When looking for a new home in Texas, Highland Homes and Perry Homes are two of the biggest names you’ll encounter. As leading homebuilders in the Lone Star State, both companies have earned reputations for constructing quality residences.
However, there are some key differences between these builders that homebuyers should consider. This comprehensive guide examines the pros, cons, features, and other factors that distinguish Highland Homes and Perry Homes.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Category | Highland Homes | Perry Homes |
| Locations | Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin | Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, Austin |
| Home Types | Single-family, townhomes | Single-family, townhomes, patio homes, duplexes |
| Customization | Floorplan changes, design studio upgrades | Floorplan changes, design studio upgrades |
| Green Building | Green certified homes, extensive options | Energy upgrades available, not a core focus |
| Quality Reputation | Excellent | Excellent |
| Warranties | 1 year limited, 10 year structural | 1 year limited, 10 year structural |
| HOAs | Required for all communities | Required for some communities |
| Financing Deals | Affiliated lender incentives | Affiliated lender incentives |
| Resale Value | Holds value very well | Holds value very well |
Overview of Highland Homes
Founded in 1985, Highland Homes is one of the most established home builders in Texas. They construct homes across the Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and Austin areas.
Here is a quick rundown of Highland Homes’ key features:
- Locations: Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin metro areas
- Home types: Single-family homes, townhomes
- Communities: 100+ neighborhoods across Texas
- Customization: Personalize floorplans, features, finishes
- Green building: Environmentally-friendly construction
- Technology: Smart home options available
Highland Homes gives homebuyers ample opportunity to customize their new residence.
You can select from a variety of floorplans and modify layouts to suit your needs.
Their design studio offers many options for finishes, fixtures, and materials. You can upgrade appliances, hard surfaces, lighting, and more.
Overview of Perry Homes
Perry Homes has constructed homes across Texas since 1955. They build in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin areas.
Here are some key attributes of Perry Homes:
- Locations: Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, Austin
- Home types: Single-family, townhomes, patio homes
- Communities: 70+ neighborhoods statewide
- Customization: Choice of floorplans, finishes, features
- Quality: Rigorous construction standards
- Green options: Energy efficiency upgrades available
Perry Homes allows buyers to work with professional design consultants to tailor their home. You can pick from various floorplans and make changes to suit your lifestyle. Their design studio provides many options for finishes, fixtures, counters, flooring, and more.
Key Differences Between Highland Homes And Perry Homes
Comparing Location Options
When choosing between Highland Homes and Perry Homes, one of the first things to consider is their location.
Both builders operate in the major Texas metro areas:
- Dallas-Fort Worth
- Houston
- Austin
However, Highland Homes does not currently build in San Antonio. Perry Homes has communities across San Antonio.
So if you want a home in San Antonio, Perry Homes is your best option between these two builders.
For other metro areas, you can find communities from both companies.
Research the specific neighborhoods, schools, amenities, and commute times for areas you’re interested in.
Pay attention to any localized incentives, special programs, or partnerships offered by communities in certain locations. For example, some neighborhoods may offer credit towards closing costs or other perks for buying there.
Home Design Options
Highland Homes and Perry Homes both offer numerous floorplans and ways to customize your home. But there are some differences in their home design capabilities.
Floorplans
Both builders have a range of floorplans to select from across their communities. These include:
- Single-story
- Two-story
- Three-story (some communities)
- Townhomes
- Patio homes
Perry also provides duplex floorplans in some neighborhoods.
The number of bedrooms and bathrooms, presence of a study, size of the garage, and more can vary among floorplans. Make sure to browse all available options to find designs that fit your lifestyle.
And don’t be afraid to ask about modifying floorplans at no extra cost to get the layout you want. Some changes like moving walls may be possible.
Customization
Highland Homes and Perry Homes both enable homebuyers to personalize their homes with design modifications and upgrades.
You may be able to alter the standard floorplan to suit your needs. Some builders will modify plans at no charge to accommodate requests.
The companies’ design studios offer plenty of ways to customize the look and feel of your home. You can pick different interior and exterior finishes, materials, and high-end fixtures. Upgraded flooring, countertops, lighting, appliances, and smart home technology may be available.
Think about how to add your own style to make the house feel like home. Also consider any priorities like energy efficiency or low maintenance when selecting materials.
Green Building
For eco-conscious buyers, Highland Homes has more extensive green options versus Perry Homes.
Highland Homes has specialized programs for green and solar building. All their homes meet green certification standards.
Perry Homes offers energy efficiency upgrades but does not promote green construction as aggressively.
If sustainability is important to you, Highland likely has greater customization around energy savings, solar power, and other green features.
Comparing Quality
You want peace of mind knowing your home is well-constructed by a reputable builder. Highland Homes and Perry Homes both have strong reputations for quality across these areas:
Construction
- They follow rigorous quality control standards during construction.
- Both builders closely supervise subcontractors and hold them accountable.
- You get regular updates during the build process.
- Issues get quickly addressed.
Credentials
- They comply with relevant certifications and housing codes.
- Highland Homes is a member of the NAHB Green Program.
- Perry Homes adheres to a Construction Quality Commitment pledge.
Warranties & Support
- Each builder provides a one-year limited warranty on the home.
- Ten-year structural warranties are also included.
- They offer strong customer service through the warranty period and beyond.
Bottom line – you can trust both Perry Homes and Highland Homes to construct your home to the highest standards. Buyers consistently praise their professionalism, responsiveness, and product quality.
