{"source":"CiteHawk AI Index","record":"home builders — 2026-11","url":"https://www.citehawk.com/leaderboards/editions/2026-11/home-builders/us","immutable":true,"snapshotId":"96cfcc5f-a83d-49a2-871d-a9b9fa075caf","capturedAt":"2026-11-03T05:15:52.869+00:00","contentHash":"76e0c73f7e45a868ae4f0892ff32ba2448a20077421577fab613547d1e69f925","contentHashSpec":"sha256-v1: hex SHA-256 of the UTF-8 bytes of the compact JSON array (no whitespace, non-ASCII characters unescaped, as JavaScript JSON.stringify emits) of [provider, run, model, text] tuples, one per captured answer, sorted by provider then run","registryRulesHash":"c45953a641fc763b2597a6a3f8837471f65b7550827fe50008bb0e5221fca519","registryRulesHashSpec":"sha256-v1: hex SHA-256 of the UTF-8 bytes of the compact JSON object {version, aliases, notInCategory, categoryAllow, serviceSlugRe} where aliases is the array of [foldedKey, canonicalName, pinnedDomain, categoryScope] tuples sorted by key, carrying a fifth regionScope element only on the entries that have one, notInCategory and categoryAllow are arrays of [categorySlug, domains] tuples sorted by slug, and every domain/scope list is itself sorted, carrying a trailing notInCategoryByRegion element, an array of [categorySlug, region, domains] triples sorted by slug then region, only when at least one region-scoped deny entry exists, and after it a trailing notInCategoryByName element, an array of [categorySlug, regionScope, names] triples sorted by slug then scope (regionScope \"*\" for every board region, names as published), only when at least one name-scoped deny entry exists","region":"us","prompt":"What are the best home builders in the United States? Recommend the top brands or products that people actually use.\n\nAnswer as if the user is in the United States.","providers":["openai","claude","gemini","perplexity","deepseek","grok","bing_copilot","google_aio","google_ai_mode"],"models":{"grok":"grok-4.3","claude":"claude-sonnet-5-5","gemini":"gemini-3.6-flash","openai":"gpt-6-sol","deepseek":"deepseek-flash","google_aio":"google_aio","perplexity":"sonar","bing_copilot":"bing_copilot","google_ai_mode":"google_ai_mode"},"runsPerProvider":1,"totalCalls":18,"ranking":[{"rank":1,"brand":"Taylor Morrison","domain":"taylormorrison.com","entityId":"403cf98f-ea5d-4062-8628-df180135f939","score":46.5,"mentions":9,"recommendedBy":["openai","claude","gemini","perplexity","deepseek","grok","bing_copilot","google_aio","google_ai_mode"],"averagePositionByProvider":{"grok":6,"claude":6,"gemini":4,"openai":1,"deepseek":5,"google_aio":5,"perplexity":1,"bing_copilot":1,"google_ai_mode":6}},{"rank":2,"brand":"D.R. 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Homes","domain":"claytonhomes.com","entityId":"6e39fccc-405e-486b-908e-79758089b23f","score":12.3,"mentions":2,"recommendedBy":["bing_copilot","google_aio"],"averagePositionByProvider":{"google_aio":10,"bing_copilot":15}}],"answers":[{"provider":"bing_copilot","run":1,"model":"bing_copilot","capturedAt":"2026-11-03T05:15:52.874Z","text":"The most trusted national home builder in the U.S. is Taylor Morrison, followed by Tri Pointe Homes, LGI Homes, and Toll Brothers, based on large-scale consumer trust studies.\n\n✅ The Top National Home Builders People Trust Most\n\nThe most authoritative ranking comes from the America’s Most Trusted® Home Builder Study, which surveys tens of thousands of active home shoppers each year. In both the 2024 and 2026 studies, Taylor Morrison ranked #1 with the highest Net Trust Quotient Scores.\n\nTop 10 Most Trusted Home Builders (2026 Study)\n\nTaylor Morrison Homes — #1 for 11 consecutive years; NTQ Score 115.7\nTri Pointe Homes — NTQ 114.3\nLGI Homes — NTQ 114.0\nToll Brothers — NTQ 113.8\nRichmond American — NTQ 113.0\nK. Hovnanian Homes — NTQ 112.5\nCentury Communities — NTQ 111.6\nStanley Martin Homes — NTQ 111.3\nDream Finders Homes — NTQ 111.3\nAshton Woods Homes — NTQ 110.7\n\nThese brands consistently score high for quality, reliability, transparency, and customer satisfaction.\n\n⭐ Additional Highly Used Builders (ConsumerAffairs Picks)\n\nConsumerAffairs highlights several widely used builders based on customer experience and product offerings :\n\nLGI Homes — Affordable, modern homes; strong buyer support\nM/I Homes — 30+ years of experience; strong customer service\nKB Home — Customizable floor plans; interactive design tools\nLindal Cedar Homes — Premium cedar homes; fully custom\nRyan Homes — Large presence in Eastern & Midwestern states\nClayton Homes — Leading modular/manufactured home builder\n\nThese companies are popular among buyers seeking affordability, customization, or specialty builds.\n\n🏡 Which Builders Operate Near Minnesota?\n\nMinnesota’s new-construction market is served by several national builders from the trust rankings:\n\nM/I Homes (operates in Midwest markets)\nRyan Homes (active in Eastern & Midwestern states)\nPulte Homes (national builder ranked #16 in 2026)\nLennar (ranked #18 in 2026; major national presence)\nD.R. Horton (ranked #19 in 2026; largest U.S. builder by volume)\n\nThese are among the most common builders Minnesotans encounter when shopping for new construction.