Highland Homes Reviews
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About Highland Homes
- Quality of materials used
- Timely completion of projects
- Frequent construction defects
- Poor warranty support
Highland Homes Reviews
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- 4,695,738 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
- We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
- 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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- 4,695,738 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
- We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
- We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
- Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.
Reviewed June 16, 2025
I had a recent incident, and how it was handled, left me feeling proportionately unsatisfied despite professional assessments identifying the cause of the problem to be outside of my responsibility. Although I've only been in my home for 14 months, a plumbing issue associated with a rock inside my piping significantly damaged a portion of my main bathroom and surrounding floor spaces. One of your warranty plumbers identified the source as being 25 feet inside the property's piping, thus determining the obstruction was likely caused during building and not by any changes or actions I've taken as the sole owner. Additionally, after you all fixed it you claimed it was no longer a warranty issue and refused to cover not even a portion of the cost to repair the damage
Reviewed Jan. 18, 2025
I purchased a home from Highland Homes expecting quality construction, but I’ve faced recurring plumbing issues caused by poor workmanship and substandard materials. Within months of moving in, my plumbing backed up due to a cracked pipe. Over the years, I’ve dealt with multiple leaks, improperly installed components, and, most recently, a $24,000 repair due to a plumbing pipe breaking underneath the foundation. A contractor confirmed these problems were caused by negligent construction and low-grade materials used by Highland Homes.
When I contacted Highland Homes for assistance, they dismissed my concerns, citing an expired 2-year warranty. Despite clear evidence of poor construction, they refused to provide any help or compensation. Highland Homes does not stand behind their product. If you’re considering buying from them, be prepared for potential long-term issues and zero accountability.
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Reviewed Dec. 5, 2024
We purchased a Shelby model home on September 1, 2023, in Auburndale, and it has been a nightmare from the start. The most significant issue has been with our A/C unit. During our 11-month inspection in August 2024 (which we arranged to coincide with our one-year mark), we discovered signs of mold. The inspector recommended an air quality test due to the mold, and we agreed. Three days later, the results revealed four different types of mold. We immediately notified Highland Homes, but they have refused to take responsibility for the issue to this day.
Highland sent Payne Air to inspect the situation, but after that, we received no further response—they went silent. Despite calling numerous times and requesting the photos and documentation Payne Air took, we received nothing. Once we provided evidence of mold spores found on our personal belongings, Highland ceased all communication. As a last resort, we contacted our homeowner’s insurance company for assistance, but our claim was denied due to the improper installation of the A/C handler and ductwork. The insurance company classified this as a construction defect, which is not covered by our policy.
Now, we need our floors repaired. However, we were required to have the floors repaired before we even knew there was mold in the home. Due to the mold, we have refused to allow anyone into the house, fearing potential lawsuits if someone becomes ill. Despite this, Highland called the flooring company and claimed that the mold had been repaired, allowing them to proceed with scheduling the flooring repairs.
This was untrue, yet the flooring company went ahead with scheduling because they already had the parts. When their employee entered the home, they immediately experienced throat irritation and facial hives due to the mold. However, Highland refuses to acknowledge the severity of the issue. Would I recommend this builder? Absolutely not. Find a builder who follows regulations and takes responsibility for their work. Do yourself a favor and hire a mold testing professional before purchasing any home in Florida, especially in Central Florida, where this is a common issue.
Reviewed Dec. 3, 2024
We closed on our home in Summercrest, Ocala Florida on 11/9/2024 and since then we've had numerous warranty issues, most handle well by field staff. Flooring was without a doubt our most serious issue as the flooring we were shown in their showroom was not the flooring they installed. (See picture). The flooring we got is the cheapest, least durable floor on the market. Sales and field staff have been great, but we've reached out to higher ups and have gotten zero response. What was supposed to be our dream home is turning out to be a nightmare. I believe our floor we need replacing in less than a year. This was a classic case of Bait and Switch. (See picture of what they showed us and what they installed.) Hoping that Highland Homes does the right thing and replaces the floor at no cost to us but still a great inconvenience.
