Highland Homes Reviews

Highland offered us $2,000 to sign a confidentiality agreement, which we declined, and replacement bricks came only after months of delays. After moving in, defects surfaced rapidly. Leaks from the attic and a bathroom ceiling emerged within months. A severe Formosan termite infestation, linked by experts to inadequate soil and wood treatments, led to confirmed mold growth, contributing to respiratory issues for our children and pulmonary complications for my spouse. Additional problems included a sagging ceiling, misaligned doors, window cracks, and, most critically, a faulty foundation. Independent engineers identified the slab as constructed with porous, substandard aggregates, resulting in persistent moisture seepage and structural voids.

We’ve been displaced since April 2023 (over 29 months), paying a mortgage on an uninhabitable home while incurring huge expenses for rentals, inspections, legal fees, and medical bills. Houston journalist Wayne Dolcefino covered our ordeal in an investigative report: **. Future buyers: Hire independent inspectors at every stage, document everything, and walk away at the first red flag. We’re seeking advice from other Houston homeowners—have you faced similar issues with Highland Homes or other builders? Share your experiences to help us navigate this process.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

- 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.

Another issue is that when we turned in a request to install a new 6' PVC privacy fence (in the backyard) they want it installed on the property line (both sides of the backyard). The problem is that there is a utility easement of 5' on both sides of the backyard. Therefore we moved the fence in from that utility easement of 5' and they denied our request for the fence. You should not install anything somewhat permanent on any utility easement! We learned that years ago through experience! If you are looking to purchase a new home in the Ocala area I would recommend that you pass up this builder! There are many other great builders in the Ocala, Florida area.

My primary concern revolves around the AC system's inability to adequately cool the entire house, with a particular emphasis on the master bedroom. Despite submitting multiple warranty requests and receiving numerous visits from Strada Services, the appointed HVAC company, the problem remains unresolved. On eight separate occasions, or more including July 26th, 2023 Strada Services has attempted various fixes, including adjustments to the attic, vents, ductwork, and insulation, but unfortunately, none of these efforts have proven effective in resolving the cooling issues.

During my investigation, I discovered that my 2005 square-foot home is equipped with an undersized 2.5-ton AC unit, whereas industry standards dictate that it should have been fitted with a 3.5/4-ton unit. It has come to my attention that Highland Homes made the switch to Strada Services from a previous HVAC company due to increased material costs caused by Covid. Intriguingly, homes completed before this transition, including my neighbor's property at 107 Eagle Summit Dr Riskin FL (a 1715 sq ft home), were fitted with correctly-sized AC units (3-ton) model number GSZ140361LB by the previous company, while mine model number GSZ140301KG and some other homes in the neighborhood are grappling with the same issue.

The consequences of this undersized AC unit have been substantial. My utility costs have skyrocketed when compared to similar-sized homes in the area, yet my house remains uncomfortably warm, with the temperature rarely dropping below 77-79 degrees Fahrenheit, even when the AC runs 24/7 on the lowest setting. The master bedroom, in particular, lacks proper cooling, compelling me to rely on additional fans to seek some relief from the stifling heat. Also causing molding and rusting on the air handler due to constant condensation.

As the summer progresses and humidity rises, the situation worsens, making the house unbearably hot. Having to resort to using portable air conditioners in other bedrooms as a makeshift solution is far from satisfactory, especially for a home of this size and caliber. Despite my consistent efforts to communicate these concerns to Highland Warranty Technician, the issue remains unresolved, significantly impacting the quality of life for my family and me. In light of these persisting problems, I urgently request the following actions to be taken: I request the immediate replacement of the current undersized 2.5-ton AC unit to a suitable 3.5/4-ton unit that matches the size of my 2005 square-foot home. Highland Homes has already had about 18 months to solve this.

The work is done fast, without taking the time in providing good quality work. I have taken pictures addressed my concerns to be told it’s still being worked on. The only thing I have seen is the problems are being covered up not taken care of and fixed. I notified the personnel & supervisor in charge of the built regarding my concerns through email, text, pictures & even spoke to them in person. Recently, my home is now closed where I do not have access to entry. When addressed, Sheila from the office told me if the builder closed it I can not see what has been done with my own home until the final walk-through!! Interesting how I addressed these issues and now I’m not able to see my home until it is finally done!! God knows if anything was completed correctly or masked like a bandaid!!

I write this review because I have had 2 new built homes done before. This was suppose to be my new starter home in the beginning I was happy to start a new life in my home and entrusted in Highland Homes to provide a awesome, easy experience with great quality work!! Now I question did I make the biggest mistake!! My advice is check the work to make sure things are being done right!! Because so far all I have seen is poor workmanship, lots of coverup and now the builder failing to allow me to see the home I’m purchasing because I called them out!!

Then the bathroom the tiles lifting off the green starting to spread. Called again. Sent someone over. They took down half the tiles and decided it was the pan cause we had sand coming up in the one corner; new pan tiles broke shower door so they had to replace it. The tiles were not set straight by the toilet or under the lip grout cracking off little pieces leaving space for ants to crawl in. We went on the lani to see if we can see anything... BINGO. There was water on the other side. Damn. We saw a worker and asked him what it was. He says it’s a crack where the wall and floor connect. He fixed it. A while later the grout around the pan is cracked all the way around and the tiles have grout missing and the blue color is back on the outside by the shower. Master bath same stuff. The grout is coming away and also around the tub which we never use. Oh and all the silicone around the vanity, kitchen counter same thing.

