Top Homebuilder Ratings & Reviews

Newcastle Homes

Henley

11 Homeowner Reviews Completed May 2023 - Nov 2024

Overall Satisfaction

3.5
Customers' overall satisfaction
3.5
Rating of homeowners' willingness to recommend this builder

PERFORMANCE RATINGS

Purchase Experience

5.0

Home Personalization Experience

5.0

Construction Experience

4.0

Customer Care Experience

5.0

Home Readiness

3.7

Installation & Workmanship

4.1

Community Profile

At Newcastle Homes we strive to make a difference in the lives of our clients by developing personal relationships with our homebuyers and building carefully crafted homes in thoughtfully planned communities. We approach each home and community with a discerning vision, ensuring we select locations and cutting edge home designs that fit our homebuyers’ lifestyles.

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MOST RECENT HOME OWNERS' VERBATIM COMMENTS - All
Purchase Experience Testimonials from Real Homebuyers

Helena, AL, on Oct 08, 2023

Quality of the craftsmanship

4.6
Verified Homeowner
Helena, on Nov 15, 2023

Easy to work with. Home is well built with all issues being relatively minor so far.

4.3
Verified Homeowner
Helena, on Feb 25, 2024

It has been a very relaxed experience still waiting for things to be fixed from over a month ago.

3.3
Verified Homeowner
Helena, AL, on Feb 27, 2023

Don’t think I was given honest information when we were delayed with closing.

4.8
Verified Homeowner
Helena, on May 30, 2023

Misrepresentations by New Castle contractors and agents

2.5
Verified Homeowner
Helena, on Aug 28, 2023

We were told a lot of things would be "fixed" before moving in and overall, those items were not completed. If they were completed, they were halfway done, or done incorrectly.

3.5
Verified Homeowner
Helena, on Feb 22, 2023

Promises made not kept Multiple issues [name removed] in warranty was rude and unprofessional Too many changes with who we were told to work with [name removed] fixing the water problem after validating it had been done wrong [name removed] returning emails or when asked to speak to the president no one responded.

3.0
Verified Homeowner
Helena, AL, on Feb 22, 2023

We loved our design appointment and design options. It was great to have one point person to go through (our builder). It was disappointing to have our original builder laid off in the midst of our build. Our new builder has been wonderful to work with, but I'm sure it was difficult for him having to take a project on mid-way through. He did a great job taking that on though. The quality of the work of our home is great. The only thing we might recommend moving forward is to have some sort of document to share with buyers to help explain what questions they ask of the realtor, and which questions they ask of the builder. We primarily directed questions to our realtor, but many she had to pass on to the builder.

5.0
Verified Homeowner
Helena, on Apr 05, 2023

The warranty service has been good. We have had a few issues that were blue tape issues originally that they have taken care of. We have somethings that we still haven't turned in. When our fireplace was leaking gas, they did forget to contact me and I had to reach out two or three times before they go to me (over a two week span).

4.4
Verified Homeowner
Helena, on Jan 09, 2023

Communication related to changes happening at our development or as it relates to the organization overall is non existent. The warranty process is very hit and miss.

3.5
Verified Homeowner
Helena, on Jan 18, 2023

[name removed] was very likeable and was willing to talk with us but problems we reported always seemed to fall off the list. [name removed] has been responsive and organized. [name removed] and [name removed] were excellent but were limited in what they could promise and/or do for us.

3.7
Verified Homeowner
Helena, AL, on Feb 01, 2023

- Newcastle agent informing us that Newcastle started a $9,500 dollar program to go to closing/upgrades a week or two after we went under contract and newcastle wouldn't do anything for us, I mean nothing. - Change in supervisors, when [name removed] left, [name removed] did a fantastic job communicating, but we had to get him up to speed as the inside communication from agents/newcastle was lack luster - Prior to [name removed] getting involved, several issues with build of the house, and quality of craftsmanship for over 1/2 million dollars. - very underwhelmed at the quality of end product for the price paid. is seems other homes were built to a higher standard. - Best part of experience was the communication with the supervisors on site. [name removed] was very helpful and did what he could, but that late in the process , he was hampered and were were stuck with what had been done.

4.1
Verified Homeowner
Helena, on Dec 06, 2022

Our ceilings and drywall have mud that was never sanded and looks awful. I asked during our initial walkthrough to be corrected and only one room was touched. After asking for these items to be completed recently I was told it would not. Before [name removed] left he agreed to have this addressed. Now that I am trying to figure out how to fix weve discovered some major issues that were never seen. I have multiple pictures that I will gladly share. I would like this addressed ASAP.

