When it comes to finding the perfect new construction home, buyers have plenty of options to choose from. Two of the most well-known national home builders are Adams Homes and D.R. Horton.
Both companies have long histories of building quality homes across multiple states, but they each offer unique advantages and disadvantages for homebuyers to consider.
This comprehensive guide will compare Adams Homes and D.R. Horton across key factors like cost, quality, customization, customer service, and more to help you determine which builder is the best fit for your needs.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Aspects | Adams Homes | D.R. Horton |
| Overview | Regional home builder operating in the Carolinas and Florida since 1991 | Largest homebuilder in the US, operating in over 90 markets since 1978 |
| Home Types | Single-family detached homes and townhomes | Detached homes, townhomes, condos, active adult communities |
| Home Styles | Traditional, craftsman, cottage, farmhouse | Traditional, craftsman, modern, transitional |
| Home Sizes | 1,200 – 4,000+ square feet | 800 – 5,000+ square feet |
| Starting Prices | $200,000s – $500,000s | Low $100,000s – $700,000s |
| Quality & Materials | Higher-end finishes and details | More value-focused with stock materials |
| Customization | Flexible structural changes and finishes | Limited changes to floorplans and finishes |
| Green Building | No green certifications | ENERGY STAR certified homes available |
| Warranties | 1-year workmanship, 2-year systems, 10-year structural | 1-year workmanship, 2-year systems, 10-year structural |
| Customer Service | Direct relationship with project manager | Less personalized service, reputation for delays |
Pros of Adams Homes
- Quality Craftsmanship and Materials
Adams Homes prides itself on building high-quality homes, using better construction techniques and higher-end materials than many competitors. While D.R. Horton focuses on affordability, Adams aims to provide move-in ready luxury with thoughtful details and premium finishes.
Their homes feature hardwood flooring, granite countertops, custom cabinetry, and tile work. With an emphasis on craftsmanship, Adams homes have a more custom, built-to-last feel.
- Flexible Customization
One major advantage of Adams is their flexibility with customizations. Buyers can work directly with an Adams project manager to make structural changes to floorplans, such as adding or removing walls or modifying room sizes and layouts.
Adams offers a robust selection of finishes as well, from cabinets to flooring to lighting fixtures, allowing you to put your personal stamp on the home. This sets them apart from large builders like D.R. Horton that limit customizations to keep costs down.
- Strong Local Reputation
As a regional builder operating in the Carolinas and Florida, Adams has developed a strong local reputation for quality, service, and care put into each home.
Online reviews consistently praise their attention to detail, responsiveness, and expertise guiding buyers through the home building process. Satisfied homeowners say Adams truly listens to what customers want.
This local focus and familiarity with local markets gives Adams an advantage over national giants like D.R. Horton.
- Resale Value
The higher-quality materials and workmanship of Adams homes makes them likely to hold their value better over time compared to more starter-level homes like D.R. Horton’s.
With custom finishes and flexible floorplans tailored to buyer needs, Adams homes come closer to mimicking custom-built homes, which tend to appreciate more than speculative homes. This gives Adams an edge when it comes to resale value.
Cons of Adams Homes
- Higher Prices
The key trade-off with Adams is higher prices, with base prices starting in the $200,000s up to over $500,000. Their focus on quality materials and craftsmanship comes at a premium.
Adams caters more to move-up and luxury buyers compared to D.R. Horton’s value-focused approach. First-time buyers or those with tighter budgets may find it difficult to afford an Adams home.
- Limited Geographic Availability
Since Adams is a regional builder, their homes are only available within the Carolinas and Florida. Those looking to buy outside of those states will have to go with a national builder like D.R. Horton with broader reach.
Even within Adams’ active states, they may only build in certain cities or counties. This limits options for buyers who need or want to purchase in other locations.
- No Green Certifications
Eco-conscious buyers should note that Adams currently does not offer any green certified homes, unlike D.R. Horton which has ENERGY STAR options. Adams homes do still likely meet or exceed local building codes for energy efficiency.
But without green verifications, Adams lags behind some competitors when it comes to sustainable and efficient construction.
Pros of D.R. Horton
- Affordable Pricing
The number one advantage of D.R. Horton is affordability. As the largest homebuilder in the country focused on first-time and move-up buyers, D.R. Horton offers very competitively priced homes starting in the low $100,000s up to the $700,000s.
