Advice on home builders (Grand Rapids, Forest Hills: sales, neighborhoods, buying)

[lou1999]

We are loooking to move to the Grand Rapids area. Unfortunately, we know nothing about the quality of homes built there. I've heard names such as Heartland, Eastbrook, Roersma and Wurn, Pulte, but I know nothing about them. We're looking for about a 2000 sq ft home, 4 bedrooms, built with good quality. Does anyone have builders they strongly recommend? Ones to avoid? Any help would be appreciated. We are looking in the Forest Hills area.

[magellan]

Originally Posted by lou1999

We are loooking to move to the Grand Rapids area. Unfortunately, we know nothing about the quality of homes built there. I've heard names such as Heartland, Eastbrook, Roersma and Wurn, Pulte, but I know nothing about them. We're looking for about a 2000 sq ft home, 4 bedrooms, built with good quality. Does anyone have builders they strongly recommend? Ones to avoid? Any help would be appreciated. We are looking in the Forest Hills area.

Eastbrook has some great neighborhoods, the homes are built pretty well. Pulte left West Michigan a few years ago, so I wouldn't buy a Pulte Home personally. Heartland never heard of. Roersma and Wurn I think are OK. Legacy Homes are pretty well built, despite the fact that I believe they are no longer around. John Halland builds a good home.

If you want info on specific neighborhoods, send me a message. I know a lot of people in the construction and development business.

What is your price range?

[beachmouse]

My parents' house was built by Koetje in 1982, and has held up very nicely over the years. They've only really ever had to do cosmetic updating and the usual roof replacement a couple years back.

[Glurknobia]

If you can, hold off until you can go to the Parade of Homes, that will give you the opportunity to take a look at what different builders are capable of in specific areas. We picked our builder because "we liked him" and thought he would be capable to take on our project. He wasn't and we've regretted it ever since. We're on the far SW side of GR so I doubt you'll run into him and I'll spare him the embarrasment of mentioning his name.

[magellan]

Originally Posted by Glurknobia

If you can, hold off until you can go to the Parade of Homes, that will give you the opportunity to take a look at what different builders are capable of in specific areas. We picked our builder because "we liked him" and thought he would be capable to take on our project. He wasn't and we've regretted it ever since. We're on the far SW side of GR so I doubt you'll run into him and I'll spare him the embarrasment of mentioning his name.

Well in regard to this, and lou1999's first post, I wouldn't even think about building a home right now. You're almost guaranteed to lose money. I'd look for an existing newly built home or a builder's spec home, for which you can get a great deal right now.

[lou1999]

We are trying to gage the quality of an existing home by trying to find out about the builders. For instance, there are entire neighborhoods built by Eastbrook. How good of a builder is Eastbrook? What about Heartland or any of the others? I know we can walk through a home to get an idea, but which builders have less problems with their homes once they are completed? Are there some builders whose homes we should stay away from? Just trying to get any advice/opinions we can.

[magellan]

Originally Posted by lou1999

We are trying to gage the quality of an existing home by trying to find out about the builders. For instance, there are entire neighborhoods built by Eastbrook. How good of a builder is Eastbrook? What about Heartland or any of the others? I know we can walk through a home to get an idea, but which builders have less problems with their homes once they are completed? Are there some builders whose homes we should stay away from? Just trying to get any advice/opinions we can.

We live in an Eastbrook home. Other than a few minor glitches, it's been great. One of the best features is the energy efficiency standards they use, which pretty much eliminates any kind of drafts (except through the fireplace box). And it makes our gas bill pretty cheap.

We love the neighborhood too.

[lou1999]

Thanks for the reply, Magellan. There are a lot of eastbrook homes. I'm glad to know you like yours. They seem to be in entire neighborhoods of Eastbrook homes. Is that how they build their homes?

[magellan]

Originally Posted by lou1999

Thanks for the reply, Magellan. There are a lot of eastbrook homes. I'm glad to know you like yours. They seem to be in entire neighborhoods of Eastbrook homes. Is that how they build their homes?

Yes, I think they like to have control over sales in the whole neighborhood.

[burger69]

We have a Heartland Home and I would never consider buying another one. Once the sale is done and you close on your house, any issues; they are gone in a flash! In fact its taken years and two lawsuits for Heartland to take responsibility for their work and their crafty worded warranty!
Stear clear!