When it comes to new home construction in the United States, D.R. Horton and Ryan Homes stand out as two of the most well-known and reputable national homebuilders. Both companies have been around for decades, building thousands of homes across dozens of states.
So how do D.R. Horton and Ryan Homes stack up against each other? This comprehensive guide will compare and contrast key factors like company background, home design, quality, customer service, warranty, pricing, and more.
We’ll also outline the pros and cons of each builder to help you determine which may be a better fit for your new home needs.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Aspects | D.R. Horton | Ryan Homes |
| Year Founded | 1978 | 1948 |
| Headquarters | Arlington, TX | Reston, VA |
| Homes Built to Date | Over 690,000 | Over 450,000 |
| States with Homes | 104 | 33 |
| Average Home Size | 2,000 sq ft | 2,400 sq ft |
| Home Styles | Single-family, townhomes, apartments | Single-family, townhomes |
| Base Price Range | $150,000 – $500,000 | $200,000 – $600,000 |
| Customization Options | Limited | Extensive |
| Green Building Features | Available | Available |
| Warranty | 1 year builder warranty | 1 year builder warranty, 2 year limited warranty, 10 year structural warranty |
As you can see from the overview table, D.R. Horton and Ryan Homes share some similarities but also have some key differences that homebuyers should be aware of. Now let’s dive deeper into the details.
Key Differences Between D.R. Horton And Ryan Homes
Company Background
- D.R. Horton was founded in 1978 in Fort Worth, Texas by Donald R. Horton. It went public as a corporation in 1992 and today is the largest homebuilder in the United States based on the number of homes closed. The company operates in 104 markets across 33 states and has built over 690,000 homes to date.
- Ryan Homes was founded in 1948 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania by John E. Ryan. It was acquired by NVR, Inc. in 1995, which is one of the largest homebuilders and mortgage banks in the U.S. Ryan Homes operates in 33 metropolitan areas across 20 states and has built over 450,000 homes.
Both companies started as smaller local homebuilding companies before expanding nationally. D.R. Horton sticks closely to its roots as a Texas-based builder, while Ryan Homes has expanded more significantly along the East Coast.
Home Design
When it comes to home design, D.R. Horton and Ryan Homes take divergent approaches.
- D.R. Horton offers a more limited range of floor plans and home styles geared towards first-time and move-up buyers. Their homes tend to be on the smaller side, averaging around 2,000 square feet with 3-5 bedrooms. Home styles focus on popular models like two-story colonials, cottages, townhomes, and duplexes.
- Ryan Homes provides far more variety and customization in their home designs. Homes average 2,400+ square feet with 3-6 bedrooms. Ryan offers traditional two-story designs but also has more unique options like villas, urban single-family homes, and estates on larger lots.
Their design center allows for extensive custom upgrades.
Those looking for more curb appeal, flexibility, and customization will appreciate Ryan’s approach. D.R. Horton offers fewer frills but may be a good option for buyers wanting new construction on a budget.
Quality
On the crucial issue of home quality, both D.R. Horton and Ryan Homes aim to provide consistent construction and finishes. However, there are some differences:
- D.R. Horton uses a production homebuilding approach geared for efficiency. While their homes feature sturdy construction and nice finishes for the price point, some buyers report issues like cracking drywall around windows or vibrating floors. Attention to detail can vary.
- Ryan Homes places a stronger emphasis on craftsmanship and customization. They utilize a well-trained team of subcontractors to deliver higher-end finishes, cabinetry, fixtures, and amenities. Homes feel solidly built and problems on move-in day are rare.
Overall, Ryan Homes edges out D.R. Horton when it comes to fit and finish quality. Ryan also offers more opportunity to upgrade components whereas D.R. Horton’s options are more pre-determined.
Customer Service
The homebuying process involves working closely with your builder’s team, so customer service is incredibly important. Here’s how the two compare:
- D.R. Horton gets mixed reviews when it comes to customer service and addressing issues. As one of the largest builders, their systems can feel impersonal and frustrating to buyers. Responses to warranty requests may be slow.
