Upstream does not have a ~/debian directory, and modern versions of appraisal FTBFS on debian stretch. I was able to get a .deb built for a slightly modified, more modern version of appraisal using https://github.com/themusicgod1/appraisal
hope that helps in some way. -- GENERATION 26: The first time you see this, copy it into your sig on any forum and add 1 to the generation