CENTEX HOMES

Centex is an "upscale" tract home builder with few customization options. When choosing the model and options of our house, we tried to emphasize quality in the upgrade process. The carpets were upgraded, and despite rigorous care, need replaced do to normal wear. Nail pops and floor creaks abound and require constant attention. Drywall seams are cracking. The windows have been abysmal at best, from the start. When we first took possession of the house, I immediately brought this concern to the construction manager who told me to go buy some felt and stuff it in the window tracks. I couldn't believe it - A brand new house with leaky windows, and I had to stuff felt in the tracks??? Needless to say, I didn't pursue the issue any further, although I should have. My lack of complaining to the company has lead to yearly window track stuffing with felt strips. The windows are, and always were so bad, that one can see "dust flames" that leak in outside dust and dirt and travel up the window panes and frames. I'm sure that I'll be replacing these windows in the near future. In addition, the whole house has a "cheap" feel to it. Noise from the basement to the top floor resonates throughout the house, making it seem as if I'm in an echo chamber. Despite having a brick wrap, outside noises abound, perhaps to in part to the cheap windows. I recently had to re-wire my yard post light, due to the fact that they didn't bury the wiring leading to it. Instead, they laid it on the ground and threw cheap sod on top of it. I buried the wire properly and once again have a functioning light.

Had this house been priced at $150,000, I wouldn't be so dismayed. But at nearly $300,000, I feel that I grossly overpaid for this house. Sure, It's spacious, attractive, and somewhat comfortable, but I should have done my homework and more shopping, perhaps looking into some older well-built houses. Their salesforce are highly trained and employ tactics of "urgency" during the prospecting process. Had we waited another two months to build, we would have received a free basement and other upgrades that we paid for, thus de-valuing our house.

We were very pleased with our experience. Everyone was responsive to our needs/questions, very thorough and willing to work with us. We love our new house and neighborhood.