When looking for a new home, two of the biggest names in homebuilding are K. Hovnanian and Ryan Homes. Both companies have been building homes for decades and have expanded nationally.
So how do you choose between these two industry giants when buying a new construction home?
Here is an in-depth look at the key differences between K. Hovnanian and Ryan Homes to help you decide which builder best fits your needs.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Aspects | K. Hovnanian | Ryan Homes |
| Company History | Founded in 1959 by Kevork Hovnanian, privately run | Founded in 1948, now a subsidiary of publicly traded NVR, Inc. |
| Locations | Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest | Primarily Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, South, Southeast |
| Home Types | Single-family, townhomes | Single-family, townhomes, duplexes |
| Home Sizes | 1,500 – 4,000+ sq ft | 1,200 – 3,500+ sq ft |
| Base Prices | Mid $200s – $1M+ | $150s – $900s |
| Construction Approach | Emphasizes quality craftsmanship | Focuses on efficient assembly line process |
| Design Aesthetic | Traditional, Craftsman, Farmhouse | Traditional and Modern/Contemporary |
| Design Customization | Design studio available | Online design center |
| Communities | Master-planned communities | Builds within existing developments |
| Closing Costs | No required builder fees | $4,000+ in builder closing costs |
| HOA Fees | $100 – $300/month | $50 – $150/month |
Overview of K. Hovnanian Homes
K. Hovnanian Enterprises, more commonly known as K. Hovnanian Homes, was founded by Kevork Hovnanian in 1959. Based in Red Bank, New Jersey, Hovnanian builds homes in 19 states across the Northeast, Midwest, Southeast, and Southwest regions of the U.S.
Some quick facts about K. Hovnanian:
- Privately held, family-run company
- Has built over 340,000 homes since 1959
- Offers both single-family homes and townhomes/condos
- Provides design studio for interior customization
- Features like Smart Home automation available
Hovnanian has a range of home designs from more traditional styles to modern farmhouse plans.
Home sizes typically range from around 1,500 to 4,000+ square feet. Prices start in the mid $200,000s and go up to over $1 million depending on the market and home size.
One standout feature of K. Hovnanian is their design studio, where buyers can meet with a designer to customize finishes like cabinets, countertops, flooring, lighting, and more. This allows buyers to personalize their home during the building process.
Overview of Ryan Homes
Ryan Homes was founded in 1948 by John E. Ryan in Pittsburgh, PA. Now a division of NVR, Inc., Ryan Homes builds in 14 states mostly across the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, South, and Southeast regions.
Here are some key facts about Ryan Homes:
- Subsidiary of NVR, Inc., which is publicly traded
- Has constructed over 425,000 homes
- Offers single-family homes and townhomes
- Has online design center for customizations
- Typical home sizes 1,200 – 3,500+ square feet
- Home prices from mid $100,000s up to $1 million+
Ryan Homes is known for offering high-quality homes with popular features at relatively affordable price points. They focus on first-time and move-up buyers. Home designs range from ranch style to two-story homes with modern, open floor plans.
The online design center allows buyers to customize options like cabinets, countertops, flooring, and more.
Comparing Quality of Construction
A key consideration when buying a newly built home is the quality of construction. Both K. Hovnanian and Ryan Homes have been in the home building business for decades, so they have established build processes. However, there are some differences in their approach to construction.
K. Hovnanian Homes
- Emphasizes quality craftsmanship and attention to detail
- Has earned certifications like NGBS Green Certified
- Utilizes 2×6 exterior wall framing for added stability
- Offers advanced framing techniques to reduce materials waste
- Spray foams roof lines for insulation and air sealing
Ryan Homes
- Focuses on efficiency using assembly line approach
- Has earned EPA ENERGY STAR certifications
- Uses standard 2×4 exterior wall framing
- Follows basic code requirements for insulation and air sealing
- Does not consistently spray foam roof lines
While K. Hovnanian highlights their craftsmanship, Ryan promotes their process efficiency.
K. Hovnanian seems to go beyond the minimum requirements, while Ryan Homes follows more standard practices. This suggests K. Hovnanian places more emphasis on construction quality.
Comparing Home Design Aesthetics
Home design preferences are subjective, but there are some distinct differences between the aesthetic of K. Hovnanian and Ryan homes.
K. Hovnanian Home Designs
- Traditional, Arts and Crafts, and Farmhouse exterior styles
- Offer more exterior design personalization
- Upgraded standard features like hardwood floors
- Custom home designs available
- Focus on livability and flow in floor plans
Ryan Homes Designs
- Traditional and Modern/Contemporary exterior styles
- Track homes have consistent exterior features
- Standard carpeting and vinyl flooring
- Open concept floor plans to reduce walls
- Emphasis on efficiency in home sizes and layouts
K. Hovnanian offers more versatility in exterior styles that buyers can customize. Ryan Homes aims for consistency across their track homes. On the interior, K. Hovnanian includes more upgrades as standard, while Ryan focuses on efficient open designs.
