Worst to Best Homebuilders According to Online Reviews

Buying a home is more than just a financial transaction. It's a significant step toward securing your future and creating a space where you can truly feel at ease. Yet, behind those glossy brochures and perfectly staged model homes, many buyers encounter unexpected construction issues. Cracks, leaks, and other hidden defects can arise after you've signed the papers, leaving you questioning the quality of your investment. 

Today, we're taking a closer look at some of the biggest names in homebuilding—LGI Homes, D.R. Horton, Clayton Homes, Pulte Homes, and Lennar—to see if they live up to their promises or if the reality is much different.

Key Insights

• All five companies have earned low ratings on PissedConsumer, with ratings hovering around 1.5 to 1.8 stars out of 5.
• Builders often fail to take responsibility for defects, leaving homeowners frustrated and without the proper resolutions to issues that should have been addressed under warranty.
• Approximately 40% of the cost of a building project is attributed to poor quality.

Clayton Homes: “Nothing but a scam ”

Clayton Homes specializes in modular and manufactured homes. Since 1956, they’ve built over 1.5 million homes, offering an affordable solution for many buyers. But here’s the thing: affordability doesn’t always equal durability.

Clayton Homes markets their properties as energy-efficient, with some even carrying LEED certification. However, the real-world performance of these homes can vary according to buyers. Issues such as faulty plumbing and electrical systems have been reported.

According to PissedConsumer reviews, while some customers appreciate the home designs, floor plans, and appearance, frequent complaints include poor manufacturing quality, cheaply made materials, and the sale of damaged, defective homes.

Clayton Homes rating

Clayton Homes has 774 reviews on PissedConsumer, with 93% of them being negative. This has resulted in an average rating of 1.4 out of 5 stars. Clayton Homes customer service is also poorly rated, scoring only 1.3 stars.

In review #6057781, the user shared their frustration about the company:

They'll promise you the moon to get your deposit but once they have your money, that's where the good service stops.

Clayton Homes warranty

To address these concerns, Clayton Homes offers a 1-year limited warranty covering materials and workmanship. Some models also include a 5-year extended service plan for critical systems like HVAC and roofing. While these warranties might provide some peace of mind, it’s important to consider how well they address the specific issues buyers have faced.

For example, one buyer has found it difficult to get Clayton to honor these warranties, with repairs often delayed or incomplete. After moving in, he discovered plumbing and electrical defects.

Clayton Homes financing

When it comes to financing, Clayton Homes offers in-house mortgages through Vanderbilt Mortgage. While this simplifies the process, some buyers have expressed concerns over misleading terms and high interest rates.

Despite its affordability, Clayton Homes has been at the center of many legal disputes. One case involves a couple, who sued the company over water damage in their manufactured home. 

D.R. Horton: “Not willing to make things right”

D.R. Horton has been in business since 1978 and has constructed around 900,000 homes, making it one of the largest homebuilders in the U.S. But does its size guarantee quality?

D.R. Horton offers everything from budget-friendly homes to higher-end options, boasting durable roofing, energy-efficient windows, and ENERGY STAR® appliances. They emphasize modern plumbing and electrical systems designed to meet industry standards. Yet, despite these claims, some homeowners report issues like uneven floors, faulty plumbing, and significant delays in repairs.

Customers appreciate the floorplans, design, and convenient locations, but many are disappointed with the workmanship, deceptive warranty practices, and the company’s lack of follow-through on promises.

One customer had to reach out to the corporate office several times, waiting months before seeing any progress on their repair requests. They also shared their frustration:

Perhaps, one of the most frustrating issues, is that theres ZERO accountability and ZERO quality control.

D.R Horton rating

With 759 reviews on PissedConsumer, D.R. Horton has a 1.5-star rating. Their customer service, however, has a 1.4-star rating, though most customers remain dissatisfied after contacting the company. Surprisingly, despite 92% of negative reviews, 67% of users would still recommend D.R. Horton to others. 

D.R Horton warranty

D.R. Horton backs its work with a 10-year structural warranty and a one-year warranty covering things like plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. Sounds reassuring, right? However, some homeowners say the response time can be slow, and the repair quality doesn’t always meet expectations. 

