How do you "Rate" one builder against another?

[pattie609]

We just put a lot on hold with RYAN HOMES in New Jersey. I need to ask - How do we know that Ryan homes are reputable and we don't wind up in the Horror Story Forum in a few months when construction begins? Building our first new house and I'm losing sleep already (mortgage is pending etc etc) . What advice could you give to us when building a new home in a 30 home development? All the upgrades are skyrocketing our budget. Thicker padding=$2k more, also your opinions on Corian vs. Granite counters? My head is spinning-I truly appreciate your replies. Pattie in NJ.

[Cole]

Have you visited any of his other home sites?

If I were you, I would talk to people that already built homes with them and see what they have to say.

[pattie609]

I just read on their website that they are ranked at the 9th largest home builder in US. So far, I have not found any customer testimonals.. waiting to hear back from them. Thanks for your response.

[Cole]

The bigger the homebuilder doesnt always mean the best homebuilder.

Keep that in mind.

[Rich]

Unless they are in a niche market only - they're not listed in the top 100 homebuilders. Which all in all doesn't mean a thing. I'm with Cole - talk with some of their existing clients, if you can find them. Finding a previous client is the best way.. if you call their references remember that they are using them as a reference for a reason..

[Allan]

Patti:

Ryan Homes is a major homebuilder, size wise. Anytime you buy from a production builder, you are buying a lot of house for the money, but you are not buying quality. I don’t mean that in a negative way, these production builders deliver a lot for the money. But just like you wouldn’t go to McDonalds and expect a gourmet meal, don’t expect high quality from a volume builder. One positive point is that they do have the financial strength to make corrections and warrant your home and will probably be around for a while, as opposed to a small custom builder who may build a great house (at a much higher price) but may not be in business 10 years from now.

[rexmaster]

Try this:
http://www.jdpower.com/cc/homes/jdpa_ratings/FindHomeBuilder.jsp

[rabadger]

Are they letting you meet with the subs or are they trying to avoid it and just giving you limited choises.

[Dragon]

Definately speak with those who have purchased their homes before.

[rabadger]

I agree. You should find the past customers and knock on their door. They should not mind.