When it comes to new home construction in America, two names stand out from the rest – Ryan Homes and Lennar. As the nation’s largest and second largest homebuilders respectively, Ryan Homes and Lennar have each delivered tens of thousands of new homes across multiple states.
Both companies have established strong reputations for building quality homes with desirable amenities. However, there are some key differences between Ryan Homes and Lennar that home buyers should consider. This article provides an in-depth comparison of these two industry giants.
At A Glance Comparison Table
| Aspects | Ryan Homes | Lennar |
| Founded | 1937 | 1954 |
| Headquarters | Pittsburgh, PA | Miami, FL |
| Homes built to date | Over 325,000 | Over 155,000 |
| States with developments | 14 states including PA, NJ, DE, MD, VA, WV, OH, IN, IL, NC, SC, GA, FL, TN | 21 states including FL, TX, CA, AZ, CO, NC, SC, GA, TN, NY, NJ, VA, MD, MN, NV, OR, WA, ID, UT |
| Typical home types | Single-family homes, townhomes, duplexes | Single-family homes, townhomes, condos |
| Price range | $150k – $750k | $200k – $1M+ |
| Customization | Limited customization | Wide range of customization options |
| Green building features | ENERGY STAR appliances, dual-pane windows, efficient HVAC systems | Solar options, EV chargers, low-VOC materials, water conservation fixtures |
| Technology integration | Smart home features available | Automated features like smart lighting/thermostats included |
| Warranties | 1 year workmanship, 2 year systems, 10 year structural | 1 year workmanship, 2 year systems, 10 year structural |
Now let’s take a more detailed look at how Ryan Homes and Lennar compare across some of the most important categories for home buyers.
Quality and Construction Comparison
When evaluating home builders, construction quality should be one of the top priorities.
Both Lennar and Ryan Homes have cultivated strong reputations for quality with the majority of homeowners reporting satisfaction.
Ryan Homes constructs all of their homes with durable materials and quality finishes.
Their construction process utilizes techniques like advanced framing which eliminates unnecessary lumber to create a sturdier home.
Homeowners can expect to find granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, hardwood flooring, and tile backsplashes even in Ryan’s lower priced models.
Meanwhile, Lennar is known for their “Everything’s Included” approach. Rather than offering base models with optional upgrades, Lennar’s homes come packed with features other builders consider upgrades.
We’re talking quartz countertops, dual-pane windows, slate kitchen backsplashes, home automation technology, and more. So while Lennar’s base prices tend to be higher, you’re getting more for your money upfront.
Both Ryan Homes and Lennar back their homes with industry-standard structural warranties. This includes a 10-year warranty on major structural components. Appliances, mechanical systems, and workmanship are protected for 1 to 2 years as well.
Floor Plans and Home Types
Ryan Homes and Lennar take slightly different approaches when it comes to home styles and floor plans.
The bread and butter for Ryan Homes is single-family homes in popular styles like ranch, two-story, and craftsman. They offer a smaller selection of townhomes and duplexes in many communities. Home sizes typically range from 1,200 to 3,500+ square feet.
One advantage of Ryan is that they actively listen to homebuyer feedback and adjust floor plans to meet demand over time. So you’ll find many thoughtful designs with features like first floor owner’s suites, open-concept layouts, and flex space.
Lennar offers more housing types across their developments including single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums, duplexes, and 55+ age-targeted communities. Their floor plans include everything from cozy 1,500 square foot cottages to sprawling 5,000+ square foot estate homes.
Lennar also builds more contemporary style homes compared to Ryan’s more traditional designs.
Both builders include universal design features in many floor plans to allow for greater accessibility and aging in place. Overall Lennar edges out Ryan Homes for home style and floor plan selection. But Ryan offers more modestly sized and budget-friendly options for buyers looking in that range.
Location and Availability Comparison
When it comes to location, Lennar definitely has the edge over Ryan Homes.
As the nation’s largest home builder based on volume, Lennar has communities in over 21 states spanning coast to coast.
So if you want to buy a Lennar home, you’ll likely find options throughout your state.
In comparison, Ryan Homes only constructs homes in 14 states across the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, South, and Southeast regions. Most of their communities are concentrated in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina. Ryan Homes does not currently build in Western states.
The supply of available homes and speed of construction is another important consideration. Even amidst recent housing shortages, Lennar’s size and construction efficiency has allowed them to maintain a steady supply of inventory in most markets.
Ryan Homes has struggled with more limited inventory over the past couple years. However, they are actively working to improve lot acquisition and development.
Customization
For buyers who value the ability to put personal touches on their new home, Lennar is the winner when it comes to customization.