\n\n📊 Quick Comparison Table: Top Trusted vs. Most Popular\n\nBuilder | Why People Choose Them | Source\nTaylor Morrison | Highest trust; strong quality & service | 2\nTri Pointe Homes | Modern designs; strong reputation | 2\nLGI Homes | Affordable, amenity-rich communities | 2\nToll Brothers | Luxury homes; premium finishes | 2\nM/I Homes | Customer service focus; Midwest presence | 1\nKB Home | High customization; design studio | 1\nRyan Homes | Large Midwest/East footprint | 1\nClayton Homes | Modular/manufactured affordability | 1\n3 Sources3\n\n🔍 How to Choose Among These Builders\n\nKey factors to consider (from ConsumerAffairs guidance):\n\nEnergy efficiency options (solar, insulated windows)\nCustomization flexibility (floor plans, finishes)\nWarranty coverage (structural, systems)\nInspection transparency (site visits, pre-move-in repairs)\nUpgrade options (garages, outlets, energy features)\n\n✅ If You Want a Simple Recommendation\n\nFor overall trust and nationwide consistency, Taylor Morrison is the top pick. For affordable new construction, LGI Homes is widely used. For luxury homes, Toll Brothers is the most recognized. For Midwest availability, M/I Homes, Ryan Homes, and Pulte Homes are common choices.\n\nWould you like a list of the best builders specifically available in Minnesota or the Twin Cities area?","extractedBrands":[{"name":"Taylor Morrison","domain":"taylormorrison.com","position":1},{"name":"Tri Pointe Homes","domain":null,"position":2},{"name":"LGI Homes","domain":"lgihomes.com","position":3},{"name":"Toll Brothers","domain":"tollbrothers.com","position":4},{"name":"Richmond American","domain":null,"position":5},{"name":"K. Hovnanian Homes","domain":null,"position":6},{"name":"Century Communities","domain":null,"position":7},{"name":"Stanley Martin Homes","domain":null,"position":8},{"name":"Dream Finders Homes","domain":null,"position":9},{"name":"Ashton Woods Homes","domain":null,"position":10},{"name":"M/I Homes","domain":null,"position":11},{"name":"KB Home","domain":"kbhome.com","position":12},{"name":"Lindal Cedar Homes","domain":null,"position":13},{"name":"Ryan Homes","domain":"ryanhomes.com","position":14},{"name":"Clayton Homes","domain":"claytonhomes.com","position":15},{"name":"Pulte Homes","domain":"pulte.com","position":16},{"name":"Lennar","domain":"lennar.com","position":17},{"name":"D.R. Horton","domain":"drhorton.com","position":18}]},{"provider":"claude","run":1,"model":"claude-sonnet-5-5","capturedAt":"2026-11-03T05:15:52.874Z","text":"\"Best\" depends on what you want: volume, price, or customer satisfaction. I only found sales volume in my search. The satisfaction notes below come from my general knowledge, so check them against the latest J.D. Power or local reviews.\n\n## Largest builders by 2025 closings\n\nThese are the builders most Americans actually buy from. The ranking uses Builder's 2026 Builder 100, which reports 2025 home closings and revenue.\n\n| Rank | Builder | 2025 closings |\n|---|---|---|\n| 1 | D.R. Horton | 87,168 |\n| 2 | Lennar | 82,583 |\n| 3 | PulteGroup | 29,572 |\n| 4 | NVR | 21,915 |\n| 5 | Meritage Homes | 15,026 |\n| 6 | Taylor Morrison | 12,997 |\n| 7 | KB Home | 12,902 |\n| 9 | Toll Brothers | 11,292 |\n\nScale matters in this market. The top 10 builders now account for about half of all new single-family home sales nationally, up from about a third two decades ago.\n\n## Best by buyer type\n\n- **Entry-level and first-time buyers:** D.R. Horton (including its Express Homes line), Lennar, and KB Home. They offer the widest availability and lower prices. Horton is active in 28 states, the widest reach of any U.S. builder. KB Home is strong in the West, and its permits are led by California and Nevada.\n- **Move-up and mid-range buyers:** PulteGroup (which also builds under Centex and Del Webb), NVR (Ryan Homes, NVHomes), Taylor Morrison, and Meritage. Pulte's Del Webb brand is the best known for 55+ communities. Meritage is known for energy-efficient homes.\n- **Luxury:** Toll Brothers is the best-known national name. It is the country's largest publicly traded luxury homebuilder, operating in over 60 markets. Its average delivered home price was about $960,000 in fiscal 2025.\n- **Fully custom:** Local custom builders are usually a better fit than national brands. Look for ones with a strong local reputation and recent award wins.\n\n## Other builders worth a look\n\nAshton Woods, Century Communities, M/I Homes, Dream Finders, and Sekisui House U.S. (Sekisui House is the Japanese owner of the former Woodside Homes) are all in the top 15 by closings. Ashton Woods is active in 7 states. Regional builders like these are often better than the giants in their home markets.\n\nBerkshire Hathaway has also announced a deal to acquire Taylor Morrison for $8.5 billion. I only saw that in a Wikipedia citation, so verify it before relying on it.\n\n## How to choose\n\nQuality varies a lot by region, local construction crew, and even by individual community. Before you sign:\n1. Check recent buyer reviews for your specific market and community, not just the brand's national reputation.\n2. Hire an independent inspector. Get one for the pre-drywall stage and another for the final walkthrough.\n3. Ask about the warranty. Typical terms are 1 year on workmanship, 2 years on systems, and 10 years on structure.\n4. Compare the builder's in-house lender incentives against outside mortgage quotes.