Experience with Pulte houses - good or bad???

[Hoosier]

Well, we've outgrown our current house and we have been considering building house with Pulte (large "tract" home builder). I ask all my life questions on this site, so I figured I'd see if anyone had any experiences with them. The process is almost more like buying a car than a house, as the "options" and floorplans are somewhat limited. We looked at quite a few pre-owned houses, and we're finding it difficult to find what we are looking for (for example, it seems any house with a decent sized garage is way too big for us), and also looked at building a more "custom" home, but the prices are quite a bit more. So, just wondering if there are any pros or cons I should be considering.

I assume many of this site would avoid a "neighborhood" at all costs, but at this stage in our lives (3 kids 4 and under), there are a lot of benefits to living in a subdivision with neighbors schools and stores nearby.

 

[steve_in_il]

Hoosier,

One thing to consider these days with ANY new construction if financing. Given the free fall in home values over the past 4 or 5 years, it's tough for new construction to appraise out when you are trying to obtain a mortgage. Now, I think that Pulte does offer their own mortgage financing which should help in the process, but then you need to make sure they are competitive with rates and FEES. I was a small custom homebuilder for over 20 years and really never heard anything horrible about Pulte. As you said, not much customization is available, but once past that, they are decent enough. The only other piece of advice I would have is to don't skimp and be sure to get yourself a COMPETENT attorney to help you thru the process. I know...I know...competent attorney is a huge oxymoron...but...

Good Luck!

 

[Hoosier]

Hoosier,

One thing to consider these days with ANY new construction if financing. Given the free fall in home values over the past 4 or 5 years, it's tough for new construction to appraise out when you are trying to obtain a mortgage. Now, I think that Pulte does offer their own mortgage financing which should help in the process, but then you need to make sure they are competitive with rates and FEES. I was a small custom homebuilder for over 20 years and really never heard anything horrible about Pulte. As you said, not much customization is available, but once past that, they are decent enough. The only other piece of advice I would have is to don't skimp and be sure to get yourself a COMPETENT attorney to help you thru the process. I know...I know...competent attorney is a huge oxymoron...but...

Good Luck!

Thanks, Steve. Biggest issue I've seen with their lack of flexibility is that I would like to extend the 3rd stall on the garage for the design we are looking at, and they aren't interested in making the change. Must be because parts of the house are built to spec off-site.

Anything in particular a lawyer should be looking at? I complain about the role of lawyers in today's society but they can be an asset for reviewing contracts.

 

[steve_in_il]

Thanks, Steve. Biggest issue I've seen with their lack of flexibility is that I would like to extend the 3rd stall on the garage for the design we are looking at, and they aren't interested in making the change. Must be because parts of the house are built to spec off-site.

Anything in particular a lawyer should be looking at? I complain about the role of lawyers in today's society but they can be an asset for reviewing contracts.

The reason Pulte is able to produce the square footage for a more reasonable cost is that everything is repetitive. The fewer changes, options, etc, the more efficient they become. Their field superintendents are robotic (hopefully I'm not offending anyone who works for Pulte). The know the ins and outs of the product they build over and over again...and over and over. Throw changes in there and the entire process is out of whack...even though it's just a couple of changes here and there for your home...and the neighbors home...and the people across the street...you get the idea. I hired an ex-Pulte superintendent once to work on our custom homes...he failed miserably as each home was completely different with it's own unique quirks...challenges...problems...design issues (yes, no matter how well drawn a set of plans is, the actual field application may be quite different from the sheet of paper). In regards to the 3rd car garage, I would make sure your home is situated on the lot to allow future work done by you or a 3rd party contractor down the road. While it might look to you like there's plenty of room, individual subdivision side yard requirements vary.

If I listed everything an attorney could be helpful with, you would have a rather large document. LOL. Seriously, you never know what might happen when building a home. What happens if you lose your job? What happens if your mortgage financing doesn't get you the $ amount you are looking for or need? What are your remedies if the builder doesn't deliver a finished home on time or to your specifications? The list goes on and on....

If I can answer any other questions, I would be happy to!