The door step (silver plate between the door frames on the floor) are not on right. Well let’s just put some wood shims under them. That’ll fix it again “right” then let’s spread silicone to fill the hole that’s left even in bathroom one. Then the kitchen, vinyl not glued down properly. My vacuum cleaner on low is sucking up my vinyl. Again caulking around the base of the cabinets was done by a kid I am sure. No uniformity. We won’t talk about the pipes or septic or the horrendous smell coming out of my sink!!

Let’s go outside now; they left big holes above the design. We van had ants. Big ones running track up there and in the house again, we never would have known it if the siding hadn’t blown off this year. When they came to fix it the siding was held on by one nail here and there which by the way we had to pay the deductible. There are holes everywhere where things can get in, like a squirrel!!

Susan GG

Now the house price has increased so much and we are stranded because of sales person. Why would you lie to a customer and murder their dream? Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I'd have to back out on my dream house, which I'd invested so much time, money, and energy. With my current lease expiring in a few days, and no home, I am without another option and I have nowhere to go. I am very very dissatisfied with highland homes. Never in my life, I will recommend highland homes to anyone.

Original Review: June 2, 2019

We were going to purchase a Highland inventory home in Artesia. Dolly ** was very gracious initially and told us our earnest money deposit would be refunded if we didn't secure financing. Due to circumstances beyond our control we did not secure financing and decided to wait before buying a new home. When we explained this to Dolly ** of Highland Homes in Prosper, she refused to return the money. Ms. ** said she could only return it if she sold the house. This is not what she said initially or what the contract specified. Ms. ** is heavy handed in her sales approach. The contract language is ambiguous and unclear. If anyone is going to purchase a Highland home from Dolly ** or any salesperson, it would be wise to use an experienced real estate broker or a real estate attorney to advocate on the buyer's behalf. I want people to learn from our experience, so they won't be taken advantage as we were. Sandra **.

Since then they have started building more houses and they’re farther along on those houses than my house. I drive to the site at least once a week and the last two weeks no work have been done on my house. I really wish I had done my research because if so I would have never went with Highland homes. The biggest purchase of my life is turning out to be the worst purchase of my life.

I wish that we had done more research before building. However, we were one of the few first homes built back in the subdivision. I feel sorry for all these homes under construction. We have warned many. My A/C still not fixed. Hopefully, it will be today, and I was told that it will cost me 800-1000 dollars. Parts are included, but the coolant is not considered a part. I was told that it is very pricey. Also, labor is not included. I find it odd that you can’t leave reviews on this page. However the BBB will be getting a call about this “wonderful “ company.

I am sure that it won’t be their first complaint either. The walls that you painted. We had to repaint. I bought over 800 worth of paint. If you wipe off what you painted it goes thru the drywall into the wood. I know! I have proof from my ceiling. Our outdoor paint is coming off. We will be redoing that as well out of our own pocket. The building process was a complete disaster. We did a construction loan paid full amount of down payment in January 2016. They did not start building my house till April. It was not finished till September 2016. I hope that this will reach others before they build. Our 2nd bathroom tub clogged up. They said maybe your son put a toy down it. I said my son is 7 yrs old. He does not have toys in the bathtub.

A plumber found loads of drywall shoved down in the tub drain. Picture below of some of the drywall. Of course this company offered no apology for anything. Closet doors fall off easy. The entire house is a mess. Really upset that company isn’t responsible for installation of A/C unit. How could we prevent the pipes rubbing together due to vibration of the machine causing a hole to leak out coolant. My husband and I have called this house the Money Pit.

However, to my surprise after the cancellation was already emailed to me and signed on 3/10/17, their home studio proceeded with cashing my check in the amount of $15,263.00 on 3/14/17. Why? They knew the Contract was cancelled. I signed a Contract with a new builder and now I have to wait for my funds to be returned. Why? When it should had never been cashed!! Oh and supposedly the reason for my cancellation on their paper states: Unable to Secure a Loan!!! Liars!!! I have my pre-qualification letter and, was approved. STAY AWAY FROM THIS BUILDER. THEY ARE NOTHING BUT FULL OF ** AND YET STILL CASH MONEY THAT DOESN'T BELONG TO THEM.

Since moving in we still have people coming to fix problems. The air conditioner sounds like a loud door slamming every time it starts up and shuts off. They won't do anything about it because they say it works fine. It is so loud that if you're taking a shower it sounds like someone is coming in the door, slamming it behind them. Hurricane shutters were suppose be installed due to code, but they never put them on. I had to argue with them to do so. Stucco work was done poorly. Carpet buckles in the seam area. The stove was damaged in the back and had to be replaced. If we hadn't moved the stove out we would never have known. Cupboard door has damage to it. The front door jam had to be replaced due to poor workmanship. Other doors in the house had problems shutting properly, too much gap in the doorway.

The people that work for Highland Homes also sent people that were in the market to buy a home to our house to get a look at how they build homes. We were home and found two men walking around our house looking in the windows. When we asked what they were doing they told us Highland Homes said it would be okay to come look around. This was without our knowledge or permission. We our still having to deal with them for repairs. This is one builder you don't want to build with. BUYER BEWARE!!!

The owner, Bob Adams, felt the least he could do would be cover our full closing costs as the delay put us past the termination of our current lease and we were homeless. This freed up funds for the hotel, pet fees, storage, and food costs since we were in a hotel. I cannot say enough about Ken **, our salesman. He has come in on days off because of the delays to get things done and approved. I am so grateful for Mr. Adams and Ken for their OUTSTANDING customer service and generosity. There has been more but this gives you an idea of what kind of builder this company is and how his staff is generous and creative. Thank you.