1.2
Verified Homeowner
Helena, AL, on Dec 08, 2022

There were a few blue tape items that were just passed over. We bought the Model home in [name removed] and the kitchen cabinets had scratches and a few dents/cracks. Some of these were repaired poorly and some were not repaired at all. The master shower floor grouting is a few different colors in places, so I am not sure what happened there. Our contract process went well. We worked with [name removed] again, and she is amazing! [name removed] was our project manager and I felt like he went above and beyond to try to keep us satisfied and happy!

4.4
Verified Homeowner
Helena, on Dec 23, 2022

I feel that, for the money we paid - over $600k - that the quality of certain parts of the home should be much better than they are. No complaints (so far) about dealing with Newcastle staff or builders - in fact [name removed] was great before he was let go and now [name removed] has been very attentive. I just wish my center island wasn’t made of fabricated wood, that I had loose wiring in my walls and that edges of wood had been sanded to a nice finish. I would’ve expected that for $600k.

3.9
Verified Homeowner
Helena, on May 03, 2022

[name removed] was great and kept us informed during the process.

4.1
Verified Homeowner
Helena, on Aug 18, 2022

I like the home overall. I put in a claim for warranty against an issue with the vent in the master that has not yet been addressed.

4.1
Verified Homeowner
Helena, AL, on Sep 18, 2022

The step by step communication was great.

5.0
Verified Homeowner
Helena, on Apr 07, 2022

Because we moved from out-of-state, we like that the home was delivered on time, although just barely. The last-minute time crunch left the grounds crew to rush the landscaping of the back yard, leading to areas of poor drainage. There has been no effort to revisit that despite our mentioning it numerous times to [name removed] or [name removed]. Small issues get addressed relatively quickly - bigger issues, not so much.

4.3
Verified Homeowner
Helena, on Aug 16, 2022

I have a major electrical issue, and there doesn’t seem to be a resolution with the spec home my Wife and I purchased . The City Inspector, Alabama Power, and the Contractors have all meet together to try and find the problem. Warranty department doesn’t have any idea what’s going on with my issue.

3.2
Verified Homeowner
Helena, AL, on Aug 16, 2022

Access whenever we wanted to see the house to gauge ideas on furniture was always granted

4.5
Verified Homeowner
Helena, AL, on Jul 15, 2022

Very easy process

4.9
Verified Homeowner
Helena, on Jul 28, 2022

[name removed] and everyone that we've reached out to has been very communicative and willing to look into any issues we've found.

4.6
Verified Homeowner
Helena, AL, on Apr 07, 2022

We moved from CT to AL and we’re not able to see the home in person. Despite this limitation everyone did a great job providing regular updates and making move in day seamless.

4.9
Verified Homeowner
Helena, on Jun 30, 2022

The warranty service has been mostly as promised, however I wish I was finding less quality issues to report regarding the home. It makes me worried about these issues compounding once the warranty is expired.

4.0
Verified Homeowner
Helena, AL, on Apr 07, 2022

I liked how hey kept us updated and walked us through every aspect of the home

5.0
Verified Homeowner
Helena, on Jun 09, 2022

We've been in our home for almost six months. We've been waiting on several issues to be resolved. We do understand that [name removed], labor shortages and the economy has had an impact on your ability to address these issues punctually. But, we do expect these issues to be addressed and corrected.

4.2
Verified Homeowner
Helena, AL, on Mar 21, 2022

Like: Accessibility of our builder and agent. A great selection of design options. Standard design options were already nice and high-quality. Builder has been great and very communicative. Dislikes: Design of how the fridge opens up into a wall. Flat paint standard. There was a promotion that gave a free fridge and blinds if you signed a contract by 10/1 and we signed our contract at the end of September, but we weren’t informed of the promotion and it wasn’t extended to us. Had we known about it, we could’ve waited a couple days to sign our contract and take advantage of the promotion. We’ve had two leaks into our basement so far. If it had been a finished basement, it would have been severely water-damaged.

4.8
Verified Homeowner
Helena, on May 29, 2022

We like [name removed].

4.0
Verified Homeowner
Helena, AL, on Mar 01, 2022

I liked the open commitment and communication to provide great service. There were a few small things that turned into issues, such as the contractors pouring grout down a drain and causing it to clog. But Newcastle took care of it when I submitted it to the warranty department. We love our new home!

4.4
Verified Homeowner
Helena, on May 24, 2022

There have been instances where we were told to contact the vendor and then vendor told us to contact Newcastle (example leaking dishwasher). The whole back and forth looks bad and in the meantime, we have no functioning dishwasher. Also, we are having to wait until the house next to us is built to address drainage issues in our yard.

