This blog post ranks the best and worst home builders in Dallas, focusing on mid-range options priced between $400,000 and $1 million. Each builder is evaluated based on design, warranties, customer satisfaction, quality, communication, and contracts, providing a clear overview for potential homebuyers.
When it comes to buying a home in Dallas, choosing the right builder can make all the difference. In this post, we will rank the best and worst home builders in the mid-price range, specifically those priced between $400,000 and just under $1 million. We will evaluate each builder based on several criteria: design, warranties, customer satisfaction, quality, communication, and contracts. Let's dive in!
Highland Homes is known for its elegant and cohesive design, characterized by high-pitched roofs. However, buyers seeking variety may find their homes somewhat similar. Their median price is around $560,000, and they offer more two-story options than one-story homes. Grade: B+
Highland provides a standard 1-2-10 warranty, which is serviced directly by them, ensuring a smooth process for homeowners. Grade: B+
Despite an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, one in every 237 buyers has filed a complaint, indicating average customer satisfaction. Grade: C
Highland uses quality materials, and inspection reports generally come back clean. However, their inventory homes can lack the charm of their model homes. Grade: B+
Highland has been praised for its responsive communication and knowledgeable sales consultants. Grade: A+
While not the worst, Highland's contracts contain buyer-unfriendly terms, such as a convenience clause and no appraisal protection. Grade: B+
Overall Rating: A- (2nd Place)
Taylor Morrison leans towards two-story designs and offers a median sales price of $544,000. Their designs are fairly ordinary, lacking unique curb appeal. Grade: B-
They provide a standard 1-2-10 warranty serviced in-house, which is a positive aspect. Grade: B+
Despite an A+ BBB rating, one in every 209 buyers has filed a complaint, indicating a concerning level of dissatisfaction. Grade: C-
Quality has been mixed, with some homes receiving high praise while others fall short. Grade: C
Taylor Morrison has been noted for its strong communication, with knowledgeable sales consultants. Grade: A
Their contracts are average, allowing 45 days to secure financing but lacking in appraisal protection. Grade: B
Overall Rating: B- (8th Place)
KOB offers a balanced mix of one and two-story designs, with a median sales price of around $510,000. However, their homes often feature similar elevations, which may not appeal to all buyers. Grade: B+
They provide a standard 1-2-10 warranty serviced in-house. Grade: B+
KOB shines in customer satisfaction with an A+ BBB rating and only one complaint for every 1,824 buyers. Grade: A+
Quality is generally good, with clean inspection reports and happy clients. Grade: A-
Communication has been mixed, with some difficulties during negotiations but improvement once under contract. Grade: B
Their contracts have several buyer-unfriendly terms, including limited site visits and a convenience clause. Grade: C
Overall Rating: B+ (4th Place)
Toll Brothers excels in design variety, offering everything from ranch-style to Mediterranean homes. Their median sales price is $641,000. Grade: A+
They provide a standard 1-2-10 warranty, which is typical in the industry. Grade: B+
Despite an A+ BBB rating, one in every 130 buyers has filed a complaint, indicating significant issues with customer satisfaction. Grade: D
Quality can vary by community, with some homes receiving high praise while others do not meet expectations. Grade: C+
Toll Brothers has been noted for their professional communication and smooth transactions. Grade: A+
Their contracts contain concerning elements, including a requirement to liquidate assets if needed to close. Grade: B-
Overall Rating: B- (6th Place)
Perry Homes offers a strong selection of one-story homes, with a median sales price of around $575,000. Their designs often feature high-pitched roofs and modern styles. Grade: A
They provide an excellent 2-2-10 warranty, which is superior to most builders. Grade: A+
Despite an A+ BBB rating, one in every 194 buyers has filed a complaint, which is concerning. Grade: C
Perry Homes generally delivers beautiful homes, but they use thinner sheathing materials. Grade: A
Communication is generally good, though some sales consultants can be pushy. Grade: A
Their contracts contain several unfavorable terms for buyers, including a non-negotiable termination fee. Grade: C
Overall Rating: A (1st Place)
Normandy specializes in two-story homes with a median sales price of $746,000. Their designs lack versatility. Grade: B+
They use a third-party warranty provider, which is less favorable than in-house options. Grade: B
With an A+ BBB rating and only one complaint in the past year, their customer satisfaction is impressive, though data is limited. Grade: B+
Quality is generally high, with clean inspection reports. Grade: A-
Communication has been inconsistent, improving once under contract. Grade: B+
Their contracts include several concerning clauses, including a convenience clause. Grade: C
Overall Rating: B+ (3rd Place)
First Texas Homes offers versatile elevations, particularly for two-story homes, with a median sales price of $680,000. Grade: A+
They provide a standard 1-2-10 warranty, which is average. Grade: B
Despite an A+ BBB rating, one in every 144 buyers has filed a complaint, indicating issues with consistency. Grade: D
Quality has been hit or miss, with many homes lacking solid construction. Grade: C
Communication has been professional and smooth during negotiations. Grade: B+
Their contracts are concerning, requiring money down before seeing the contract. Grade: F
Overall Rating: C- (9th Place)
Drees Homes offers a wide variety of one and two-story homes, with a median sales price of $840,000. Grade: A+
They provide a disappointing warranty structure with only a one-year warranty. Grade: C
Drees has a C- BBB rating, with one complaint for every 266 homes closed. Grade: C
Quality is generally good, but they use thinner sheathing materials. Grade: B+
Drees excels in communication, providing extensive online resources. Grade: A+
Their contracts include a convenience clause but allow for multiple inspections. Grade: B
Overall Rating: B+ (5th Place)
Coventry leans towards two-story homes with a median sales price of $600,000. They offer good design flexibility. Grade: A
They provide a standard one-year warranty, which is below average. Grade: C
Coventry has an F rating with the BBB, with one complaint for every 46 homes closed. Grade: C
Quality is inconsistent, with only 35% of reviews scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Grade: C+
Communication has been decent, with responsive sales consultants. Grade: B+
Their contracts include several unfavorable terms, including a builder fee. Grade: B+
Overall Rating: C+ (7th Place)
Choosing the right builder in Dallas can be a daunting task, but understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each can help you make an informed decision. Whether you prioritize design, warranties, or customer satisfaction, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of the best and worst builders in the area. Happy house hunting!
