Exposing Chesmar Homes | Top Texas Builder in DFW

If you’re shopping for a new home in North Texas, you’ve probably come across Chesmar Homes more than once. In this deep-dive I’m going to walk you through everything you should know about Chesmar — why they’re considered by many to be a top Texas Builder in DFW, where they build, what their product looks like, how their design process works, and the real-world pros and cons I’ve seen working with clients who built or bought from them.

Table of Contents

• Why I Wanted to Write Up Chesmar
• Quick Snapshot: Chesmar’s Background and Footprint
• Where Chesmar Builds in DFW (and What That Means for You)
• Pricing Snapshot and Quick-move-in Inventory
• Design Process and Selections: What to Expect
• The Floor Plan Lineup
• Warranty and Post-closing Support
• Incentives, Promotions, and How Chesmar Prices Inventory
• Online Reviews and Reputation — Read Them Right
• Pros and Cons: A Practical Checklist
• How to Evaluate Chesmar for Your Build: My Recommended Approach
• Final Thoughts — is Chesmar a Fit for You?
• FAQs About New Construction by Chesmar Homes
• Wrap up

Why I wanted to write up Chesmar

I get a lot of questions from buyers about who to trust when building new. A few weeks back I posted a video about builders to avoid, and a couple clients thought I’d been calling Chesmar out — I want to be crystal clear: Chesmar is not the builder I was warning people away from. In fact, Chesmar is a solid, locally rooted Texas builder that deserves closer attention. That’s why I’m doing a focused breakdown on them here.

Quick snapshot: Chesmar’s background and footprint

Here’s the high-level on Chesmar:

• Local Texas builder (started in 2005).
• About to turn 20 years in business and has built roughly 5,000 homes across Texas.
• Active in major Texas markets: Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, Austin and Central Texas.
• In DFW specifically they’re growing — as of this write-up they were building in around 23 communities.

That combination — local focus plus a multi-market reach — is exactly the type of builder I like to see. They’re big enough to have a consistent product and processes but still rooted in Texas tastes and market dynamics.

Where Chesmar builds in DFW (and what that means for you)

Chesmar’s footprint across DFW is pretty wide. They have communities as far north as Sherman and as far south as Waxahachie, with a heavy concentration on the east side of the metroplex. You’ll see them in communities like Heartland, Sutera (in Mesquite), and a bunch of new neighborhoods popping up in Fate, Forney, Midlothian and around Fort Worth.

Why that matters: if you’re focused on convenience to a certain school district, commute corridor, or price point, Chesmar may or may not be in the neighborhoods you prefer. They tend to land in strong master-planned communities or high-growth suburbs, and they’ll often offer a range of lot sizes (from smaller 40–45-foot lots up to 70–90-foot lots in premium neighborhoods).

Pricing snapshot and quick-move-in inventory

One of the first questions buyers ask is: “How much are Chesmar homes?” In DFW their quick-move-in inventory demonstrates pretty wide pricing:

• At the low end, quick-move-in options start near the low $300s (I saw listings starting around $329,000 at the time I checked).
• More typical family-sized homes (around 2,000–2,600 sq ft) were commonly in the $350–$500k range depending on community and features.
• The top end of their portfolio in premium locations with larger lots and luxury upgrades can cross the million-dollar mark (especially in places like Argyle with 90-foot lots).

At the time of my review they had about 138 quick move-in homes across DFW — that’s a lot of inventory for someone looking to close quickly (30–45 days in many cases). Prices move fast, and incentives change frequently, so use any posted price as a baseline rather than final—always confirm with a trusted rep or your realtor.

Example: Avendale (Fate) — Why I like this community

Avendale is one of my current favorite Chesmar communities. Quick facts:

• Located in Fate and in Rockwall ISD (which is a big plus for a lot of families).
• Lot sizes there are typically 40–45 feet (so smaller than some neighborhoods — something to consider if you want more yard).
• Tax rate under 2%, no MUD and no PID (again, a big win for long-term costs).

Example quick move-ins I saw in Avendale range from a 1,736 sq ft 3-bed/2-bath in the high $300s up to 2,500–2,600 sq ft plans pushing into the $480k range depending on options and timing. For many buyers, that’s a compelling mid-market option with good schools and a reasonable tax environment.

Design process and selections: What to expect

This is where Chesmar does some things a little differently — and in my opinion, for the better. A lot of big builders push homeowners to off-site design centers. Chesmar builds a design center right inside the model home for each community. That means your appointment is community-specific and your selections are made in the context of the neighborhood model you’re actually buying into.

Another important detail: Chesmar tends to bring an actual designer to those appointments instead of relying solely on sales staff. That’s important because while salespeople know the product and the price, they’re not always trained designers. Having a designer on-site makes the selections process cleaner and helps homeowners make choices that actually work in their plan and budget.

