Shea Homes Reviews

Many things to describe

Buying experience is really bad with Shea homes. I booked home directly from builder when I qualified for 2.7% interest but with in 6 months everything changed in economy and interest rate went to 5%. When I asked for some relaxation/discount they weren't helpful or flexible instead they threatened to keep all my 70K deposit. Where as other builders like Pulte gave 20K discount also flexible with closing date to my friend who booked new house around same time. Services is really bad with Shea. They don't even care about customers once they sell the property. Please think twice before buying with Shea homes. They cover themselves in contract they don't think anything about customers. WORST builders to buy home from. Advice, don't go with ads instead do your research before getting into contract. ... More

The process of building our house with Shea Homes was full of stress, frustration and anxiety instead of excitement. The company contracted unqualified workers that didn't care for the work they do. We though the quality of work will be the same as the model home WRONG, before moving in, we had to paint the house, the paint the company used was the lowest quality. We been leaving in the house 2 months and quite often we loss electricity in the master bedroom, we report the problem at least 6 times and still is not fixed, is a long list of problems due to the very poor job.

Bad quality and bad electronic things doors leak and mismatched

The painting and interior work is horrible the cabinets are weak please don’t rush your inspection cause there will be a lot of thing you notice once you settle into your home

Very frustrating that after 2 months of buying a brand new home, Shea still has not done anything about our concrete driveway that is completely stained and dark. They have offered to acid wash it, which they still haven't done. We were told that doesn't work , they may not cover this at all. This is very unacceptable for a home over 3MM, and very disappointing that Shea wouldn't take care of this.

I would recommend against buying a home with Shea. The sold a vision of build quality and then continually made excuses of how the subcontractors in the area were low quality but all they had available for the build in a large city. There were multiple unfinished aspects of the build but when we asked that the complete aspects of the build prior to close they threatened to void our contract and keep our deposit if we didn't keep the planned move in date. Every subcontractor that we've had to bring in to fix things has commented on how absurdly poor the workmanship was and how things were just left unfinished (ex. cabinets weren't completely installed). They try to push all aspects of the unfinished build to after closing so they can be fixed "under warranty" without telling you that means they won't get to it for 6-12 months based on their warranty schedule. Overall, very poor experience with a builder that sells itself on "Shea Quality" only to cut corners at every turn. Use a cheaper builder because Shea uses the same subcontractors as other builders but charges a premium for the same build quality. ... More

Once the house becomes yours, consider yourself lucky if you don't have a silverfish infestation living inside your walls, or a huge amount of ponding in your backyard, or cracks in your stucco or anything else that is significantly wrong, because Shea will not help you.

