When it comes to new home builders, Schell Brothers and Ryan Homes are two of the biggest names in the industry. Both companies have been building homes for decades and have thousands of satisfied homeowners.
But which one is right for you?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare Schell Brothers and Ryan Homes across key categories like quality, customization, amenities, pricing, and more. Whether you’re looking to buy a starter home or a luxury estate, read on to find out the pros and cons of these two popular home builders.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Category | Schell Brothers | Ryan Homes |
| Overview | Regional luxury custom builder | National affordable production builder |
| Homes Per Year | 350 | 5,000 |
| Price Range | $300k – $1M+ | $150k – $500k |
| Locations | DE, PA, MD, NJ, VA | National footprint |
| Construction Quality | High-end finishes | Meets codes for price |
| Customization | Wide selection of options | Limited options |
| Energy Efficiency | Excellent standard features | Meets ENERGY STAR |
| Design Style | Contemporary, modern | Classic suburban |
| Smart Home | Integrated packages offered | Must add later |
| Warranty | 10 yrs structural, 1-2 yrs systems | 10 yrs structural, 1 yr limited |
| Customer Service | Dedicated team, highly rated | Corporate team, mixed reviews |
| Resale Value | Higher with luxury features | Varies based on location |
Overview of Schell Brothers
Founded in 2002, Schell Brothers is a privately-owned homebuilder based in Delaware. They focus on building homes in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
Some key facts about Schell Brothers:
- Build around 350 homes per year
- Offer single-family homes, townhomes, and duplexes
- Known for their unique and trendy home designs
- Focus on including luxury features and finishes
- Offer a high degree of customization
- Price range from $300k to over $1 million
Schell Brothers likes to advertise themselves as a “boutique builder” that offers high-end custom homes without the high-end price tag.
They aim to give homebuyers more options to personalize their home compared to larger national builders.
Overview of Ryan Homes
Ryan Homes is one of the largest national homebuilders in the country. Founded in 1948, they have constructed over 350,000 homes across the U.S.
Here are some key facts about Ryan Homes:
- Build around 5,000 homes per year
- Offer single-family homes and townhomes
- Focus on affordability and getting people into new homes
- Offer a selection of floor plans to choose from
- Have an average price range of $150k to $500k
- Part of NVR, Inc which is one of the biggest homebuilders
Ryan Homes is known for offering affordable, starter homes. They streamline the building process with more cookie-cutter floor plans versus high customization. With national buying power, they can offer competitive pricing.
Quality of Construction
One of the most important factors when buying a new home is the quality of construction. This impacts everything from the durability of your home to utility costs.
Schell Brothers
Schell Brothers has a reputation for building high-quality, luxury homes. Some of their standard quality features include:
- Granite countertops
- Hardwood flooring
- Tile backsplashes
- High-end stainless steel appliances
- Solid wood cabinetry
- Hand-laid tile in bathrooms
- Spray foam insulation
They use quality materials and construction methods. Homebuyers can expect a high level of fit and finish.
Ryan Homes
Ryan Homes emphasizes affordability over luxury features. Their standard construction includes:
- Laminate countertops
- Carpet flooring
- Vinyl backsplashes
- Energy efficient appliances
- Stock cabinetry
- Fiberglass tubs/showers
- Fiberglass insulation
While not outfitted with premium materials, their homes meet all building codes and federal energy standards.
Their construction allows them to offer competitive pricing.
Verdict
For superior quality and craftsmanship, Schell Brothers is the winner. They don’t cut corners and use high-end finishes. Ryan Homes offers good quality for the price point but luxury is not their focus.
Customization Options
Being able to personalize a home to suit your tastes is important for many buyers. Schell Brothers and Ryan Homes take different approaches when it comes to customization.
Schell Brothers
A key selling point of Schell Brothers is their custom options. Homebuyers can select from a range of different exterior and interior options including:
- Custom cabinet colors
- Granite/quartz countertop options
- Hardwood floors or tile
- Custom tile backsplashes
- Appliance packages
- Bathroom tile selections
- Paint colors
- Sitting room options
- Finished basement options
Schell Brothers makes it easy to customize your home and add high-end finishes. Their Design Studio helps buyers choose all their options.
