DRB Homes Reviews

Formerly Dan Ryan Builders

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About DRB Homes

Pros
  • Positive customer service experience
  • Timely completion of projects
Cons
  • Unresolved maintenance issues
  • Quality of workmanship concerns

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DRB Homes Reviews

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    How do I know I can trust these reviews about DRB Homes?
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    • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
    • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.
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    PriceMaintenance

    Reviewed May 8, 2026

    I only give DRB one star because zero was not an option. We just recently purchased a new home in Woodruff SC and the house is just horrible. Builder quality is terrible, finish work is embarrassing, and the site work (yard) has caused so many problems that we are already looking to move (after 8 mos). Interior: trim work, doors, cabinetry - all look like they were installed by amateur's. I have a bathroom upstairs in life and it takes an average of 11 minutes for hot water to reach bathroom. Was told that's often normal (really?). The exterior is ok, except landscape work - plants dying, no defined edge in beds, just mulch thrown in dirt. Horrible sod work, you'll break an ankle in gaps between sod rolls. They messed up site work so horribly that I now have a river running through my yard in two directions.

    The erosion will be so bad that in a year I'll have the Grand Canyon in my yard. This is not a cheap model house either - it's nearly $600k. My complaints have gone unheard and warranty requests have been basically unaddressed. Just terrible - trust me when I tell you - this is my 4th home built in last 20 years and it is BY FAR the worst quality I have ever seen. I have been in the construction industry for 35 years and I would be embarrassed by this place. DON'T DO IT.

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    Sales & MarketingPricePunctuality & SpeedStaffResolution

    Reviewed April 28, 2026

    Good Day, We made the decision to move into what we intended to be our final retirement home, transitioning from a three-level residence to a single-story home better suited for our long-term needs. When DRB Elevate opened a 55+ community in our area, we were excited by the opportunity. After visiting the Pennsylvania model homes twice, we were impressed by the quality, craftsmanship, and overall vision presented in the master plan for the Upper Marlboro community.

    Our initial experience was very positive. The salesperson was excellent throughout the process, and the design center exceeded our expectations, making what we hoped would be an exciting and rewarding journey. Unfortunately, the construction phase proved to be significantly challenging. We encountered multiple issues along the way. While some concerns were addressed promptly by the project manager, others were either delayed or required workarounds that did not fully resolve the problems without impacting subsequent phases of construction.

    As the project progressed, a new project manager was assigned. He has been responsive, professional, and clearly committed to helping; however, he has been limited in what he can accomplish due to the volume of homes under his supervision and reliance on subcontractors. Despite his efforts, many issues remain unresolved.

    This is the fifth home we have built over the past 28 years, so we are very familiar with the process. Regrettably, this has been the most difficult experience we have had—and the most disappointing. Despite this being the most expensive home we have built, it has also been the lowest in quality. We closed on the home in November, and as of the end of April, there are still outstanding items that have not been completed. While the current project manager continues to push for resolution, progress remains slow and inconsistent. Prior to moving forward, our realtor did express concerns about DRB’s reputation. However, after seeing the models and working with the initial team, we chose to proceed in good faith. At this point, we deeply regret that decision. If given the opportunity, we would have chosen a different builder. Sincerely,

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      Punctuality & SpeedStaff

      Reviewed April 27, 2026

      Don’t buy anything from DRB builders. Bought a home in Mulberry Estates without irrigation. About 50 houses built and now they decided to put in an irrigation system in the new homes being built. Forget those of us who bought in the early stages. And won’t give any of us that already bought any kind of credit to have one put in. Terrible workmanship too.

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      Coverage

      Reviewed April 18, 2026

      Two years in at Village of College Park in Georgetown DE. My siding still looks a hot mess with many humps. Several pieces have been replaced during the past 2 years (since settlement)- so many I lost count in the rear and sides with no improvement. First was told it was the manufacturer, then told it was the framers, then told it was the color, then told it was the gauge of the siding. Many of our visitors asked what's-up with that. I do not know what to do at this point, and hoping this review will get noticed by DRB and finally fix it right. Very Disappointing from day one with this ongoing issue. Also, a lot of sidewalks and driveways here are chipping away.

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      TechSales & MarketingMaintenanceStaffFollow-Through

      Reviewed April 14, 2026

      To whom it may concern, I am writing to warn prospective buyers about our experience with this builder. What began as a promising build deteriorated into a series of unacceptable problems, delays, and unprofessional behavior. Timeline and foundation failure: Construction had been underway for 21 days when I discovered the contractor failed to properly tension the foundation cables. That omission caused cracking throughout the foundation and required an engineer’s review. The project was delayed three weeks while we addressed this avoidable issue.

