Pulte brands rank highest in new-home quality in five markets. Other builders achieving highest rankings in new-home quality in their respective markets include (in alphabetical order):
According to the 2009 New-Home Quality Study, released in conjunction with the New-Home Builder study, new-home quality has also increased notably—to an average of 825 index points in 2009 from 799 in 2008. The rate of customer-reported problems has decreased in 2009 to an average of 9.55 problems per home, from 11.51 problems per home in 2008. In addition, problem rates have declined in each of the 23 markets that were also included in the study in 2008. Overall, the most commonly reported quality problems include issues with landscaping, heating and air conditioning problems, and kitchen cabinet quality and finish.
“Fierce competition among home builders has led to a market where only the strongest companies have survived,” said Sonkin. “This is great news for new-home buyers—particularly first-time buyers—since builders are offering unprecedented high levels of quality, value and service at relatively low prices.”
2009 New-Home Quality Study Rankings
The New-Home Quality Study, now in its third year, measures the occurrence and impact of construction problems experienced by new-home owners in 24 markets. The study utilizes an index that takes into account the number of problems that occur, the severity of problems and size of the home, and covers 41 different problem categories for the following areas:
2009 New-Home Builder Customer Satisfaction Study
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