Builder Quality

[Kristen007]

Kristen007New Member

After a disappointing inspection on an existing home we are leaning towards new build for our VA Loan.

In your experience would you recommend any of these builders. We love the Ryan homes community but not too sure on builder. We are leaning towards Timberlake and CalAtlantic.

Ryan /NVR- . Best community but concerned about builder reputation.

Calatlantic -

Timberlake Homes

Lenner

Dan Ryan

 

[Salty]

All I can contribute is - stay away from stucco from any builder.

 

[Indiana Jones]

Builder quality can vary greatly from state to state as the quality is often based on the quality of the subcontractors.

Ask someone locally. Visit the construction sites where they are building.
If you do decide to build, visit the site as often as you can. Preferably, every day.

 

[Kristen007]

Thank You. We live in MD and I think the code is pretty high but I've noticed that some do the bare minimum as required by code.

 

[Sid Holderly]

Once you have a floor plan and window location do not change it. I have seen many less than stellar wall studding because the location of a window or door was changed & shortcuts were taken instead of rebuilding the whole wall. (taking out the original header and putting a new one) This would get covered up and not noticed if you do not regularly inspect. I recently completed draw inspections on a $500,000 house where this happened. Do not build more than you need. I have seen many large homes where funds were not left to furnish it. Complicated rooflines may look good, but every valley increases the potential for a leak. The more irregular the shape is the cost will multiply increasingly.

Draw inspections are used where the builder is metered out funds from the construction loan lender as the work in completed. I do not know how the VA works with construction loans.

I do not know any of the builders you list. My choice would be a local contractor of custom homes. They may take longer to build, but generally, have better-finished quality. Finished quality is not necessarily the quality of the material used. Go above contractor grade on windows and doors, however, top of the line does not always mean a higher valued home in the end.

Good Luck

 

[DTB]

IMO, there is way too much to do on a new construction house, as counter intuitive as that may sound. My brother had a new house built on a golf course. Construction delays. He never stopped working on it. Window treatments, repainting over builder white, adding a sidewalk around the back, putting in a service door on the garage, landscaping, brick patio, outdoor lighting, fence....

I'd much rather find a newer-<5 year old- house where a lot of this has been done already.

I actually prefer them at 25 years old, major components have been replaced (or need replacing and I can drive a bargain), any settlement issues that may have occurred are known and repaired. I just like to know that what I'm buying is what I'll be getting.

Good luck.

 

[Tim The Enchanter]

IMO, there is way too much to do on a new construction house, as counter intuitive as that may sound. My brother had a new house built on a golf course. Construction delays. He never stopped working on it. Window treatments, repainting over builder white, adding a sidewalk around the back, putting in a service door on the garage, landscaping, brick patio, outdoor lighting, fence....

Sounds like he was his own general contractor.
You can save or spend a ton of money, but the road goes on forever, and the party never ends.

 

[DTB]

Sounds like he was his own general contractor.
You can save or spend a ton of money, but the road goes on forever, and the party never ends.

No he was not his own GC. He bought a new construction tract house. All of those items were after he closed on the "finished" house.

 

[Tim The Enchanter]

No he was not his own GC. He bought a new construction tract house. All of those items were after he closed on the "finished" house.

But he GC or DIY the upgrades and extras, yes?

 

[DTB]

But he GC or DIY the upgrades and extras, yes?

Yes