About the selection catalog: Chesmar is not a full custom builder. Expect a curated set of options — not everything under the sun, but a well-rounded offering. In the appointments I’ve sat in on or watched through clients, the selection suite felt balanced: not overly limited, and pricing felt comparable to similar builders in the DFW market.

Standard features vs upgrades

One reason my clients are attracted to Chesmar is their standard feature list. In many communities the base level includes more than what you’ll get from nearby competitors. That can translate into better value — you’re paying less to get certain finishes or built-in features that other builders make you upgrade for.

Always compare standard features line-by-line when evaluating builders. The headline price is just the start; the inclusion list determines your real cost to get the features you want.

The floor plan lineup

Chesmar offers a broad set of floor plans — in DFW they carry over 150 different plans across their communities. That gives buyers a lot of architectural variety: single-level plans, two-story family homes, plans with downstairs secondary bedrooms or studies, and larger plans with media and game rooms upstairs.

I’ll give you a practical example of a typical Chesmar layout I like: a plan with an entry-level study/optional bedroom down, primary suite down, open kitchen-living-dining, and then a game room and two additional bedrooms upstairs. It’s a family-friendly layout that balances private spaces downstairs with flexible living upstairs.

Warranty and post-closing support

Another common buyer question: who handles warranty service? Chesmar outsources homeowner warranty services to a third-party called 2-10 (often shown as "210" on some materials). 2-10 is one of the big players in new home warranties and provides structural, systems, and workmanship coverage per their terms.

Pros of third-party warranties: they’re standardized, often available across many builders, and make the warranty administration consistent. Some buyers prefer builder-handled service because the builder feels more accountable directly, but outsourcing to an established company like 2-10 is a common industry practice and generally trustworthy.

Incentives, promotions, and how Chesmar prices inventory

Chesmar runs promotions and incentives — like almost every builder in market. One incentive I noticed at the time of my check was a “six months no interest” promotion tied to working with their affiliated lender (CLM Mortgage). What that often means in practice is that the builder is offering a closing-cost credit large enough to cover the first six months of interest payments — effectively making initial payments interest-free if you use their mortgage partner.

That’s a solid promotional structure, but be careful: incentives change often, and the final net value depends on how the incentive stacks with the listed price and any rate buy-downs. The best practice: always run numbers with an independent lender as well as the builder’s lender so you can compare true cost.

Online reviews and reputation — read them right

Like any sizable builder, Chesmar’s online reviews are mixed. You’ll read glowing testimonials from happy buyers and some frustrated complaints. That’s normal for a builder with thousands of homes; people with problems tend to be louder online than those who have uneventful, positive experiences.

Important things to look for in reviews:

• Responsiveness — does the builder respond to complaints publicly and resolve issues?
• Post-close service — are warranty requests processed fairly and promptly?
• Consistency — do complaints cluster around a specific community or trade partner?

In my experience and the experiences of clients I’ve worked with, Chesmar is generally responsive and willing to work issues out. That doesn’t mean they’re perfect — no builder is — but for many buyers they land in the “solid choice” category.

Pros and cons: a practical checklist

Pros

• Strong Texas focus and local market understanding.
• Good standard feature list — better value for base price in many communities.
• In-model design centers with designers on staff (not just salespeople).
• Large selection of floor plans (150+ in DFW), so lots of options.
• Substantial quick-move-in inventory if you want a fast close.
• Third-party warranty through a recognized firm (2-10).

Cons

• Selection suite is curated — not fully custom, so limited customization compared to a custom builder.
• Online website sometimes clunky — harder to get full pricing transparency or dynamic options online.
• Warranty is outsourced — some buyers prefer in-house warranty servicing.
• Reviews are mixed (as with any large builder) — due diligence is required.

How to evaluate Chesmar for your build: my recommended approach

If you’re considering Chesmar as the top Texas Builder in DFW for your next home, use this checklist to evaluate if they’re right for you:

1. Identify communities they’re building in that match your commute, schools, and lifestyle. Don’t assume because you like Chesmar they’ll be in the neighborhood you want.
2. Compare feature lists, not just base prices. Create a line-by-line comparison with at least two other builders in the same neighborhood.
3. Ask about standard allowances and what % of selections are upgrades. That tells you how much you’ll need to budget for options.
4. Schedule a design appointment at the community model and meet the designer. That in-person meeting tells you a lot about how decisions will be made.
5. Get both the builder’s lender quote and an independent lender quote. Compare APR, closing costs, and any builder incentives carefully.
6. Ask for examples of recent warranty work and how long resolution typically takes.
7. Bring a realtor who understands new construction; they’ll help negotiate options, incentives, and protect your interests during the contract.

Final thoughts — is Chesmar a fit for you?

