Building a home in Texas means finding the right team, one that fits your budget, matches your style, and knows the local landscape. From national giants like D.R. Horton and Lennar to Texas-based names like Perry Homes and LGI, the state is home to some of the most respected builders in the country. Whether you’re dreaming of a custom build in the Hill Country or a move-in-ready home near Dallas, these top-rated home builders stand out for their reputation and quality service.
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#1 D.R. Horton
- Established: 1978 – 47+ years in business
- Google Rating: 4.2/5 (varies by location) — consistently positive
- Phone: +1 888‑283‑7860
- Website: drhorton.com
D.R. Horton is the largest homebuilder in both Texas and the U.S., delivering over 89,000 homes in 2024. Based in Arlington, they span all market segments, from first-time buyers to luxury homes, through brands like Express Homes and Emerald Homes. They’re known for offering smart‑home features, comprehensive warranties, and large-scale planned communities.
Their projects range from affordable starter homes in Dallas–Fort Worth to active‑adult communities and rental residences across the state. The company has been consistently recognized as a top national builder and is lauded for craftsmanship, customer care, and value.
#2 Lennar Corp.
- Established: 1954 – 71+ years in business
- Google Rating: ~4.1/5 (varies by region)
- Phone: +1 800‑871‑8530 (Corporate central line)
- Website: lennar.com
Lennar is Texas’s second‑largest homebuilder by closings, delivering over 73,000 homes nationwide in 2023. Known for its “Everything’s Included” approach, they bundle popular upgrades, like stainless steel appliances and smart‑home tech, into their base price for a transparent, hassle‑free experience. Working across diverse markets, they offer communities ranging from starter homes in San Antonio to luxury builds in Austin and Houston. Their user‑friendly website and interactive tools (such as design quizzes) make home shopping intuitive. With a solid record on build quality, warranty support, and customer resources, Lennar consistently earns strong reviews for reliability and value.
#3 Pulte Homes
- Established: 1950 – 75+ years in business
- Google Rating: ~4.0–4.3/5 (varies by location)
- Phone: +1 866‑471‑0970 (Pulte Group customer line)
- Website: pulte.com
Pulte Homes, part of the PulteGroup family, builds quality new homes across major Texas metro areas: Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin. Their Life‑Tested® home designs blend functional layouts with modern finishes like smart‑home tech and energy‑efficient features.
They’re also pushing green building, offering homes up to 30% more energy efficient by integrating LED lighting, solar options, and tankless water heaters. Focused on a clear, communication‑driven buying process, Pulte ensures a seamless Build Quality Experience from groundbreaking to move‑in. The brand offers everything from starter plans to move‑up and active‑adult communities, earning solid reviews for craftsmanship and customer support.
#4 Taylor Morrison
- Established: 2007 (formed from Taylor Woodrow and Morrison Homes)—but its roots date back decades; 18+ years under current brand
- Google Rating: ~4.2–4.4/5 (varies by community)
- Phone: (512) 532‑2127 (Austin regional office)
- Website: taylormorrison.com
Taylor Morrison consistently ranks among Texas’s most trusted homebuilders, earning America’s Most Trusted® Home Builder multiple years running. They build a wide variety of homes, from first-time buyer models to upscale options, in master-planned communities across Dallas–Fort Worth, Austin, and Houston.
Their hallmark includes modern open-concept designs with energy-efficient upgrades. In Texas, they also build rental segments, with amenities ranging from clubhouses to trails and green-built features. The brand stands out for its commitment to design innovation and customer satisfaction, backed by awards and regional trust scores.
#5 KB Home
- Established: 1957 – 68+ years in business
- Google Rating: ~4.5/5 in Texas regions (Austin & Houston)
- Phone: (210) 301‑5485 (San Antonio office)
- Website: kbhome.com
KB Home has been building energy‑efficient, customizable homes in Texas’s largest metros, including Austin, Dallas‑Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio, for decades. They offer a strong eco‑friendly focus, with ENERGY STAR® certification, WaterSense® fixtures, high‑performance ventilation, and optional solar packages backed by consistent EPA recognition.
Their Design Studio lets buyers personalize everything from flooring to appliances, making customization straightforward and included in the pricing. KB Home scores top marks for customer satisfaction, ranked as the #1 customer‑rated national builder by TrustBuilder®, with an average 4.5‑star rating among Texas homeowners. They build across affordability levels, from starter homes in master‑planned communities like Heartland, to move‑up options, emphasizing smart building, transparent pricing, and ongoing support.
#6 Meritage Homes
- Established: 1985 – 40+ years in business; went public in 2006
- Google Rating: ~4.1–4.4/5 across Texas (varies by region)
- Phone: +1 877‑871‑3558 (Corporate)
- Website: meritagehomes.com
Meritage Homes is a leading Texas builder focused on sustainable, energy-efficient new homes across major metro areas like Houston, Dallas–Fort Worth, and San Antonio. They proudly build all new homes to ENERGY STAR® standards, the first national builder to do so. Known for their smart-home options, open layouts, and design-forward touches, Meritage appeals to buyers seeking both eco-friendly features and modern style. Their “Think Home®” system integrates technology like Wi‑Fi thermostats and lighting, while their homes often exceed basic energy codes by 10–15%. Buyers report strong value and lower utility bills, with the builder earning solid online praise for quality and efficiency.
