Quality of Construction

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Irvine Wanna Be_IHB

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I know that everyone is looking at prices right now but does anyone know or know how to get information regarding the quality of the construction of the developers? Do we know if a Lennar home is better than a William Lyons home, etc..? How are the main developers out there and which ones have the best construction in Irvine?

This is the list of developers that I have come up with, please feel free to add to it.

Lennar

John Laing Homes

William Lyons

California Pacific Homes

Richmond American Homes

K. Hovnanian Homes

Taylor Woodrow
 
Having worked for a couple of homebuilders, I would tell you there isn't much difference in quality of construction among the major players. They generally use many of the same sub-contractors, and they all must pass their housing inspections. Houses built during the peak of the rally may suffer from quality issues because the builders were sometimes forced to use sub-contractors of dubious repute, but by and large, you won't find much difference between them. I would add that all of them have poor construction standards when compared to reputable custom home builders. If your willing to spend more on construction, you get a better product.
 
Lennar and William Lyon Homes are fairly decent (it's all generic contractor's quality stuff anyway). William Lyon Home's after-sale warranty service is good. KB Homes... only builder I know that invites the new owner in for walk through when there's a big hole in the wall, and you use up the "defect marking tape" roll after just 2 rooms.

Your experience may vary. I happen to have had very good experience with William Lyon Homes and bought several condos from them over the past decade. Master bedroom's sink counter chipped off at the corner after few months of use, they sent contractors over to replace the whole thing. Patio screen door wasn't sliding very well, they sent contractors over to adjust, then replace the whole door. Water stains in garage ceiling -- 7 years after it was built, they sent an inspector over with moisture detection equipment to make sure it wasn't a pipe leak the same day that I call them.

I'm not saying that the quality of their workmanship or materials is so much better, I just like their service.
 
Thanks IrvineRenter and momopi. All good stuff to know. I'm also wondering with the condos and attached townhomes, do they put cement in between the floors and on the side walls to reduce the neighboring noise? I read some complaint in this forum about noise from adjacent townhomes. It seems like something they should do systematically considering the living space is basically on top of each other or right next to one another but of course, it will cost more.
 
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