3.0
Verified Homeowner
Helena, AL, on Feb 05, 2022

Obviously some issues with timing are driven by COVID and that is not the fault of Newcastle. However, the push to close before year end (after 1 full year under contract) created tight time lines to complete the build of our home. This we believe has driven some poor build quality topics with the finished product (some were noticed before closing and some afterwards). I will say, NC builder [name removed] has been helpful in fixing many of these issues. But it’s unfortunate for the customer to have to deal with on such an expensive home. Overall, I would say the customer service has been good but the initial build quality of home and execution could have been much better.

3.5
Verified Homeowner
Helena, on Apr 14, 2022

All trim throughout the home appears to be OSB board that is painted. Lots of blemishes and overall a concern with the future if these were to get wet in the bathrooms. Puck lights in ceiling have fallen out several times. Front bathroom has two cracked tiles and is barely used. New Castle will not warranty. Front door threshold is cracked and front french doors are not tightly closed. Most of my issues have been resolved. With exception to the front door and cracked tiles. These questions were surrounding overall quality and to me the fit and finish on the home does not seem to align with its price point. Locally the contractors have been great at addressing my concerns in a timely manner but seem bound on some things by corporate.

4.8
Verified Homeowner
Helena, AL, on Jan 16, 2022

Other than supply issues the experience was fine.

4.7
Verified Homeowner
Helena, on Mar 03, 2022

Follow up would be helpful but diamond is always very attentive.

4.4
Verified Homeowner
Helena, AL, on Oct 30, 2021

The Ingram agents were completely clueless.

4.5
Verified Homeowner
Helena, AL, on Aug 21, 2021

Everyone was very helpful and courteous

4.9
Verified Homeowner
Helena, AL, on Jul 25, 2021

We would have liked to be able to do a little more customization. Unfortunately, some items like glass shelves in bathroom or usb outlet were not installed. We did like that the builder, [name removed], was willing to answer lots and lots of our questions and was patient with us throughput the building. The home looks great and we are very pleased with how everything turned out.

4.5
Verified Homeowner
Helena, AL, on Jul 17, 2021

Like: Communications with the builder foreman ([name removed]) were generally good. He helped get us in within the original deadline. Dislike: Communications with sales agents were not always clear or accurate. They often confused our house with other homes in the community. Sometimes they just seemed to drop the ball.

4.1
Verified Homeowner

MOST RECENT 20 HOME OWNERS' VERBATIM COMMENTS - Purchase & Move In
Purchase Experience Testimonials from Real Homebuyers

Helena, AL, on Oct 08, 2023

Quality of the craftsmanship

4.6
Verified Homeowner
Helena, AL, on Feb 27, 2023

Don’t think I was given honest information when we were delayed with closing.

4.8
Verified Homeowner
Helena, AL, on Feb 22, 2023

We loved our design appointment and design options. It was great to have one point person to go through (our builder). It was disappointing to have our original builder laid off in the midst of our build. Our new builder has been wonderful to work with, but I'm sure it was difficult for him having to take a project on mid-way through. He did a great job taking that on though. The quality of the work of our home is great. The only thing we might recommend moving forward is to have some sort of document to share with buyers to help explain what questions they ask of the realtor, and which questions they ask of the builder. We primarily directed questions to our realtor, but many she had to pass on to the builder.

5.0
Verified Homeowner
Helena, AL, on Feb 01, 2023

- Newcastle agent informing us that Newcastle started a $9,500 dollar program to go to closing/upgrades a week or two after we went under contract and newcastle wouldn't do anything for us, I mean nothing. - Change in supervisors, when [name removed] left, [name removed] did a fantastic job communicating, but we had to get him up to speed as the inside communication from agents/newcastle was lack luster - Prior to [name removed] getting involved, several issues with build of the house, and quality of craftsmanship for over 1/2 million dollars. - very underwhelmed at the quality of end product for the price paid. is seems other homes were built to a higher standard. - Best part of experience was the communication with the supervisors on site. [name removed] was very helpful and did what he could, but that late in the process , he was hampered and were were stuck with what had been done.

4.1
Verified Homeowner
Helena, AL, on Dec 08, 2022

There were a few blue tape items that were just passed over. We bought the Model home in [name removed] and the kitchen cabinets had scratches and a few dents/cracks. Some of these were repaired poorly and some were not repaired at all. The master shower floor grouting is a few different colors in places, so I am not sure what happened there. Our contract process went well. We worked with [name removed] again, and she is amazing! [name removed] was our project manager and I felt like he went above and beyond to try to keep us satisfied and happy!

