DR Horton Homes in Westheimer Lakes North (or Katy/Houston Area) (Cinco Ranch: HOA, appliances)

[thunker]

I'm looking at buying a house in Westheimer Lakes North that was built by DR Horton. It's about 5-6 years old. I was wondering if there is anyone on here owns/owned a DR Horton home in this area. Are you satisfied or have you had problems? I figured that after 5 years that any major problems should have started showing signs (but I guess you never know).

I've done a lot of research on them so far, and mostly it's all been negative. This is making me wonder if I should just look into other houses with a different builder. I know the quality depends on the actual people who built the house, since local crews are hired. And ratings seem to vary between different states and communities.

I found some old threads on here where people in WLN were happy with their DR Horton homes, but all posts were a few years old so I was hoping for more up to date information.

Thanks for any and all help on this. I just don't want to go forward with this if many people in the area are having issues.

[a_guerrajr]

I.would ask the neighbors.
Some people have good reviews, and some suck.

[jtothemak]

You can look up any neighborhood in the same price range and you will find negative reviews. People want a Cinco Ranch or Cross Creek Ranch neighborhood and not willing to pay for it. Westheimer is a starting under 200k price range and you get what you pay for. You get good schools and a great surrounding area for a lower price than the nearby more upscale neighborhood.

Oh and had a DR Horton home when I lived in DFW and loved the home.

[descovy]

I have 2 friends in Westheimer Lakes N that live in DR Horton homes ... Both built in 07. I have not heard any complaints. They are cheaper homes which equal cheaper finishes, etc... But the homes have stood up well

[Beto]

I haven't had any clients complain about their DR Horton homes, but can tell you that DR Horton Homes have dropped in quality over the years.

[Houston321]

In the industry they are called Doctor Hurtin'

[baddoctor]

Built by the best illegal immigrant labor money can't buy

[jtothemak]

Main thing is get an inspection of the home to make sure everything is good on any home. No matter how good any build may be it is still built by humans and short cuts can be taken. However being a used home if the previous home owners followed threw on any issues then the inspection should come up good with only a few minor issues. Any inspection that comes up prefect get another one as it is the inspectors job to find every little thing. I had a house that I sold and the garage light bulb was out and because he could not find any other issues he put that on the report with a couple of other very minor things.

The things that builders take short cuts on vs a million dollar home and a 200k home is the finishes which you see when you go threw the home like the counters, cabinets and faucets. You see all that stuff when you look at the home. But at the same time the person that bought the home when new could have upgraded a lot of the stuff. When I bought my home I changed out the cheap kitchen faucet for a nice one but I made sure the expensive stuff like kitchen cabinets, granite and appliances were of a good quality. Carpet I left at builder grade as in a couple of years when it wears out hardwoods will be put in.

Oh an another notes on Westheimer Lakes is several of the streets back directly up to Cinco Ranch and lead directly into Cinco and get cheaper taxes and HOA dues.

[RVD26]

Been living in a DR Horton home in WLN for three years now and have not had any major issues. Have not heard any complaints from neighbors either. Almost every builder who builds in this price range will have negative reviews to some extent. The problem is many people want a million dollar home on a $150k budget. Just doesn't work that way.

[Houston321]

Although not a fan of the Doctor. I do agree that people need to understand that these big builders are called "production" builders for a reason. They buy in bulk..etc, with limited choices. There is a reason you can get a 4000 sq ft home for 70 bucks per square foot. There is also a reason why custom builds are 110 per square foot and up. If you want more choices, nicer finishes, custom changes, changes in the middle of the process....then you pay for it.