Who is a good NEW home builder in Lancaster (Philadelphia: real estate, appliances)

[Cleanmaxx Brian]

Hi all,
I have heard of so many problems with new homes and their builders (Toll Khov. etc). My question is, who is a GOOD new home builder in the Lancaster county area?

My price range is 300 - 350k
3-4 bedroom
2300 sq ft or bigger

I also do not want any appliances as I will be suppling them. Most builders will give an allowance right?

Thanks.

[teachbeach]

Found this website for you....

Home Builders in Lancaster County, PA

I've seen quality work by Stephen Black, Keystone and E.G. Stoltsfuz. Black is in to building BIG houses ($500+) but at this point I'm sure any of them would build to specs.

[Cleanmaxx Brian]

I saw a Keystone house I liked...hmmm

Thank you Teachbeach!

[jenb625]

HI All!
New to this site. My husband and I are looking at homes in the Lancaster, PA area. We are looking into building a house and came across Keystone Custom Homes. We are trying to do our research before we get into any agreement and regret our decision. Has anyone heard anything about this builder good or bad? I've been googling, but haven't found much on reviews. Thanks!!

[lititzman2003]

The houses in our development were built by Berks Homes and Pusey-Rafflesberger. Very few complaints about either builder. I know someone who had a house built by Keystone and they're happy with it, jenb625.

[ricksr]

Keystone built our home in SoLanco in 1992 and did a good job for the most part. Had a few problems but were all taken care of quickly. They have done a lot of houses and developments in southern Lancaster and Chester counties in the past 10 years or so.

[Amish_Tour_Guide]

Cleanmaxx and Jenb..... I've been working in the construction business in Lancaster for almost 20 years. Right now I'm doing framing/carpentry for an Amish gentleman. I've worked on EG, Steve Black and Berks construction homes. I wouldn't hesitate to have any of these builders build my house. Keystone is another good builder. While I never worked with them, I do know many of their subscontractors ( framing/siding/roofing ) and can't say I've heard anything terrible about them. Probably the development you choose to live will determine who builds your home. If you own your own land and want to build a custom home, I can put you in contact with my boss. We mainly work in the Philadelphia suburbs ( Main Line ) where folks are tearing down $500 + homes and building larger mansions. We also do many Amish homes in Lancaster county that would be in the size and price range you mentioned. (I know, you probably think Amish build their own homes? Well, they use to but now many of them will get a general contractor to oversee the building process.) Anyway, if you're serious about buiding a home, send me a private message. I will send you some contact info. Wont hurt to see what we offer.
Thanks
Charlie

Lititzman, I probably worked in your development. Glad to hear you are happy with your house.

[lititzman2003]

Originally Posted by Amish_Tour_Guide

Cleanmaxx and Jenb..... I've been working in the construction business in Lancaster for almost 20 years. Right now I'm doing framing/carpentry for an Amish gentleman. I've worked on EG, Steve Black and Berks construction homes. I wouldn't hesitate to have any of these builders build my house. Keystone is another good builder. While I never worked with them, I do know many of their subscontractors ( framing/siding/roofing ) and can't say I've heard anything terrible about them. Probably the development you choose to live will determine who builds your home. If you own your own land and want to build a custom home, I can put you in contact with my boss. We mainly work in the Philadelphia suburbs ( Main Line ) where folks are tearing down $500 + homes and building larger mansions. We also do many Amish homes in Lancaster county that would be in the size and price range you mentioned. (I know, you probably think Amish build their own homes? Well, they use to but now many of them will get a general contractor to oversee the building process.) Anyway, if you're serious about buiding a home, send me a private message. I will send you some contact info. Wont hurt to see what we offer.
Thanks
Charlie

Lititzman, I probably worked in your development. Glad to hear you are happy with your house.

Thanks, Charlie. It's in Newport Square behind the Bonfield School. Built about six years ago. We got alot of bang for our buck.

[mandisb8]

I am currently building a home with Keystone and can not stress enough DO NOT BUILD WITH KEYSTONE. My husband and I have had nothing but issues. It all started with our first home advisor who miscalculated pricing several times (she was up to $15,000 off at times). They offered a second home advisor to us. It was good at first. BUt that has all changed now. Pricing was again miscalculated by about $10,000.
Then for our design center appointment, it was less than accomodating. The designer would only meet with us during a weekday. Both my husband and I had to take vacation days from work to meet with her. There are very few options with Keystone unless you want to pay thousands and thousands for the smallest things. Beware that when you upgrade your siding you are left with 3 color choices. Even though our house was about $300,000, we were given the same flooring and cabinet options as a home that costs $100,000.
Keystone has since then began to cut costs to save themselves money--not me. They placed our house 45 feet from the street when our lot is over an acre. We brought this to their attention before they poured the foundation. They quickly poured the foundation the next day so we could not force them to move the house back. When we inquired as to the reasoning for it being so close to the road, they stated in an email it saved them money and we should have read a plot plan closer and paid them to put it back further. Our house is now at a minimum of 15 feet closer to the road than any other house in the development. Not to mention the back of our house ends before our neighbors even begins.
Keystone has since gone back on many things they have promised and pushed all of the blame back on my husband and I. They do not believe the customer is ever right. This has been a very stressful process and I will never again build with Keystone or recommend them to anyone.

[hereshecomes]

My husband has sold real estate for almost 20 years, and we'd never buy a home built by Keystone for the reasons mandisb8 mentions. Lots of cost-cutting moves that result in lots of complaints. Just because they will fix it "under warranty" doesn't mean it's not a hassle.