\n5. Look at the home's lot, floor plan, and upgrade pricing. Base prices often exclude options that add a lot to the final cost.","extractedBrands":[{"name":"D.R. Horton","domain":"drhorton.com","position":1},{"name":"Lennar","domain":"lennar.com","position":2},{"name":"PulteGroup","domain":"pultegroup.com","position":3},{"name":"NVR","domain":"nvrinc.com","position":4},{"name":"Meritage Homes","domain":"meritagehomes.com","position":5},{"name":"Taylor Morrison","domain":"taylormorrison.com","position":6},{"name":"KB Home","domain":"kbhome.com","position":7},{"name":"Toll Brothers","domain":"tollbrothers.com","position":9},{"name":"Ashton Woods","domain":"ashtonwoods.com","position":10},{"name":"Century Communities","domain":"centurycommunities.com","position":11},{"name":"M/I Homes","domain":"mihomes.com","position":12},{"name":"Dream Finders","domain":"dreamfindershomes.com","position":13},{"name":"Sekisui House U.S.","domain":null,"position":14},{"name":"Berkshire Hathaway","domain":"berkshirehathaway.com","position":15}]},{"provider":"deepseek","run":1,"model":"deepseek-flash","capturedAt":"2026-11-03T05:15:52.874Z","text":"In the U.S., there’s no single “best” home builder—quality varies a lot by local division, superintendent, and subcontractors. But if you mean **brands people actually use at scale**, these are the names you’ll see most:\n\n**National production builders — most-used brands**\n1. **D.R. Horton** — largest U.S. builder by closings; entry-level to move-up; includes Express Homes.\n2. **Lennar** — huge national brand; “Everything’s Included” model; broad price range.\n3. **PulteGroup** — parent of **Pulte**, **Centex**, and **Del Webb** (55+); strong move-up/active-adult presence.\n4. **NVR** — brands include **Ryan Homes** and **NVHomes**; strong in Mid-Atlantic/South.\n5. **Taylor Morrison** — move-up and luxury; strong in West/South.\n6. **KB Home** — entry-level/move-up; energy-efficiency focus; West/South.\n7. **Meritage Homes** — energy-efficient production homes; South/West.\n8. **Toll Brothers** — luxury production/semi-custom; best if budget is high.\n9. **M/I Homes, Century Communities, Dream Finders, Ashton Woods, David Weekley, Shea Homes** — strong national/regional options.\n\n**Strong regional/custom names people actually use**\n- **David Weekley Homes** — design/build reputation in multiple markets.\n- **Highland Homes** and **Perry Homes** — Texas.\n- **Toll Brothers** — luxury.\n- Local custom builders with strong referrals often beat national production builders on quality and flexibility.\n\n**If you meant building products/materials**, commonly used U.S. brands include:\n- **Siding:** James Hardie, LP SmartSide\n- **Roofing:** GAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed\n- **Windows:** Andersen, Pella, Marvin, JELD-WEN\n- **Doors:** Therma-Tru, Masonite\n- **HVAC:** Carrier, Trane, Lennox, Goodman\n- **Plumbing:** Moen, Delta, Kohler\n- **Electrical:** Square D, Eaton, Leviton\n- **Paint:** Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore\n- **Appliances:** Whirlpool, GE, LG, Samsung, Bosch\n- **Flooring:** Shaw, Mohawk, Engineered Floors\n- **Decking:** Trex, TimberTech\n- **Garage doors:** Clopay, CHI\n\nBottom line: **D.R. Horton, Lennar, PulteGroup, NVR/Ryan Homes, Taylor Morrison, KB Home, Meritage, and Toll Brothers** are the builder brands most Americans actually encounter. For quality, don’t rely on the national name alone—check the local division, visit completed neighborhoods, read local reviews, confirm licensing/warranty, and hire an independent inspector for pre-drywall and final walkthrough.","extractedBrands":[{"name":"D.R. Horton","domain":"drhorton.com","position":1},{"name":"Lennar","domain":"lennar.com","position":2},{"name":"PulteGroup","domain":"pulte.com","position":3},{"name":"NVR","domain":null,"position":4},{"name":"Taylor Morrison","domain":"taylormorrison.com","position":5},{"name":"KB Home","domain":"kbhome.com","position":6},{"name":"Meritage Homes","domain":"meritagehomes.com","position":7},{"name":"Toll Brothers","domain":"tollbrothers.com","position":8},{"name":"M/I Homes","domain":null,"position":9},{"name":"Century Communities","domain":null,"position":10},{"name":"Dream Finders","domain":null,"position":11},{"name":"Ashton Woods","domain":null,"position":12},{"name":"David Weekley","domain":"davidweekleyhomes.com","position":13},{"name":"Shea Homes","domain":null,"position":14},{"name":"James Hardie","domain":null,"position":15},{"name":"LP SmartSide","domain":null,"position":16},{"name":"GAF","domain":null,"position":17},{"name":"Owens Corning","domain":null,"position":18},{"name":"CertainTeed","domain":null,"position":19},{"name":"Andersen","domain":null,"position":20},{"name":"Pella","domain":null,"position":21},{"name":"Marvin","domain":null,"position":22},{"name":"JELD-WEN","domain":null,"position":23},{"name":"Therma-Tru","domain":null,"position":24},{"name":"Masonite","domain":null,"position":25},{"name":"Carrier","domain":null,"position":26},{"name":"Trane","domain":null,"position":27},{"name":"Lennox","domain":null,"position":28},{"name":"Goodman","domain":null,"position":29},{"name":"Moen","domain":null,"position":30},{"name":"Delta","domain":null,"position":31},{"name":"Kohler","domain":null,"position":32},{"name":"Square D","domain":null,"position":33},{"name":"Eaton","domain":null,"position":34},{"name":"Leviton","domain":null,"position":35},{"name":"Sherwin-Williams","domain":"sherwin-williams.com","position":36},{"name":"Benjamin