Drees Homes Vs. Ryan Homes: How Do These Home Builders Compare?

When buying a newly constructed home, choosing the right home builder is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.

Drees Homes and Ryan Homes are two of the largest home builders in the nation with major operations throughout many states. But how do these national builders compare when it comes to quality, floor plans, customization, pricing, and warranties?

This in-depth guide provides a detailed comparison of Drees Homes versus Ryan Homes across several categories to help you determine the better fit.

A Brief Comparison Table

Aspects	Drees Homes	Ryan Homes
Price Range	$300K – $1M+	$200K – $500K
Home Types	Luxury custom homes	Entry-level and move-up
Locations	15 states, Midwest/South focus	20+ states, broader coverage
Customization	Full customization available	Pre-set options only
Construction	Higher-end materials and trades	More affordable finishes
Warranty	10 years structural	1 year limited
Reviews	Praise for quality and service	Mixed on value vs quality

Overview of Drees Homes

Founded in 1938 and headquartered in Texas, Drees Homes has been building homes for over 80 years. They are currently a top 10 national home builder focused on move-up and luxury custom homes.

Some quick facts about Drees Homes:

• Operates in over 55 communities across 15 states, mainly in the Midwest and South.
• Has won multiple JD Power awards for customer satisfaction.
• Offers the Drees Custom Homes line allowing full customization.
• Provides 10-year structural warranty on all new construction homes.
• Known for open floor plans and including luxury finishes.

Overview of Ryan Homes

Ryan Homes was founded in 1948 and is headquartered in Virginia. It is one of several brands under the larger NVR Inc, which is one of the biggest home construction companies in America.

Some background on Ryan Homes:

• Builds in over 20 states, mostly in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions.
• Offers more affordable spec and pre-planned homes.
• Has Express Homes line of quick move-in homes.
• Provides a one-year limited warranty on new builds.
• Known for quick, efficient home building process.

Key Differences Between Dress Homes And Ryan Homes

Now that we’ve covered the basics on each builder, let’s do a detailed comparison across several factors:

1. Quality and Construction

Both Ryan Homes and Drees invest in quality construction and materials despite differences in their target market.

Drees Homes

• Has a reputation for building higher-end homes with quality included features and finishes.
• Uses kiln-dried lumber, Granite countertops, GE appliances, and hardwood flooring on main level.
• Has in-house design team and trade professionals instead of subcontracting.
• Offers 2×6 exterior wall framing for added stability and insulation.
• Provides plywood roof sheathing and architectural shingles.

Ryan Homes

• Builds more affordable starter and move-up style homes.
• Uses laminate counters, vinyl flooring, carpet, and economy appliances to control costs.
• Relies more on contracting work out rather than in-house trades.
• Offers 2×4 framing on exterior walls.
• Uses OSB roof sheathing which is less expensive than plywood.

Overall, Drees aims for higher quality materials given their luxury brand image, while Ryan focuses on building functional homes at lower price points. But both utilize sound construction practices.

2. Floor Plans and Designs

There are also clear distinctions between the two builders when it comes to home designs and floor plans offered.

Drees Floor Plans

• Provides flexible 3-6 bedroom designs from 1,500 to over 4,000 sq ft.
• Focus on open concept layouts and main floor masters.
• Plans feature gourmet kitchens, lofts, and luxury baths.
• Custom homes can be completely customized.

Ryan Homes Floor Plans

• Offers more modest 2-5 bedroom plans from 1,000 to 3,000 sq ft.
• Open floor plans still utilized but more budget-friendly finishes.
• Emphasis on affordability over luxury features.
• Express Homes have predetermined lot and home package.

For larger homes with premium design, Drees is the better choice. Ryan caters more towards mid-range family homes for the masses.

3. Customization Options

Drees Homes and Ryan Homes take very different approaches when it comes to home personalization during the building process.

Drees Homes Customization

• Drees Signature line offers some flexibility to choose finishes.
• Drees Custom Homes lets you fully customize plans and features.
• Can work with preferred local architects and designers.
• Get involved throughout design and construction.

Ryan Homes Customization

• Provides predetermined options and upgrades only.
• Makes any plan changes prior to sale and construction.
• Limits involvement during building for efficiency.
• Best custom option is choosing a lot to build Express Home.

