Best Builders? (homes, service, floor)

[ajgranda]

Who do you get to inspect your homes out there? Is it a another builder or a licensed home inspector? We had a lic inspector here in NY and he was terrible. That's why I was thinking a good general contractor may be best for inspecting.

Originally Posted by MicheleVanDetti

The most important thing to do is get a home inspection. Even the best builders can build a bad home. Our last home was a Pulte, and it was falling apart after 3 years. We moved into a KB home and haven't had a single problem. A home inspection will usually cost you under 500 dollars. It's best to know what's going on.

[MicheleVanDetti]

Originally Posted by ajgranda

Who do you get to inspest your homes out there? Is it a another builder or a licensed home inspector? We had a lic inspector here in NY and he was terrible. That's why I was thinking a good general contractor may be best for inspecting.

The best thing to look for is ASHI certification. I'm a Realtor and have a few companies I trust completely. Message me privately if you're interested.

[brownshoe]

We've had personal experiences (us and friends) with Lennar (I think they are another company now), Pulte/Del Webb, Shea, Ryland, Trend, Morrison, and KB. The most positive feedback was from Pulte and KB would be at the bottom. But I am sure there is some Pulte buyers who are unhappy, and KB buyers who are very happy with their purchase. If you are looking to move into a new subdivision, find the superintendant or construction manager and get a feel for him and the crews working in the area. And by all means get an inspection. We have paid $300 for them in the past, but the prices could have gone up. And I would make sure they are certified by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI)-I think their organization has been around the longest and has the toughest requirements (not just a fly-by-night organization that you just have to pay a fee to become certified). The inspector will give you a professionally made 'presentation' of the inspection-listing the major areas/components of the house (electrical, plumbing, etc.) and let you know what should be fixed. They also will (or should) give you other helpful tips for the house, as well as point out things that are not incorrect (per code) however should be fixed by the builder as well. We took our list and gave it to the builder before the final walk-thru and everything was fixed when we closed. And usually you get the "100% coverage" from the builder the first year in your home (but I know Morrison homes gives 2 years) and some people will get another inspection to hand it to the building before that anniversary date.

[ajgranda]

Thanks for all the information. I will make sure the inspector is ASHI certified.

[robinaz]

Originally Posted by samdan

Hacienda! One of the best.Small local builder.I think they always make the list for best builders in az.

We love Hacienda. We purchased in late 2002 and really enjoy our home. Energy efficient, 2x6 construction, open floorplan with high ceilings and awesome customer service.

We would buy from Hacienda again.

[nitram]

There are no good builders today. They're all profit motivated and not customer orientated. Not like it was 30-40 years ago when you got quality and a good bang for the buck.

[azloafer]

I do not like the JD Powers ratings for anything and this is why. JD Powers always takes their ratings when something is brand new, not one year old. In other words they use an owner to rate a home builder in the first 30 days instead of the first 90 or 180 when the owner can really tell what problems they find. They do this on cars and everything that they rate. There was an article about this in the USA Today some time ago.

[jvogle]

Hi,

We have a Shea home and we had extremely good experience with it. I would stay away from Lennar (and its family of homes). They do not build good homes. We thought they had a good reputation and maybe at one time they did but they have bought over other builders and have sunk to poor construction. We unfortunately were dupped into a false sense of quality in a home we own in Delaware. Nothing but problems. We will have to over time rebuild the entire house I am afraid.

I am not saying that there absolutely no problems with the Shea home -- they were minor and CUSTOMER CARE WAS great.

I wish I had kwown after J D Power -- understand Lennar ranks very low -- I wonder why!!!

Jacquie

[hrb]

The quality of what is built depends very much on the builders' oversight and the subcontractors. Toll is well-known, but not necessarily the best builder; QA and control of subcontrcators has been poor at some sites. If you want a reasonably priced sound home w/ reasonable finishing touches, a smaller local builder may be best.

[AZ Tracy]

Originally Posted by sheena

I can tell you Ashton Woods are crooked.

May I ask what your experience was with Ashton Woods?