After moving into a brand-new D.R. Horton home, a reviewer started noticing serious issues. First, the foundation began to shift, then the HVAC system broke down repeatedly. As if that wasn’t enough, drainage problems soon followed, adding to the list of headaches.

D.R. Horton financing

D.R. Horton offers in-house financing, but some reviews mention concerns about transparency. The company has also been involved in lawsuits over issues like mold and water damage.

Lennar: “Just don't”

Lennar is one of the oldest and most established builders, dating back to 1954. With over a million homes under their belt and operations in 26 states, you’d think the experience would mean smooth sailing. But does it?

Lennar homes are often outfitted with modern features like ENERGY STAR® windows and smart home tech, especially in their higher-end communities. But here’s the catch: their more affordable homes, particularly those aimed at first-time buyers, don’t always include these upgrades.

According to PissedConsumer users, the company's strengths include its sales representatives, home design, and location. However, common complaints highlight Lennar’s refusal to accept responsibility, poor customer service, and lack of care for customers.

Lennar rating

Lennar has 580 reviews on PissedConsumer, and 91% of those reviews are negative. This way company gained 1.5 stars out of 5, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction among customers. Users who contacted Lennar customer support were also mostly unsatisfied, leaving a rating of 1.2 out of 5 stars. Interestingly, 25% of users would still recommend Lennar to a friend or colleague. 

Lennar warranty 

Lennar offers a one-year warranty for workmanship and materials, covering things like plumbing and electrical. There's also a two-year warranty for major systems and a 10-year structural warranty for serious issues like foundation defects. Sounds reassuring, right? However, actual experiences with these warranties can vary.

In one review, a customer shared that after moving in, they immediately noticed several issues, such as cracked tiles, paint on bathroom cabinets, and a faulty oven. After five months, they discovered chips and dents on their kitchen cabinets. When they requested repairs, a representative claimed they should’ve noticed the damage during the walkthrough. The reviewer felt blamed for pre-existing damage, with no resolution provided.

She also told me that even though there was pen marks and writing on my baseboards, if I had the painter come out to fix, they would not come back again within my 1 year warranty even if I had another issue.

And it doesn’t stop there. Lennar has faced lawsuits, like a notable case in 2020, where Florida homeowners sued over water damage due to poor exterior cladding. 

Lennar financing

Lennar, as D.R. Horton, offers in-house financing through Lennar Mortgage, formerly known as Eagle Home Mortgage, providing options like conventional, FHA, VA, and jumbo loans. They also have incentives for closing costs and special deals for qualified buyers.

Pulte Homes: “They will not do anything”

Next up is Pulte Homes, which has built more than 775,000 homes since 1950. They specialize in family-friendly suburban communities, and they claim their homes often meet ENERGY STAR® standards, which are supposed to help with long-term energy savings. Pulte Homes claims to use high-quality materials like durable roofing, advanced insulation, energy-efficient windows, and high-performance HVAC systems. 

However, a homeowner who bought a Pulte home left a review #6110729 on PissedConsummer about ongoing cracks and concerns about the foundation. In review #5519114, another buyer shared that they dealt with issues like a faulty AC, peeling stucco, mold, and a bent garage door.

In both cases, Pulte's customer service response was disappointing, offering only quick fixes that didn’t solve the underlying problems. These experiences showcase poor construction and customer service, leaving homeowners frustrated and stuck with an unresolved issue.

Pulte Homes rating

With 524 reviews on PissedConsumer, Pulte Homes has earned an average rating of 1.6 out of 5 stars. One recurring complaint is unresponsive customer service, with only 2% of issues successfully resolved. 

Pulte Homes warranty

Pulte Homes offers a 10-year structural warranty for major components like footings, walls, and roof sheathing. They also provide a 2-year warranty for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems and a 1-year warranty for materials and workmanship. However, customers often report long wait times for repairs and inconsistent responses to warranty claims.

One homeowner had severe mold issues in his home that worsened his asthma. Despite multiple requests, Pulte has yet to take meaningful action, and Terrell continues to live in dangerous conditions. Situations like this raise questions about the builder’s commitment to quality and customer care.

Pulte has also been involved in several legal disputes. According to myfloridalegal.com, they settled a $4.7 million lawsuit over building code violations and warranty denials, agreeing to pay for repairs and improve construction practices.