Moore","domain":null,"position":37},{"name":"Whirlpool","domain":null,"position":38},{"name":"GE","domain":null,"position":39},{"name":"LG","domain":null,"position":40},{"name":"Samsung","domain":null,"position":41},{"name":"Bosch","domain":null,"position":42},{"name":"Shaw","domain":null,"position":43},{"name":"Mohawk","domain":null,"position":44},{"name":"Engineered Floors","domain":null,"position":45},{"name":"Trex","domain":null,"position":46},{"name":"TimberTech","domain":null,"position":47},{"name":"Clopay","domain":null,"position":48},{"name":"CHI","domain":null,"position":49}]},{"provider":"gemini","run":1,"model":"gemini-3.6-flash","capturedAt":"2026-11-03T05:15:52.874Z","text":"When choosing a home builder in the United States, the \"best\" option depends heavily on your budget, location, desired level of customization, and whether you are buying in a master-planned community or building on your own land. \n\nThe top home builders in the U.S. are grouped below by category, focusing on the brands people actually use, trust, and buy from most frequently.\n\n---\n\n### 1. Most Popular National Production Builders\nThese are massive volume builders that construct entire neighborhoods across multiple states. They offer streamlined buying processes, in-house financing, and quick turnarounds.\n\n*   **D.R. Horton** *(Best Overall for Volume & Entry-Level)*\n    *   **Why people choose them:** Known as \"America’s Builder,\" D.R. Horton is the largest home builder in the U.S. by volume. They cater heavily to first-time buyers and budget-conscious families.\n    *   **Sub-brands:** *Express Homes* (starter homes), *D.R. Horton Homes* (move-up buyers), and *Emerald Homes* (luxury).\n*   **Lennar** *(Best for All-Inclusive Pricing)*\n    *   **Why people choose them:** Lennar is famous for its **\"Everything’s Included\" (EI)** business model. Instead of charging extra for upgrades like quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, or smart home technology, they bundle high-end finishes into the base price.\n*   **PulteGroup** *(Best for Floor Plan Functionality)*\n    *   **Why people choose them:** Pulte focuses heavily on practical family layouts, energy efficiency, and functional storage space. They build everything from affordable starter homes to move-up family properties. \n    *   **Sub-brands:** *Centex* (entry-level), *Pulte Homes* (move-up), and *Del Webb* (active adult / 55+).\n\n---\n\n### 2. Best for Quality & Customer Trust\nIf you care deeply about customer service, build quality, and energy efficiency, these brands consistently top industry surveys.\n\n*   **Taylor Morrison** *(Best for Customer Satisfaction)*\n    *   **Why people choose them:** Named **America’s Most Trusted® Home Builder** by Lifestory Research for 11 consecutive years. They are widely praised for build quality, transparent communication, and solid warranty service.\n*   **Meritage Homes** *(Best for Energy Efficiency)*\n    *   **Why people choose them:** Meritage is an industry leader in building energy-efficient homes. They include advanced features as standard—such as spray-foam insulation, multispeed HVAC units, energy-efficient windows, and solar-ready setups—which significantly lower monthly utility bills.\n\n---\n\n### 3. Best Luxury Builders\nFor buyers with higher budgets looking for high-end upgrades, grand architecture, or semi-custom designs.\n\n*   **Toll Brothers** *(Best National Luxury Builder)*\n    *   **Why people choose them:** Toll Brothers is the gold standard for nationwide luxury production homes. They build in upscale master-planned communities and offer massive Design Centers where buyers can customize everything from floor plan extensions to gourmet kitchen layouts.\n*   **AR Homes (Arthur Rutenberg)** *(Best for Semi-Custom / Luxury Build-on-Your-Lot)*\n    *   **Why people choose them:** If you already own land or want a custom estate home in the South/Midwest, AR Homes uses a franchise model of high-end custom builders who deliver architectural design with local expertise.\n\n---\n\n### 4. Best for 55+ & Retirement Communities\n*   **Del Webb (by PulteGroup)**\n    *   **Why people choose them:** The standard-bearer for active adult living. Del Webb communities feature resort-style clubhouses, pickleball courts, golf courses, single-story living, and active social calendars.\n*   **Trilogy by Shea Homes**\n    *   **Why people choose them:** Consistently ranks at the top alongside Del Webb for luxury 55+ active-adult communities, known for wellness-focused amenities and high-end finishes.\n\n---\n\n### 5. Notable Regional Leaders\nDepending on where you live in the U.S., regional builders often offer better local reputation and site responsiveness than national brands:\n*   **East Coast / Midwest:** **NVR, Inc.** (operates as **Ryan Homes** and **NVHomes**) is extremely dominant and popular for mid-tier suburban builds.\n*   **Sunbelt / West:** **KB Home** is very popular for buyers who want customizable floor plans at lower price points.\n\n---\n\n### Practical Tips Before Buying from a Builder:\n1. **Local Superintendents Matter:** A national brand is only as good as the local site manager and sub-contractors working in your specific neighborhood. Look up reviews for the *specific community* you are buying in, not just the corporate brand.