If you’re in the market for a new home, you’ve probably come across two big names in home building: Toll Brothers and Ryan Homes. Both companies have been building homes across the U.S. for decades and offer attractive options for your dream home.
But which builder is right for you?
Here’s an in-depth look at Toll Brothers and Ryan Homes, including their key features, reputations, and more to help you make the best decision.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Toll Brothers | Ryan Homes |
| Positioning | Luxury home builder | Affordable/value home builder |
| Typical home price range | $300k – $8M+ | $100k – $500k |
| Geographical focus | Operates in 24 states | Focused on East Coast/Midwest |
| Home types | Single-family, urban condos, active adult communties | Single-family, townhomes, condos |
| Construction quality | Highest-end materials, customized details | Budget-friendly value engineering |
| Interior finishes | Luxury – granite, marble, hardwoods | Standard – carpet, laminate, tile, granite countertops |
| Community amenities | Resort-style – pools, golf, clubhouses | Family-oriented – pools, playgrounds, rec centers |
| Buying process | White-glove service with personal guidance | Streamlined process focused on efficiency |
| Warranty | 10 years structural, 2 years systems/appliances | 10 years structural, 1 year systems/appliances |
Overview of Toll Brothers
Founded in 1967, Toll Brothers is based in Pennsylvania and builds luxury homes, communities, and high-rise urban living spaces across 24 states. They are the nation’s leading builder of luxury homes and are known for their craftsman-style attention to detail and sophisticated designs. Some key facts about Toll Brothers:
- Operates in over 50 markets across 24 states
- Offers single-family suburban homes, urban low-, mid-, and high-rise communities, active adult communities, and resort-style golf communities
- Home prices range from around $300,000 to over $8 million
- Focuses on luxury features like gourmet kitchens, spa-like bathrooms, media rooms, and outdoor living spaces
- Built over 190,000 homes since inception
- Has won numerous awards for home design and community planning
Toll Brothers has built a reputation as a leading luxury home builder catering to move-up, empty-nester, and second-home buyers. They offer high-end finishes and amenities with a focus on craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Overview of Ryan Homes
Founded in 1948, Ryan Homes builds homes across 16 states, primarily in the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and Southeast regions. They offer a range of home types across a variety of price points. Some key facts about Ryan Homes:
- Operates in 16 states, including PA, MD, VA, WV, OH, IN, NC, SC, FL, GA, TN, KY, AL, MS, MN, IL
- Offers single-family homes, townhomes, and condominiums
- Home prices range from the $100,000s to over $500,000
- Focuses on first-time and move-up home buyers with affordable, value-packed designs
- Built over 120,000 homes since inception
- Ranked #1 home builder on Builder Magazine’s annual 100 Fastest Growing Companies list in 2014 & 2015
Ryan Homes pitches itself as “America’s First Name in Affordable Homebuilding.” They offer more budget-friendly options for first-time and move-up buyers looking for quality new construction homes with plenty of included features.
Comparing Reputations
Both Toll Brothers and Ryan Homes have built solid reputations, but they target different segments of the market. Here’s an overview:
- Toll Brothers’ Reputation
As a luxury home builder, Toll Brothers is known for exceptional quality, luxury features and designs. Their homes typically range on the higher end in any given market and use more premium materials and finishes.
Toll Brothers has a reputation for meticulous craftsmanship, customer service, and building high-end homes with great attention to detail. Their design team is focused on creating homes with elegant architectural details and everything is carefully customized. This results in sophisticated, one-of-a-kind homes.
Many reviews highlight the incredible quality of their homes, premium features, and dedication to excellence. So for buyers who prioritize luxury living and have the budget, Toll Brothers is tough to beat.
- Ryan Homes’ Reputation
Ryan Homes has built a reputation as an affordable home builder offering excellent value.
Their homes range from starter-level to move-up homes for middle-class buyers seeking quality and affordability.
They offer more budget-conscious options and streamlined finishes, but still emphasize strong craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Ryan Homes aims to make buying a new home easy and affordable, so their homes pack in all the most popular features without over-customizing.
Their commitment to value has won over many first-time and move-up buyers who dream of a new home but have budget limitations. Ryan Homes is especially popular with families seeking good schools and amenities without breaking the bank. Their communities are praised as safe, family-friendly, and well-run.
Toll Brothers Home Features
As a luxury home builder, Toll Brothers loads their homes with high-end features and amenities. Here are some of their most popular luxury features:
- Gourmet kitchens – granite/marble countertops, expansive islands, top-of-the-line stainless appliances
- Spa-inspired bathrooms – soaking tubs, separate showers, dual vanities, upgraded fixtures
- Home technology – home automation, high-tech media rooms, built-in speakers
- Outdoor living – covered patios, outdoor kitchens, fire pits, built-in grilling stations
- Smart home features – video doorbells, programmable thermostats, motion-activated lights
- Customization – unique architectural details, mix and match design finishes
They’ll also tailor options to the market, like offering beach houses with private shutters and coastal design elements in coastal regions. Luxury buyers can upgrade to specialty additions like wine cellars, home theaters, and guest suites.