Pulte Homes financing

In terms of financing, Pulte offers in-house options through Pulte Mortgage, which can be convenient. However, as always, it’s a good idea to compare rates from other lenders before making a final decision.

LGI Homes: “Cheap isn't just the price”

LGI Homes is a newer builder, founded in 2003. By now, they’ve built over 50,000 homes, primarily catering to first-time buyers with affordable, entry-level homes. Their "move-in-ready" model offers homes complete with landscaping and appliances, located in fast-growing areas like Texas, Arizona, and Florida.

LGI Homes claims to use durable materials such as composite roofing, vinyl siding, and engineered wood flooring to keep costs low while maintaining a decent quality standard. The homes also feature basic energy-efficient systems like standard-grade units and low-E windows. 

While some customers find the location, homes, and pricing appealing, many express dissatisfaction with poor customer service, unresponsive support, and an overall lack of care from the company. Nevertheless, 25% of users would still recommend LGI Homes to others.

LGI Homes rating

LGI Homes has 551 reviews and holds an average rating of 1.8 out of 5 stars. However, the number of dissatisfied customers is still high, reaching 81% of negative reviews. Customer service experience is also wary. The average duration of customer service calls is 2 hours and 3 minutes, but only 3% of issues are successfully resolved. 

LGI Homes warranty

LGI offers a 10-year structural warranty, but their 1-year materials warranty has failed some homeowners. Slow customer service has been a frequent complaint, further complicating the resolution process for homeowners.

One homeowner, who shared review #3544929, is highly dissatisfied with LGI Homes' post-closing service, mentioning that the issues identified during the walk-through were never fixed. The reviewer also notes that this delay led to mold growth on the walls.

11 month after closing and Im still calling them to see when they are going to get it fix. My warranty expires next month and my problems are not fix.

LGI Homes financing

On the financing side, LGI also offers in-house financing through LGI Mortgage, simplifying the process with low down payments and flexible credit score requirements. However, some buyers have reported feeling pressured into financing without fully understanding the terms, which emphasizes the need to look around for better rates.

How to Pick the Right Builder

Buying a home isn’t just a financial decision—it’s emotional, and it’s personal. With so much on the line, it’s essential to make an informed choice. Here are a few key takeaways to help you decide:

1. Checking Reviews: Reviews from actual homeowners can provide a fuller picture than marketing materials, showing both the good and the bad. Talk to several builders to get an idea of what is possible, create a pros and cons list, think through the decision, plan for potential delays, and leave budget room for any increases in construction materials.
2. Understanding Warranties: Knowing the details of a builder’s warranty and how responsive they are to claims can help avoid future frustration.
3. Comparing Financing: Exploring external financing options might lead to more competitive rates or clearer terms than in-house options.
4. Inspecting Legal History: Builders with a history of lawsuits related to construction quality might indicate a risk. Checking legal records could reveal patterns to be aware of.
5. Talking through concerns: Monitor your home throughout the construction process. If you have questions about something you see in your home, send pictures or videos to the builder’s agent. The same goes for documenting issues. Make notes, take photos, and shoot videos. Save it all. 
6. Involving a Building Inspector: Bringing in an independent building inspector could help you spot things that might not be obvious, like foundation cracks, electrical issues, or plumbing problems. It’s a simple way to ensure there aren’t any hidden surprises that could end up costing you later. 
7. Contacting the home builders’ association: If you need more information before or during the home building process, you can find lots of advice from the NAHB, the National Association of Home Builders. There are checklists to help if you want to start the process of finding a home builder that’s right for you. 

Choose the Right Home Builder for Your Needs

Purchasing a home is a significant decision, and trusting a builder is a critical part of that process. While major homebuilders like Lennar, D.R. Horton, Clayton Homes, Pulte Homes, and LGI Homes offer attractive pricing and modern amenities, consumer reviews paint a picture of dissatisfaction with both the construction quality and customer service. Before you make this life-changing investment, make sure you’ve considered not just the price, but what’s behind the walls. Let us know in the comments which builder you’re considering, or write a review about your experience.

*Disclaimer: Ranking and statistics are based on our users’ review texts and Pissed Consumer posters’ reviews. Also, a company’s rating is calculated using a mathematical algorithm that evaluates the information in the profile, including users’ rating, the number of resolved issues, the number of company’s responses, etc. The algorithm is subject to change in the future.