- Ryan Homes puts a strong emphasis on customer care with dedicated representatives to guide homebuyers. Their responsiveness earns praise during selection, building, and move-in. Minor issues are handled promptly.
Across online reviews, Ryan Homes clearly outpaces D.R. Horton for their attentive customer service.
Ryan’s approach is more personalized.
Warranties
It’s vital to understand what warranties come with a new home purchase. Here’s what each builder offers:
- D.R. Horton – 1 year limited warranty covering defects in workmanship, materials, and appliances. Items like roofing may have extended coverage.
- Ryan Homes – 1 year limited warranty plus an additional 2 year limited warranty covering systems like electrical, plumbing, HVAC, etc. They also include a 10 year structural warranty.
Ryan Homes provides more extensive warranty protection on your investment with their multi-year guarantee. D.R. Horton’s coverage is standard at 1 year. For budget-focused buyers, third party home warranties can supplement D.R. Horton’s shorter included warranty.
Pricing
When comparing the cost of D.R. Horton vs. Ryan Homes new construction, here’s what you can expect:
- D.R. Horton – Base prices range from around $150,000 to $500,000. Their average home size is 2,000 square feet. With more limited customization, their homes stay affordable.
- Ryan Homes – Base prices are higher, ranging from roughly $200,000 to $600,000. Larger home sizes (2,400+ square feet) and more premium finishes put Ryan at the upper end of market pricing.
D.R. Horton offers more value-driven pricing, giving buyers a lower cost per square foot. Ryan Homes commands a premium price but includes more upscale features and customization. Location also impacts overall cost differences between the two builders.
Pros and Cons of D.R. Horton And Ryan Homes
Let’s summarize the key pros and cons of D.R. Horton vs. Ryan Homes:
D.R. Horton Pros
- Budget-friendly base pricing and smaller homes ideal for first-time buyers
- Streamlined process with limited customization makes for quicker construction
- Higher energy efficiency than resale homes
D.R. Horton Cons
- Quality and finish details may disappoint discerning buyers
- Less customization available
- Customer service and warranty response could be improved
Ryan Homes Pros
- High-quality construction with great attention to detail and craftsmanship
- Extensive customization options and designer features available
- Excellent customer service throughout the process
- Lengthy structural and systems warranties provide peace of mind
Ryan Homes Cons
- Base pricing is higher than average
- Making many custom choices can extend construction timelines
- Primarily located on the East Coast and Midwest
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Some of the top national home builders based on quality, service, and buyer satisfaction include Ryan Homes, David Weekley Homes, Neil Kelly, Saberbank, and Taylor Morrison. Regional and custom builders can also offer top-notch service and build quality.
It’s difficult to pinpoint one “best” global home builder given regional differences and subjective preferences. However, a few that stand out for consistent quality, craftsmanship, and service worldwide include Country Garden Holdings (China), Toll Brothers (USA), Neumann Homes (Germany), Kenzai Group (Japan), and Treviso Homes (Canada).
In the United States, D.R. Horton holds the title of being the country’s largest home builder based on the total number of homes closed each year. They topped the list in 2022 with over 81,000 home closings nationwide across their various brands.
NV Homes is a high-end homebuilder owned by Ryan Homes parent company NVR, Inc. They are comparable in quality but NV Homes offers larger luxury homes and more premium features. Pricing is higher for NV Homes, so Ryan Homes could be a better value for buyers wanting new construction under $750K.
Wrapping Up
When comparing D.R. Horton and Ryan Homes, there are clear tradeoffs for homebuyers to consider. Key differences come down to pricing, customization, quality, and service.
D.R. Horton offers affordability and simplified options for an efficient building process. Ryan Homes touts higher-end construction, extensive customization, strong customer service, and longer warranties.
For buyers prioritizing budget, D.R. Horton provides solid new homes at reasonable prices. If top-notch quality and a personalized building experience matter most, Ryan Homes is hard to beat.
Carefully weighing these factors against your budget, preferences, and needs will help determine if D.R. Horton or Ryan Homes is the best fit as your homebuilder. With thousands of satisfied homeowners, both companies deliver value and can help you successfully invest in a brand new home.