4.4
Verified Homeowner
Helena, AL, on Sep 18, 2022

The step by step communication was great.

5.0
Verified Homeowner
Helena, AL, on Aug 16, 2022

Access whenever we wanted to see the house to gauge ideas on furniture was always granted

4.5
Verified Homeowner
Helena, AL, on Jul 15, 2022

Very easy process

4.9
Verified Homeowner
Helena, AL, on Apr 07, 2022

We moved from CT to AL and we’re not able to see the home in person. Despite this limitation everyone did a great job providing regular updates and making move in day seamless.

4.9
Verified Homeowner
Helena, AL, on Apr 07, 2022

I liked how hey kept us updated and walked us through every aspect of the home

5.0
Verified Homeowner
Helena, AL, on Mar 21, 2022

Like: Accessibility of our builder and agent. A great selection of design options. Standard design options were already nice and high-quality. Builder has been great and very communicative. Dislikes: Design of how the fridge opens up into a wall. Flat paint standard. There was a promotion that gave a free fridge and blinds if you signed a contract by 10/1 and we signed our contract at the end of September, but we weren’t informed of the promotion and it wasn’t extended to us. Had we known about it, we could’ve waited a couple days to sign our contract and take advantage of the promotion. We’ve had two leaks into our basement so far. If it had been a finished basement, it would have been severely water-damaged.

4.8
Verified Homeowner
Helena, AL, on Mar 01, 2022

I liked the open commitment and communication to provide great service. There were a few small things that turned into issues, such as the contractors pouring grout down a drain and causing it to clog. But Newcastle took care of it when I submitted it to the warranty department. We love our new home!

4.4
Verified Homeowner
Helena, AL, on Feb 05, 2022

Obviously some issues with timing are driven by COVID and that is not the fault of Newcastle. However, the push to close before year end (after 1 full year under contract) created tight time lines to complete the build of our home. This we believe has driven some poor build quality topics with the finished product (some were noticed before closing and some afterwards). I will say, NC builder [name removed] has been helpful in fixing many of these issues. But it’s unfortunate for the customer to have to deal with on such an expensive home. Overall, I would say the customer service has been good but the initial build quality of home and execution could have been much better.

3.5
Verified Homeowner
Helena, AL, on Jan 16, 2022

Other than supply issues the experience was fine.

4.7
Verified Homeowner
Helena, AL, on Oct 30, 2021

The Ingram agents were completely clueless.

4.5
Verified Homeowner
Helena, AL, on Aug 21, 2021

Everyone was very helpful and courteous

4.9
Verified Homeowner
Helena, AL, on Jul 25, 2021

We would have liked to be able to do a little more customization. Unfortunately, some items like glass shelves in bathroom or usb outlet were not installed. We did like that the builder, [name removed], was willing to answer lots and lots of our questions and was patient with us throughput the building. The home looks great and we are very pleased with how everything turned out.

4.5
Verified Homeowner
Helena, AL, on Jul 17, 2021

Like: Communications with the builder foreman ([name removed]) were generally good. He helped get us in within the original deadline. Dislike: Communications with sales agents were not always clear or accurate. They often confused our house with other homes in the community. Sometimes they just seemed to drop the ball.

4.1
Verified Homeowner

MOST RECENT 20 HOME OWNERS' VERBATIM COMMENTS - 5-6 Months after Move In
Purchase Experience Testimonials from Real Homebuyers

Helena, on Feb 25, 2024

It has been a very relaxed experience still waiting for things to be fixed from over a month ago.

3.3
Verified Homeowner
Helena, on May 30, 2023

Misrepresentations by New Castle contractors and agents

2.5
Verified Homeowner
Helena, on Apr 05, 2023

The warranty service has been good. We have had a few issues that were blue tape issues originally that they have taken care of. We have somethings that we still haven't turned in. When our fireplace was leaking gas, they did forget to contact me and I had to reach out two or three times before they go to me (over a two week span).

4.4
Verified Homeowner
Helena, on Jan 18, 2023

[name removed] was very likeable and was willing to talk with us but problems we reported always seemed to fall off the list. [name removed] has been responsive and organized. [name removed] and [name removed] were excellent but were limited in what they could promise and/or do for us.

