Builder Ratings (Denver, Boulder: townhome, new construction, contractors)

[michael1248]

Starting to look at various builder communities between Denver and Boulder. Just wondering if there is a site that rates or offers feedback on the reputation and/or quality of construction for the various builders. There are so many!

So far I am considering Ryland and Century. However, I'd love to learn if they build a solid product.

[JohnnyDenver]

Originally Posted by michael1248

Starting to look at various builder communities between Denver and Boulder. Just wondering if there is a site that rates or offers feedback on the reputation and/or quality of construction for the various builders. There are so many!

So far I am considering Ryland and Century. However, I'd love to learn if they build a solid product.

What one person may find acceptable, another may not. 30 yrs ago Pulte was consdered garbage by almost everyone. However, a friend bought a house by them and he loved it. Never had a problem.

[2bindenver]

It's more important to have the home inspected by an engineer than to choose a builder based on other peoples subjective opinions.

[emm74]

I think it's really almost the luck of the draw in terms of the individual superintendent and subcontractors you end up with. It's hard to say any particular builder is better or worse than another because every experience and individual home build is different.

I went with KB Homes in my build (no other options in my price range for my desired location anyway), and while I had some issues, it was all on finish work, and I feel comfortable about the structure itself, as did my home inspector. I did a foundation/pre-drywall inspection as well as a final inspection.

[ShampooBanana]

Are you looking at single family or attached homes (townhome or duplex)? I do know that Century is involved in some lawsuits filed over their townhome product in a few different locations due to major drainage issues because of how they laid out their buildings and improper consideration of drainage runoff. Something to keep in mind. Not sure if they've had any issues with their single family stuff. I don't know of any major problems with other builders in the area but as someone alluded to before it really comes down to the community and who the individual construction superintendent and subcontractors are and how vigilant the building inspectors are in whatever municipality/county you happen to be building in.

[alliern]

Just a suggestion, but maybe you might look into resales that are 3-5 years old in some of big box developer communities. That way you can find a home that still has modern finishes, but the settling will have taken place. Most often, you can get more upgrades (custom paint and flooring), a bigger deck or patio, and a landscaped yard in a resale. Otherwise, you pay through the nose for that with new construction or have to hire someone else to do those things after you move in.

It's not unheard of for builders to have a 12-15 month waitlist and lottery for new construction in the metro Denver area. Supply is lagging behind demand.