Short answer: maybe. Chesmar is a strong option to consider if you want a Texas-focused builder with a deep plan library, decent standard features, a design center experience that’s convenient (in the model), and a lot of quick-move-in inventory. They’ll rarely be the cheapest option on paper, but when you factor in standard inclusions and incentives, their value proposition often becomes compelling.

I say “maybe” because every buyer is different. Lot size, school district, commute, required timeline, and specific design tastes all matter. Chesmar will be a great fit for many buyers — especially those seeking a balance of value, convenience, and a reliable product — but you should still compare them directly to other builders in the same communities.

Next steps and how I can help

If you want real help evaluating Chesmar vs other builders in DFW, here’s what I recommend:

• Make a short list of 2–3 communities you like.
• Schedule model visits (including Chesmar’s in-model design center) to meet designers and sales staff.
• Collect the standard feature lists from each builder and build a spreadsheet to compare.
• Get lender quotes from both the builder’s lender and an independent lender.
• Bring a buyer’s agent who specializes in new construction — they protect your interests and know how to negotiate upgrades and incentives.

If you want to reach out directly, I’m Zak Schmidt — I specialize in new construction here in DFW. I’m happy to walk you through Chesmar communities, compare them to other builders, and be your advocate through the design and contract process. My team and I work with buyers who are local and those relocating to Texas — we’ll help make this complicated process feel manageable.

Phone: 469-707-9077 — Email: hello@zakschmidt.com

FAQ — extra detailed questions buyers ask

Is Chesmar really the top Texas Builder in DFW?

"Top" is subjective. Chesmar checks a lot of boxes: Texas-based, decades of experience, thousands of homes built, and hundreds of quick-move-in options. If your priority is a strong set of standard features, a solid design process, and a wide range of floor plans across many DFW communities, Chesmar should be in your short list.

How much should I expect to pay?

Pricing in DFW with Chesmar ranges broadly. At the time I checked you could find quick-move-ins starting around $329k, common family homes in the $350–$500k range depending on community and options, and premium homes — particularly on large lots — that can exceed $1M. Always confirm live pricing with the community sales team or your agent.

What is Chesmar’s warranty like?

Chesmar uses a third-party warranty provider (2-10). Coverage typically includes workmanship, systems, and structural coverage per the warranty terms. If you prefer in-house warranty servicing, this is a point to consider, but 2-10 is a reputable provider used by many builders.

Do they let me pick everything in a full design center?

They do provide a robust set of selections inside their in-model design center, and they bring designers to those appointments. It’s more limited than a full custom builder but generally offers a good range of finish options that work within each floor plan and community aesthetic.

Are there any incentives I should know about?

Incentives vary by community and time. I saw a “six months no interest” promotion linked to their mortgage partner — likely implemented via a closing-cost credit. Incentives change rapidly, so always ask what’s current and run the numbers with an independent lender.

How do Chesmar homes compare to other builders for standard features?

In many neighborhoods Chesmar’s standard features stack up well and sometimes include items that other builders make an upgrade. That can save you money compared to competitors, but you should always do a line-by-line comparison when evaluating price and value.

How do Chesmar’s quick-move-in homes affect negotiation?

Quick-move-ins often have less wiggle room on base price because they’re already framed or finished, but builders will commonly offer incentives (closing cost credits, rate buydowns, or appliance/upgrades packages) to close them out. If you want the most negotiation leverage, an early spec home or a lot you can pick may offer more flexibility.

What should I watch for during the walkthrough and pre-close?

Use a checklist — look for cosmetic issues, door alignment, caulking at showers, proper operation of windows and doors, HVAC balance, and cabinet drawer operation. Take notes and have the builder log items for remedy before closing if possible. Also document paint scuffs, weird floor gaps, and any exterior grading/drainage issues.

If I change my mind on an option at the design center, can I swap it later?

Most design selections become locked at certain construction milestones and changing them later can be expensive or impossible depending on where they are in the build. That’s why those designer appointments are so important — make decisions deliberately and with a clear budget.

Are there hidden costs to building with Chesmar?

Watch for lot premiums (certain lots cost more), community HOA/PID fees, and optional upgrades that can add up quickly. Ask for a full price breakdown and a “walk-away” estimate (your home exactly as specified) so you know the total out-the-door number including closing costs, taxes, and HOA fees.

Wrap up

Chesmar is absolutely worth evaluating if you’re searching for a trustworthy, regionally grounded option and a broad range of floor plans across DFW. They’re not perfect — no builder is — but they’ve built a track record that places them among the serious contenders when people talk about a top Texas Builder in DFW. Take the time to compare feature lists, visit the design center, meet the team, and run numbers with a lender you trust.

If you want help with any of that, reach out and we’ll walk through the options together. Building a home is one of the biggest purchases you’ll make — do it informed and backed by an advocate who knows the market.

Thanks for reading — I’ll see you in the next neighborhood walkthrough.