      Jobsite sanitation and unprofessional conduct: There was no port-a-potty on site. As a result, workers urinated in one of the shower drains, where it stayed stagnant due to no water availability and in water bottles, which they abandoned around the property. When I raised this issue with the salesperson (Karen), I was told the liquid in the bottles was “lemonade” — an obvious and unacceptable misrepresentation. I then asked the builder to have the bottles removed and to flush water down the drain to mitigate the odor that was very much present throughout the whole house when you walked in; although he agreed, it took a month for this to be done and I had to ask no less than three times.

      Closing delays and numerous defects: Closing occurred six weeks past the estimated date. Only after taking possession did the full scale of defects become apparent. Representative issues include: Widespread paint overspray on tile throughout the house (made less visible by light tile color). A window that leaks during rain. Master shower glass enclosure broke two weeks after move-in. Garage floor looked like an active construction site full of paint, sheetrock and debris at closing which masked the large low spot in the middle of it where water pools. HVAC system had to be repaired a couple weeks after closing due to blockage which is now extremely noisy. Cabinet issues that are still not resolved after almost 8 weeks post closing. This list is not exhaustive; these are some of the most frustrating problems we have encountered.

      When I raised the foundation issue and other concerns with two managers, they were indifferent and unwilling to accommodate requests. Our concerns were basically dismissed and any accommodation requests were flatly denied. At that point I reviewed the contract and discovered the buyout terms were heavily one-sided: if I walked away, I would only recover $2,000 of a $15,000 deposit. Recommendation. Based on our experience, I strongly caution anyone considering purchasing from this company. The combination of poor workmanship, health and sanitation issues on site, significant delays, and unapologetic management behavior has left us extremely dissatisfied and regretting our purchase.

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      Follow-Through

      Reviewed April 11, 2026

      Horrible workmanship and follow through. Will not honor poor installation that happened a year after purchase. According to them, they don’t repair cracks etc. I could say more, but…

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      Customer ServiceSales & MarketingPunctuality & SpeedStaffHonesty & Transparency

      Reviewed March 20, 2026

      As we approach our one-year anniversary in our DRB home, I can honestly say we couldn’t be happier with both our home and the community. The location is perfect. Close to shopping and everything we need, yet tucked away from the main road just enough to feel peaceful and private. It truly gives you the best of both worlds.

      What really sets this experience apart, though, is the people. Greta **, our salesperson, has been exceptional in every sense of the word. From day one, she brought a personal touch that made the entire process feel comfortable and trustworthy. Her attention to detail, honesty, and responsiveness stood out immediately. She answered every question thoroughly, never misled us, and consistently went above and beyond what anyone would reasonably expect. Over time, she has truly become a dear friend.

      A perfect example of who Greta is: During the recent back-to-back snowstorms, she stepped in to help coordinate snow removal in our community, even though this is completely outside her role. She traveled 90 minutes from her home and was already making calls before she even arrived at the office to ensure things were being handled. The team was already working on it, but that didn’t stop her from checking in and advocating for homeowners. Think about that. How often would a salesperson, long after closing, step in to solve a problem like that? It’s unheard of, but that’s just who she is.

      Jackson, our project manager, was equally impressive throughout the build. He was always professional, responsive, and solutions-oriented. No matter how big or small the issue, he took ownership and made sure it was addressed in a timely manner. His integrity and clear communication gave us confidence every step of the way.

      Kevin in the warranty department has also been outstanding. Any concerns we’ve had a window adjustment, a small electrical issue, he handled quickly and followed up to make sure everything was resolved properly. That level of responsiveness and care after the sale speaks volumes about the company. If you have high expectations for professionalism, knowledge, and integrity from the company building your home, in an aesthetically beautiful community, look no further than DRB Homes. This team doesn’t just build houses, they build relationships and stand behind their work long after you move in. We are incredibly grateful for this experience and would choose them again without hesitation. PS, we've also met some great people in the community. Game nights have become a big part of our social life. No pressure. Just a nice bonus.

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      Customer ServiceCoverageTechPunctuality & SpeedStaff

      Reviewed Feb. 25, 2026

      Building a new home should have been a joyful experience. Unfortunately, our experience with DRB has been extremely disappointing. We have encountered numerous issues including the wrong door installation, an extra window added in error, rust in tubing caused by nails, cracking walls, incorrect light fixtures and bathroom fixtures, incorrect stairs, the wrong drawer under the stove, paint left on the floors, and a leaking shower door — along with many other concerns.

      We expect these issues to be addressed promptly and corrected properly. To make matters worse, a used stove cover was installed simply to pass inspection. It felt like a temporary fix rather than a proper solution. I was repeatedly given misinformation, and my concerns were laughed at instead of taken seriously. A supervisor came out, appeared to care during the meeting, but I have not heard from him since. The lack of follow-through and accountability has been extremely disappointing. Hundreds of photo.