Homeowner Association Fees
Most neighborhoods built by Highland Homes and Perry Homes have a homeowner association (HOA). This means mandatory monthly fees that go towards amenities and maintenance.
HOA fees average $200 to $400 per month but can vary based on the community. Sometimes HOA dues are included in your monthly mortgage payment.
Be sure to find out the HOA costs and what’s covered. Key things HOA fees usually go towards:
- Landscaping of common areas
- Swimming pools, parks, playgrounds
- Event programming
- Gate attendants or security (for gated neighborhoods)
- Management and administration
The HOA may also handle exterior maintenance like roofing, fencing, and painting. But not always – check what’s included.
Some Perry Home neighborhoods have an HOA and others don’t. With Highland Homes, all communities require HOA membership.
Resale Value Considerations
It’s wise to consider long-term resale value when buying a newly constructed home. Both Highland Homes and Perry Homes build homes that hold their value well over time.
Here are tips that can boost resale value:
- Community – Choose neighborhoods with strong demand from buyers. Good schools and amenities make an area desirable.
- Upgrades – Invest in upgrades that appeal to buyers like granite counters, premium flooring, and finished basements. Avoid overly customized finishes.
- Condition – Keep your home well-maintained. Make necessary repairs and keep finishes and systems in good shape.
- Timing – Real estate markets fluctuate. Consider selling when housing inventory is lower and buyer competition is higher.
Homes by both builders tend to appreciate steadily in value, especially in popular communities. Your home’s condition and location will impact price more than the builder name.
Financing and Incentives
Highland Homes and Perry Homes both work with preferred lenders to offer buyers financing assistance and incentives.
Loan Programs
Work with builders’ affiliated lenders to access special mortgage and construction loan programs. Offers may include:
- Reduced closing costs
- Lower down payments, like 3% instead of 20%
- Lower mortgage rates and fees
Incentives
The builders may offer additional incentives if you use their preferred lenders and title companies. Possible perks can include:
- Credits towards closing costs, typically $5,000 or more
- Complimentary appliance packages
- Waived HOA fees for a period
- Pricing discounts
Ask your sales agent about available incentives to save money. Just make sure to compare interest rates and fees from the builders’ lenders to regular banks and mortgage brokers.
Comparing Available Home Upgrades
Both Highland Homes and Perry Homes allow ample room for personalization by offering various upgrades and options. Here’s an overview of what you can customize:
Interior Finishes
- Hardwood or tile floors instead of carpet
- Granite, quartz, or marble countertops
- Glass, oil rubbed bronze, or designer sink faucets
- Built-in cabinets, bookshelves, and desk spaces
Fixtures & Decor
- Ceiling fans, chandeliers, and lighting fixtures
- Hardware like door knobs and hinges
- Window coverings like blinds or shutters
- Mirrors, closet systems, and shelving
Bathrooms
- Upgraded tile, stone, or glass for walls and floors
- Garden tubs, multi-head showers, and heated floors
- Smart toilets and touchless faucets
Kitchen
- Professional-grade appliances
- Gas cooktops and ranges
- Built-in espresso machines, wine coolers, warming drawers
Technology
- Home automation systems
- Built-in speakers and audio systems
- Smart video doorbells and home security
- Generator systems
Review all available quick move-in homes to get a feel for standard specs versus upgrades. Prepare your upgrade wish list early so there’s time to integrate selections into home construction.
Comparing Green Features
Eco-friendly homebuilding practices are increasingly popular. Highland Homes offers more green options compared to Perry Homes.
Here are some energy efficient and sustainable upgrades Highland provides:
- Solar panels and solar water heating systems
- Tankless water heaters
- Added insulation in walls and attics
- Energy efficient windows and doors
- Smart thermostats and LED lighting
- Low VOC paints and recycled flooring materials
Every Highland home comes with green certification through the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders).
Perry Homes offers energy efficiency upgrades like added insulation, ENERGY STAR appliances, and programmable thermostats. But green building is not their main focus.
If you want an eco-friendly home, Highland is the leader between these two builders. Make sure to inquire about available green customization.
FAQ About Highland and Perry Homes
Highland’s main competitors are other large Texas homebuilders like Perry Homes, David Weekley Homes, and Meritage Homes.
The main competitors for Perry Homes include Highland Homes, D.R. Horton, and M/I Homes in Texas.
Highland Homes is a large homebuilder constructing thousands of homes across Texas annually. They are a subsidiary of HomeCorp.
Perry Homes is a privately owned company based in Houston. The current president is Kathy Britton.
Final Thoughts
So when choosing a homebuilder, should you go with Highland or Perry? There are great reasons to pick either one.
Here are a few key points to summarize the differences:
- Highland offers more green and energy efficient options.
- Perry has more presence in San Antonio if you want to live there.
- Perry may have more lower-priced options and smaller square footage homes.
- Highland provides a wider range of amenities through their HOAs.
- Both builders allow similar levels of home personalization.
- You can expect excellent construction quality from either.
Think about what locations you’re looking at plus your budget, preferences for included features, and customization priorities. Schedule tours of communities you’re interested in from both builders.
Doing diligent research will help determine whether Highland Homes or Perry Homes is the best fit. And remember you have the power to further personalize through upgrades and options.
So choose the builder with neighborhoods and homes matching your needs. Then add your own special touches to create your dream home.