When buying a new construction home, the builder you choose makes all the difference. Lennar and D.R. Horton stand out as two leading national homebuilders with thousands of communities across the United States.
But how exactly do these residential construction giants compare? This detailed guide examines the key factors that set Lennar and D.R. Horton apart. Learn their pros and cons to decide which brand builds higher quality homes for your needs and budget.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Lennar | D.R. Horton |
| Year Founded | 1954 | 1978 |
| Headquarters | Miami, FL | Arlington, TX |
| Home Types | Single-family, townhomes, condos, apartments | Single-family, townhomes |
| Typical Home Price | $300K – $750K | $200K – $500K |
| Customization Options | Choice Plans for full customization | Studio Homes semi-custom upgrades |
| Smart Home Brand | Connected Homes | HomeRhythm |
| Green Focus | Everything’s Included energy efficiency | Emerald Homes sustainability |
| Warranty | New Home Guardian 2-10 warranty | 10 year limited warranty |
| Key Strengths | Technology integration, personalization | Affordability, simplicity |
Overview of Lennar
Founded in 1954, Lennar has grown into the largest homebuilder in the U.S. This publicly traded company builds single-family homes, townhomes, condos, apartment communities, and commercial properties across 21 states.
Lennar highlights include:
- Over 300 active communities with modeled homes
- Focus on energy-efficient “Everything’s Included” homes
- Innovative home technology solutions under Connected Homes program
- New Home Guardian customer care and warranty program
- Custom design capabilities through Choice Plans
- Financial services assistance for financing, insurance, and closing
From entry-level to luxury, Lennar constructs thousands of quality homes every year through its national network of trusted divisions.
Overview of D.R. Horton
D.R. Horton was established in 1978 and has been the largest homebuilder by volume for over 20 years. The company operates in 99 markets across 31 states under the brands D.R. Horton, Emerald Homes, Express Homes, and Freedom Homes.
Key facts about D.R. Horton:
- Approximately 600 communities across suburban and urban neighborhoods
- Range of home styles from entry-level to move-up
- Focus on affordability while incorporating smart home technology
- Express Homes offer fast move-in times in select markets
- Studio Homes provide design flexibility through personalization options
- Mortgage and title services under subsidiary DHI Mortgage
From affordable starter homes to luxury estates, D.R. Horton builds with a mission to provide quality and value.
Also Read: Differences Between Pulte Homes And KB Homes.
Key Differences Between Lennar And D.R. Horton
1. Comparing Home Prices and Size
The typical home prices and square footage ranges reflect Lennar and D.R. Horton’s portfolio diversity.
Lennar homes include:
- Entry-level models from approx. 1,500 – 2,400 sq ft
- Median list prices $300,000 – $750,000
- Luxury home collections up to 10,000+ sq ft
D.R. Horton offers:
- Entry homes around 1,200 – 2,000 sq ft
- Median list prices from $200,000 – $500,000
- Large luxury homes over 5,000 sq ft
While exact prices vary locally, Lennar edges into more premium neighborhoods while D.R. Horton leads for starter home affordability. Yet both cater to first-time and move-up buyers.
2. Home Personalization and Upgrades
Making a model home your own often involves upgrades and customizations. Here’s how Lennar and D.R. Horton enable personalization:
- Lennar promotes its Choice Plans that allow buyers to modify or fully customize floorplans. Popular options: finished basements, casitas, spa-style bathrooms, media rooms, outdoor living additions.
- D.R. Horton touts its Studio Homes that come semi-finished, allowing buyers to select upgrades like flooring, cabinets, counters, fixtures. FlexspaceTM options add lofts or bonus suites.
Lennar provides more extensive customization for entire floorplans. D.R. Horton focuses on finish selections for semi-finished homes. Both allow ample ways to tailor the home to your lifestyle.
3. Construction Quality and Materials
Build quality stems from materials used, strict quality assurance, and skilled tradespeople.
Lennar sticks to professional standards through:
- Engineers, architects, and tradespeople on staff
- Stringent quality inspections during each stage of construction
- Cutting-edge manufacturing technologies like automated framing
D.R. Horton ensures quality construction by:
- Operating over 400 building locations across the country
- Local and national supplier partnerships for steady supply chain
- Thousands of employees including tradespeople and inspectors
- Proprietary Express Homes built for speed and efficiency
Lennar and D.R. Horton follow rigorous processes to construct homes correctly the first time for long-lasting durability and appeal.