Comparing Location and Community Offerings
Where the homes are built is another key differentiator between these national builders.
K. Hovnanian Locations
- Primarily builds in NJ, PA, MD, VA, NC, SC, GA, FL
- Develops master-planned communities
- Homes often near amenities like schools, parks, trails
- Minimum 5+ home communities, up to 1,500+ homes
- Clubhouses, pools, parks, and trails frequently included
Ryan Homes Locations
- Focus on MI, OH, IN, KY, TN, NC, SC, MD, PA, VA, WV
- Most homes built as part of existing suburban communities
- Nearby amenities depend on development
- Builds detached homes, duplexes, and townhomes
- Community amenities not typical
K. Hovnanian has more of a focus on creating master-planned communities centered around their homes. Ryan Homes builds detached homes and attached townhomes as part of communities developed by other builders.
Comparing Pricing and Homeowner Fees
Purchasing a new home is a major investment, so pricing and ongoing fees are important to weigh.
K. Hovnanian Pricing
- Base prices range from mid $200s to $1M+
- Up to $50K+ in options available with upgrades
- No required builder closing costs
- HOA fees average $100-300/month
Ryan Homes Pricing
- Base prices range from $150s to $900s
- Typical options add $10-20K to base price
- Requires $4,000+ in builder closing costs
- HOA fees around $50-150/month
The base home prices are similar between the two builders, though Ryan starts lower with more entry-level product.
However, K. Hovnanian promotes no builder closing costs while Ryan tacks those on.
The HOA dues tend to be higher for K. Hovnanian communities that include more amenities.
K. Hovnanian Or Ryan Homes: Which Is Best For You?
Deciding between K. Hovnanian and Ryan Homes depends on your budget, preferred home style, and community amenities. Here are some key factors to help determine the best fit:
K. Hovnanian is a better match if you want:
- Superior construction quality and energy efficiency
- Traditional or Craftsman exterior styles
- Larger homes with more customization
- Master-planned community with amenities
- Willing to pay higher base prices and HOA fees
Ryan Homes is a better choice if you prefer:
- Affordable pricing for first-time and move-up buyers
- A choice of traditional or contemporary home designs
- Efficient, open concept floor plans
- Buying in an established suburban community
- Keeping ongoing HOA fees more affordable
For buyers focused on quality over cost, K. Hovnanian offers a more customized home and community experience. Ryan Homes provides an efficient homebuying process with budget-friendly pricing. Understanding these key differences allows buyers to select the best national home builder for their needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Some top alternatives to Ryan Homes include: K. Hovnanian Homes, DR Horton, Lennar, PulteGroup, NVHomes, Meritage Homes, Beazer Homes, M/I Homes, Toll Brothers.
These national builders offer similar entry-level to move-up homes in suburban communities across much of the U.S.
NVHomes is comparable to Ryan Homes in many ways and is seen by some buyers as a slight upgrade. Key advantages of NVHomes include:
1. Broader range of exterior styles
2. Offer more design personalization
3. Upgrade features included as standards
4. Focus more on customer experience
However, Ryan Homes still wins for the most affordable pricing. So NVHomes is better if you want more upgrades built-in and premium design features. But you’ll typically pay $30-50K+ more for an NVHome.
No, Dan Ryan is not directly related to or affiliated with Ryan Homes in any way. Dan Ryan is the owner of DR Horton, which is the largest homebuilder in the U.S. and competes directly with Ryan Homes in many markets. The similar name is just a coincidence.
Ryan Homes is headquartered in Reston, Virginia. They are a division of NVR, Inc., which is based in Reston. The first Ryan Homes were built in Pittsburgh, PA where founder John E. Ryan lived.
Ryan Homes has building operations across 14 states, but the corporate office remains in Reston, VA a suburb of Washington D.C.
Final Thoughts
K. Hovnanian and Ryan Homes take somewhat different approaches to designing, constructing, and selling new homes across the U.S. Key factors like construction quality, design aesthetics, community types, and pricing play into what builder best suits your needs.
By understanding these major differences outlined, homebuyers can decide if K. Hovnanian or Ryan Homes is the best choice for their new home. Reach out to local sales representatives from each to tour model homes and learn more details for your area.
With this helpful comparison information, you can confidently choose the perfect new construction home from these two industry leaders.