Sincerely,
Dissatisfied home buyers....
PS: We previously recommended Highland Homes and they have sold 3 homes because of the referral, that is no longer the case as we will NOT be recommending Highland Homes to anyone.
Reviewed Nov. 1, 2024
We purchased a HH in 2023 and after a year we are having a problem with our flooring and most families in our community are having the same problem. They had installed the cheapest flooring possible. We were told it was luxury vinyl and this is the worst floor! I had someone from HH and the flooring company come out and they told me they would look into it and it is now over two months and I have not heard anything from either company. Very disappointed in this builder.
Reviewed Oct. 9, 2024
During the hurricane water seeped through the floor. Warranty department came out said he doesn't know why, 25 other people had the same complaints. He said it doesn't happen during a normal storm, just hurricane. This is the 2nd hurricane I had this problem. I'm looking for a solution to fix the problem. Floor has dip by the area. Hvac wasn't sealed when I moved in, they sent Warranty to fix it. The main problem water seeping during hurricane.
Reviewed Aug. 14, 2024
I purchased a home from Highland Homes 06/05/24 and had a fence installed. Went through all the proper process of requesting approval with the HOA, got the survey to the Fence company. The fence company came out three times and measured after install because it did not look correct. Upon further measurements it was noticed the Survey Pin that is 3ft in the ground was in the wrong spot. Sent a warranty request and the survey company came to re stake the home. And it in fact was incorrect, and I took a picture of the incorrect Pin next to the stake the survey company put.
It was clear it was wrong but was told my Highland Homes and the Survey company (who denied this) that because I didn't get a picture of the guy next to the incorrect pin I'm wrong. No one told me I had to do this? No one from Highland homes was here during the re survey? I even called them while they were here to be ignored. This is a very unethical company who apparently can just lie when something is done incorrectly (GET PHOTO PROOF WITH THE PERSON) really sad to spend so much on a home to realize they along with all the trades seem to be against the home buyer. DO NOT BUY FROM THEM.
Reviewed July 28, 2024
My husband and I closed on a home with Highland Homes back in 2020. We've had concerns and problems with Highland Homes from the very beginning. Our Community Sales Manager at the time forged documents associated to some of our initial contracts. My husband had signed the documents rather quickly, but I had delayed signing in order to ensure I had adequate time to review all of the contract.
Evidently, I did not sign the documents on a quick enough timetable for her, resulting in her decision to sign the contract on my behalf and move forward without my consent. You can see quite clearly that is the case as she removes my access to the documents as of 9:58 AM, signs on my behalf at 10:00 AM, and then she signs at 10:01 AM. I do still have all the screenshots of this situation as proof. In either case, I let that go and we still proceeded with the home-building process. I had completely lost trust with Jennifer, so we moved forward with working with another individual on her team.
Fast forward to 6/25/24, we were experiencing AC/electrical problems in our home. Unsure of the root cause at the time (AC or electrical), we had company Rideout & Sons come out to take a look. They "found wire from the main panel to condenser disconnect is shorted - will come back and run new wire to outdoor panel. Ran new high-voltage wire from outdoor panel to the condenser. Replaced bad contactor and breaker." In discussions with Rideout, it was an electrical issue behind the wall from the breaker box to the AC unit, which determined the root cause was an issue with the initial construction/electrical wiring of our house. Rideout also indicated that this particular issue could have led to a house fire.
We have since discussed our recent concerns with Highland Homes; however, they have indicated they are unable to assist d/t the warranty stipulations. Based on the interactions that I have had with this company, it seems there is an overall lack of integrity as well as inability to resolve concerns in a timely and respectful manner. I would not recommend using Highland Homes for your home-building needs.
Reviewed March 3, 2024
I think it is standard to have gutter system for a home. My neighbors just advised me there is no gutter system which will cost the home buyer $20K if you want to have it. The floor is open, the doors can't close and open properly, the paint is visually not even.