My husband and I were excited to get the chance to finally purchase our first home, but since we decided to purchase from Shea the experience has gone downhill. First they force you to make choices about any upgrades within weeks with only one visit to a showroom in which the designer does not know the prices of any of the options. You then wait weeks more for pricing and have a few days to make the final choice, giving you no time to choose more options and properly price compare. I recommend not purchasing any of their upgrades and doing it yourself afterward. You'll have more choice, better prices and likely better quality installation by anyone else. The actual builders do a very poor job. We've heard from all our neighbors about issues with their homes. Not only cosmetic problems but showers needing to be demolished and redone, exhaust vents not being connected properly, windows leaking. Our internet router was installed in the ceiling and when they finally came to repair it they said the wires were never connected and since it would be too much hassle for them to fix it they moved it to another part of the ceiling and only covered the previous hole with a white rectangle plastic plate. Not one stretch of baseboard on one wall is actually painted cleanly and white...it looks like they installed the wood flooring after the baseboards and didn't do any touch up. There is paint and extra grout everywhere. It is evident they bang up and damage the wood stair case, door frames and cabinets and just paint over them. Walls are literally wavy and floors are so uneven that bookshelves and furniture that were fine in our old condo are now wobbling when placed on the floor. When they make a mistake they do not admit it, such as how they installed the wrong countertops in our kitchen. The construction manager and others rudely walked into our house when I was there with an inspector, did not introduce themselves and talked so loudly that I had to go outside to hear the inspector speak. They immediately said the countertop was polished (which is what we chose but not what they installed) instead of matte without even turning on the light or examining it properly as we had compared it to two samples of the two finishes to demonstrate how it was the wrong one. Thank god the designer came later and verified it was the matte finish. Every time they fix one minor thing like a closet door off the track, they would bang up the door and just slap on some paint to cover up the damage, only after we'd point out the new damage. There are countless issues that have caused me to have to stay at home during work hours for multiple appointments for people to come evaluate and fix the builder's mistakes. Everyone I have dealt with liken the actual cabinet company and other third parties that come for repairs has been much more of a pleasure to work with and obviously have some level of pride in their work and care for the products. Many have shook their heads and pointed out the carelessness by the builder when reviewing the damange. Another significant issue is our refrigerator has NEVER WORKED! In our walk through we noticed the freezer was leaking. Though the construction manager first admitted he saw the same water drops I was looking at he later kept saying via email that he did not see water in subsequent visits. I had to take pictures to prove it was reoccuring. They refused to fix it and just put in a service request with GE. This should have been fixed before we closed, but Shea took advantage that our interest rate would be expiring (because they delayed our closing over a month) and we could not refuse to close until after the refrigerator was repaired. We closed on January 18, 2023, but the refrigerator still does not work and Shea refuses to replace it. They keep making us fight with GE which has already come out for seven visits to fix multiple issues with the refrigerator. Not only does the freezer still leak despite the GE Tech "fixing" the seal, but the entire refrigerator freezes everything, you cannot use the water dispenser or put anything in the refrigerator section. We already replaced the motherboard and are currently waiting for two new refrigerator doors and other parts that are backordered because GE refuses to be accountable as does Shea. This is corporate greed and unequal bargaining power in action. Shea took advantage of us and refused to provide a working refrigerator by closing. Since they have been aware of the issue for OVER FOUR MONTHS, their only remedy has been to give us one mini refrigerator and make jokes about how they need to charge us for calling them about our refrigerator continously failing to work since we closed on the house despite the fact they knew it leaked before we closed. My husband and I both work very stressful and demanding jobs that require more than full time work. We have a toddler and are expecting another baby in late June. The stress and waste of our precious time that this has caused is ridiculous and should not be happening. Now I have to worry about how I will store breast milk for my baby and am unable to food prep or store enough fresh food for my family because Shea will not take responsibility. Despite the fact I do not have time, I now have to review our contract which we were only given 24 hours on a weekday to sign during the purchase process (and its 100s of pages long) to determine if they have breached the contract since they delivered a house with a known nonfunctioning appliance. We did not spend over 1.6 million for such a subpar quality home and I recommend no one else invest in a Shea home. When the timing is right and we can afford it, we will be moving. But unfortunately we are stuck here and trying to make the best of it. I will likely be on maternity leave handling a small claims court case as that may be the only thing that will get Shea's attention and have them replace our refrigerator. ... More

This is an extreme disappointment and grief I want to bring into your notice that we are facing each day since we have moved to our new house. There were lot of plumbing/ drainage issues each day at different corners of the house. The delivery of the house came with lot of problems that we did not expect at all with Shea homes. We trusted that home inspections are properly done by Shea at each point especially in plumbing and drainage matters. At this time, in midnight we have called After hour emergencies to get this drainage and plumbing issues resolved. We were at risk of our lives where there was water all over in the jack and Jill bathroom and one of the attached rooms that too underneath the tiles and carpet that we cannot have any control over. In the night, around 11 pm accidentally I went to use the bathroom where I noticed water leaking in jack and Jill bathroom underneath the toilet seat area and bathroom floor tile and it got spread all over underneath the carpet in one of the attached rooms. This was an extremely disastrous for us to have faced such an issue in the middle of the night. It took away my sleep and I woke up my husband to look into it. Our infant sleeps in these rooms, this was not at all okay for us to compromise with the quality and delivery we have got to what we have invested in. Earlier also, we had noticed that bathroom fixtures were not installed properly which we ignored as minor problems and fixed it ourselves but past few days getting each part of the house dismantled and getting it all fixed while residing with an infant is a huge stress for us. I do not know what else to say to show how unhappy we are. We did not expect this kind of work from Shea. We are awake at this time and getting it fixed is so annoying and disturbing for us. I mean do we have to live in fear that something else might come up in future again. Also, there is a structural issue which we have mentioned before closing. The main door is crooked and have gaps which allow the air to pass through. The warranty rep told me to bend your neck and you won’t see the any problem. There are many other issue we mentioned and nothing is getting fixed. Worst experience with Shea homes. ... More

