Choosing the right home builder is a big decision that can impact your future happiness and financial well-being. Adair Homes, Hiline Homes, Lexar Homes, and True Built Homes are four popular options. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses. In this article, we’ll compare these builders based on their history, quality of construction, pricing, customer reviews, customization options, and additional services.
Key Takeaways
- Adair Homes is known for its on-your-lot building program but has higher prices and limited customization options.
- Hiline Homes offers flexible floor plans and shell home options, allowing homeowners to finish the interior themselves.
- Lexar Homes is a franchise model that provides generous standard features and energy-efficient homes.
- True Built Homes is independently owned and offers personalized options and competitive pricing.
- Customer experiences vary, so it’s crucial to research and speak with past clients before making a decision.
Comparing Home Builder Histories
True Built Homes: Independent Ownership
True Built Homes stands out due to its independent ownership. The company is owned by a single individual, which often translates to a more personalized approach to home building. This independence allows for greater flexibility and attention to detail. The owner, Lewis D. Mann, has extensive experience in the industry, having worked with other builders like HiLine Homes and co-founding Reality Homes. This background gives True Built Homes a unique edge in understanding the intricacies of on-your-lot home building.
Adair Homes: Pioneers in On-Your-Lot Building
Adair Homes has a long history of pioneering the on-your-lot building model. Founded in 1969, Adair has built thousands of homes across the Pacific Northwest. Their experience and longevity in the market make them a reliable choice for many. However, their focus has traditionally been on more standardized home designs, which might limit customization options.
Hiline Homes: From Framing to Full Builds
Hiline Homes offers a range of services from framing to full builds. They are known for their willingness to build
Quality of Construction and Materials
True Built Homes: High-Quality Standards
True Built Homes stands out for its commitment to high-quality construction and materials. They use steel-reinforced foundations and engineered wood I-beam floor trusses, ensuring a sturdy base for your home. The exterior features whole-house cement horizontal lap siding, which is often an upgrade for other builders. Additionally, True Built Homes includes seamless aluminum rain gutters and Owens Corning wrap for added durability.
Adair Homes: Design and Repetition
Adair Homes focuses on a few set designs, which allows them to perfect their construction process. While they offer decent quality, the materials used are often the most affordable options to keep costs down. This approach can sometimes lead to the need for future repairs or upgrades.
Hiline Homes: Customization Options
Hiline Homes offers a range of customization options, allowing you to tailor your home to your specific needs. They provide various choices for interior and exterior materials, giving you the flexibility to upgrade where it matters most. However, the cost of these customizations can add up quickly.
Lexar Homes: Standard Features
Lexar Homes includes many standard features that other builders might consider upgrades. Their homes come with energy-efficient windows and high-quality insulation, making them a good choice for those looking to save on utility bills. However, the franchise model means that the quality can vary depending on the location.
Pricing and Value
True Built Homes: Competitive Pricing
True Built Homes stands out for its competitive pricing. They follow a straightforward philosophy: don’t charge for features that clients typically want. This approach means you get a lot of value for your money. While other builders might lure you in with low base prices, you often end up paying much more after adding essential features. True Built Homes offers a more transparent pricing model, which can save you money in the long run. They also provide a clear distinction between options that add value to your home and those that are merely lifestyle choices. This helps you make informed decisions without affecting your home’s appraisal negatively.
Adair Homes: Higher Price Points
Adair Homes is known for its higher price points. They offer a range of set designs, and while some customization is possible, it often comes at a premium. The quality of materials is generally good, but the costs can add up quickly, especially if you opt for upgrades. It’s essential to carefully consider which materials and features you want to invest in to get the best value for your money.
Hiline Homes: Shell and Customization Costs
Hiline Homes provides a unique option with their shell packages, allowing you to complete the interior work yourself or hire your own contractors. This can be a cost-effective choice if you’re handy or have connections in the construction industry. However, if you prefer a fully finished home, the costs can rise significantly with customization and upgrades. They do offer some flexibility in floor plans, but be prepared for additional charges.
Lexar Homes: Inclusive Base Pricing
Lexar Homes offers inclusive base pricing, which means that many standard features are already included in the initial cost. This can make budgeting easier, as you won’t be hit with unexpected expenses for essential items. Their franchise model ensures a level of consistency across different locations, but it’s still important to review what is included in the base price to avoid surprises. Energy-efficient features are often part of their standard package, adding long-term value to your home.
Customer Experiences and Reviews
True Built Homes: Owner’s Perspective
True Built Homes often receives positive feedback from homeowners. Many appreciate the company’s commitment to quality and personalized service. Homeowners frequently mention the high-quality materials and craftsmanship. They also value the transparency in pricing and the flexibility in customization options. Overall, True Built Homes has built a reputation for delivering homes that meet or exceed customer expectations.
Adair Homes: Mixed Reviews
Adair Homes has a mix of positive and negative reviews. Some customers praise the affordability and the ability to build on their own lot. However, others have reported issues with communication and delays. It’s important to thoroughly research and read reviews to get a balanced view of what to expect.