Reviewed Dec. 10, 2023
Highland Homes = Lies, Deceit, Ignoring, Delays, No Quality Control, Hidden Defects. Short review. I purchased this house fully completed in September of 2022. It has been a nightmare and leaking water since I purchased it. Highland Homes has not repaired the siding and flashing issues.. I have had 4 different home inspection companies look at the house in just over a year. When I reported the water coming into my house (from roof, through block wall, kitchen) to warranty in Sept 2022 and several times after. I was told “It will dry on its own”, “It's wind driven rain”, “We will put a tent over your house when it rains”. Warranty rep laughed and mocked me. Management also lectured me how repairs are my responsibility and not warranty. Which was a lie.
During my second walkthrough I was being lied to when repairs found in the first walkthrough were identified and in my home inspection report. Warranty is terrible to deal with. They don't want to fix anything, If it will cost them any money. Warranty issues submitted are either never addressed or take weeks and months of contacting warranty to get it fixed. They blame contractors at times and several contractors told me they would have started months ago. It should NOT take 6 months for a guy with a ladder and caulk to show up. Highland has contractors available to close their selling homes!
This is my third new house and I work in the business. This is the worst builder I have seen. A few issues this house has or had:
- Leaking House when it rains- James Hardie Siding not installed to manufacturer's specs. Some pieces are splitting, no starter strip used.
- Improper flashing around the house. Possibly worse in corners causing water intrusion.
- A hole in garage ceiling from highland allowing the house to leak for 15 months
- Garage floor is cracking badly. Had some cracks when I closed. Builder refused to fix it before closing.
- Rear Lanai cement is cracking.
- Ridge vent on the roof was missing end caps, it's dented, was unsealed in many places leaking water into the attic and on the ceiling. Now mold in the attic from months of waiting for repair.
- The floors in baths had to be screwed down properly due to popping noise.
- The 2 bath tubs did not have support clips and was bending and creaking (took 11 months to fix and should of taken 2 weeks).
- The HVAC unit in closet was unsealed in the back ...Wide open to blow air.
- HVAC outside condenser unit was leaning outside badly.
- Soffit Gaps Unsealed
- Damaged window screens
- Water trapped in window sills
- Possible lack of insulation behind some walls. Light switch gets hot.
- Some Cabinets in kitchen had only 2 screws attaching them to wall.
- Some cabinets have cracks and splits on interior.
- Bent garage door panels with open gaps
- Gaps in framing in the attic. Can see light coming in between the rafters.
- Loft floor has a loud scraping sound on and off.
- Sliding door track was unlevel. The door was not closing right. Screen door would be gapped open.
- HVAC had no clean out pipe. Now the installed pipe jams the closet door from opening easily..
- Rusted hot water heater panels
- Unsealed exterior penetrations
- Popping off siding
- Improper siding flashing
- Unsealed, no molding, open wall hidden behind the stove
- Bad or messed up wall texture
- Bathroom closet door rubbing the wall. Hard to open and close.
- A high hump in the bathroom floor (like a speed bump) caused me to trip.
- Bathroom folding door rubs wall.
- Toilets had flush issues or water holding issues
A recent timeline: On October 5th 2023 Warranty was at my house with the siding company. They were supposed to start the following week. So I delayed my vacation. They never started. On November 1st 2023 The team consisting of managers, who ignored my house being built properly, showed up to look over the siding and leak areas. November 29th more managers and a water intrusion company and the same siding company from October showed up. Someone damaged the paint on the kitchen cabinet. Still no repairs, updates or responses to communication attempts. No actions other than words. Over 15 months since I closed.
Highland Homes author review by Joseph Truini
Highland Homes has been building custom homes in communities throughout Southwest, Central and North Central Florida for more than two decades. The family-owned company has dozens of home plans from which homeowners can choose, along with additional options to customize their homes.
Proven track record: With more than 50 years combined experience building homes in Florida, the team at Highland Homes is knowledgeable about the types of homes and architecture widely found in the area.