Ryan Homes Features & Options
Ryan Homes takes a value-focused approach, emphasizing affordability while still providing attractive and well-built homes. Here are some popular features they offer:
- Open floor plans
- 9’ ceilings on main and upper floors
- Granite kitchen countertops
- Stainless steel kitchen appliances
- Hardwood floors in foyer and powder room
- Tile floors in baths and laundry
- Walk-in closets
- Double-bowl vanity in master bath
- Walk-in pantry with shelving
- Cultured marble vanity tops in secondary baths
- Programmable thermostat
- USB outlets
- Outdoor patio or deck
Ryan Home buyers can also customize their homes by selecting from a menu of additional options and upgrades such as finished basements, additional bedrooms/bathrooms, exterior stone accents, kitchen islands, and more.
This approach makes it easy for buyers to scale options based on their budgetary needs while still providing flexibility.
Comparing Construction Quality
A key consideration when choosing any home builder is their reputation for construction quality and durability. This ensures your new home will last. Here’s how Toll Brothers and Ryan Homes compare:
- Toll Brothers Construction
Toll Brothers pays meticulous attention to detail and uses higher-end materials to craft luxury homes built to last. Their homes feature:
- Advanced framing techniques using 2×6 exterior wall framing with higher-grade lumber
- Engineered flooring systems that eliminate squeaks and enhance structural integrity
- Foundation and drainage systems that prevent water infiltration and flooding
- Custom cabinetry built in-house and installed by professional carpenters
- Multi-stage inspection process throughout the build
These high-end materials and methods ensure Toll Brothers homes stand the test of time. Their reputation for quality is reflected in their exceptionally low warranty service rates.
- Ryan Homes Construction
While not luxury-grade, Ryan Homes maintains excellent standards for construction quality and durability at more affordable price points. Ryan homes feature:
- Quality kiln-dried lumber and engineered wood products
- Advanced framing techniques
- Structurally reinforced concrete foundations
- Engineered flooring systems
- Sealed moisture barriers and well-graded site drainage
- Durable cabinets and fixtures
- Multi-stage inspections during building process
Their quality control procedures allow them to deliver durable, quality homes on budget. This combination of value and construction excellence makes them a popular choice.
Choosing the Right Community
Beyond the home itself, the community surrounding your new home is hugely important for your lifestyle. Here’s how Toll Brothers and Ryan Homes compare in terms of neighborhood offerings:
Toll Brothers Communities
Toll Brothers is renowned for master-planned communities catering to luxury lifestyles. Their communities offer:
- Resort-style recreational amenities – pools, golf courses, tennis courts, fitness centers
- Extensive landscaping and gardens throughout the communities
- Clubhouses, sports courts, playgrounds
- Gate-controlled access and security personnel
- Professionally decorated model homes to showcase offerings
- Concierge services
Their luxury communities are designed with relaxation and recreation in mind, providing amenities for the country club lifestyle. Home prices in Toll Brothers communities often start above $1 million.
Ryan Homes Neighborhoods
Ryan Homes communities typically cater to a more mainstream buyer, with a focus on family-friendly amenities. Ryan neighborhoods often feature:
- Community swimming pools
- Playgrounds and tot lots
- Recreational facilities like tennis courts
- Clubhouses or community centers
- Well-maintained green spaces and parks
- controlled access gates in some communities
- Pet areas
Their neighborhoods are designed for family living, with amenities focused on fun for all ages. Home prices start under $200,000 in most Ryan Homes communities.
So in terms of neighborhoods, Toll Brothers offers luxury living while Ryan Homes provides family-focused mainstream options. Consider your lifestyle needs and budget when choosing.
Buying Process Compared
Purchasing a new construction home involves more complex steps than buying an existing resale home. How do Toll Brothers and Ryan Homes compare when it comes to the buying process and customer service?
Toll Brothers Buying Process
Toll Brothers has a reputation for white-glove service and making the buying process elegant and enjoyable. Their process includes:
- Personal project manager guides you from start to close
- Design consultants assist in customizing your home down to smallest details
- Tour multiple model homes staged with furnishings and decor
- Browse interior finish choices in professional design studios
- Follow construction progress through their online customer portal
- Home orientations educate buyers on home maintenance and operation
They emphasize personalized service, education, and communication throughout the process. Past buyers praise Toll Brothers representatives for being patient, attentive, and enjoyable to work with.