#7 Clayton Properties Group
- Established: 2003 (spun off from Clayton Homes) – ~22 years in business
- Google Rating: ~4.0–4.3/5 (varies by region)
- Phone: +1 877‑689‑9998 (Clayton corporate)
- Website: claytonproperties.com
Clayton Properties Group is a national homebuilding division launched in 2003 and consistently ranks among the top 10 U.S. builders, including in Texas markets. As a subsidiary of Clayton Homes, it operates regionally-branded divisions across Texas, offering a blend of affordable single-family homes and upscale options.
They’re known for volume-oriented communities with streamlined purchasing processes and value engineering to control costs. Clayton’s Texas presence extends across major metros, featuring modern floor plans and flexible design options. Customers appreciate their transparent pricing and the convenience of a large company’s scale combined with regional responsiveness.
#8 Ashton Woods
- Established: 1989 – 36+ years in business
- Google Rating: ~4.1/5 (varies by metro area)
- Phone: (214) 393‑5840 (Dallas–Fort Worth region)
- Website: ashtonwoods.com
Ashton Woods is celebrated for its design-forward, luxury-minded homes across major Texas cities like Austin, Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio. Their signature is thoughtful architecture, emphasizing balance, harmony, and stylish finishes, making each home feel uniquely tailored.
Buyers rave about high-end amenities like gourmet kitchens, designer inlays, and resort-style community features, including pools and clubhouses. Ashton Woods stays ahead in customization with its Studio by Ashton Woods, where purchasers can personalize everything in one place. Their front‑footprint on tech and sustainability, alongside a strong design pedigree, sets them apart in Texas’s upper-tier market.
#9 LGI Homes
- Established: 2003 – 22 years in business
- Google Rating: ~4.0–4.3/5 (varies by community)
- Phone: +1 832‑646‑5464 (Houston area office)
- Website: lgihomes.com
LGI Homes, founded in The Woodlands, Texas, focuses on affordable, move-in-ready homes tailored for first-time buyers and growing families. They operate in multiple Texas metros, including Houston, Austin, Dallas–Fort Worth, and San Antonio, typically in master-planned communities that bundle everything, land, home, and appliances, for simplified purchasing. Known for fast delivery and transparent pricing, LGI minimizes hidden costs with a “home-included” model that simplifies buying by bundling the home, lot, and appliances into one price.
#10 Perry Homes
- Established: 1967 – 58+ years in business
- Google Rating: ~4.0–4.4/5 (varies by region)
- Phone: (713) 467‑6453 (Houston headquarters)
- Website: perryhomes.com
Perry Homes is one of the largest Texas-based homebuilders, founded in Houston in 1967 by Bob Perry and now helmed by Kathy Britton, making it the largest U.S. homebuilder solely owned by a woman. In 2023, the private company generated about $2.4 billion in revenue and closed over 4,000 homes across Houston, Dallas–Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Austin.
Known for offering quality single-family homes in master-planned communities, Perry Homes emphasizes thoughtful design, enduring construction, and personalized customer service. Their expansions into Florida and consistent growth reflect strong brand trust and deep regional expertise.
How to choose the best home builder in Texas
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Start with your vision
Before anything else, get clear on the kind of home you want. Think about:
- Size, layout, and number of bedrooms
- Design preferences (modern, traditional, energy-efficient, etc.)
- Must-have features like smart tech, open-concept kitchens, or large outdoor spaces
- Whether you want a fully custom build or a turnkey home in a planned community
Look for local experience
Choose builders who have a strong track record in the area where you want to live. Local builders:
- Understand regional building codes and climate considerations
- Tend to have strong relationships with local contractors and suppliers
- Often build within specific communities or cities, giving you more insight into their past work
Verify credentials and protection
Make sure your builder has:
- Up-to-date licensing and insurance in Texas
- A clear, written home warranty policy
- Transparent documentation outlining responsibilities and timelines
Review past work and client feedback
Take time to:
- Visit model homes or completed properties, if possible
- Check online galleries and project portfolios
- Read recent customer reviews across Google, Yelp, and Better Business Bureau to spot consistent praise or red flags
Get multiple quotes and ask questions
Reach out to a few builders and compare:
- Overall cost and what’s included (materials, appliances, upgrades)
- Estimated timelines and build phases
- Flexibility with changes or upgrades during construction
- How communication will be handled during the process
Bottom line
Building a home is a major milestone, and having the right builder by your side can make the process smoother, faster, and more rewarding. Whether you’re searching for a budget-friendly starter home or a fully custom design, Texas has no shortage of experienced builders who can bring your vision to life.
From smart-home tech to green building practices and flexible design options, the top names on this list offer something for every kind of buyer.
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