Finding the Best Home Builders Texas Offers: A 2026 North Texas Guide
- scott shipp
- 1 day ago
- 15 min read
Building a new home in North Texas—whether it’s a custom retreat on your land in Granbury, a family-friendly home in a Weatherford community, or a modern barndominium near Glen Rose—is one of the most exciting projects you can undertake. But with so many options, from large production builders to specialized local craftsmen, finding the right team can feel overwhelming. Choosing a builder is about more than just floor plans and price; it's about finding a partner who understands your vision, respects your budget, and has a proven track record right here in our community.
This guide cuts through the noise to give you clear, actionable information. We’ll explore the different types of builders available, from national names developing entire neighborhoods to local, family-owned firms offering a truly personal touch. We will also provide a detailed look at some of the best home builders Texas has to offer, comparing their strengths, specializations, and the unique value they bring to projects in areas like Hood, Parker, and Somervell counties.
Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge to select not just a good builder, but the best builder for your specific needs, whether you're a retiree planning a forever home with accessibility features, a family needing a functional remodel, or a landowner ready to build on acreage. This article breaks down our top picks, explains the key differences between them, and gives you the questions you need to ask to make a confident, informed decision.
1. Gemini Homes
For homeowners in Granbury, Weatherford, and the surrounding North Texas area, Gemini Homes stands out, particularly for those who value direct owner involvement and a highly personalized building experience. Since 2006, this family-owned builder has established a strong local reputation not by building the most homes, but by treating every project with a level of attention and craftsmanship as if it were their own. This hands-on approach makes them a strong contender among the best home builders in Texas for custom projects and detailed remodels.
Clients work directly with owner Scott and his dedicated crew from the initial design conversations to the final walkthrough. This model eliminates the communication gaps and handoffs that can occur with larger firms, ensuring continuity, accountability, and a builder who truly understands the project's goals. Their commitment to quality over quantity resonates in the numerous client testimonials praising their responsiveness, budget discipline, and creative problem-solving.
What Sets Gemini Homes Apart
The core distinction of Gemini Homes is its full-service, high-touch model. Unlike specialized builders who focus only on new construction, their expertise spans the entire lifecycle of a home. This integrated capability is a significant advantage for Texas property owners, especially those with acreage or unique needs.
Versatile Building Services: They handle everything from ground-up custom homes and popular barndominiums to complex whole-home remodels and additions. This flexibility is ideal for a growing family in Aledo looking to expand or retirees wanting to build a forever home tailored to their lifestyle.
Outdoor Living Specialists: Gemini Homes extends its craftsmanship to outdoor spaces, designing and building custom decks, pergolas, and even gunite pools. This allows homeowners to create a cohesive indoor-outdoor living experience under the guidance of a single, trusted contractor.
Storm Recovery and Roofing: A unique and practical service for North Texas residents is their expertise in roofing and insurance claim support. After a hail storm, having a builder who can manage repairs and navigate the insurance process is an invaluable asset.
Navigating the Custom Build Process
Because every project is unique, Gemini Homes does not publish standardized pricing. Instead, they offer free, no-obligation consultations to discuss your vision, property, and budget. Cost factors for a custom build can include site preparation on rural land, septic and well installation, and the level of interior finishes selected. The owner-led process ensures clear communication from the start, helping you understand these variables and timelines upfront.
For those just beginning their journey, Gemini offers helpful resources for prospective clients. Learning how to choose a home builder in North Texas can help you prepare for your initial conversations, ask the right questions, and set clear expectations for your project.
Client Highlight: Greg B. praised the team for their "creative design" and ability to "stay on budget," while the Morris family noted their exceptional attentiveness and transparency throughout the build. This type of consistent feedback underscores the reliability that comes with an owner-led operation.
Strengths and Considerations
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Direct Owner Involvement: High level of accountability and personalized service from start to finish. | No Published Pricing: Requires a consultation and custom quote to determine project costs. |
Full-Service Capabilities: A one-stop-shop for builds, remodels, outdoor living, pools, and roofing. | Limited Scalability: As a smaller, local firm, their capacity for very large-scale developments is limited. |
Proven Local Reputation: Serving the Granbury and North Texas area since 2006 with strong client testimonials. | |
On-Time, On-Budget Focus: Known for clear communication and disciplined project management. |
Website: geminihomesgranbury.com
If you're planning a project in North Central Texas and prioritize a collaborative, trust-based relationship with your builder, reaching out to Gemini Homes for a free consultation is a practical first step.
