DR Horton in Sterling Lakes, Pearland TX (Houston, Richmond: home builders, construction)

[Ladyberyl]

I'm considering a D.R. Horton home in Pearland but the reviews for this builder are abysmal. However, most reviews indicate that results vary greatly from location to location and there are significant quality variances based on personnel used in construction.

Has there been successful builds in the Houston area of late? I'm guessing that the project managers and other personnel will be similar in Pearland.

I'd prefer a Perry or Pulte home but I'm attracted to a particular lake view lot for this DR Horton build. Any feedback would be appreciated since I don't want to make a $300,000+ mistake! Perhaps I should hold out for another subdivision since there appear to be lots of homes being built in the Houston area.

[NTexas2010]

We built a DR Horton in Lakes of Bella Terra in north Richmond this past year. Given that it is a nation-wide builder, you are correct in that build quality will vary by job site, depending upon the foreman and the crew(s) on the job.

My advice, if you choose to go with DR Horton, is be on the construction site as much as possible (we were out there 3-4 times/week during the build); meet often with your builder; if you know anyone personally in construction, bring them with you for the pre-drywall walkthrough. Basically, stay on top of the situation and let them know you're watching the build. We found our job site was kept very clean and have been impressed with the quality of the build.

On top of that, the two issues we have had (backyard drainage, A/C unit was low on freon) were both addressed within 24 hours after putting in a warranty maintenance request.

[texasroots77]

I agree that some quality could vary from location to location. However it would seem that a national builder such as DR Horton would have standard building practices and guidelines. I would also be interested in if they seem to stand behind their product. This again should be something that is important to them and not vary from location to location. Have you checked BBB?

[DSL_PWR]

Home builders are only as good as the crews they hire to build their homes. We are seeing that all builders are having issues because crews are hard to find right now and build times are being pushed out.

Hire a private inspector to do a slab, frame, pre sheetrock, and final inspection.

Also, visit your build numerous time per week and take tons of pictures. Ask questions when things don't look right. It's better to ask than miss something.

Get everything in writing. No exceptions.

Make sure before you sign papers to close that the house is exactly the way you want it. If you do close and there is a punch list of items to be fixed then get that in writing and make sure your building agent, super, and warranty people sign it.

[Ladyberyl]

Thanks for the feedback and suggestions. If i do go with them, i will definitely hire an independent inspector who wants to preserve his/her reputation. I'll also watch them like a hawk.

The BBB has them rated A+ so that is why I find the bad reviews baffling. Also JD Powers ranked them higher than Perry Homes and many other builders in 2010. I'm beginning to think that although they have done shoddy work in a number of cases, D. R. Horton is a decent builder.