\n2. **Hire an Independent Inspector:** Never rely solely on the builder's local municipal code inspector. Hire your own home inspector to check the home at three key stages: pre-pour (foundation), pre-drywall, and final walk-through.\n3. **Negotiate Closing Costs:** Major builders have in-house mortgage lenders. They will often offer $5,000 to $20,000+ in closing cost credits or interest rate buy-downs if you use their preferred lender.","extractedBrands":[{"name":"D.R. Horton","domain":"drhorton.com","position":1},{"name":"Express Homes","domain":null,"position":1},{"name":"D.R. Horton Homes","domain":null,"position":1},{"name":"Emerald Homes","domain":null,"position":1},{"name":"Lennar","domain":"lennar.com","position":2},{"name":"PulteGroup","domain":"pultegroup.com","position":3},{"name":"Centex","domain":null,"position":3},{"name":"Pulte Homes","domain":null,"position":3},{"name":"Del Webb","domain":null,"position":3},{"name":"Taylor Morrison","domain":"taylormorrison.com","position":4},{"name":"Meritage Homes","domain":"meritagehomes.com","position":5},{"name":"Toll Brothers","domain":"tollbrothers.com","position":6},{"name":"AR Homes","domain":null,"position":7},{"name":"Del Webb","domain":null,"position":8},{"name":"Trilogy by Shea Homes","domain":null,"position":9},{"name":"NVR, Inc.","domain":null,"position":10},{"name":"Ryan Homes","domain":null,"position":10},{"name":"NVHomes","domain":null,"position":10},{"name":"KB Home","domain":"kbhome.com","position":11}]},{"provider":"google_ai_mode","run":1,"model":"google_ai_mode","capturedAt":"2026-11-03T05:15:52.874Z","text":"When looking at the top home builders in the United States, the industry breaks down by volume (the massive national production companies that build tens of thousands of homes a year) and specialty or luxury standing (companies known for high-end design or exceptional consumer trust).\n\nThe premier home builders, ranked by scale, market impact, and what everyday buyers actually use, fall into several distinct categories:\n\n1. High-Volume & National Production Builders (Most Used)\n\nThese publicly traded giants dominate suburban master-planned communities and account for a huge percentage of new single-family housing and townhomes across the U.S.\n\nD.R. Horton : Consistently ranked as America's largest home builder by volume and closings (closing over 87,000 homes in a recent year). They target value-conscious first-time, move-up, and empty-nester buyers with aggressive pricing and widespread availability. D.R. Horton Lennar Corporation : The second-largest national production builder. Lennar is famous for its “Everything’s Included” package, bundling smart-home tech, energy-efficient features, and high-end cosmetic finishes into the base price rather than charging hidden upgrade fees. Lennar Corporation PulteGroup : A massive player known for consumer-inspired floor plans. They operate under brands like Pulte Homes, Del Webb (the gold standard for active-adult/55+ communities), and Centex, catering to everyone from first-timers to retirees. PulteGroup KB Home : Highly recognized for personalization, allowing buyers to custom-design floor plans and structural options at a relatively accessible price point. They routinely rank high for sustainability and energy efficiency among national builders. KB Home\n\n2. Premium, Luxury, and Specialty Brands\n\nIf you are looking outside of mass-market production housing into higher-end craftsmanship or lifestyle-focused communities:\n\nToll Brothers : Widely regarded as the premier luxury home builder in America. They specialize in upscale single-family detached and attached communities, golf-course developments, and urban high-rises, frequently winning industry design and quality accolades. Toll Brothers Taylor Morrison : Frequently recognized in independent trust studies as America's Most Trusted Home Builder. They lean heavily into upscale move-up housing and their signature Esplanade resort-lifestyle wellness communities. Taylor Morrison David Weekley Homes : The largest privately-held home builder in the U.S. They have earned a stellar reputation for customer service, architectural design flexibility (via their Personal Builder program), and strong customer satisfaction ratings. David Weekley Homes\n\nIf you're shopping for a new construction home, tell me:\n\nWhat city or state are you looking to buy in? Are you looking for an entry-level starter home, a luxury property, or a 55+ active adult community ?\n\nI can help you pinpoint which specific builders have the best local reputation in that market.","extractedBrands":[{"name":"D.R. Horton","domain":"drhorton.com","position":1},{"name":"Lennar Corporation","domain":"lennar.com","position":2},{"name":"PulteGroup","domain":"pultegroup.com","position":3},{"name":"KB Home","domain":"kbhome.com","position":4},{"name":"Toll Brothers","domain":"tollbrothers.com","position":5},{"name":"Taylor Morrison","domain":"taylormorrison.com","position":6},{"name":"David Weekley Homes","domain":"davidweekleyhomes.com","position":7}]},{"provider":"google_aio","run":1,"model":"google_aio","capturedAt":"2026-11-03T05:15:52.874Z","text":"D.R. Horton and Lennar are the largest home builders in the United States by total volume and closings, while Taylor Morrison ranks as America's most trusted home builder.