Builders and Sub-Contractors (Hampton: apartments, condo, how much)

[AstuteVA]

Hi all,

I was hoping if some one could possibly tell me if it is true that all Builders (Pulte, Khov, Ryan and Centex) use the same Sub-Contractors?

And if so, how is that a company like Pulte has a better reputation for building quality homes compared to a company like Ryan Homes?

Thanks in advance!

AstuteVA

[DavidS827]

Yes, they all use subs. The difference between the quality is based upon how good or bad the project supervisor(s) is/are and how familiar your Realtor is with new construction.

I don't know many people that would say that Pulte has a better rep, or builds a better home than Ryan. If anything, they are pretty much the same...having been in many homes built by each, I would actually give the edge to Ryan. Their QC and follow is also better....IMO.

[AstuteVA]

Thanks, I appreciate the feedback.

[goldenmom7500]

I have a friend who really doesn't like Pulte, and she says (or "said" several years ago) that her "community" felt the same way, for what that's worth. Just not responsive to their concerns.

[stacylee926]

I can speak in general. Sub contractors go where the work is. If a builder is very busy and gives good subs plenty of work, they will stay with one builder (until another calls them of course). Right now in Hampton Roads, building is slow and steady, with more focus on apartments and condo's which keeps the subs very busy.

Chances are they all intermingle at some point.

[stacylee926]

As far as quality goes.... alot of it has to do with how much time the site supervisor has and the demand. What you are seeing now is inventory homes that were built during the end of the rush (therefore maybe some corners were cut or the builder was pushing the subs to finish fast vs quality). Mind you that inspections take place at many different times throughout the process - but even the inspectors were busy.

Houses built during peak time were built pretty quick, but that doesn't mean they are bad home. Right now the site supervisors have ALOT of spare time and are really nit picky at every phase.

[AstuteVA]

I appreciate very much all of the responses.

Thanks.

[HOME PRO]

most of the big cookie cutter home builders use illegals with one or two semi legal foreman telling the rest what to do .The quality of these home's is crap they do not use high quality high dollar subcontractor they all use the cheapest sub's that can get the job done quickly and as long as it looks good till the warranty they give you runs out that is all that matter's i am a real contractor and i have two crew's that only work to fix these abortion's built by the big guy's. Ask yourself one thing is a McDonald's cheeseburger that is made fast and cheap by the dozens. Any were close to as good as the one that is made by hand ,from scratch ,and prepared too perfection by someone that is actually gonna eat it?? Silly comparison but remember that the guy's who build these houses are the cheapest and fastest that can be found!!!!