Better builders in NJ (Edison, Camden: condos, custom home, buying)

[Sampy123]

Does anyone know which builders have the better reputations? Would appreciate any input as to whom to search out and whom to avoid, thanks.

[Roselvr]

Where are you looking? We've walked every builder in Camden & Glouster counties. There were a few that stuck out, Tim Schaeffer had a really nice product, unfortunatly, the schools were bad. The other is Richmond Homes who we ended up buying from. So far the experience has been good, although we won't be in our new home until next year. Orleans also had nice houses but were pricy.

[Sampy123]

Not exactly sure what area we're going to wind up in, but schools won't be an issue as my daughter will be finishing up high school. She'll end up going to a local college; my boys are already settled in college.

We're looking for a location with reasonable train access to NYC for my husband's work. I'd love to head for one of the southern counties, but unfortunately, my husband is not ready to retire just yet. Once they all get out of college, only THEN will we consider retiring, lol! For now, commuting into NYC is a priority for him, so we thought we'd start looking around now for areas and builders.

Can't get NJ out of my blood, I just love it here, even with all of it's problems. Any suggestions as to what area to begin our search in? Thanks for the recommendations on the builders, I'll do some research on them.

[BobKovacs]

Problem is, most of the new construction near train stations that are a reasonable commute to NYC is going to be highrise construction. All of the big builders (KHov, Toll Brothers, Lennar, etc), have pretty much given up on single-family in central and northern NJ, and are focusing on highrise condos.

You can find spot-lot construction, where a house gets torn down and a new one built- there's a lot of that going on around Edison (which would be convenient to Metropark). However, be prepared to pay close to $1 million for most of them, and still not get anything really spectacular- just big.

Bob

[Roselvr]

Do you have a price in mind?

[Sampy123]

I was just inquiring about the different builders out there, haven't even thought about price yet. I'm already in Edison, it's a great town with great schools. Can't believe how people buy homes here (and they're not cheap to begin with), drop them to the ground and then build McMansions.

Commuting from Edison into the city is a breeze; I wouldn't give up the NY Broadway shows for all the money in the world. I'm in no rush to leave here, but when the time comes, I just want to make sure I do my homework and pick the right builder. I appreciate your input, thanks.

[shelly2]

My husband is an executive with a building supply company in NJ and has been for nearly 30 years. His fave buiders, built to last, in two price ranges are DeLuca for the budget, mass product person. Their homes are in the 200,000 and up, but they don't build in all areas. They really do a great job, very good attention to quality in all parts of the home. Looks like a semi-custom home..almost. For the "sky is the limit, secret weapon, my husband will kill me for saying this, but he only builds one a year any way for those who can afford him builder" is **** Barna. He is a straight up guy, quality, quality, quality and and a one in a million building experience here in Jersey. Stay FAR AWAY from KHov unless you really don't have the time to research anything else. We GC's our own home 14 years ago here in Hunterdon County, but if I ever hit the lottery I'm calling Barna.

[Roselvr]

Shelly, thanks for adding your thoughts about Deluca. It's one builder we didn't walk due to him not having anything (may have had 55+) in the areas we looked.

[Sampy123]

Shelly,
Well, I don't think I'm hitting the lottery anytime soon, so it looks like Barna is clearly out of the question, lol. I'm shocked to hear about KHov, but thanks for the heads up on that. I'm going to look up DeLuca and see where they're building. Thanks!

[MatNicki]

Originally Posted by Sampy123

Does anyone know which builders have the better reputations? Would appreciate any input as to whom to search out and whom to avoid, thanks.

Paradise Knolls Builders (www.bergenbuilders.com) is extremely reputable. We had a large addition put on with them- very professional, on the job everyday, honest and great to work with. I have recommended them to several others and everyone is extremely happy with their work.