Hiline Homes: Initial Impressions
Hiline Homes generally receives favorable initial impressions from customers. Many appreciate the company’s straightforward process and the variety of floor plans available. However, some reviews mention that the quality of finishes can vary, so it’s crucial to stay involved throughout the building process.
Lexar Homes: Positive Feedback
Lexar Homes is often praised for its inclusive base pricing and high-quality standard features. Customers frequently highlight the energy-efficient designs and the generous allowances for fixtures and finishes. Many homeowners feel that Lexar Homes offers good value for the price, making it a popular choice among those looking to build a new home.
Customization and Flexibility
True Built Homes: Personalized Options
True Built Homes stands out for its personalized options. They offer a wide range of customization choices, allowing you to tailor your home to your specific needs. From moving walls to selecting finishes, True Built Homes provides flexibility that many other builders do not. Their approach ensures that your home is truly unique and fits your lifestyle perfectly.
Adair Homes: Limited Customization
Adair Homes offers some customization, but it is more limited compared to other builders. They focus on a set range of designs and options, which can restrict your ability to make significant changes. While this can streamline the building process, it may not be ideal if you have specific customization needs.
Hiline Homes: Flexible Floor Plans
Hiline Homes provides flexible floor plans that allow for some degree of customization. You can make changes to partition walls and select from various finishes. This flexibility makes it easier to adapt their designs to better suit your preferences, although it may come with additional costs.
Lexar Homes: Generous Allowances
Lexar Homes offers generous allowances for customization. They provide a variety of standard features and options that you can choose from, making it easier to personalize your home. This approach gives you the freedom to make your home feel more like your own without incurring significant extra costs.
Additional Services and Features
True Built Homes: Standard Features
True Built Homes offers a range of standard features that set them apart from many competitors. Their homes come with a 4” garage floor slab, which is often an upgrade with other builders. Exterior plumbing includes two frost-free hose bibs, and exterior lighting is provided at all exterior doors, with additional canned lights in porches if the plan calls for it. Inside, you’ll find a comprehensive electrical package that includes a 200-amp service, multiple outlets for telephone, Cat 5, and cable TV, as well as a microwave outlet. The heating system includes an electric furnace for homes larger than 1,400 sq. ft., with an option for natural gas at an additional cost. True Built Homes also includes high-quality kitchen and bath cabinets, tile backsplashes, and a variety of floor coverings as standard.
Hiline Homes: Franchise Differences
Hiline Homes operates on a franchise model, which means that the services and features can vary depending on the location. Generally, they offer a range of customization options, from framing to full builds. Each franchise may have different standard features and upgrade options, so it’s essential to check with your local Hiline Homes office to understand what is included in your build.
Lexar Homes: Energy Efficiency
Lexar Homes places a strong emphasis on energy efficiency. They incorporate advanced building techniques and materials to ensure that their homes are not only comfortable but also environmentally friendly. Standard features often include energy-efficient windows, high-quality insulation, and HVAC systems designed to reduce energy consumption. This focus on energy efficiency can lead to long-term savings on utility bills for homeowners.
Adair Homes: Vertical Integration
Adair Homes offers a vertically integrated building process, which means they handle everything from design to construction in-house. This approach allows them to maintain high-quality standards and offer competitive pricing. Adair Homes also provides a variety of additional services, such as site evaluation and financing options through Adair Financial. Their comprehensive approach aims to make the home-building process as seamless as possible for their clients.
Final Considerations for Choosing a Builder
Evaluating Your Needs
When choosing a home builder, it’s crucial to first evaluate your specific needs. Consider the size, style, and features you want in your new home. True Built Home offers a range of personalized options that can cater to various preferences, making it easier to find a design that fits your lifestyle.
Comparing Costs and Value
Price is always a significant factor, but it’s essential to look beyond the initial cost. Compare what each builder includes in their base pricing. True Built Home is known for its competitive pricing without compromising on quality. This can provide excellent value for your investment.
Assessing Customer Service
Customer service can make or break your home-building experience. Look for builders with positive feedback and a reputation for good communication. True Built Home often receives favorable reviews for its customer service, which can give you peace of mind throughout the construction process.
Making an Informed Decision
Finally, gather as much information as possible about each builder. Visit model homes, read reviews, and talk to past clients. This will help you make an informed decision. With its high-quality standards and competitive pricing, True Built Home stands out as a strong contender in the home-building market.
Conclusion
When choosing between Adair Homes, Hiline Homes, Lexar Homes, and True Built Homes, it’s essential to consider your unique needs and budget. Each builder has its strengths and weaknesses, and what works for one person might not work for another. Adair Homes is known for its quality but comes at a higher price. Hiline Homes offers flexibility with their shell options, allowing you to finish the interior as you like. Lexar Homes stands out for its energy-efficient features and comprehensive standard packages. True Built Homes prides itself on offering high-quality standard features at competitive prices. By thoroughly researching and comparing these builders, you can make an informed decision that best suits your needs and ensures you get the home of your dreams.