Steve

 

[Hoosier]

The reason Pulte is able to produce the square footage for a more reasonable cost is that everything is repetitive. The fewer changes, options, etc, the more efficient they become. Their field superintendents are robotic (hopefully I'm not offending anyone who works for Pulte). The know the ins and outs of the product they build over and over again...and over and over. Throw changes in there and the entire process is out of whack...even though it's just a couple of changes here and there for your home...and the neighbors home...and the people across the street...you get the idea. I hired an ex-Pulte superintendent once to work on our custom homes...he failed miserably as each home was completely different with it's own unique quirks...challenges...problems...design issues (yes, no matter how well drawn a set of plans is, the actual field application may be quite different from the sheet of paper). In regards to the 3rd car garage, I would make sure your home is situated on the lot to allow future work done by you or a 3rd party contractor down the road. While it might look to you like there's plenty of room, individual subdivision side yard requirements vary.

If I listed everything an attorney could be helpful with, you would have a rather large document. LOL. Seriously, you never know what might happen when building a home. What happens if you lose your job? What happens if your mortgage financing doesn't get you the $ amount you are looking for or need? What are your remedies if the builder doesn't deliver a finished home on time or to your specifications? The list goes on and on....

If I can answer any other questions, I would be happy to!

Steve

Thanks again - your info has been really helpful! That's an interesting tip about the 3rd stall on the garage, particularly as in the design we are looking at the 3rd stall essentially stands on its own next to the rest of the house. If the lot allow it, it could easily be expanded down the road sometime when the space is needed. As far as the financing is concerned, I would likely work with a 3rd party as I would be hesitant to finance the house with the same company that is building it. I have a mortgage contact I have used several times for refinancings and I know he doesn't play games.

 

[polarisrider1]

You get a big box for a decent price. Don't expect Granite countertops and quality tile as a standard item. Built for familys to get the job done. Pulte is no longer in Michigan. Big basic house is what they build and the neighbors may look just like yours. I suspect financing is pretty easy, they have all what you need for that in place. If your really anal about fit and finish, they may not be for you. But good value for the sq. footage.

 

[ezra]

it is all in the detail cheep windows cheep doors cheep tile 7/16 instead of 1/2. pex run with all connection in walls not 1 central manafold on and on
but yeah you get a new house foe a affordable price that you cant park a trailer in the drive for more than 4 days or set a ladder next to the garage usual no storage sheds allowed but play houses are I once built a 12x12 play house with a loft with a slide to make leget who says a kid cant play on the lawnmower
if thinking about the garage i would just do it now or it wont get done seen it many many times

 

[ezra]

one more thing go dore to door in the neighborhood i guarente a few want out and dont think they can sell and would prob be willing to take the hit to get out from under ther home
i know of a few people in 3 yr old homes wishing they could get out but to lazy to take the steps lots of people out there that needa nudge to get going

 

[polarisrider1]

ezra, I was at least trying to be nice. And you being truthfull hopefully they get the idea. Cookie cutters with space.

 

[skiroule]

I once built a 12x12 play house with a loft with a slide to make leget who says a kid cant play on the lawnmower

LOL! - My son is an agent and has sold a fair number of Pulte homes. He pretty much concurs with what others have said: solid amount of space for the money. My first (and only) house was built by Orin Thompson (aka U.S. Homes), which was a giant in the Twin Cities building scene in the 60’s and 70’s and the equivalent of today’s Pulte. They built a house that the average working stiff could afford but there were limited choices and the sales people often didn’t even mention additional options because they slowed down the building rate. I found out later I could have added 8’ to the length of my attached garage for $1500 but I never knew it was an option. They wanted to build the standard model and when construction was finished, they could cart off the leftover scrap in a couple of wheelbarrows.

All this being said, my experience has been that buying this type of house can be a good choice. Our house is very good structurally and over the years I’ve made a lot of changes that have personalized the house for us: moved some walls, finished the basement - twice (if you rush it, the first try is never right), replaced all of the windows, woodwork, cabinets, etc., added a sled shed, pool, lots of deck, detached garage (in addition to the attached two car), concrete driveway and so on. Mind you, this has been a 33 year process but the point is if you have a solid starting point and you like the neighborhood, you can work with it in the long haul.

A couple words of advice (that I guess could apply to any house). Take a real good look at the neighborhood. Ezra touched on this. Look for evidence that it is a neighborhood where you can have some freedoms. I know of neighborhoods where if your dog passes gas in the yard, the neighbors call the cops – ridiculous. Second, an unfinished basement is not a bad thing. Over time you can come up with a much better plan than some standard layout. Third, (I guess that’s three), adding the detached garage separately is a great option and if you’re willing to some work yourself, it won’t break the bank. I think I built my 14x24 structure for about $3500 (plus the slab cost) and it matches the house perfectly.

