2013 Hearthstone Homes - Opinions Please

[BUELLER]

Hi all. So purchasing a new home. We found what we feel is the perfect house as far as space, 3400 sq feet on a huge lot located in a quiet circle. It as great landscaping with a beautiful koi pond and waterfall, a finished basement with nice wetbar, granite island in kitchen and brushed nickel finishes throughout.

The house was built in 2004 and is a hearthstone home. I know Celebrity really has a bad name for being very cookie cutter and I have heard rumors of how they are cheaply built and an inferior product, although they have to meet building codes just like the other builders so I don't see what the concern is. Anyway I am not trying to start a flame war here but what to know everyone's opinion on purchasing a hearthstone home. Are they the same as Celebrity? Its at the very top of our budget at 240k plus financing costs but with that sq footage and all of those features is there any cause for concern with paying that much for a hearthstone home? Do they not appreciate in value similar to other homes in that price range? Any concerns over craftsmanship or building materials they use? What's your thoughts everyone?

Thanks
Bueller

[nebport5]

I used to sub contract work from them. They build a home from start to finish in about 45 days. It's all about quantity. I recall one of the contractor saying that if people wanted quality they wouldn't buy these houses. I've personally seen crooked walls, floor and etc...and many of the very people working on them say they'd never buy one. They're really no different than Celebrity in concept.

[bbinks]

I used to sub contract work from them. They build a home from start to finish in about 45 days. It's all about quantity. I recall one of the contractor saying that if people wanted quality they wouldn't buy these houses. I've personally seen crooked walls, floor and etc...and many of the very people working on them say they'd never buy one. They're really no different than Celebrity in concept.

I have not had any major issues with my Hearthstone. But then I was there every day and pointing out things as I saw them to the sales associate or project managers. They had to fix some things.

[Zilla]

I've been in our Hearthstone home for 5 years now and have had no major issues. There's been a few cosmetic things to fix, but nothing major. I talk to the neighbors on all sides of me regularly and none of them have had any major issues either. The worst problem I've seen is with the driveways, but it's hit and miss. I'm not saying they're the best out there in the world....there are plenty of lemons out there....but they're certainly not crooked shacks just waiting to fall over as some would lead you to believe. You take a risk with anything you buy...do your research and have it inspected thoroughly.

[Brad]

The worst problem I've seen is with the driveways, but it's hit and miss.

Probably the driveways they pour in the middle of winter...

[Joe_Sovereign]

I use to live in a Hearthstone home. The quality was not the best but OK. If you plan on staying a while I would take all the upgrades for higher quality materials if you are building a new one. Also if you are buying their highest price model and adding extras your house will not appreciate as quickly surrounded by lesser priced homes.

[Greg S]

Our first home was a Brighton Home, the predecessor to Hearthstone. Half the neighborhood had been built when it was Brighton, and then got finished under Hearthstone. Our house was one of this first and almost 10 years old when we moved in and we stayed 5 years. We had no problems at all, was a great house as far as upkeep and reselling.

Greg

[Craigs92X]

Ive been in my Hearthstone since I built it in 06.

Only issues I have with it is the constant ground settling that results in the interior drywall cracking in the corners. Other than that no problems.