Simple items that require attention since 02/01/23 have not been attended to. Typical approach after a sale is finalized. Would not have bought would I have known. I have discouraged partners interested in the community.

Don't buy from them. Rather buy a 100yr old house than a new one from these people. I guarantee ull have less issues. Only person was excellent was the sales guy and the warranty lady. Kindergartens could build a better house.

A bunch of stuff wrong with the house and I can't get anything fixed.

Terrible experience !! Three months later and still NO OVEN!!

The whole build out process was terrible. The general contractors here are basically sales people and have a made up answer for everything you ask them. We’ve had numerous items that were on our addendum that we pointed out that weren’t there while we did our check ins during the build. Sent our sales rep and GC an email listing out all of those things. GC made up lies saying like our coach lights are wired, they bricked over it and they just need to cut it out. Come back a week later, electricians are at the house installing it and even told us that they were called back out because they weren’t initially told to do that. In addition to other items, they ended up having to add it later and ended up doing a shotty job. Another example is that they missed that we were suppose to have a cut out in our master shower, added later, and spilled white grout in a section of our black stand shower floor, and the GCs excuse was that it’s going to change color because that’s where the water hits the ground.. It was clearly grout and he said professional cleaning will get it out.. lie. So be sure to check your addendum items that you paid for as an “upgrade” also our flooring has paint throughout that won’t come off and the wood flooring has noticeable gaps and said no flooring is perfect and they also have planks with wood putty filing and said it’s the texture… we have engineered wood floors, not real wood. When it’s clearly a damaged piece. GC even admitted that the floor was delayed because they were having issues leveling the floor and had to do it 3 times. They also had our dishwasher on top of the counters and ended up scratching it up, we could clearly see how they pushed the dishwasher off and left a clean straight line scratch that was black. It wasn’t coming off, he told us it was the pattern in the granite.. another lie, they ended up having to get someone out to buff it. Don’t get me started on how long it takes them to send someone out. Warranty hardly answers. I have to constantly follow up. We’ve had issues with electrical since we’ve moved in. They are all nice in person but when it comes to taking action.. silence. We’ve had issues with the doors and the weatherproofing causing bugs to come in, there’s a clear line of sight where light is coming in.. GC tried to say it’s a reflection from the glass on our door.. it’s not, when our warranty person came out she even said there’s clearly a hole. Our side fence is poorly cut our dogs can get out of it. GCs response was put chicken wire there because the slant of our lot they had to cut it like that.. also not true, even shea sales rep saw it and agreed that was bad. It got to the point where we were catching so many mistakes, the GC told us we can’t come check on our house anymore and that he would start locking the door if he had to. He wouldn’t respond to our emails, assuming he didn’t want it in writing, but when my agent would call him he would say he’s working on all fixing all the issues. The quality and overall experience we’ve had with shea has been terrible since we signed our contract. I would never build with them again or recommend anyone to build with them. ... More

They forced me to close the escrow with a combo walk without even frig and with a lots of issues.For ex. I was forced to have upgraded washer/ dryer. During the combo walk, it shows them don't fit the space. As if today, Shea still hasn't fix the problem. This is just one of the examples.

I would never a home again from this builder. The quality of home is substandard and they lied and overcharged. This builder is totally untrustwrothy. The sales agent, Cathy was extremely rude and impolite throughout the process. They have used cheap labor and materials throughout. Community feels like cheap throughout. I wish I could give 0 stars.