Sorry to rant a little off-topic but I wish you the best in your search!

 

[LoveMyDobe]

Not real sure what a Pulte house is, is it like a prefab? Sounds like you are young yet(OMG 3 kids under 4, you have been busy, don't know what city you live in either. Remember this is a life investment, well maybe, consider the neighborhood but don't give a sheet what the neighbors think of your house, it's YOUR house. I lived in a stick built house, sold it in 07 before the big real estate crash, didn't have a house payment then, now live in a "double wide" up north, no basement, 2000 square ft Cleary building(don't get me started on that, our previous was a Morton Building, better made, learned something there), now retired with a huge house payment, taxes keep going up, YEA livin the dream! But we may die tomorrow and leave the debts to his kids( they still think we are rich) Consider all the cost of a new home, but you are young, enjoy it. And the "dog passing gas thing", love it! It is exciting building a new home the way you want it, also alot of headaches and disagreements, kinda wish we would have bought a "used" house with no payments. Oh , we live in a "double wide", 1700 sq ft , built by a company that now is out of business! Thank God we upgraded everything, except windows and carpet(learned another lesson there) Good luck to you and your tribe, I say that with respect.

 

[mjkaliszak]

I would think that you could find a stick built house, in a neighborhood ( yes they have their challenges ), with a 3 bay garage and possibly a detached garage in addition and a pool for relatively cheap. It will take commitment and patience. There have been 2 houses in our " Hood " that went for cheap recently. The one next door 2000 + sq ft rance with a walk-out that was completely finished with extra bedrooms and a kitchen area & rec room ect... for 250K. My other neighbors scoffed at that but the owner had to move and the relocation was picked up by his company along with thier responsibility for selling the property.
It was a nice house.
The other was a forclosed on property down from me with a pool , 3 bay, detached garage w/ loft , must be 2500+ on the 1st 2 floors, 4 bedrooms and then a full basement. Yes it was in need of work and $$$ but the new owners have been busy, and doing a good job.

I live in a neighbor hood of moderate size houses, but large enough for people to ( way back in 2000-2002 ) to stick their necks out too far. Several had moved out in the 1st 3 years because they couldn't afford it or the maintenance costs caught then by surprize. These are large lots ( something I wouldn't recommend ) unless you want " space " between you and can maintain all the lawn & land scaping.

Furthermore, my parents just moved into madison alabama. They found a house that the builder went bankrupt on. it was a patio home but very nice at 2000 sq ft. It was 95% completed. they had some work to complete but they made a low ball offer to the bank and to our surprise the bank accepted it. It was over 100k below original value. They really build some nice castles down in AL.

Now back to my point... there are several options , for seeking out deals. The housing market is in limbo along with our economy.

 

[98panther]

Pulte are "stick built" (built on site) homes. They are not hauled in.
Unless they are doing something different where you are.

They are a large track builder, set plans, for quick sales and builds.
If they have what you want and are comfortable with their work. You will be fine.

Anybody that made it through the enocomy of late, must be doing something right.

 

[Hoosier]

Appreciate the replies and opinions. We live near Indianapolis (someone asked where we are located). They are stick built houses, but standardized. Wife likes the amenities of these types of neighborhoods - pool, running paths, schools and shopping close by. Each section of the neighborhood seems to fill up very quickly once it opens. Like others have said above, they are designed to be sold for families - good sq footage for price, but generically designed with limited options for customization (you can get tile or different cabinets, but they won't move walls in the designs). I think for the price I can deal with not getting exactly what I want, but my concern is more with any surprises or bad materials/construction. We have looked at some 10-15 year old Pulte houses that seem to be holding up fine but I don't know if that is an indication of whether they are being built well today.

Just trying to do some homework...

 

[polarisrider1]

Appreciate the replies and opinions. We live near Indianapolis (someone asked where we are located). They are stick built houses, but standardized. Wife likes the amenities of these types of neighborhoods - pool, running paths, schools and shopping close by. Each section of the neighborhood seems to fill up very quickly once it opens. Like others have said above, they are designed to be sold for families - good sq footage for price, but generically designed with limited options for customization (you can get tile or different cabinets, but they won't move walls in the designs). I think for the price I can deal with not getting exactly what I want, but my concern is more with any surprises or bad materials/construction. We have looked at some 10-15 year old Pulte houses that seem to be holding up fine but I don't know if that is an indication of whether they are being built well today.