4. Smart Home Technology
Home automation improves security, convenience, and efficiency. Lennar and D.R. Horton include smart features in their new construction homes.
Lennar created the Connected Homes program offering the latest smart home packages. Options include:
- Voice assistant compatibility (Alexa, Google Home)
- Video doorbells, wireless security systems
- Smart lighting, thermostats, and appliance controls
- Automated water leak detection and notifications
D.R. Horton smart home options through HomeRhythm include:
- DIY smart switch, lighting, and thermostat kits
- Pre-installed structured wiring for easy smart device setup
- Certified Bluetooth® speakers and video doorbell upgrades
- Compatibility with voice assistants
Both Lennar and D.R. Horton help buyers easily incorporate smart home technology into their next home. Lennar approaches it as an integrated system while D.R. Horton enables simple add-ons.
5. Green Building and Sustainability
Eco-friendly construction is important for many buyers today. Lennar and D.R. Horton have taken steps to promote sustainability:
- Lennar partners with efficiency experts to optimize insulation, appliances, windows, etc. Their Everything’s Included® homes have 140+ green features built-in.
- D.R. Horton Emerald Homes line focuses on sustainability through ENERGY STAR certified appliances, LED lighting, spray foam insulation, and green material selections.
Lennar seems to have a more holistic approach to environmental friendliness across all homes. But both builders offer energy and resource saving options that are appealing for today’s homeowners.
6. Warranties and Customer Service
Protections for home buyers provide peace of mind. Lennar and D.R. Horton back their homes with industry-standard warranties:
- Lennar provides their New Home Guardian program with a 2-10 Home Buyer Warranty and a comprehensive customer care team.
- D.R. Horton offers a 10 Year Home Warranty covering defects in materials, workmanship, and systems. Homeowners can submit warranty claims by phone, email, or online.
Both builders aim to quickly resolve any warranty-covered issues that pop up after closing. Extended coverage may be available.
7. Additional Factors to Compare
Some other considerations when evaluating Lennar Vs.. D.R. Horton:
- Values – Lennar promotes its “Everything’s Possible” motto while “Living Made Simple” is D.R. Horton’s tagline. Both brands seem to resonate with today’s homebuyers.
- Leadership – Executive teams with decades of homebuilding experience lead each company.
- Model variety – Lennar claims to offer over 1,700 floorplans while Horton says they have over 600 models across their brands. Both provide ample choices.
- Resale value – Industry data shows average to above average appreciation for both Lennar and D.R. Horton homes.
When it comes to core values and leadership, both companies are well-positioned to deliver the homebuying experience today’s customers expect.
Also Read: Comparison Between KB Homes And Lennar.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
KB Home is another major national homebuilder that competes with Lennar and D.R. Horton. There is no definitive “best” between the three brands – it depends on local market, pricing, and home styles. Lennar excels at amenities and technology while KB Homes promotes energy efficiency. Shoppers should tour models from builders in their area to determine the right fit.
Yes, D.R. Horton is a public company trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol DHI. They have been a publicly traded company since 1992.
For fiscal year 2021 ending September 30, D.R. Horton reported annual total revenue of $27.8 billion. This makes them one of the largest publicly traded homebuilders based on revenue.
D.R. Horton was founded in 1978 making it over 40 years old. The company has grown rapidly since going public in 1992 into one of the most recognized homebuilders across the United States.
Also Read: Choose Between D.R. Horton And KB Homes.
Final Thought
There’s no clear winner in a Lennar versus D.R. Horton debate. Both excel among national homebuilders. Focus on the factors most important to your home search:
- Lennar wins for technology-filled green homes with greater personalization.
- D.R. Horton leads for entry-level affordability and simplified smart upgrades.
With their breadth of options, either brand can cater to nearly any buyer through communities across the country. Tour model homes, examine floorplans and amenities, then choose the best fit based on budget and lifestyle. With good warranties and service, Lennar and D.R. Horton aim to make your dream home a reality.