Ryan Homes
Ryan Homes takes a simplified approach to keep costs down. Homebuyers can only choose from a few pre-selected options:
- Cabinets: 3 color options
- Countertops: 2-3 color options
- Appliances: Typically only one package option
- Flooring: Carpet or hardwood
- Bathroom fixtures: Usually one style option
There is limited ability to customize exterior features like siding or roof colors. Ryan Homes focuses on streamlined options to maintain affordability.
Verdict
Schell Brothers is the clear winner when it comes to customization options. They offer more flexibility to create your perfect home. Ryan Homes has a narrow selection of options to keep pricing low.
Green Building & Energy Efficiency
With rising energy costs, buyers are paying more attention to sustainability and efficiency features. Here is how Schell Brothers and Ryan Homes compare:
Schell Brothers
Schell Brothers incorporates several green features into their home designs:
- EPA Indoor airPLUS certification
- Spray foam insulation for reduced air leakage
- ENERGY STAR appliances
- Low VOC flooring/paints
- Water saving plumbing fixtures
- Programmable thermostats
- Solar-ready electrical panels
Their homes meet and exceed BUILDER and Energy Star guidelines. You can request additional green options like solar panels, EV chargers, and more.
Ryan Homes
Ryan Homes also builds their homes according to ENERGY STAR and environmental guidelines:
- Sealed moisture barriers
- Fiberglass insulation
- Efficient HVAC systems
- Low-E windows
- Water conserving toilets/faucets
- Fresh air ventilation
- Programmable thermostats
Their construction follows national green building standards.
Homebuyers can optionally add solar panels as well.
Verdict
Schell Brothers edges out Ryan Homes when comparing green features and energy efficiency. Their standard use of spray foam, Energy Star appliances, and EPA Indoor airPLUS rating demonstrates their commitment to sustainability and performance. Both builders offer solid green options.
Location Availability
It’s important to consider where each builder operates when deciding between them. Location determines what communities and homes are accessible.
Schell Brothers
As a regional builder, Schell Brothers only builds homes in:
- Delaware
- Southeast Pennsylvania
- Maryland
- New Jersey
- Northern Virginia
Within these states, they have constructed homes in over 100 communities. Schell Brothers does not build outside this footprint.
Ryan Homes
With national presence, Ryan Homes has communities coast to coast:
- Northeast
- Southeast
- Midwest
- South
- West Coast
They are constantly expanding into new states and markets across the country. Ryan Homes has over 20,000 home sites.
Verdict
Ryan Homes has significantly greater location availability with their national presence. Schell Brothers only operates regionally in five states. If you live outside those states, Ryan Homes will likely be your only option.
Home Design Aesthetic
Home design preferences tend to be personal. Here is how Schell Brothers and Ryan Homes differ in their architectural styles.
Schell Brothers
Schell Brothers is known for their unique home exteriors and floor plans. Their design aesthetic includes:
- Luxury style
- Unique facades like stone, brick, stucco
- Attention to curb appeal
- Modern and contemporary styles
- Open concept floor plans
- Trendy features like glass railings
- High ceilings
Many of their model homes have won design awards. Schell Brothers caters more to buyers who want a luxury, custom-designed home.
Ryan Homes
Ryan Homes offers more traditional or suburban home styles:
- Traditional facades in siding, shake, or brick
- Decorative craftsman accents
- Open floor plans
- Rural front porches
- Flex room spaces
- Jack-and-Jill bathrooms
- Standard 9 foot ceilings
Their homes appeal to buyers looking for a classic suburban home at an affordable price point.
Verdict
Schell Brothers caters better to buyers interested in upscale, contemporary home styles. Ryan Homes offers classic suburban designs optimized for affordability.
