Top New Construction Builders in DFW: My Trusted Picks

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• First-Time Buyers: What to Look For When Buying New Construction in DFW
• Best Builders for First-Time Buyers in DFW
• Move-Up Buyers & Growing Families: Buying New Construction in DFW
• Best Builders for Move-Up Buyers in DFW
• Builders for Larger Lots & More Land
• Luxury & Semi-Custom Builder Options
• Builders to Be Cautious With When Buying New Construction in DFW
• Short List & Final Recommendations for Buying New Construction in DFW
• How to Get Help
• FAQs
• Final Thoughts

Introduction

If you are buying new construction in DFW in 2026, the single biggest decision you will make is who builds the house. The builder determines quality, warranty responsiveness, resale potential, and the day-to-day headaches you either avoid or inherit. I get asked this question constantly: which builders are worth your time, and which ones should raise a red flag? This guide lays out the shortlist I would personally trust, organized by buyer type and budget, and explains the why behind each pick.

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First-Time Buyers: What to Look For When Buying New Construction in DFW

For most first-time buyers, predictability is more valuable than unlimited customization. If you are buying new construction in DFW in 2026 and this is your first purchase, prioritize these things over bells and whistles:

• Predictable pricing so monthly payments stay within your plan.
• Included appliances and finishes to avoid surprise upgrade costs.
• Responsive warranty and support for early-life issues.
• Good square footage value — get the most living space for your money.

First-time buyers should avoid overly complex, high-decision builds. The excitement of designing every little detail often turns into stress, unexpected costs, and delays. If you are buying new construction in DFW in 2026 and want a low-stress entry, stick to builders that sell production homes with clear packages and straightforward pricing.

Best Builders for First-Time Buyers in DFW

Here are the builders I would recommend first-time buyers consider. These names balance value, design, and service — and they show up often in starter-to-mid-range neighborhoods across the Metroplex.

HistoryMaker

HistoryMaker is a go-to when you want maximum square footage for a tighter budget. If you need five bedrooms and three baths without breaking the bank, this builder can deliver. The trade-off: finishes and some design choices are more utilitarian so they can give you more space for the money.

Meritage Homes and Trophy Signature

Meritage Homes and Trophy are often paired together in DFW developments. They offer very similar construction philosophies, so pick based on style. Trophy leans modern/West Coast in aesthetic, while Meritage Homes skews more traditional. Both focus on production homes with clear color packages and often include appliances, blinds, washer, and dryer.

Beazer

Beazer quietly earns high marks for quality and customer experience. For many first-time buyers who want the reassurance of a national brand without sacrificing build standards, Beazer is a solid choice. Several clients have had very positive experiences buying from them recently.

Pacesetter

Pacesetter sits at the upper edge of the starter market — think a step up in finishes and customization without fully moving into semi-custom pricing. They build in affordable locations like Royce City and Aubrey, and offer package designs that reduce decision fatigue while giving you better finishes than the absolute entry-level builders.

All of these options are great if you are buying new construction in DFW in 2026 and want a predictable purchase with value-driven square footage and fewer surprises at contract signing.

Move-Up Buyers & Growing Families: Buying New Construction in DFW

Move-up buyers and growing families are focused on long-term livability. If you are buying new construction in DFW in 2026 and need room to grow, more finish options, and neighborhoods with strong schools, look for builders that offer higher-quality standard features, design variety, and better warranties.

• School district and long-term resale matter more than ever.
• Design packages that reduce upgrade surprises help control final costs.
• Local builder reputations often tell you more about long-term service than national marketing.

Best Builders for Move-Up Buyers in DFW

For buyers in the move-up category, these builders stand out for quality, design, and long-term value.

K. Hovnanian

K. Hovnanian moved toward a pallet-style approach that makes pricing transparent and reduces surprise upgrades. If you want beautiful design options and clear pricing, they are a strong national option.

David Weekley, Perry, Highland

These three local Texas builders are the ones I recommend most often for move-up buyers. Highland and Perry are known for higher-quality homes and stronger warranty programs — Perry offers a notable two-year comprehensive warranty on many items. David Weekley consistently delivers dependable construction and design flexibility.

Pacesetter — again

Pacesetter appears again for move-up buyers because of the variety in their product line. In neighborhoods like Rockwall and Melissa they offer elevated, well-appointed homes in that mid-500k range that appeal to families seeking a step up without full custom costs.

Chesmar and Stonehollow (growing presence)

Both are expanding in the DFW area. Chesmar has a strong reputation down in Houston, and Stonehollow offers great value when you find the right neighborhood — especially out north in communities like Van Alstyne and Blue Ridge.

If you are buying new construction in DFW in 2026 and plan to stay 5 to 10 years, these builders deserve a close look.

Builders for Larger Lots & More Land

Want more yard, more privacy, or a true one-acre lot? If you are buying new construction in DFW in 2026 and looking for third- to full-acre homesites, these builders are doing notable work on land-based communities.

Riverside

Riverside is active in northern and eastern neighborhoods and builds a lot on land. Their neighborhoods often give you larger lots and a more spread-out feel than dense tract communities.

Stonehollow and Chesmar acre neighborhoods

Stonehollow offers one-acre product in several northern locales. Chesmar is launching an acre community in Sunnyvale — a central area between Garland and Mesquite that will be attractive for people wanting larger lots close to town.

Graham Hart and Elmwood Custom Homes

For a more custom feel and higher finishes on land, Graham Hart and Elmwood are builders to watch, especially down south. They build homes that feel bespoke without always charging full custom premiums.

If you are buying new construction in DFW in 2026 and need acreage, be prepared for a different process: fewer production lines, more site-specific pricing, and often a longer calendar from contract to closing.