2. Highland Homes
Highland Homes stands out as a Texas-centric, employee-owned builder with a significant presence across the state's major metropolitan areas, especially in Dallas-Fort Worth. Their reputation is built on delivering high-quality production homes with an emphasis on energy efficiency and thoughtfully designed floor plans that reflect modern living. For families seeking a home in a specific school district, their community-focused approach is a major advantage.

With a focus on markets like DFW, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio, Highland makes it easy for North Texas buyers to explore dozens of master-planned communities in fast-growing suburbs. Each community page details available floor plans, pricing, and specific amenities. Their commitment to evolving design based on homeowner feedback means you'll often find practical features like dedicated home offices, flexible living spaces, and smart storage solutions.
Navigating Highland's Offerings
Using the Highland Homes website effectively involves diving into the community-specific details. Pricing can vary significantly; for instance, a home in a Weatherford-area community might start in the low $400s, while a similar-sized home on a premium lot in a Prosper or Celina development could be priced much higher. The final cost will be influenced by the base price, lot premium (corner lots or those with views cost more), and selections made at the design center.
Pros:
Widespread DFW Presence: They offer homes in over 40 DFW communities, providing options across multiple price points and locations.
Employee-Owned Culture: Their "How Trust Is Built" philosophy is backed by an employee-owned structure, which often leads to better customer care and construction oversight.
Focus on Efficiency: Highland emphasizes its energy-efficient building practices, which can lead to lower utility costs for homeowners.
Cons:
Inventory Can Be Limited: In high-demand communities, popular floor plans and lots can sell out quickly, sometimes requiring buyers to join a waitlist.
Price Escalation: The base price is just a starting point; design center upgrades and lot premiums can add a significant amount to the final cost.
For those considering a production builder, it's crucial to understand the process. Knowing the top 10 questions to ask custom and production home builders in North Texas can help you clarify timelines, standard features versus upgrades, and warranty details before you sign a contract.
3. Perry Homes
With over 50 years of experience, Texas-born Perry Homes has established a strong reputation for delivering "luxury at scale" across the state's major markets. They offer a refined production home experience, focusing on higher-spec standard inclusions and timeless designs. For buyers in North Texas, their focus on quality construction and a more tech-forward customer journey is a significant draw.

The Perry Homes website makes it simple for North Texas buyers to explore homes in prominent master-planned communities from Celina to Waxahachie. A key differentiator is their inclusion of smart home technology as a standard feature. Additionally, their online "MyAccount" portal and New Home Concierge service provide buyers with transparent updates on build progress and warranty information, creating a more connected and informed experience from contract to closing.
Navigating Perry's Offerings
To use the Perry Homes site effectively, leverage their detailed search filters to narrow down options by community, price point, or specific features. They offer a broad library of floor plans designed for various lot sizes, from 40-foot lots to larger estate-sized properties. Be aware that base prices can shift significantly depending on the community's prestige and location. A home in a developing Fort Worth suburb will start at a different price point than one in a highly sought-after Frisco or Prosper neighborhood.
Pros:
Higher Standard Finishes: Perry Homes is known for including finishes and design elements that are often considered upgrades by other production builders, providing strong value at their price point.
Industry-Leading Warranty: They offer a comprehensive two-year workmanship warranty and a ten-year structural warranty, giving homeowners extra peace of mind.
Tech-Integrated Experience: Standard smart-home features and a dedicated buyer portal for tracking construction progress set them apart from many competitors.
Cons:
Limited Structural Customization: While they offer many design options, the ability to make significant structural changes is more limited compared to a fully custom builder.
Premium Pricing in Top Communities: The "starting from" price on their website often rises quickly with lot premiums and design selections in desirable DFW locations.
Understanding the financial side of a new build is critical. Exploring the cost to build a house in Texas in our 2025 guide can provide valuable context on budgeting for lot premiums, upgrades, and other expenses before you commit.
