DR Horton vs. Meritage for energy efficiency (Houston, Taylor: sales, house)

[CoreCore]

Is it true that Meritage build more energy efficient homes than DR Horton?

What are the pros and cons for both of these builders?

Thanks in advance!

[DSL_PWR]

I think you should call both builders and discuss this.

They both build great homes.

[toolfan91]

I don't know what type of insulation DR Horton uses, but Meritage uses the spray in insulation. While that's only part of the efficiency equation, it's a pretty big factor.

[Houston321]

Have you ever asked yourself...hmmm...spray foam...seems great, why aren't other builders using it, surely there are smart people at the dozens of other builders in town? You should google "Spray foam lawsuit"...or "spray foam class action"

[kindaclumsy]

We moved into our new Meritage home in April. As far as efficiency goes the house does stay a nice constant temperature however we run the fan and AC more frequently to help rid the inside of humidity as it has nowhere to escape.

On another note maybe you can get advice on DR Horton from others on the forum.

If you are going to go thru Meritage make sure you meet and get to know the Construction Manager WELL. Forget the sales people. The Construction Manager is the only person with oversight on the build process. Also, GET AN INDEPENDENT INSPECTOR. Get a bulldog inspector because they are the only ones who know what quality build looks like and will help back you up vs. the builder.

I would not recommend buying a Meritage home, they put us through the ringer and we almost backed out several times. Their sales people are not very helpful and provide vauge and most of the time untrue answers. Their building crews move too quickly to do a quality job which goes unchecked by Construction Managers.

[toolfan91]

Originally Posted by Houston321

Have you ever asked yourself...hmmm...spray foam...seems great, why aren't other builders using it, surely there are smart people at the dozens of other builders in town? You should google "Spray foam lawsuit"...or "spray foam class action"

Wow, I wonder if Meritage uses Demilec...

[cheryjohns]

Meritage had a big change in management a few years back - and customer service has suffered for it. The overall impression that I get is the customer is the enemy. Prepare yourself for a rocky road. DR Horton does not behave like that.

[Rip808]

We built with Meritage (twice), Brighton, and Taylor Morrison. Honestly, I didn't see much difference in any of them. The spray foam does help with the heating/cooling costs significantly. We haven't suffered from any headaches or anything of that nature. Beazer also uses Spray Foam.