin has 25 years’ service management experience and a vast knowledge of the manufactured and modular home industry, and he and his team deliver reliable, thorough, and efficient service. And of course, when the kids of the family reach working age most of them gain invaluable experience with their first job here at Effingham Homes!

Effingham Homes is proud to be a part of the Effingham, Illinois community, and we look forward to continuing to serve our neighbors with the same dedication and quality that has defined us from the beginning. Our journey is interwoven with the stories of the many families who have found their dream homes with us, and we consider this our greatest success. Whether we were building starter homes for new families, upscale residences for established professionals, or cozy spaces for those looking to downsize, we approach every project with the same level of dedication to quality and attention to detail. We believe that a home is much more than a house, it's where we find comfort, acceptance, and a sense of identity. It's where we plant gardens and put down roots. It's a place where friends and family can gather to celebrate and support one another. When looking for a place to call home, consider Effingham Homes and experience "A Better Way To Build."

Areas Served

Our Professional Associations

Better Business Bureau
Chamber of Commerce
Effingham Area Home Builders Association
Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Illinois Chamber of Commerce
Illinois Manufactured Housing Association (IMHA)
National Association of Home Builders
National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB)

What We Offer

Our Specialties include:

In-House Set-Up Crew with Over 100 Years of Combined Knowledge and Experience
Friendly, Educated and Educating Customers
Family-Owned and Operated

Our Services include:

Custom Designed, Quality and Affordable Manufactured Dream Homes
Single and Multi-Family Homes
Commercial Buildings
Home Builders
Financing
Delivery
Custom-Builds
Floor Plans
Custom Floor Plans and Quotes
Solid Foundation and Basement Set-Ups
System Built Housing
Off-Site and Short-Term Construction
Modular, System Built, Sectional Homes
Single, Double and Triple Wide
Turn Key
Conventional
First Time Home Buyers
FHA
USDA
HUD CODE
Rural Development
Illinois State Code

Testimonials

On 11/12/2025 Brenda Coleman had this to say:
Great experience across the board! Tammy is very knowledgeable and very helpful with all details down to the smallest. Crew is wonderful and show up when we were told they would be there, Kevin is great at his job and he does it with excellence. Effingham Homes does what they tell you their going to do, they meet dead lines, they are right beside you through whole process and still beside you after payment for home is made:) overall great company for building your forever home.

On 11/12/2025 Terry and Brenda Coleman had this to say:
No regrets, we highly recommend Steve Thoele at Effingham Homes. If you are looking for excellent service, best price for quality and someone (Tammy) right beside you the whole process the Effingham Homes is the place to go. Testimonial written by Terry and Brenda Coleman on this site.

On 11/13/2024 Bradley Maschhoff had this to say:
Very helpful and transparent people. We've talked to a lot of builders for a modular, and these people seem like they would be a great option, at least to stop in and tour the homes.

On 8/20/2024 Cathy Harrell had this to say:
Effingham Homes made it easy for my sister and I to purchase the home on behalf of my mother, Linda, while she was in Florida. As a summer home, she is very comfortable, the home is very attractive, she is very pleased and so are we. Thank you again for all of your help and input.

On 1/28/2023 Charles Wright had this to say:
Really nice people. Got a really nice home to enjoy the lake setting.

Contact Us

Effingham Homes
17962 US-45 Effingham, IL 62401
Phone: (217) 347-5868
Fax: (217) 347-8850
Email: homes@effingham-homes.com

Located on North US Highway 45. Two Miles North from Exit 162 at the Flashing Red Sign

Where To Find Us

Our Hours

Holiday Hours May Vary. Please Call For Details.

Monday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM If our normal business hours are not convenient please call us to schedule an appointment outside of our normal business hours
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM If our normal business hours are not convenient please call us to schedule an appointment outside of our normal business hours
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM If our normal business hours are not convenient please call us to schedule an appointment outside of our normal business hours
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM If our normal business hours are not convenient please call us to schedule an appointment outside of our normal business hours
Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM If our normal business hours are not convenient please call us to schedule an appointment outside of our normal business hours
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM If our normal business hours are not convenient please call us to schedule an appointment outside of our normal business hours

News

We are humbled and grateful to be chosen as the #1 Modular Builder/Dealer in the Effingham Daily News - People's Choice 2024! Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who took the time to vote for us. We are truly privileged to be a part of this wonderful community.
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

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FAQ

What makes Effingham Homes different from other contractors?

Effingham Homes prides itself on offering “A Better Way to Build”—focusing on well-designed, comfortable, and affordable homes. With a highly experienced in-house set-up crew and a family-oriented approach, they treat every customer like part of the Effingham Homes family.

How long has Effingham Homes been in business?

Effingham Homes was officially established in 2001, but its roots go back to 1980 when founder Steve Thoele began working in the industry. With over four decades of experience, the company has built a strong reputation for quality and reliability.

What types of homes and buildings does Effingham Homes specialize in?

Effingham Homes builds a variety of structures including modular homes, manufactured homes, multi-family residences, and commercial buildings. Their expertise allows them to tailor each project to meet the unique needs of their clients.

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