For a true custom-built home, Drees is the clear winner. Ryan aims for fast turnaround times with pre-set options only.

Also Read: Comparison Between Mattamy Homes And Lennar

4. Location Availability

When it comes to geographic availability, Ryan Homes has an advantage given they build across a wider portion of the United States.

Drees Locations

• Focused mostly in Texas, Midwest and South regions.
• Major metro areas include Charlotte, Nashville, Chicago, Cincinnati, etc.
• More limited presence on East and West Coasts.

Ryan Homes Locations

• Covers the Mid-Atlantic states heavily.
• Also big in Midwest plus some Western and Southern states.
• Notable markets include Washington DC, Baltimore, Orlando, Indianapolis, etc.

Unless you are concentrated in their core markets, Drees’ location availability is more restricted. Ryan’s broader reach increases odds of finding them in your local area.

Watch this review video:

5. Price and Affordability

Pricing is where the differences between the luxury Drees brand and Ryan’s budget-conscious plans become most apparent.

Drees Home Prices

• Range from $300,000 to $1 million plus.
• Average around $500,000 for their typical 2-3 bedroom single family homes.
• Luxury custom homes are $800,000 and up.

Ryan Home Prices

• Entry-level homes start from $200,000 to $250,000.
• Move-up models average $325,000 to $375,000.
• Most homes top out around $500,000.

Drees caters to move-up and upper tier buyers, while Ryan targets the mid and entry-level price points.

Also Read: Comparison Between Pulte Homes And Taylor Morrison

6. Customer Service and Reviews

Here’s an overview of what customers have to say about working with Drees versus Ryan Homes based on reviews:

Drees Home Reviews

• Praised for quality construction and beautiful designs.
• Some delays noted but good communication during process.
• Higher prices but seen as worth it for a luxury home.
• Great customer service and willing to address any issues.

Ryan Home Reviews

• Mixed on build quality but value for the price noted.
• Budget finishes but still nice curb appeal.
• Communication and fixing issues can be frustrating.
• More volume approach than personal experience.

Drees gets higher marks for service and communication during the build process. Ryan has some negatives but also plenty of positive reviews from buyers who feel they got a good deal.

7. Warranties

The included warranties also demonstrate the different quality levels of these brands.

Drees Home Warranty

• Offers 10 years structural warranty on foundation, framing, and major systems.
• Also includes a 2 year warranty on defects and workmanship.
• Warranties fully transferable to new owners.

Ryan Homes Warranty

• Provides just a 1 year limited warranty on defects and workmanship.
• Covers major structural issues for first 5 years.
• Warranties not transferable, only for original owner.

Drees’ long-term structural and transferable warranties show their confidence in quality and craftsmanship. Ryan’s shorter warranty reflects their lower price points.

Also Read: Comparison Between Ashton Woods And Lennar

Pros and Cons of Drees vs Ryan Homes

Based on the comparisons above, here are the main pros and cons of Drees Homes versus Ryan Homes:

Drees Homes Pros

• Higher quality materials and construction.
• Luxury designs with extensive customization.
• Good reputation for customer service.
• Long 10 year transferable structural warranty.

Drees Homes Cons

• Much higher prices, not affordable for all budgets.
• Slower build times due to custom options.
• More limited availability nationwide.

Ryan Homes Pros

• Offers affordable move-in ready homes.
• Wide range of models and locations nationwide.
• Quick and efficient building process.
• Good value at lower price points.

Ryan Homes Cons

• Less customization available.
• Lower quality finishes and materials.
• Shorter non-transferable warranty.
• Mixed reviews of customer service.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Still not sure whether Drees or Ryan is the better choice? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Also Read: Comparison BetweenK. Hovnanian Homes And Ryan Homes

Final Thoughts

In summary, Drees Homes is the winner if you want a fully customized luxury home with premium finishes and design. The higher prices reflect the quality you get with Drees.

Ryan Homes is preferable if you need to stick to a mid or lower budget but still want a nice, move-in ready home on an efficient timeline. Ryan offers great value at their affordable price points.

Just weigh your priorities in terms of budget, customization needs, locations served, and brand reputation as you decide between Drees and Ryan. Focusing on the type of home and experience you want will dictate which national home builder is the better choice.