10 home builders in California you’ll want to know before buying

Published November 18, 2025

Choosing the right home builder in California is no small task, especially with so many reputable companies shaping the state’s housing market. From Lennar and KB Home to Toll Brothers and Shea Homes, buyers have a great selection to choose from when finding a builder for their dream home. Whether it’s a master-planned neighborhood in the Bay Area, a coastal retreat in Southern California, or a suburban home built with energy-saving features, this list of the top builders showcases the firms that consistently deliver on quality and vision.

The 10 biggest home builders in California

1. D.R. Horton

Established: 1978
Google Rating: 4.1/5
Website: https://www.drhorton.com
Phone:
- Southern California Sales (OSC): 877-402-5010 or 877-331-8371
- Bay Area Division (Online Sales Counselor): (877) 995-7452
- Sacramento-area New Home Specialist: (916) 926-0872

D.R. Horton is one of the most visible builders in California, with communities spread across the Central Valley, the Inland Empire, and the suburbs around the state’s biggest cities. The company builds with a wide audience in mind, offering everything from starter homes for first-time buyers to larger floor plans designed for growing families. One of their biggest draws is the “Home Is Connected” package, which provides homeowners with simple smart-home tools to manage locks, lighting, and temperature, all from the convenience of an app. Their floor plans make the most of every square foot, keeping homes comfortable and livable without straining budgets.

2. KB Home

Established: 1957
Google Rating: 4.9/5
Website: https://www.kbhome.com
Phone: 1-888-KB-HOMES

KB Home lets homeowners tell their own style story. In their Design Studio, buyers choose the flooring, countertops, finishes, even energy features—so their home looks and lives like them, without breaking your budget. The company is also a national leader in sustainability, having constructed more than 200,000 ENERGY STAR-certified homes—more than any other builder—delivering average annual savings of approximately $1,800 on utility bills compared to typical resale homes. Innovation has earned them recognition beyond the housing industry: KB Home was the only builder named to Fortune’s Change the World list in 2023 for pioneering solar-and-battery microgrid communities. Recently, they introduced a wildfire-resilient neighborhood in Escondido, designed with fire-rated materials and safety spacing to meet the top standards of the Insurance Institute.

3. Lennar

Established: 1954
Google Rating: 4.5/5
Website: https://www.lennar.com
Phone: 888-216-2330

Lennar has built its reputation on making the homebuying process simpler. With their signature ‘Everything’s Included’ approach, features like smart-home technology, energy-efficient upgrades, and stylish finishes come standard, so buyers don’t have to worry about unexpected costs. One of their most striking innovations is the Next Gen “Home-Within-a-Home”, a private suite with its own kitchen, bath, entrance (and, in some cases, an RV garage), which is embraced by families, home workers, and multigenerational households alike. They’re raising the bar even further: Lennar is behind Lagoon Valley, the Bay Area’s first conservation-driven community with over 400 acres of parkland, wetlands, and natural buffers, thoughtfully built for climate resilience and open-space preserving.

4. Toll Brothers

Established: 1967
Consumer Affairs Rating: 4.8/5
Website: https://www.tollbrothers.com
Phone:
- Orange: (714) 347-1300
- Palm Springs: (714) 347-1300
- Pleasanton: (925) 249-6000
- Porter Ranch: (844) 700-8655
- Sacramento: (916) 358-3701

Toll Brothers have mastered the art of mass personalization, striking a unique balance between spec and build-to-order options that generated over $1 billion in design studio sales last year alone, with customers personally customizing about $203,000 worth of upgrades per home. Their craftsmanship extends across 60+ markets in 24 states, and they’ve earned the title of America’s Most Trusted Home Builder, a distinction they’ve held for five straight years. Whether for families or empty-nesters, in sought-after school districts or resort-style master-planned communities, Toll Brothers blends style, substance, and personalization like no other.

5. Shea Homes

Established: 1881
Yelp Rating: 3.9/5
Website: https://www.sheahomes.com
Phone: 480-351-4380

Shea Homes has been a cornerstone of California’s homebuilding landscape for over a century, renowned for crafting neighborhoods that blend modern living with timeless appeal. Offering flexible floor plans, Shea Homes caters to the evolving needs of families and changing lifestyles. Through their SheaConnect program, homeowners enjoy integrated smart-home features, including automated thermostats, locks, and lighting, which enhance convenience and energy efficiency. Their SheaGreen initiative also incorporates water-saving fixtures and energy-efficient designs, appealing to environmentally conscious buyers who seek homes that strike a balance between comfort and sustainability.