Ryan Homes Buying Process
Ryan Homes aims to make buying a home straightforward and hassle-free. Their buying process includes:
- Sales representatives guide you from purchase agreement to closing
- Meet with a design consultant to select finishes and options
- Tour model homes or view homes online to gauge layouts and inclusions
- Access your home’s construction status through their online customer portal
- Professional home orientations at closing to understand maintenance
The process is more streamlined but still emphasizes guidance and communication. Ryan Homes sales agents are focused on affordability but still aim to provide excellent service. Past buyers describe the process as efficient and low-pressure.
So Toll Brothers offers white-glove treatment while Ryan Homes focuses on efficient and low-stress buying. Consider your needs in guidance and customization when deciding between the two.
Comparing Warranties
The warranty backing your home matters greatly in protecting your investment. Here’s how Toll Brothers and Ryan Homes compare:
Toll Brothers Warranty
- Limited structural warranty – 10 years
- Systems and appliances warranty – 2 years
- Additional structural warranty – Available 1-8 years through their Toll Brothers Premium Protection plan
Toll Brothers provides strong structural coverage right off the bat, plus solid additional coverage for appliances and systems. Their premium plan extends structural protection but adds cost.
Ryan Homes Warranty
- Structural warranty – 10 years
- Mechanical systems warranty – 1 year
- Appliances & equipment warranty – 1 year, extended to 2 years for some items
The Ryan Homes warranty provides a decade of structural coverage matching Toll Brothers, but just a single year for systems and appliances. Extended plans are available for added peace of mind.
When comparing warranties, Toll Brothers provides longer coverage on appliances and systems, while structural coverage is similar. Extended plans fill gaps but cost extra.
Toll Brothers Or Ryan Homes: Which Is Best For You?
So when considering Toll Brothers vs. Ryan Homes, which builder is right for your new luxury home or affordable family home? Here are some key factors to consider:
- Budget – Toll Brothers caters to upscale buyers with luxury designs. Ryan Homes offers attractive options under $300,000. Assess your budget needs.
- Home Features – Toll Brothers loads homes with high-end finishes; Ryan Homes focuses on value-added inclusions. Decide which features you prioritize.
- Quality Reputation – Both builders have excellent reputations – Toll for luxury quality and Ryan for value construction. Know what matters most.
- Community Life – Toll Brothers has resort-style communities; Ryan Homes offers family-friendly neighborhoods. Determine your lifestyle.
- Buying Process – Toll has white-glove service; Ryan offers streamlined buying. Decide your needs in guidance.
- Warranties – Toll provides longer appliance coverage; both offer 10-year structural. Evaluate gaps in coverage.
By weighing these key considerations, you can determine whether luxury living from Toll Brothers or affordable quality from Ryan Homes makes the most sense for you. Both builders deliver excellence at their respective price points.
Identify the features and service that best fit your home ownership dreams so you can make the ideal choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Some of the home builders with the best reputations include:
Toll Brothers – Known for luxury homes with excellent design, quality, and service
Ryan Homes – Offers outstanding value and quality for entry-level and move-up buyers
PulteGroup – Has a strong reputation for quality construction and customer service
D.R. Horton – One of America’s largest builders with a focus on value and efficiency
Lennar – Known for excellent floorplans, quality construction, and community amenities
According to rankings and surveys of home builder reputations, Toll Brothers consistently ranks among America’s most trusted luxury home builders. They are renowned for their exceptional quality, luxury features, and outstanding service experience.
For more affordable homes, PulteGroup and Ryan Homes rank highly as two of America’s most trusted mainstream home builders praised for quality construction, value-packed features, and excellent service.
Toll Brothers’ biggest competitors in the luxury new home market include:
Taylor Morrison – Offers high-end homes starting under $1 million with gourmet kitchens and smart home tech.
Meritage Homes – Builds homes typically ranging from $300k-$750k focused on elegant, livable designs.
D.R. Horton – Their Emerald and Sapphire Series offer luxury amenities and customization similar to Toll Brothers.
Lennar – Their Next Gen and Estate by Lennar lines offer luxury living around $750k – $2 million.
While Toll Brothers leads among pure luxury builders, those competitors also vie for upscale buyers.
Here are the 10 largest home builders in the United States based on homes sold in 2022: D.R. Horton, Lennar, PulteGroup, Taylor Morrison, Toll Brothers, Meritage Homes, Hovnanian Enterprises, M/I Homes, Ryan Homes, William Lyon Homes.
This list includes a mix of builders covering everything from entry-level homes to luxury estates. The top 5 builders make up over 40% of new homes sold nationwide.
Final Thoughts
This summarizes the major differences between the luxury approach of Toll Brothers compared to Ryan Homes’ budget-friendly value offerings. Use this comparison to evaluate which builder best aligns with your budget, lifestyle, and priorities.
