KB Homes (Atlanta, Woodstock: low income, sales, new house)

[bc4672]

Does anyone out there have any positive stories with KB Homes? We are building a new KB home in the subdivision in Woodstock.

[BobKovacs]

Overall, KB is a decent builder from a structural/mechanical systems perspective, but their quality of fit and finish leaves a lot to be desired IMO. I knew a lot of people who owned KB homes in Las Vegas, and while they never had real issues, the paint, drywall, cabinetry and trimwork looked like crap.

We were in Atlanta a few weeks ago and toured the models at the KB Martha Stewart subdivision in South Fulton. The floorplans and decorating were very nice, but I couldn't believe how horrible the finish work was- rough-sawn edges, 1/8" gaps in miters, wood putty at joints that was painted over without being sanded smooth, runs in paint, jagged edges on tile, etc. If that's what the models looked like, I feel sorry for the people who bought the production homes.

A lot is going to depend on what you're willing to accept in your new house. Some folks will tolerate wavy walls, gaps in trim, rough surfaces, etc. Personally, I'll be my builder's worst nightmare with that stuff- it isn't tolerated in what I build (commercial), so I'm not going to allow it in my new home. Unfortunately, you'll never get them to provide a level of finish higher than the models, as they're supposed to "set the standard" that you saw when you signed your contract. So, if the models are OK, you can push to have your home look as good as that- if the model looks like crap, don't expect more from your home.

Bob

[bc4672]

I've been through the models a few times and haven't noticed anything that was done poorly. We have an appointment this week with the studio designers at the models for a few hours. I'll take a closer look at the details. We're going to higher an inspector to keep an eye on the house while it's being built. Thanks for your input

[BobKovacs]

It's tough for most people to notice issues in the models because they're so "wow'd" by the floorplans, the colors, and the picture-perfect decorating. Once you've gotten past all of that, little things will become much more evident.

Hiring an inspector is a great idea, but ask the inspector what types of things he'll be looking for- is he even going to comment on quality issues, or is it just code/safety/performance items? Many inspectors don't offer observations on anything subjective- they focus only on what can be objectively stated, so you may be on your own with the quality issues.

Bob

[Brewboy]

I would not touch a KB home with a 50 ft pole! They are just about one of the worst builders on the market right now. Good luck with this home as you are now stuck with it. You will notice that the quality of people that buy these homes are very much low income and the homes will be trashed within the first couple of years. Promise!! Have seen it so many times it's not even funny.

[Carat98]

Originally Posted by bc4672

I've been through the models a few times and haven't noticed anything that was done poorly. We have an appointment this week with the studio designers at the models for a few hours. I'll take a closer look at the details. We're going to higher an inspector to keep an eye on the house while it's being built. Thanks for your input

My friend does high-end finish work in homes and is a perfectionist. You would not believe some of the finished products he has seen!!!!

[Magdalene]

KB Homes are among the worst in the industry. They are notoriously cheap and the customer service is rock bottom. Within the last week there was a news story on KB Home owners in a development where unexploded bombs from a war time practice site were found on the majority of the properties. At one home 19 unexploded bombs were found. KB's answer is to remove them by scanning w a metal detector. Owners are losing their minds afraid to sleep at night. Now that the news is national they can't sell to anyone. KB has been indicted for having been aware of the bombs before construction.

Now by a KB Home! Pulte Homes.....same lo quality. Law suits coast to coast.

[Carol_pearl]

What is a KB home ????


Carol
Moderator cut: Removed

[jeffp40]

My daughter just had KB build a house off E Cherokee and was very satisfied. Good value.

[bc4672]

We have had a lot more problems than we expected. We go out there almost everyday. If I could do things over I would have gotten a buyers agent instead of going with KB's sales reps. Most have been useless. The builder is good about fixing things we notice. The bad part is we have to constantly tell them about things we find. I couldn't imagine being one of those families that wait until closing to walk through the house.