While Ryan Homes allows only limited customization on their floor plans and interior finishes, Lennar provides a suite of services enabling buyers to personalize their homes.
Through Lennar’s Design Studio, home shoppers can sit down with a design consultant to select from a wide range of interior finishes like cabinet styles, countertops, flooring, lighting and more.
Lennar’s YourHome workshop also allows online customization for selections like exterior colors. For an additional fee, changes can be made to floor plans to accommodate specialized needs.
Green Building and Technology
Green building and smart home technology have become must-have features for new construction. Here’s how Ryan Homes and Lennar compare when it comes to these modern essentials:
- Green building: Both Lennar and Ryan Homes incorporate green building features into their home designs. However, Lennar offers the most impressive range of options including solar power, EV chargers, high-efficiency HVAC systems and low-VOC materials. Ryan Homes sticks to more standard upgrades like ENERGY STAR rated appliances and fixtures.
- Smart home technology: Lennar edges out Ryan Homes when it comes to built-in smart home tech as well. Their “Everything’s Included” homes come with an array of automated features like smart locks, smart thermostats, smart lighting, and video doorbells. Ryan does offer smart home add-ons, but these cost extra and require setup after move-in.
Price and Affordability
The final major difference between Ryan Homes and Lennar is pricing and affordability.
As discussed above, Lennar’s base prices tend to run higher than Ryan’s due to their all-inclusive approach. However, Lennar builds homes across a wider price spectrum from about $200,000 up past $1 million. So they still offer competitively priced options for first-time buyers in many markets.
The price range for Ryan Homes is narrower, with most new construction models priced from $150,000 to $750,000. Their pricing fills a great niche for entry level and mid-range buyers. But Ryan currently does not compete with Lennar at the highest price points.
Ryan Homes also wins when it comes to incentives for qualified buyers. They offer up to $10,000 in closing cost assistance plus ongoing savings through their Homeowners Advantage program. Lennar sometimes runs closing cost promotions but not at the same level as Ryan Homes.
Pros and Cons Comparison
| Lennar | Pros | Cons |
| – “Everything’s Included” approach provides upgrades at no added cost | – Base prices tend to run higher than competitors | |
| – Extensive customization options through Design Studio | – Less affordable for entry level buyers | |
| – Smart home tech and green features already installed | – Big builder means less personalized service | |
| – Nationwide footprint in over 21 states | ||
| – Wide range of floor plans and home types |
Here is how Ryan Homes doing!
| Ryan Homes | Pros | Cons |
| – Competitive pricing for first-time and move-up buyers | – Limited customization allowed | |
| – Thoughtful floor plans with valued features | – Smaller geographical footprint in 14 states | |
| – Solid construction quality and materials | – Can have limited available inventory | |
| – Excellent incentives and savings programs | – Less included technology features | |
| – Responsive customer service |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Ryan Homes has faced some controversy in recent years over customer service issues. Various homeowner complaints cite problems like long delays closing on homes, poor communication, and unfinished quality or repairs needed. However, many other Ryan Homes buyers report positive construction and buying experiences.
The top 10 largest home builders in the United States based on housing starts are: Lennar, D.R. Horton, PulteGroup, LGI Homes, Taylor Morrison, KB Home, Toll Brothers, Meritage Homes, MI Homes, Ryan Homes
NV Homes is the luxury division of home construction company Ryan Homes. NV Homes communities feature premium amenities, high-end details, and multimillion dollar estate homes. They offer greater customization than Ryan Homes’ standard product lines. So for buyers with larger budgets seeking luxury living, NV Homes would be considered a superior option to Ryan’s typical new construction homes.
Yes, Lennar is a major homebuilder in Florida. They have dozens of active communities across the state including popular retirement areas like Naples, Port St. Lucie, Daytona Beach, and Orlando. Lennar offers single-family homes, townhomes and condos priced from the $200,000s up to over $1 million in Florida.
Conclusion and Recommendation
In the end, choosing between Ryan Homes and Lennar comes down to your budget, personal home preferences, and lifestyle needs.
For buyers focused on getting the most home for their dollar, Ryan Homes is the best bet thanks to their lower base prices and stellar included features. First-time homeowners and families moving up to their second or third home will find amenable options within Ryan’s catalog.
Lennar shines for buyers who prioritize customization capability, green building, included technology and unique home designs. The expanded geographical reach also appeals to those with jobs or families relocating to different states.
Ultimately both Lennar and Ryan Homes live up to their stellar industry reputations. With two great options for new construction, modern home shoppers have an opportunity to find their perfect fit.