4. David Weekley Homes
As one of the largest privately-held home builders in the nation, Houston-based David Weekley Homes has a formidable presence across Texas, particularly in the competitive Dallas-Fort Worth market. The company is well-regarded for its systematized building process and a strong focus on energy efficiency, which they market heavily through their EnergySaver™ homes program.

Their website is a powerful search tool, allowing users to filter available homes by city, school district, price, and even specific lifestyle features like their "Encore" 55+ communities for retirees. A key differentiator is their transparent marketing of energy efficiency, often publishing HERS (Home Energy Rating System) scores and detailing the third-party verification through programs like Environments For Living®, which guarantees heating and cooling usage costs. This focus gives buyers a tangible way to understand a home's long-term operating costs.
Navigating David Weekley's Offerings
Effectively using the David Weekley site means going beyond the base price and floor plan. Buyers should pay close attention to the "FlexSpace℠" options highlighted in many plans, which allow for a degree of personalization, such as turning a study into a guest suite. The site also provides a wealth of information about their design centers, helping buyers prepare for decisions that will shape their new home. It’s important to understand that while they offer more flexibility than some production builders, the level of customization is more limited than a true custom builder in the Granbury or Weatherford area.
Pros:
Clear Energy-Efficiency Positioning: Their emphasis on low HERS scores and third-party verified programs provides clear value and potential long-term savings.
Broad Plan Variety: They offer a wide range of products that cater to different life stages, from first-time buyers to active adult communities.
Established Buyer Experience: Their size allows for a well-defined construction process, warranty program, and customer service system.
Cons:
Limited Customization: Structural changes and off-menu selections are generally not possible, unlike with a boutique custom builder.
Premium Pricing: In high-demand communities, their homes can be priced at a premium compared to other production builders.
Understanding the difference between a production builder's semi-custom options and a true custom build is essential. Knowing the top 10 questions to ask custom and production home builders in North Texas can guide you in determining which path is the right fit for your family’s vision and budget.
5. D.R. Horton
As the largest home builder in the United States, Arlington-based D.R. Horton has a dominant footprint across Texas, especially in North Texas. Their scale allows them to offer some of the most competitive entry-level pricing in fast-growing suburbs around Weatherford, Fort Worth, and beyond, strategically segmented into different brands to serve a wide range of buyers.
Their brand ladder is a key differentiator: Express Homes targets first-time buyers, D.R. Horton serves the core move-up market, Freedom Homes focuses on active adults 55+, and Emerald Homes caters to the luxury segment. This approach means a family looking for their first home in a community like Willow Springs in Haslet can use the same platform as a retiree searching for a low-maintenance lifestyle near Granbury.
Navigating D.R. Horton's Offerings
The most effective way to use the D.R. Horton site is to leverage its quick move-in inventory search. Due to their scale, they often have a substantial pipeline of homes nearing completion, which is a major advantage for buyers on a tight timeline. You can see exact addresses, completion dates, and photos of the actual home. Pricing is presented with a "from" number; an Express Home in a community west of Fort Worth might start in the low $300s, but that base price is for a standard lot with included features. Upgrades and premium lots will increase the final cost.
Pros:
Price Accessibility: Their Express Homes brand often provides one of the most affordable paths to new home ownership in North Texas.
Vast Selection: The sheer number of communities means buyers have options across dozens of cities and school districts.
Quick Move-In Availability: D.R. Horton is known for maintaining a large inventory of homes available for quick closing.
Cons:
Variable Customer Experience: Due to the company's immense size, the quality of communication and service can differ between communities and sales agents.
Significant Upgrade Costs: The attractive base price can rise quickly as buyers add design options and select more desirable lots.
Asking targeted questions about what's included versus what's an upgrade is critical to ensure there are no surprises in the final cost.
6. Bloomfield Homes
Bloomfield Homes has carved out a strong niche as a DFW-centric builder with a reputation for including more standard features in their base prices. Their philosophy, "Upgraded Living is Our Standard," means buyers often find that features considered upgrades by other builders—like granite countertops or architectural details—are part of the initial package. This approach makes Bloomfield a top choice for buyers who want a clearer upfront cost and less decision fatigue at the design center.