\n\nLargest National Home Builders (By Volume & Closings)\n\nD.R. Horton: Ranked #1 on the Builder 100 list with over 87,168 total closings. Known for entry-level and move-up production homes nationwide. Lennar Corporation: Ranked #2 on the Builder 100 list with over 82,583 total closings. One of the most prolific production home builders across major U.S. metro areas. PulteGroup: Consistently ranks among the top national builders (including brands like Pulte, Centex, and Del Webb). Toll Brothers: Famous for luxury, custom-to-semi-custom homes and upscale master-planned communities.\n\nMost Trusted Home Builders\n\nTaylor Morrison: Voted the #1 most trusted home builder in America in the America’s Most Trusted® Home Builder Study by Lifestory Research with a Net Trust Quotient Score of 115.7. Other Trusted Brands: Companies like KB Home, Tri Pointe Homes, Richmond American, and Shea Homes frequently score high in regional and national buyer-satisfaction rankings.\n\nTop Modular and Manufactured Home Builder\n\nClayton Homes: Recognized as the largest and best overall builder in the manufactured and modular housing space, winning multiple awards from the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI).\n\nAre you looking for a home builder in a specific state or metro area, or are you interested in a particular style (such as luxury, production/starter, or modular)?","extractedBrands":[{"name":"D.R. Horton","domain":"drhorton.com","position":1},{"name":"Lennar Corporation","domain":"lennar.com","position":2},{"name":"PulteGroup","domain":null,"position":3},{"name":"Toll Brothers","domain":"tollbrothers.com","position":4},{"name":"Taylor Morrison","domain":"taylormorrison.com","position":5},{"name":"KB Home","domain":"kbhome.com","position":6},{"name":"Tri Pointe Homes","domain":null,"position":7},{"name":"Richmond American","domain":null,"position":8},{"name":"Shea Homes","domain":null,"position":9},{"name":"Clayton Homes","domain":"claytonhomes.com","position":10}]},{"provider":"grok","run":1,"model":"grok-4.3","capturedAt":"2026-11-03T05:15:52.874Z","text":"**The largest and most-used home builders in the US (by closings and revenue) are dominated by a handful of national production builders, while customer trust and satisfaction rankings highlight different standouts like Taylor Morrison.**[[1]](https://eyeonhousing.org/2026/07/top-ten-builder-market-share-falls-in-2025/)[[2]](https://www.re-invest.ai/rankings)\n\nThese big players account for a significant share of new single-family homes (top 10 builders handled about 43.6% of for-sale closings in 2025).[[1]](https://eyeonhousing.org/2026/07/top-ten-builder-market-share-falls-in-2025/)\n\n### Top Builders by Volume (Most Homes Built/Used)\nThese are the production builders with the highest number of closings and revenue—meaning they’re the ones Americans are most likely to buy from in new construction communities. Data draws primarily from Builder Magazine rankings and related analyses for 2024–2025 closings/revenue (figures fluctuate slightly by source and fiscal year but the order is consistent):[[2]](https://www.re-invest.ai/rankings)[[3]](https://www.constructionowners.com/news/sh-residential-soars-to-no-6-on-2025-builder-100-as-industry-titans-hold-ground)\n\n1. **D.R. Horton** — Consistently the #1 builder by closings (e.g., ~82k–93k in recent years) and revenue (~$34B+). National footprint across many regions; strong in entry-level and move-up homes.[[1]](https://eyeonhousing.org/2026/07/top-ten-builder-market-share-falls-in-2025/)\n\n2. **Lennar** — Very close #2 (often ~73k–80k+ closings, similar revenue). Widespread presence; known for efficient building processes.[[2]](https://www.re-invest.ai/rankings)\n\n3. **PulteGroup** (including Pulte Homes and Centex brands) — Strong #3 (~31k closings, ~$17B+ revenue). Diverse product lines.[[3]](https://www.constructionowners.com/news/sh-residential-soars-to-no-6-on-2025-builder-100-as-industry-titans-hold-ground)\n\n4. **NVR** — Often #4, with a more land-light model; focused in certain regions like the Mid-Atlantic.[[2]](https://www.re-invest.ai/rankings)\n\n5–10. **Meritage Homes, Taylor Morrison, KB Home, Toll Brothers** (luxury segment), and others like Tri Pointe or Century Communities round out the top tier. Toll Brothers stands out for higher-end homes.[[2]](https://www.re-invest.ai/rankings)\n\nThese companies build the bulk of new tract homes in growing Sun Belt and other markets. Many operate under multiple brand names or divisions locally.\n\n### Top Builders by Customer Trust and Satisfaction\nIndependent consumer surveys (e.g., Lifestory Research’s America’s Most Trusted Home Builder study, based on tens of thousands of active home shoppers) rank builders differently, emphasizing perceived quality, reliability, and likelihood to recommend. Taylor Morrison has topped this list for over a decade:[[4]](https://www.lifestoryresearch.com/2026-americas-most-trusted-home-builder-brands)\n\n- **Taylor Morrison** — Frequently #1 in trust (e.g., highest Net Trust Quotient scores in 2025/2026 studies).[[4]](https://www.lifestoryresearch.com/2026-americas-most-trusted-home-builder-brands)\n- **Tri Pointe Homes, Toll Brothers, Ashton Woods, LGI Homes** — Regularly rank high.