3.7
Verified Homeowner
Helena, on Dec 06, 2022

Our ceilings and drywall have mud that was never sanded and looks awful. I asked during our initial walkthrough to be corrected and only one room was touched. After asking for these items to be completed recently I was told it would not. Before [name removed] left he agreed to have this addressed. Now that I am trying to figure out how to fix weve discovered some major issues that were never seen. I have multiple pictures that I will gladly share. I would like this addressed ASAP.

1.2
Verified Homeowner
Helena, on Aug 18, 2022

I like the home overall. I put in a claim for warranty against an issue with the vent in the master that has not yet been addressed.

4.1
Verified Homeowner
Helena, on Aug 16, 2022

I have a major electrical issue, and there doesn’t seem to be a resolution with the spec home my Wife and I purchased . The City Inspector, Alabama Power, and the Contractors have all meet together to try and find the problem. Warranty department doesn’t have any idea what’s going on with my issue.

3.2
Verified Homeowner
Helena, on Jul 28, 2022

[name removed] and everyone that we've reached out to has been very communicative and willing to look into any issues we've found.

4.6
Verified Homeowner
Helena, on Jun 30, 2022

The warranty service has been mostly as promised, however I wish I was finding less quality issues to report regarding the home. It makes me worried about these issues compounding once the warranty is expired.

4.0
Verified Homeowner
Helena, on Jun 09, 2022

We've been in our home for almost six months. We've been waiting on several issues to be resolved. We do understand that [name removed], labor shortages and the economy has had an impact on your ability to address these issues punctually. But, we do expect these issues to be addressed and corrected.

4.2
Verified Homeowner
Helena, on May 29, 2022

We like [name removed].

4.0
Verified Homeowner
Helena, on May 24, 2022

There have been instances where we were told to contact the vendor and then vendor told us to contact Newcastle (example leaking dishwasher). The whole back and forth looks bad and in the meantime, we have no functioning dishwasher. Also, we are having to wait until the house next to us is built to address drainage issues in our yard.

3.0
Verified Homeowner
Helena, on Apr 14, 2022

All trim throughout the home appears to be OSB board that is painted. Lots of blemishes and overall a concern with the future if these were to get wet in the bathrooms. Puck lights in ceiling have fallen out several times. Front bathroom has two cracked tiles and is barely used. New Castle will not warranty. Front door threshold is cracked and front french doors are not tightly closed. Most of my issues have been resolved. With exception to the front door and cracked tiles. These questions were surrounding overall quality and to me the fit and finish on the home does not seem to align with its price point. Locally the contractors have been great at addressing my concerns in a timely manner but seem bound on some things by corporate.

4.8
Verified Homeowner
Helena, on Mar 03, 2022

Follow up would be helpful but diamond is always very attentive.

4.4
Verified Homeowner

MOST RECENT 20 HOME OWNERS' VERBATIM COMMENTS - 10-12 Months after Move In
Purchase Experience Testimonials from Real Homebuyers

Helena, on Nov 15, 2023

Easy to work with. Home is well built with all issues being relatively minor so far.

4.3
Verified Homeowner
Helena, on Aug 28, 2023

We were told a lot of things would be "fixed" before moving in and overall, those items were not completed. If they were completed, they were halfway done, or done incorrectly.

3.5
Verified Homeowner
Helena, on Feb 22, 2023

Promises made not kept Multiple issues [name removed] in warranty was rude and unprofessional Too many changes with who we were told to work with [name removed] fixing the water problem after validating it had been done wrong [name removed] returning emails or when asked to speak to the president no one responded.

3.0
Verified Homeowner
Helena, on Jan 09, 2023

Communication related to changes happening at our development or as it relates to the organization overall is non existent. The warranty process is very hit and miss.

3.5
Verified Homeowner
Helena, on Dec 23, 2022

I feel that, for the money we paid - over $600k - that the quality of certain parts of the home should be much better than they are. No complaints (so far) about dealing with Newcastle staff or builders - in fact [name removed] was great before he was let go and now [name removed] has been very attentive. I just wish my center island wasn’t made of fabricated wood, that I had loose wiring in my walls and that edges of wood had been sanded to a nice finish. I would’ve expected that for $600k.

3.9
Verified Homeowner
Helena, on May 03, 2022

[name removed] was great and kept us informed during the process.

4.1
Verified Homeowner
Helena, on Apr 07, 2022

Because we moved from out-of-state, we like that the home was delivered on time, although just barely. The last-minute time crunch left the grounds crew to rush the landscaping of the back yard, leading to areas of poor drainage. There has been no effort to revisit that despite our mentioning it numerous times to [name removed] or [name removed]. Small issues get addressed relatively quickly - bigger issues, not so much.

4.3
Verified Homeowner