The website is straightforward, allowing prospective homeowners to search exclusively within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. A key feature is the variety of architectural elevations offered for each floor plan, giving neighborhoods a more custom feel. For families in expanding suburbs around Granbury and Weatherford, understanding what comes standard can make budgeting for a new home much more predictable.
Navigating Bloomfield's Offerings
To make the most of the Bloomfield Homes website, pay close attention to the "Quick Move-In" section and the promotions page. Because their inventory and incentives can change rapidly, checking the site often is key. Their model of including more features upfront simplifies the buying process, but it's still important to visit a model home to see the standard finishes in person.
Pros:
High-Value Standard Features: Their "all-included" approach means the base price reflects a higher level of finish-out, reducing the need for expensive upgrades.
DFW-Centric Expertise: A singular focus on the North Texas market gives them deep knowledge of local development trends, school districts, and community planning.
Architectural Variety: Bloomfield provides multiple elevation options for their homes, preventing the "cookie-cutter" look common in some production-built neighborhoods.
Cons:
Geographically Limited: Their operations are almost exclusively in the DFW area, so they are not an option for buyers in other parts of Texas.
Shifting Availability: In popular communities, pricing and lot availability can change quickly, requiring buyers to be decisive.
7. First Texas Homes
First Texas Homes carves out a unique niche in the DFW market by blending the efficiency of a production builder with the flexibility more common to custom projects. They are well-known for their willingness to modify structural floor plans, offering a level of personalization that many large-scale builders do not. This approach delivers what they term ‘custom quality at a production price,’ making them a strong contender for buyers in North Texas who want more than just cookie-cutter options.
The company’s website, firsttexashomes.com, focuses heavily on its presence in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, with a strong footprint in fast-growing corridors across Tarrant, Denton, and Johnson counties. For homebuyers looking in areas like Weatherford or communities south of Fort Worth, this localized concentration is a significant benefit. Their platform allows users to explore a broad spectrum of floor plans and clearly lists the communities where each plan is available.
Navigating First Texas's Offerings
The main draw of First Texas Homes is the ability to make meaningful changes to a floor plan. This could mean extending a covered patio, adding a media room, or converting a formal dining area into a dedicated study. When browsing their site, it’s important to remember that the advertised "from" price is for the base model. Structural modifications, premium elevations with more stone or brick, and design center upgrades will increase the final cost. Their frequent incentives, often detailed on the website, can help offset some of these additional expenses.
Pros:
Customization Flexibility: Their willingness to alter structural plans is a major differentiator from other large production builders in the area.
Strong North Texas Coverage: They have a significant presence in high-growth suburban communities across DFW, providing numerous options for buyers.
Wide Range of Plans: The variety in square footage and layouts caters to everyone from first-time buyers to large families needing more space.
Cons:
Price Increases with Changes: The base price can escalate quickly as you add structural changes, lot premiums, and high-end finishes.
Primarily DFW-Focused: Their operations are concentrated in North Texas, so they are not an option for buyers in other major Texas markets like Houston or Austin.
