America’s Most Trusted® study: Which homebuilders topped the list for 2022?

The independent consumer insights and consulting firm Lifestory Research has released its highly anticipated annual study: America’s Most Trusted®. Based on more than 500,000 customer surveys, the study — now in its tenth year — offers a concise look at which brands Americans trust the most, across 41 home-related categories.

And for the seventh year in a row, Taylor Morrison Homes has taken the coveted title of the No. 1 most trusted homebuilder. The ranking was compiled from surveys with 51,209 prospective homebuyers, with Taylor Morrison received a five-star trust rating as well as the highest Net Trust Quotient (NTQ) score: 123.6.

“With our highest trust index score yet, this year’s award is a testament to our strong brand, tremendous team members, and dedication to show up for our customers day in and day out,” Taylor Morrison Chairman and CEO Sheryl Palmer said of the honor in a press release.

Other homebuilders who featured in the national ranking included Ahston Homes, Stanley Martin, LGI Homes, K. Hovnanian Homes, Toll Brothers, M/I Homes, David Weekley Homes, Beazer Homes, D.R. Horton, Pulte Homes, Ryan Homes and Lennar.

America’s Most Trusted 2021 Home Builders Ranked

1. Taylor Morrison (NTQ: 123.6)
2. Ashton Woods (NTQ: 123.4)
3. Stanley Martin (NTQ: 123.4)
4. TriPointe Homes (NTQ: 122.7)
5. LGI Homes (NTQ: 122.5)
6. K. Hovnanian (NTQ: 121.7)
7. Mattamy Homes (NTQ: 121.3)
8. Century Communities (NTQ: 120.0)
9. Richmond American (NTQ: 119.4)
10. Toll Brothers (NTQ: 118.3)
11. Highland Homes (NTQ: 117.4)
12. M/I Homes (NTQ: 117.2)
13. David Weekley Homes (NTQ: 117.2)
14. Meritage Homes (NTQ: 116.3)
15. Beazer Homes (NTQ: 115.5)
16. D.R. Horton (NTQ: 113.2)
17. Pulte Homes (NTQ: 112.3)
18. Ryan Homes (NTQ: 110.7)
19. Lennar (NTQ: 109.9)
20. KB Home (NTQ: 106.1)

Builders report historic, broad-based levels of materials shortages

Courtesy of the National Association of Home Builders.

From appliances to plywood, materials shortages are more widespread today than at any time since the National Association of Home Builders began tracking the issue in the 1990s. 

Special questions added to the monthly builder survey for the May NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index showed 90% or more of respondents had experienced shortages of plywood, oriented strand board, framing lumber and appliances, and most other materials were also in short supply. 

Courtesy of the National Association of Home Builders.

In all, 24 different materials were surveyed, with ready-mix concrete and cement the most available, relatively speaking, with 43% and 44% of respondents respectively classifying them as in short supply. 

The last time the NAHB asked about materials availability was in June 2020. At the time, fewer than 40% of builders reported a shortage of any of the materials queried, according to a press release

In the intervening 11 months, the share of builders reporting shortages increased by at least 27 percentage points for each material, although usually by much more. The shares reporting shortages of oriented strand board and plywood, for example, surged 83% and 81%, respectively. 

The NAHB added appliances to its latest survey after receiving anecdotal reports of shortages. The addition of the item was more than justified, the NAHB noted, since 95% of respondents reported sourcing difficulties, the highest percentage for any item ever recorded in the survey.