6. Meritage Homes

Established: 1985
Consumer Affairs Rating: 3.0/5
Website: https://www.meritagehomes.com
Phone:
- Northern California: 279-252-5195
- Southern California: 949-796-6907

Meritage Homes has solidified its reputation as a leader in energy-efficient homebuilding in California. Their homes are designed with advanced features, including spray foam insulation, Low-E windows, and multispeed HVAC systems equipped with MERV 13 air filters, all of which contribute to improved indoor air quality and reduced energy consumption. The inclusion of smart storage solutions, such as drop zones and loft spaces, enhances functionality, catering to the needs of modern families. With a focus on affordability and performance, Meritage Homes continues to attract families looking to invest in long-term savings and quality living spaces.

7. Landsea Homes

Established: 2001
Yelp Rating: 4.9/5
Website: https://www.landseahomes.com
Phone:
- Northern California: 925-369-0221
- Southern California: 949-272-9870

Landsea Homes places strong emphasis on energy-conscious construction and forward-thinking designs. Their High Performance Homes program combines smart-home technology, energy savings, and wellness-focused features. With developments in Orange County, the Inland Empire, and Northern California, their offerings include both single-family homes and townhomes. Their layouts focus on open spaces and modern styling, appealing to buyers who want contemporary finishes without the wait of a custom build. Landsea’s approach attracts families who value both convenience and sustainability equally.

8. California Home Builders

Established: 1980
Yelp Rating: 4.6/5
Website: https://www.chbhomebuilders.com/
Phone: 858-633-2750

California Home Builders, Inc. isn’t just a family-run custom builder—it’s been rooted in coastal San Diego since 1991. One of their more striking builds features a new home situated atop a 20-foot retaining wall in Point Loma, complete with a rooftop deck offering sweeping skyline views—proof of their thoughtful design and mastery of a challenging lot. Clients regularly highlight how the team transforms complex remodels (from kitchens to full-home overhauls) into easy and enjoyable experiences, consistently exceeding expectations with care and creativity. California Home Builders delivers both crafted detail and personalized attention—making them a rare find for people seeking stylish, lasting homes in San Diego’s coast-blessed communities.

9. Thomas James Homes

Established: 2008
Consumer Affairs Rating: 4.9/5
Website: https://tjh.com/
Phone: 877-381-4092

Thomas James Homes specializes in custom builds and one-lot rebuilds in established California neighborhoods, offering a blend of modern design and classic charm. Their pre-designed floor plans are tailored for tight urban lots, streamlining the permitting process and minimizing delays. The company offers a wide range of architectural styles, including modern farmhouses, contemporary designs, and coastal-inspired homes, providing clients with the flexibility to customize finishes and layouts to suit their preferences. Their homes are crafted to feel new and modern while harmonizing with the character of older, established neighborhoods across California. Thomas James Homes continues to redefine custom homebuilding in the Golden State.

10. Taylor Morrison

Established: 2007
Consumer Affairs Rating: 3.1/5
Website: https://www.taylormorrison.com/
Phone: (480) 734‑2060

Taylor Morrison operates throughout California, offering homes from entry-level to high-end properties. Formed by the merger of Morrison Homes and Taylor Woodrow, the company brings decades of experience to its projects. Their designs emphasize open layouts, natural light, and finishes that appeal to modern buyers. Taylor Morrison has earned recognition as America’s Most Trusted® Home Builder for ten consecutive years, showing consistent customer confidence across its markets. Their California communities often focus on suburban living, blending modern construction with accessible pricing and flexible options for families at different stages of life.

How to choose the best home builder in California

Photo courtesy of https://www.shutterstock.com/

Identify what you’re looking for in a build

Before selecting a builder, determine the type of home you want to build, as each builder tends to specialize in a particular niche. Consider things like size, style, and specific features that are important to you. This clarity will help you choose a builder whose expertise aligns with your vision.

Do thorough research

Learn about potential builders by reviewing their portfolios, reading customer testimonials, and checking their standing with the Better Business Bureau. This will provide insight into their reliability and the quality of their work, helping you determine whether they are the right builder for your home.

Verify credentials and licensing

Make sure the builder is licensed and insured in the state of California. This verification is crucial, as it provides legal protection and ensures that the builder meets state standards for construction practices.

Examine past work and quality

Review completed projects to assess the builder’s craftsmanship and attention to detail. Visiting model homes or completed properties can give you a tangible sense of the quality of their work.

Check reviews

Read online reviews on platforms like Google and Yelp to gauge customer satisfaction. Pay attention to recurring themes in feedback, both positive and negative, to get a balanced perspective.

Get quotes from several builders and compare

Obtain detailed quotes from multiple builders to compare pricing, timelines, and the services included. This comparison will help you make an informed decision based on your budget and requirements.

Final thoughts

Finding the right home builder in California comes down to knowing what you want and what matters most, whether that’s energy efficiency, luxury details, or a well-planned community. The builders highlighted here offer a wide range of options to fit different budgets and lifestyles. Taking the time to review their past projects, read client feedback, and confirm their credentials can save headaches and ensure your investment pays off. Partnering with the biggest home builder in California makes the whole process smoother, less stressful, and more likely to result in a home you’ll love for years to come.

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