Luxury & Semi-Custom Builder Options

If luxury or semi-custom is the goal — the homes you want to be truly tailored and extravagant — understand what that costs. Everything becomes an upgrade. If you are buying new construction in DFW in 2026 and want a grand home, expect to add a substantial amount to a base price for finishes, structural changes, and special features.

Graham Hart, Elmwood, Highland, Perry, Shaddock

These builders deliver high-end neighborhoods and semi-custom options. Highland and Perry show up frequently in upper-tier communities like Star Trail, StarView, Prosper, and Mosaic. Elmwood and Shaddock deliver beautiful custom-style homes for buyers who want finishes and layouts that feel unique.

For luxury buyers, work with someone who understands allowances, upgrade allowances, and real costs of structural changes. If you are buying new construction in DFW in 2026 at the luxury level, budget conservatively for upgrades and make sure warranty and service expectations are spelled out in the contract.

Builders to Be Cautious With When Buying New Construction in DFW

There are builders I tell buyers to approach with caution. That does not mean automatically avoid, but it does mean do heavy homework before signing. I see three broad issues where caution is warranted:

• Neighborhood monopolies where one builder controls everything. Without competition, pricing and options can suffer.
• Homogenous product — same cabinets, same flooring, same colors — which can hurt resale when everything looks the same.
• Investor-heavy turnover which can lead to higher rental rates and less owner-occupied stability in the neighborhood.

Specifically, be wary of the very large national volume builders that build hundreds of thousands of homes annually. In my experience, some of these brands deliver frustrating experiences with quality and warranty responsiveness. Also take a hard look at builders like LGI and Starlite in markets where their product quality or long-term durability is a concern. If you are buying new construction in DFW in 2026, do not rely only on marketing; check recent resale data and talk to homeowners who closed in the last two years.

Short List & Final Recommendations for Buying New Construction in DFW

Here is my personal short list for buying new construction in DFW in 2026. These are the builders I would start with if I were spending my own money and wanted a combination of build quality, warranty support, and long-term resale value:

• Highland
• Perry
• Pacesetter
• Shaddock
• Graham Hart
• Stonehollow
• David Weekley

If I had to pick a starting point, Highland would be where I looked first, then Perry. All of the names above deliver solid quality — the choice comes down to which style, neighborhood, and price point match your family needs. If you are buying new construction in DFW in 2026, start with these builders and then widen the net only if you have a specific reason to explore other options.

How to Get Help

If you are relocating to DFW or just starting the search, map the priorities first: commute, schools, lot size, and budget. Once those are clear, narrow builders by product and warranty practices. If you are buying new construction in DFW in 2026, treat the contract as the roadmap of what you actually get — read allowances, upgrades, and warranty terms carefully.

Be willing to ask specific questions of sales reps: what is included, who handles warranty after closing, and what recent buyers are saying. Your agent should represent your interests on upgrades and negotiate incentives. If you do your homework and pick a quality builder, you avoid needless stress and protect your investment. If you need help buying a home, contact me at 469-707-9077   or book a Zoom call.

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FAQs

What should I prioritize when buying new construction in DFW?

Prioritize predictable pricing, warranty responsiveness, included appliances and finishes, and the reputation of the builder in the specific neighborhood. For long-term value, consider school districts and resale trends.

Which builders are best for first-time buyers buying new construction in DFW?

HistoryMaker, Meritage Homes/Trophy Signature, Beazer, and Pacesetter are solid options for first-time buyers who want value, predictable pricing, and less decision fatigue.

Who should I consider for move-up or family homes?

K. Hovnanian, David Weekley, Perry, Highland, and Pacesetter are strong picks for move-up buyers due to better finishes, warranty coverage, and neighborhood options suited to families.

Where can I find builders that offer larger lots?

Look at Riverside, Stonehollow, Chesmar acre neighborhoods, Graham Hart, and Elmwood for communities with third- to full-acre lots. These builders focus on land-based neighborhoods outside denser tract developments.

Which builders should I be cautious about when buying new construction in DFW?

Exercise caution with very large volume national builders that operate without local competition in a neighborhood and with some entry-level brands where long-term quality and warranty responsiveness have been inconsistent. Carefully vet builder reputation and recent homeowner feedback.

How can I compare builders before committing?

Compare standard inclusions, warranty terms, recent resale values in the neighborhoods they build in, and direct feedback from recent buyers. Ask for a neighbor reference or speak with homeowners who closed in the last 12 to 24 months.

Is there a single best builder for buying new construction in DFW in 2026?

No single builder is perfect for everyone. The best choice depends on your priorities: budget, lot size, school district, timeline, and the level of finish you want. Start with Highland and Perry if you want build quality and resale strength, then expand based on your needs.

Final Thoughts

Buying new construction in DFW in 2026 is about choosing a partner, not just a product. Pick a builder whose process, warranty, and product match what matters most to your family.

Want a quick checklist before you go look at models? Keep this list handy if you are buying new construction in DFW in 2026:

1. Confirm what is included in the base price and what is an upgrade.
2. Ask for a recent closing list to call past buyers.
3. Review warranty details and the post-closing contact procedure.
4. Check nearby inventory: too much investor activity can affect resale.
5. Compare finished homes in the neighborhood, not just the model.

If you need a hand narrowing neighborhoods, understanding contracts, or comparing builders, get the priorities on the table first and then evaluate builders against those priorities. If you are buying new construction in DFW in 2026, doing this work up front will save time and money down the road.

READ MORE: Where To Buy New Construction Homes In DFW: My 2026 Checklist