[[4]](https://www.lifestoryresearch.com/2026-americas-most-trusted-home-builder-brands)\n- Others like Richmond American, Dream Finders, or M/I Homes also score well in trust metrics.\n\nNote that volume leaders like D.R. Horton, Lennar, PulteGroup, and KB Home often rank lower in national trust surveys, though individual divisions or local experiences vary widely. Some builders (e.g., KB Home in certain reviews) earn strong marks for customer service or specific platforms like TrustBuilder.[[5]](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250620746735/en/KB-Homes-1-Ranking-and-Record-High-Scores-Reinforce-Its-Unwavering-Commitment-to-Customer-Satisfaction)\n\n### Key Recommendations and Considerations\n- **For most buyers seeking new construction**: Start with **D.R. Horton or Lennar** communities if availability and price point match—they build the most homes and have broad footprints. For higher trust perceptions or specific features, look at **Taylor Morrison or Toll Brothers**.[[4]](https://www.lifestoryresearch.com/2026-americas-most-trusted-home-builder-brands)\n- “Best” is highly local and personal. Performance (quality, timelines, service) can differ by division/market. Check recent buyer reviews on sites like TrustBuilder, BBB, or local forums; visit model homes; review warranties, energy efficiency ratings, and customization options.\n- Other factors: Location-specific leaders (e.g., Meritage strong in Phoenix), budget (entry-level vs. luxury), and current market conditions (affordability challenges noted in 2025–2026 analyses).[[6]](https://www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence/en/news-insights/research/2025/10/us-homebuilding-set-for-2025-slowdown-as-affordability-bites)\n- Always verify the latest data, as rankings shift slightly year to year, and consult local real estate pros or recent homebuyer experiences in your area.\n\nIf you share your location, budget range, or priorities (e.g., luxury, energy efficiency, quick move-in), I can refine these suggestions further.","extractedBrands":[{"name":"D.R. Horton","domain":"drhorton.com","position":1},{"name":"Lennar","domain":"lennar.com","position":2},{"name":"PulteGroup","domain":"pultegroup.com","position":3},{"name":"NVR","domain":null,"position":4},{"name":"Meritage Homes","domain":"meritagehomes.com","position":5},{"name":"Taylor Morrison","domain":"taylormorrison.com","position":6},{"name":"KB Home","domain":"kbhome.com","position":7},{"name":"Toll Brothers","domain":"tollbrothers.com","position":8},{"name":"Tri Pointe","domain":"tripointe.com","position":9},{"name":"Century Communities","domain":"centurycommunities.com","position":10},{"name":"Tri Pointe Homes","domain":null,"position":11},{"name":"Ashton Woods","domain":"ashtonwoods.com","position":12},{"name":"LGI Homes","domain":"lgihomes.com","position":13},{"name":"Richmond American","domain":"richmondamerican.com","position":14},{"name":"Dream Finders","domain":null,"position":15},{"name":"M/I Homes","domain":"mihomes.com","position":16}]},{"provider":"openai","run":1,"model":"gpt-6-sol","capturedAt":"2026-11-03T05:15:52.874Z","text":"If you mean **companies that build new houses**, my U.S. shortlist is **Taylor Morrison, Toll Brothers, Pulte Homes, Meritage Homes, KB Home, and Tri Pointe Homes**. Add **D.R. Horton and Lennar** when you want the broadest selection of communities and price points. These are established builders people actually buy from: all eight appear in *Builder*’s 2026 ranking, which measures **2025 home closings—not construction quality**. ([builderonline.com](https://www.builderonline.com/builder-100/builder-100-list/2026/))\n\n| Builder or brand | Best reason to consider it |\n|---|---|\n| **Taylor Morrison** | **Best first stop overall.** It ranked first in Lifestory Research’s 2026 survey of *shopper trust* and closed nearly 13,000 homes in 2025. Shopper trust is useful, but it is not a measure of completed-home quality. ([lifestoryresearch.com](https://www.lifestoryresearch.com/2026-americas-most-trusted-home-builder-brands)) |\n| **Toll Brothers** | **Best luxury-production option.** Look here for higher-end community homes with personalization choices; Toll Brothers says it is **not** a fully custom builder. ([tollbrothers.com](https://www.tollbrothers.com/faq?utm_source=openai)) |\n| **Pulte Homes** | **Best broad, mainstream shortlist.** Its parent, PulteGroup, was the third-largest builder by 2025 closings. Also check its **Centex** and **Del Webb** brands if you’re shopping for a first home or a 55+ community, respectively. ([builderonline.com](https://www.builderonline.com/builder-100/builder-100-list/2026/)) |\n| **Meritage Homes or KB Home** | **Best starting points if energy efficiency matters.** Both are large-volume builders recognized by ENERGY STAR. Confirm the certification of the *specific home*, not just the builder’s reputation. ([builderonline.com](https://www.builderonline.com/builder-100/builder-100-list/2026/)) |\n| **Tri Pointe Homes** | **Worth comparing for a move-up home.** It placed second in Lifestory’s 2026 shopper-trust ranking, although it builds at a smaller scale than the biggest national names. ([lifestoryresearch.com](https://www.lifestoryresearch.com/2026-americas-most-trusted-home-builder-brands)) |\n| **D.R. Horton or Lennar** | **Best for maximizing your search options.