Home Automation & Smart Technology
Home automation is becoming more popular. Smart features help homeowners manage security, lighting, entertainment, and more. Here are some key tech offerings from Schell Brothers and Ryan Homes:
Schell Brothers
- Offers optional smart home packages
- Control security, lighting, thermostat with apps
- Integrates music streaming, doorbell cameras
- Accommodates 3rd party integrations
- Structured wiring panel with Cat 6
- Pre-wired for surround sound
Ryan Homes
- Does not currently offer smart home tech packages
- Thermostats may have smart capability
- Provides network panel with coax and Cat5e
- Sturdy wiring for future integrations
- Smart features must be added post construction
Verdict
Schell Brothers includes more standard and optional smart home features that add convenience and modern connectivity for homeowners. Ryan Homes has capacity for adding tech later but does not offer turnkey integration.
Warranties & Customer Service
The warranty and customer service that come with a new home are invaluable for protecting your investment. Here is how the builders compare:
Schell Brothers
- Offers a 10 year structural warranty
- 1-2 year warranty on systems and finishes
- Dedicated customer care team
- Online customer portal for requests
- Takes care of warranty issues until resolved
- Ranks highly in surveys for service
Ryan Homes
- Provides a 10 year structural warranty
- 1 year limited warranty on defects
- Warranty handled by corporate team
- Must go through customer care hotline
- Mixed reviews on responsiveness
- Ranks average for service
Verdict
Schell Brothers delivers better customer service, earning them the win. Homeowners work directly with a dedicated team for the full warranty period versus going through Ryan Homes’ corporate support.
Pricing and Home Values
Pricing often drives homebuying decisions. Here is a look at home prices for these builders:
Schell Brothers
- Ranges from $300k – $1 million plus
- Average price is mid-$400k range
- Higher price per square foot due to luxury finishes
- Resale values on par with higher prices
Ryan Homes
- Typical range is $150k – $500k
- Average price in low $200k range
- Lower price per square foot for base models
- Resale varies based on neighborhood
Verdict
Ryan Homes wins when it comes to affordability and meeting budgets. Schell Brother homes cost more but offer higher-end features and details reflected in home values. Ryan Homes gives more home for the money spent upfront.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
There is no definitively “best” home builder. The right builder for you depends on your budget, preferences, and needs. Top builders like Schell Brothers and Ryan Homes have great reputations, warranties, construction quality, and service. Tour model homes and speak with professionals to choose the best fit.
Some of Ryan Homes biggest competitors are national builders like Lennar, KB Home, and Pulte Homes. Regional builders that compete with Ryan’s affordable pricing include Ashton Woods, Toll Brothers, and D.R. Horton.
NV Homes is considered comparable to Ryan Homes in terms of quality, price point, and service. They offer similar value-focused construction and streamlined options. NV Homes may edge out Ryan Homes when it comes to inclusions like granite counters on more standard models. But quality and satisfaction are on par.
Schell Brothers founders Ed and Ryan Schell remain majority owners of the privately-held company. They partnered with JP Morgan Asset Management which holds a minority stake in the builder. The Schell brothers still run the day-to-day operations.
Final Thoughts
So when considering Schell Brothers vs. Ryan Homes, which builder is right for you?
For buyers who value customization, quality craftsmanship, and contemporary design, Schell Brothers is likely the better fit. The higher prices reflect the luxury finishes and details that set their homes apart.
Homeowners on a budget who want the most house for the money will prefer Ryan Homes. Their streamlined process and material selections keep costs low without sacrificing quality construction.
Key Factors to Consider:
- Customization needs – Schell Brothers
- Quality and luxury features – Schell Brothers
- Affordability and pricing – Ryan Homes
- Location availability – Ryan Homes
- Contemporary v. suburban design – Schell Brothers
- Smart home technology – Schell Brothers
- Warranties and service – Schell Brothers
Whichever builder you choose, be sure to weigh these factors that impact your ownership experience. Tour model homes, speak with real estate agents knowledgeable on the builders, and read reviews from other homeowners.
This will help ensure you pick the right home builder for your lifestyle and budget.