Best builders in Austin area? (Spring, Brushy Creek: houses, construction, schools)

[NewtoTexas2011]

We are contemplating a move to Texas this year and wanted to know about Stadard Pacific communities in the Austin area. We saw a topic about DR Horton and are hesistant from what we've heard. Someone posted a link to JD Power that said Standard Pacific was the highest rated builder and got a nearly flawless review but wanted to hear from others too. We don't need new constuction and would rather have resale for the savings in price. Can anybody tell me where the existing communities are by this builder? We have a budget of around $200,000 to $250,000. DH will be working downtown, so being as close to downtown is important to us. We are in our 30's with no kids but planning on starting sometime next year. Any place with better than average schools would be fine. Our two biggest needs are closeness to town and a solidly built house - not stick builders please!! Thank You!

[jobert]

This is what you are referring to:
Ratings | J.D. Power (http://www.jdpower.com/homes/ratings/home-builder-customer-satisfaction-ratings/austin/ - broken link)

I don't think they build that many houses here, but the few communities they have built are higher-end. The only Standard Pacific community I know of is next to SouthPark Meadows just north of Onion Creek. I'm pretty sure the houses are about $100-$120/sf, and range from around 2000sf to 3000sf (give or take a few hundred). Googlemap "National Park" for the street that runs though it - the community is called "Parkside at Slaughter Creek", and it's about 8-9 miles south of downtown with direct freeway access. For your price range, this is the best you can do in Austin. Good luck, and welcome to Texas!

[woodinvilleguy]

Standard Pacific has just started building in the Ranch at Brushy Creek. We looked at them but chose Drees instead and like it over the Standard Pacific.

[FueledByBlueBell]

We have a Meritage and aside from the usual issues (no information on upgrades, unorganized process and very slow) we are very happy with the house. I would feel comfortable with Taylor Morrison and Drees as well.

[LatinaLady]

Standard Pacific has homes from the 230s west of Austin in a community called Highpointe. They are also supposed to start building near Circle C in SW Austin in the Spring.

[athomasje]

I deal with some of the high end builders here in this area and are looking to build within the year. One of the builders that I am considering is Standard Pacific. I am in these homes weekly. High recommendation. Another good one would be Grand Haven Homes. These two would be the best with competivtive pricing. Now look at Grand Haven and see their clever ways of making a home, a home. Drees is a wonderful builder too but are not doing too well for the Austin area. Check out Park at Brushy Creek. Very nice area, growing, high sought location. Easy access to Austin. I wish I could tell you more but you are on a good thing with Standard Pacific. Check out the other builders in Brushy Creek if you get out there.

Good Luck!

[XLadylawX]

I opened up a drawer in the kitchen of a Drees home in Falconhead and was shocked by the shoddy quality. I like the look of Drees homes but don't know much more than that that drawer was a big turn-off. Quality kitchen construction is the single most important feature in any home I look at.

BTW, we just purchased a Standard Pacific Home and have been very pleased.

[llkltk]

I would say that Drees and SP have the same quality.

[WoodyTX]

I have no basis for comparison, but we're happy with our Centerra home in Silver Oak (just off Brushy Creek, between 183A and Parmer).

They use wet-blown, closed-cell foam insulation around the entire living space. The trim out is good, and the exterminator liked that all of the under-cabinet cuts were smooth, so he wouldn't catch himself on them.

[gdu]

We went custom, but as far as large builders, I think Taylor Morrison and Drees build the best home.