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      Customer ServiceSales & MarketingStaffHonesty & Transparency

      Reviewed Feb. 21, 2026

      Beware - the workmanship and honoring of their warranty is not honored after you sign on the dotted line, Even after filing several BBB and Consumer complaints they lie and say that ‘the customer’ never provided proof of issues. They find loopholes in the warranty and their project managers promise the world then can’t honor. Even the sales person ghosts you when you reach out to them for help. Even after point up ceilings are left with bumps - seams and discoloration that they call industry standard.

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      Contract & TermsPricePunctuality & Speed

      Reviewed Feb. 5, 2026

      Horrendous build quality. Gaps between walls and floors. Floors not aligned with walls. Paint brush strokes over door knobs. All door archways are beat up and just painted over. Terrible noise insulation. This townhouse cost me half a million. All my life's work went into this late 2024 Maryland home. I am devastated. If you have a complaint, it just goes to the builder of the home who of course is going to be defensive with his teams work instead of finding solutions.

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      DRB Homes author review by Joseph Truini

      DRB Homes is a privately owned, locally focused homebuilder that operates on the East Coast of the United States. It has been building homes for 25 years. Dan Ryan builds homes in six states: Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia.​

      • Provides energy-efficient homes: Buyers can purchase homes that save money by conserving energy and reducing the home’s carbon footprint.

      • Realtor-friendly builder: Prospective homebuyers can bring their own real estate agent to consultations and negotiations.

      • Consultants available: If you don’t have a real estate agent, you can consult with an agent provided by DRB Homes.

      • Hardhat tours available: Prospective homebuyers can tour homes under construction to get a first-hand look at the quality, features and style that they can expect in their own home.

      • Homes can be built quickly: Homebuyers can move in within three to five months of ordering their homes.

      by Joseph Truini Home Improvement Advisor

      Joseph Truini is a home improvement expert who writes extensively about do-it-yourself home remodeling and repair, woodworking projects and tools and techniques. His work has appeared in several national magazines, including This Old House, Popular Mechanics, Country Living, Woman’s Day, and Today’s Homeowner.

      DRB Homes questions and answers

      What problem is Dan Ryan Builders trying to solve?
      Dan Ryan Builders provides energy efficient, well appointed, solidly constructed new homes in the best locations.
      What sets Dan Ryan Builders apart from the competition?
      We are a Top 25 Private Homebuilder and #39 on the Builder 100 list. Being privately held, we report to our customers and not Wall Street.
      What needs does Dan Ryan Builders fulfill, and how does Dan Ryan Builders fulfill those needs better than the competition?
      Dan Ryan Builders’ mission statement revolves around “Better Value, Better Living.” This means the best built homes, in the right locations, with the right included features at an affordable price. We use the best materials available such as Typar House Wrap, Weyerhaeuser Gold Sub-Flooring, we have 2x6 framed exterior walls and modern home designs.
      How does Dan Ryan Builders measure success?
      By our customer’s level of happiness. Currently 94% of our customers would recommend Dan Ryan Builders to a family member or friend.
      What’s the most common misconception consumers have about Dan Ryan Builders?
      That Value means lowest price. Value means the right combination of location, price, design and quality.
      How has your industry changed in the last 5 years?
      The past five years, Dan Ryan Builders has grown organically while other builders have grown through acquisition or unfortunately, gone out of business. We believe that this is because Dan Ryan Builders cares a bit more about the customer experience, ensures a quality built home and has great locations and designs.
      What is something you wish every consumer knew about Dan Ryan Builders?
      We are so confident in our quality of construction that we pay a 3rd party to quality inspect every Dan Ryan Builders home.
      Has Dan Ryan Builders received any rewards or recognition for its services that your customers would like to know about?
      We have received numerous awards for our home designs, quality of employees and philanthropic efforts. However, we have received the prestigious, “Builder of Integrity” award consecutively 2008-2014. This award is given to a select few builders based off a low number of dissatisfied customers and how the instance is handled quickly.
      How has Dan Ryan Builders grown?
      We’ve grown from building pre-dominantly in the Washington DC area to now building in 6 states: PA, MD, VA, VA, NC & SC and 10 markets. We additionally have added an extensive line up of Estate Homes and Single Level Living homes to our portfolio.

      DRB Homes Company Information

      Company Name:
      DRB Homes
      Year Founded:
      1990
      Address:
      64 Thomas Johnson Drive Ste 110
      City:
      Frederick
      State/Province:
      MD
      Postal Code:
      21702
      Country:
      United States
      Website:
      www.drbhomes.com