Best Builders in Colorado: is Beazer one? Others? (Sanford: sales, renting)

[LisaCACO]

now that we've really started the house hunt, I'm wondering about new home builders. this is the first time we've bought a relatively new home (our last home was built before WWII) and we're worried about quality of construction, cutting corners, etc. we like the more traditional layouts of some homes, particularly Beazer homes, but I'm wondering about the quality of construction. Can anyone tell me in particular about this builder? I'd also like to hear about other builders in the colorado area (we're looking in denver metro, specifically centennial/ south aurora for now, at the moment, The Farm). I'm just wondering if these are solidly built. Pardon me for being suspicious, but I'm of the opinion that they don't build things like they used to. Now that we're renting here in HR, it's become apparent that at least whomever built this home really decided to do a less-than-100% job, lol. anyhoo, any guidance would be appreciated .

I should add here that we will not be buying directly from the builder, but will be buying a home that was built recently, meaning in the last 8 or so years.

[sterlingj]

Beazer Homes has a good reputation. My favorite builder in the area, though,is Village Homes. They tend to have very nice floor plans, build quality, and community design. Definitely try to avoid KB Home, though ---their homes are garbage.

[formercalifornian]

My in-laws live in an older Village Homes neighborhood (mid-80's). I don't care for the floorplan of their house, but I'm impressed by the quality of construction. The property has held up well over the past couple of decades, and the neighborhood has also matured nicely.

[Noahma]

you are very good to be suspicious, with the production builders no matter which one, i would find a good inspector to visit the home several times during construction. Beazer does have a pretty good rep here in colorado, but that does not mean that they dont cut corners, most of the production builders will cut corners here and there, its just a matter of which corners, and if they get caught. As others had said, Avoid KB like the plague.

[denverian]

John Laing built our house (2005) and we love it. They have great customer service and no problems with since day one.

[2bindenver]

An inspection is key.

Sanford was bought by Beazer. Sanford was a solid builder for more than two decades.

Village, John Laing, Shea...are my current favorites. DR Horton & Ryland are hit and miss. Mostly dependent on the construction supervisor.

[hargertr]

I have always liked Ryland, they have good quallity and I love the floorplans. Also you dont have to upgrade everything to make the home fit for people. They have closed out a lot of their developments and have not opened new ones yet so hopefully they are in your area.

[goldenmom]

We currently live in a Ryland home and are pretty happy with the construction. Our last house was a Richmond home and we felt that it was very poorly made. However, I have talked to others who love their Richmond homes. I am going to guess that it may depend on what crew is building the homes at the time.

I found it to be the same situation when we were finishing our basement. We had to let one contractor go due to poor workmanship. The second contractor was awesome!

[Noahma]

If you visit the lot frequently, and bring up tons and tons of questions, along with having a very good inspector doing regular visits, you will most likely get a better home. Especialy if you are picky.

[NickMan7]

We have an Engle home and absolutely LOVE it! The floorplans are VERY open and every square inch of floor space is used somehow (whether it's that little extra bit in a closet for one more pair of shoes or a niche in the laundry room for a clothes rod - a space that otherwise would've been drywalled over). I have only spoken with one person who dislikes her home, mostly because of the sales office, not the craftsmanship.

I would avoid KB for sure, as many other posters noted. I was also not impressed with D.R. Horton or Richmond, as even spec homes (evidently move-in ready) had severe wall damage (horizontal cracking - a sign of massive settling) and doors that didn't open.

Other builders I thought were exceptional during our house hunting were Village Homes, Markel Homes, John Laing and Remington.