Just trying to do some homework...

You throw your personality to the wind with these houses, Boxes. One up from living in a Habit trail system with hamsters also known as an apartment. Pulte is around cause their houses don't fall down, (to often). lol. Heck I am getting voted in or out of a Condo Association tonight. If I am in then I will buy each and everyone of those wanna be rule makers out. Done it before. They don't like Harleys is what I been told.

 

[polarisrider1]

Appreciate the replies and opinions. We live near Indianapolis (someone asked where we are located). They are stick built houses, but standardized. Wife likes the amenities of these types of neighborhoods - pool, running paths, schools and shopping close by. Each section of the neighborhood seems to fill up very quickly once it opens. Like others have said above, they are designed to be sold for families - good sq footage for price, but generically designed with limited options for customization (you can get tile or different cabinets, but they won't move walls in the designs). I think for the price I can deal with not getting exactly what I want, but my concern is more with any surprises or bad materials/construction. We have looked at some 10-15 year old Pulte houses that seem to be holding up fine but I don't know if that is an indication of whether they are being built well today.

Just trying to do some homework...

Before you buy find out if you can have a Rottwieller and a travel trailer in the yard along with a snowmobile trailer, all important items to know!

 

[ezra]

You throw your personality to the wind with these houses, Boxes. One up from living in a Habit trail system with hamsters also known as an apartment. Pulte is around cause their houses don't fall down, (to often). lol. Heck I am getting voted in or out of a Condo Association tonight. If I am in then I will buy each and everyone of those wanna be rule makers out. Done it before. They don't like Harleys is what I been told.

1 of my customers has been doing that in FL for yrs.
he goes in buys controlling intrest in the association changes rules on renting pets storage association maintenance etc etc then rents out units till market turns.
he has done 3 small town home association deals and 5 condo deals like that in the last 3 or 4 yrs.
I love it when there boards rules work against them self.

 

[skiroule]

Polarisrider1, you know the old saying “I wouldn’t want to belong to any club that would have me as a member”. Maybe it doesn’t apply in this case.

Hoosier, from what I’ve observed, you actually have a pretty solid personality. I don’t think owning a Pulte home would do serious damage. You could try to personalize it a little by making a nice carbide pattern on your new driveway but I’m thinking your wife might not appreciate this approach to putting your stamp on the home.

I need to talk to my son more. Turns out the home they have been living in for the last seven years is a Pulte home. It was built in the late 90’s and it’s huge - two full stories, walk-out basement, three car garage. Believe me, I’ve had plenty of opportunity to look at this home in detail. We did a full basement finishing job on it a couple of years back, complete with finished storage room, large kids play room (all of the kids toys are downstairs now), ¾ bath, man cave, built-in kegerator, and stone-faced fireplace. It came out beautifully and they spend a lot of time downstairs now. I’ve seen no major evidence of shoddy workmanship in the house. The house did have some minor drywall tape/corner bead issues on the main floor that were easily corrected. With the exception of some repainting/recarpeting, the house is essentially in its original state – appliances, bathroom fixtures, etc.

In talking with him today, he says the Pulte homes are still selling pretty well and in his opinion, the quality is pretty consistent and reasonably good for a high volume, national builder. Hey, consistency has worked for McDees, why not builders? Like Panther said, if they’re still in business they must be doing something right.

 

[freezinbevr]

The comfort systems (HVAC) we have have seen have been terrible! Central return on each floor and that is it! If you close the doors to the bedrooms, no reasonable air gets pulled out therefore no reasonable air is pushed into it. Go door to door and ask some of the people what their biggest issues are in some of the older developements. they have options on the HVAC which is underwear.....you only notice it when it is UNCOMFORTABLE!! ( Nor do you ever WANT to spend money on it) But like many have said, alot of square footage for the buck!
Good luck on the investment,
Brad

 

[skiroule]

freezinbevr (has to be one of my favorite member names), funny you should mention HVAC. When we were finishing my son's basement, we got conflicting direction from two different inspectors regarding the number and location of cold air returns but in both cases, the number of cold air returns exceeded those on the other floors, regardless of floor layout. It was surprising that the original construction did not appear to be built to what the inspectors were telling us. This seems to be an area where builders can (or could) skimp a little. I've seen single central returns in a lot of houses, more than one would expect. I guess it all works, just not optimally.