Design your dream home: With a database of more than 30 home plans and hundreds of design options, homeowners can create their dream home in planned communities, on the waterfront or with plenty of acreage.
Local Florida flavor: Homes can be built in many communities in central Florida and the surrounding area, including Tampa, Lakeland, Ocala and the Orlando areas. Highland Homes' staff is based locally, as well, so homeowners' questions can be answered quickly.
Team of lenders: Highland Homes works with a team of preferred lenders who can determine your optimum home-buying power. They can even help restore credit before securing a mortgage.
Move-in ready homes: Highland Home has many houses of various sizes and styles that are built and ready for immediate occupancy.
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.
Highland Homes questions and answers
- What problem is your company trying to solve?
- Highland Homes strives to provide quality and affordable new homes in Central, North Central, Southwest and Tampa Bay, Florida.
- What sets Highland Homes apart from the competition?
- We have a longstanding reputation of quality, value and integrity with a strong focus on customer satisfaction. Home buyers are given personal attention throughout the building process. Our New Home Specialists work one-on-one with each buyer to find the best fit for their individual situation, and our buyers truly build a personalized dream home. After selecting their community, home site and home plan, homebuyers receive a design consultation at the Highland Homes Personal Selection Studio where they choose from hundreds of options to personalize their new home to their style, needs and budget. When construction begins, homebuyers are assigned a Personal Builder as a main point of contact to answer any questions, orientate them with the construction schedule, and demonstrate the features, product usage, and maintenance information to personally acquaint the homeowner with their brand new home.
Our new homes in Florida are priced from the low $100’s to low $300’s and no matter the price point, every new homebuyer receives the same quality care and attention. - What needs do your products and services fulfill, and how do you fulfill those needs better than your competition?
- We provide affordable, quality built homes with products that meet the needs of both first time home buyers, and move-up buyers. Through strong relationships with preferred lenders, we are able to offer mortgage programs tailored to a variety of budgets, including finance options with just $99 down with qualifying financing.
- How does Highland Homes measure success?
- We measure success with profits as do most companies, but also with customer feedback surveys to measure the satisfaction of our homeowners on everything from our website and initial contact with our company, to the purchase process, to how they are enjoying their home after move in.
- What are the most common misconceptions consumers have about homeownership?
- Often people feel that homeownership is an unobtainable goal. The most common misconceptions we encounter with Florida homebuyers is that a large down payment is required to purchase a home, and that new construction homes are not affordable. These are both common myths due to media reports and that most home builders in our local markets do not provide products for first time home buyers and focus instead on only the affluent real estate market.
- How has your industry changed in the last 5 to 10 years?
- Ten years ago, Florida was at the peak of the housing bubble with record pricing. Five years ago, that bubble had burst and the real estate market was crashing. We are in a slow, but steady recovery after the housing market bottomed out in late 2011. The number of single family home permits is gradually rising, and in 2014 our company celebrated our best year since 2007.
- What is something you wish every consumer knew about Highland Homes?
- You don’t have to have perfect credit or a large amount of savings to purchase a brand new Highland home.
- Has your business received any awards or recognition that your customers would like to know about?
- 2015 - BUILDER Magazine’s “Builder 100/Next 100” List – Highland Homes ranked the 102nd largest home builder in the nation (based on number of closings in 2014). This was our 12th consecutive year to make the list which ranks the top 200 home builders in the nation – quite an honor for a local, family-owned company who builds homes in Central Florida, when ranked against large corporations who build throughout the U.S.
- How has Highland Homes grown or evolved?
- We survived the recession and the worst housing market crash in modern times to not only thrive, but continue to grow, add new employees and expand into new housing markets in Florida.
Highland Homes Company Information
- Company Name:
- Highland Homes
- Year Founded:
- 1996
- Address:
- 3020 S. Florida Ave Suite 101
- City:
- Lakeland
- State/Province:
- FL
- Postal Code:
- 33803
- Country:
- United States
- Website:
- www.highlandhomes.org