Top 7 Texas Home Builders Comparison
Builder | Implementation complexity | Resource requirements | Expected outcomes | Ideal use cases | Key advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gemini Homes | High — owner-led custom builds and remodels | Moderate crew size; local subcontractors; project-specific budgeting | Highly personalized, craftsmanship-focused results; strong client communication | Custom homes, whole-home remodels, outdoor living, insurance-claim repairs in North Central TX | Owner direct oversight; long local experience; full-service offerings; strong client responsiveness |
Highland Homes | Low–Moderate — production with some plan evolution | Standard production resources across many communities; community-specific pricing | Energy-conscious, move-in ready homes with evolving floorplans | Buyers in DFW/master-planned communities seeking energy efficiency and variety | Broad DFW coverage; employee-owned; energy focus; multiple price points |
Perry Homes | Low — standardized production with higher-spec inclusions | Large organizational resources; tech buyer tools and warranty programs | Consistent higher-spec finishes and streamlined buyer experience | Buyers wanting tech-enabled, higher-spec homes in Texas metros | Smart-home standard; robust warranty and buyer portals; long Texas presence |
David Weekley Homes | Low–Moderate — production with verified energy programs | Large-scale resources; third-party energy verification capabilities | Energy-efficient homes with consistent construction and buyer systems | Energy-conscious buyers and varied life stages (including 55+) | Third-party verified energy performance; broad plan/library; strong processes |
D.R. Horton | Low — high-volume production and brand ladder | Very large resources and inventory; multiple sub-brands for budgets | Accessible pricing tiers, frequent quick-move-in availability | Entry-level to luxury buyers needing quick availability across many markets | Scale and selection; competitive base pricing; extensive community map |
Bloomfield Homes | Low–Moderate — production with higher base features | DFW-focused resources; higher-feature baseline and periodic incentives | Homes with more features included in base price; less need for post-purchase upgrades | Buyers in DFW seeking upgraded base specs and architectural variety | “All-included” baseline features; architectural elevation variety; good value |
First Texas Homes | Moderate — production builder allowing structural changes | In-house design studio; capability for structural customization; DFW centric | Custom-quality outcomes at production pricing (costs can rise with changes) | Buyers wanting structural personalization within production build timelines | Greater structural flexibility than many production builders; strong DFW presence |
Building Your Texas Dream Starts with the Right Conversation
Navigating the landscape of home construction in North Texas can feel like a monumental task. You've reviewed a spectrum of options, from large-scale production builders like D.R. Horton and Perry Homes, known for their streamlined processes, to local specialists who offer a more personalized touch. This guide was designed to demystify that process and provide a clear framework for evaluating the best home builders Texas has to offer based on your unique needs—whether you're building on acreage near Glen Rose or planning a significant kitchen remodel in Weatherford.
The journey from a blueprint to your front door is filled with hundreds of small decisions and a few very large ones. The most critical decision you will make is choosing the right team to guide you. The "best" builder is not a one-size-fits-all title; it is entirely dependent on your personal priorities.
Key Takeaways for Your Builder Search
Keep these essential points at the forefront of your decision-making process:
Define Your Path: Custom vs. Production. Your first major decision is the level of personalization you require. Production builders like Highland Homes offer efficiency and proven floor plans, ideal for buyers who value a predictable timeline and cost. In contrast, a custom builder provides a blank canvas, perfect for landowners with a specific vision for their Granbury property or retirees needing unique accessibility features.
Verification is Non-Negotiable. A strong builder will encourage you to connect with past clients and visit active job sites. Ask tough questions about how they handle unforeseen challenges, material delays, and budget adjustments. For example, "Can you share a time when a project went over budget and how you communicated that to the homeowner?"
Understand the Total Cost. The initial quote is just the beginning. Factor in potential costs for site work (especially on rural lots), landscaping, utility connections, and material upgrades. A transparent builder will help you create a realistic, all-in budget from the start, preventing costly surprises down the road.
Actionable Next Steps for Future Homeowners
With this information in hand, your path forward becomes much clearer. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, you can now take targeted, productive steps toward building your dream home in North Texas.
Create Your "Must-Have" Brief: Before you initiate contact, document your core needs. What is your non-negotiable square footage? How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? What are your top three design priorities (e.g., an expansive outdoor living area, an open-concept kitchen, a dedicated home office)? This document will become your North Star.
Schedule Initial Consultations: Select your top two or three builders from this list who seem to align with your project scope and budget. The goal of these first meetings is not to sign a contract but to gauge chemistry and communication style. Do they listen intently to your ideas? Do they provide clear, direct answers to your questions?
Request a Preliminary Proposal: Ask your top contender for a detailed preliminary proposal based on your brief. This document should outline the scope of work, provide a ballpark cost estimate, and detail their process and timeline. This is where you can truly compare apples to apples and see which builder's approach resonates most with your expectations.
Ultimately, constructing a home is about more than just lumber and concrete; it's about building a future. The relationship you forge with your builder is the foundation of that entire experience. Choose a partner who respects your vision, communicates with honesty, and demonstrates a genuine passion for quality craftsmanship.
If you are considering a custom home, a whole-home remodel, or an outdoor living project in the Granbury, Weatherford, or surrounding North Texas areas, the first step is a simple conversation. We invite you to schedule a no-pressure consultation with our owner-led team at Gemini Homes. Let's discuss your vision and show you how our hands-on process can bring it to life with clarity and confidence.
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