** They were the two largest builders by 2025 closings. I would compare their *local communities and finished homes* rather than treat their size as a quality endorsement. ([builderonline.com](https://www.builderonline.com/builder-100/builder-100-list/2026/)) |\n\n**My practical recommendation:** Start with Taylor Morrison, Pulte, and whichever of Meritage or KB Home builds near you; add Toll Brothers if your budget is higher. Before choosing *any* builder, speak with recent buyers in that community, read the actual warranty and contract, and hire an independent inspector accountable to you. The CFPB recommends an independent inspection, and NAHB recommends reviewing the new-home warranty. ([consumerfinance.gov](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home/close/schedule-a-home-inspection/?utm_source=openai))\n\nIf you mean a **fully custom home on land you own**, this national-brand list is less useful: focus on qualified **local custom builders** and their recent, nearby work. ([nahb.org](https://www.nahb.org/Other/Consumer-Resources/How-to-Choose-a-Home-Builder?utm_source=openai))","extractedBrands":[{"name":"Taylor Morrison","domain":"taylormorrison.com","position":1},{"name":"Toll Brothers","domain":"tollbrothers.com","position":2},{"name":"Pulte Homes","domain":null,"position":3},{"name":"Meritage Homes","domain":null,"position":4},{"name":"KB Home","domain":"kbhome.com","position":5},{"name":"Tri Pointe Homes","domain":null,"position":6},{"name":"D.R. Horton","domain":"drhorton.com","position":7},{"name":"Lennar","domain":"lennar.com","position":8}]},{"provider":"perplexity","run":1,"model":"sonar","capturedAt":"2026-11-03T05:15:52.874Z","text":"The best U.S. home builders to compare are **Taylor Morrison, Toll Brothers, PulteGroup, Meritage Homes, Lennar, D.R. Horton, NVR/Ryan Homes, KB Home, and Tri Pointe Homes**. There is no universally best builder: construction quality, warranty service, and subcontractors can vary substantially by local division and community.[1][3]\n\n## Best builders by buyer priority\n\n- **Best overall reputation:** **Taylor Morrison** — ranked first in Lifestory Research’s 2025 consumer trust study, with Tri Pointe and Toll Brothers also near the top.[9]\n- **Best production-luxury option:** **Toll Brothers** — a strong choice for higher-end finishes, larger homes, and more personalization without going fully custom.\n- **Best for 55+ communities:** **PulteGroup**, especially **Del Webb**.\n- **Best for energy efficiency:** **Meritage Homes** — commonly positioned around efficient building practices and lower energy use.\n- **Best for customization at mainstream prices:** **KB Home** — typically offers more structural and finish choices than many production builders.\n- **Best for included features and convenience:** **Lennar** — often sells homes with bundled feature packages, reducing upgrade decisions.\n- **Best for availability and price range:** **D.R. Horton** — the largest-volume builder and one of the most widely encountered by buyers nationally.[3][6]\n- **Best for broad regional coverage:** **PulteGroup**, **NVR/Ryan Homes**, **Lennar**, and **D.R. Horton**.\n- **Strong regional alternatives:** **Ashton Woods, David Weekley, M/I Homes, Shea Homes, Tri Pointe, Century Communities, and Richmond American**. Several rank well in consumer-trust surveys, but their availability depends heavily on location.[9]\n\n## Practical shortlist\n\nFor most buyers, begin by comparing these five in the specific metro area:\n\n1. **Taylor Morrison**\n2. **Pulte Homes**\n3. **Toll Brothers**\n4. **Meritage Homes**\n5. **Lennar**\n\nThen add **D.R. Horton** and **KB Home** if price, inventory, or customization is especially important. The largest builders—including D.R. Horton, Lennar, PulteGroup, NVR, Meritage, Taylor Morrison, KB Home, and Toll Brothers—are among the brands buyers most commonly encounter in new-construction communities.[6]\n\n## What matters more than the brand\n\nBefore signing, compare the **specific subdivision and local team**, not only the corporate name. Check:\n\n- Independent inspection before drywall and again before closing\n- Warranty-claim reviews from owners in that community\n- Recent permit and inspection records\n- Drainage, grading, foundation, and HVAC details\n- Total price after lot premiums, upgrades, HOA fees, and closing costs\n- Whether promised incentives require the builder’s lender or title company\n- Resale prices and completed homes nearby\n\nA highly regarded national builder can have a weak local project, while a regional builder can deliver an excellent one. For a typical U.S. buyer, **Taylor Morrison, Pulte, Toll Brothers, Meritage, Lennar, and KB Home** are the most useful first comparisons; select **D.R. Horton** when price and availability dominate the decision.","extractedBrands":[{"name":"Taylor Morrison","domain":"taylormorrison.com","position":1},{"name":"Toll Brothers","domain":"tollbrothers.com","position":2},{"name":"PulteGroup","domain":"pultegroup.com","position":3},{"name":"Meritage Homes","domain":"meritagehomes.com","position":4},{"name":"Lennar","domain":"lennar.com","position":5},{"name":"D.R. Horton","domain":"drhorton.com","position":6},{"name":"NVR/Ryan Homes","domain":null,"position":7},{"name":"KB Home","domain":"kbhome.com","position":8},{"name":"Tri Pointe Homes","domain":null,"position":9},{"name":"Pulte","domain":null,"position":10}]}]}