This makes them accessible to a wide range of buyers. Their size and purchasing power also allows them efficiency advantages in procuring materials to keep costs down. value-focused approach targets a broader buyer pool than the higher-end Adams.
- Broad Geographic Reach
With a presence coast-to-coast in over 90 major markets across 29 states, D.R. Horton has extensive geographic availability that Adams lacks. This gives homebuyers flexibility and options to purchase a D.R. Horton home nearly anywhere they need to move for work, family, or other reasons.
Whether relocating or buying locally, D.R. Horton’s national footprint is a major perk.
- Diverse Product Offerings
From first-time homes to luxury estates, high-rise condos to 55+ communities, D.R. Horton offers much more diverse product types than Adams’ focus on single-family homes. D.R. Horton builds homes across the spectrum, from entry-level to luxury, giving homebuyers ample options as their needs change over time.
Their breadth of offerings attracts buyers at all stages of life and accommodates growing families.
- ENERGY STAR Certified Options
Eco-conscious buyers will appreciate that D.R. Horton offers ENERGY STAR certified home options in many markets. These homes comply with strict EPA standards for energy efficiency and indoor air quality.
Adams does not promote any green certifications. So buyers wanting an efficient and sustainable new home may prefer D.R. Horton.
Cons of D.R. Horton
- Lower Quality Materials
The trade-off for D.R. Horton’s affordability is materials and finishes that represent more of an entry-level standard quality.
Their homes feature more stock materials like carpeting, laminate, and plain tile.
Adams uses higher-end hardwoods, granite, and custom finishes.
D.R. Horton prioritizes cost savings over luxury features and detailing.
Some buyers feel their homes have a “cookie cutter” or “slapped together” feel versus custom craftsmanship.
- Minimal Customization
D.R. Horton also limits customization options compared to Adams. Buyers may only be able to select from pre-determined finishes and make minor cosmetic changes to floorplans. Structural modifications are not offered. Their streamlined approach reduces costs but also flexibility. Homebuyers seeking a more personalized home may find Adams’ robust customizations more appealing.
- Inconsistent Customer Reviews
While one of the largest home builders, D.R. Horton has mixed reviews when it comes to customer service. Rapid growth has impacted their ability to provide a personalized, quality experience in all cases.
Some buyers report frustrating delays, poor communication, and unsatisfactory response to issues. Others praise their professionalism. But inconsistencies appear more common than with smaller regional builders like Adams.
- HOA Restrictions in Some Communities
D.R. Horton is known for building planned communities managed by HOAs, which impose rules over aesthetics, maintenance, and modifications. Some homebuyers chafe against these restrictions. Adams communities do not appear to use HOAs as frequently.
So buyers wanting more control over their home’s exterior may prefer Adams.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Some of the top rated national home builders based on surveys of quality, value, customer experience and reputation include Pulte Homes, David Weekley Homes, Taylor Morrison, Toll Brothers, and Highland Homes. Regional stand-outs include Adams Homes, Landmark Homes, and Providence Homes.
Yes, D.R. Horton has an active presence throughout Florida with new home communities in cities like Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Fort Myers, and Miami. As the largest builder in the U.S., they operate in most major markets in the state.
D.R. Horton is the largest home builder in Florida based on annual sales and closings. Lennar, Pulte Homes, and Taylor Morrison also have a significant presence in Florida as some of the country’s largest national builders. Top regional builders in Florida include Adams Homes, Dream Finders Homes, and Toll Brothers.
Final Thoughts
In the end, choosing between Adams Homes and D.R. Horton comes down to your priorities as a homebuyer. Adams offers higher-quality construction and materials, extensive customization, outstanding customer service, and strong local reputation at a premium price point.
D.R. Horton provides affordability, broad geographical reach, diverse product types, and green options with the trade-offs of lower-end finishes and inconsistencies in service.
Adams caters more to move-up and luxury buyers wanting a personalized home built to last, while D.R. Horton appeals to first-time buyers and those prioritizing value. Review your budget, lifestyle needs, quality standards and customization desires.
This will help determine if the quality craftsmanship of Adams or the affordability and convenience of D.R. Horton makes for the better fit. Consult reviews and speak to current homeowners. While both are reputable large builders, the best choice depends on your goals and which company’s strengths align with your needs.