Multiple issues with workmanship. Fit and finish is laughable with doors that don't align, cabinets damaged, stucco peeling, paint that doesn't cover, trim that doesn't fit together. Not happy with the oversight or lack thereof by project management.

Do your job correctly! I cannot trust Shea at all!

I don't even know where to begin. What was suppose to be my dream home has now turned into the most horrible home building experience, I've ever had. I'm a seasoned homeowner, this is not my first rodeo. I've built three other homes that I did not have this many issues with. I had never heard of Shea Homes, but they were the only ones left that were building in the area I wanted to build with the price point that I was comfortable with (mid/high). They pride themselves as a mid-level luxury builder, but they are far from that! The sales experience was great I thought until later when I found out that the items that were not done, originated at the sales office. The construction experience was ridiculous. At the construction meeting my build was handed over to another construction manager who came from a reputable builder, however the manager was not prepared as he did not even familiarize himself with the blueprints of the home! We spent most of the meeting figuring out where to place the in-ground outlet in the family room. We also discovered at that time the study was not recorded with doors, just an opening by the sales office. Spoke to the sales office, which offered to add framing for a door at no cost due to the error, but I needed to install the door at my expense later, which I was fine with. At the pre-drywall meeting, he didn't have the inspection report from my inspector to go over, so my time and my realtor's time was wasted. He said that most everything that was on the report was already on their list as well and would be fixed. We pointed out that the study did not look like it was framed for the door, he said that they were still working on it. Overall the construction manager was not communicative of the process and would get agitated when asked questions. As with many other builders the construction was delayed due to Covid and that was understandable. However, as my build was nearing completion I asked before putting my existing house up for sale if the estimated date of completion is still end of December and was assured yes. I was able to sell my house at full asking price in one day with multiple offers. We had it planned out perfectly with the close being end of December. Three weeks before the close, we were told by the builder that the house was not going to be completed until second week of January. We had to renegotiate our existing house sale to include a lease back for the additional time and lost 7K in the deal. Then the week of our close the construction manager asked if there was any way to push it another week, I said absolutely not! He said the aesthetics (paint, caulking, cleaning, etc.) were still not complete and the home would not be 100% move in ready, but would take care of everything in the weeks to come. I said that I was fine with that and closed on the home. At the walk through they were still working on the home, so I did not sign any documentation as it was only a ten minute walk through. Move day, they were still painting rooms as we moved in. They gave us a few weeks to settle in and that's when all the trouble began. Found out things such as gas dryer connection, carriage lights in front of home, etc., things that you would expect from a mid level luxury builder to have included in the home was not included but were an option. The options should have been brought up in the sales meeting and were not. As I we settled into the home we noticed that the seams in between the drywall in the whole family room were showing. After having a few independent contractors/engineers look at it, it was found that Shea contractors did not let the mud/filler in between the drywall boards dry before texturing and painting. At this point I did not want to have anything to do with the construction manager Jason. The matter was escalated to Josh, who quickly tried to diffuse the situation and was helpful in getting the drywall, dryer connection and driveway taken care of before he handed me off to the warranty department. Although Alexis in warranty has been helpful in trying to get things taken care of, she is now unavailable. Nobody is available. I have left messages for Alexis and Josh and have not heard back. It is now four months and my house still has the orange tape they marked on everything that needed fixing. I have family coming at the end of May and need all this fixed NOW! I have communicated this with Josh two weeks ago and have not heard back. Speaking with my neighbors, I'm learning they are having the same issues. We all have decided that if this lack of communication continues and issues are not taken care of soon, we will have no choice but to take action. So Shea, where is "The Shea Difference" that you are so proud of?? "The thoughtfulness that sets you apart"?? Your website says you offer "An experience as enjoyable as the place you'll call home", I think not! Those of you that are contemplating buying a home with Shea, think hard. Keep in mind all things you would normally see in a home may be considered options with Shea. They nickle and dime you on everything! I spent almost 70K just in options/upgrades and my home does not show it due to their craftsmanship. Four months later I'm sitting in a home with drywall issues, unsealed trims, unpainted trims, cracked countertop, cracked toilet, rusted bath tub, holes in concrete patio, cracks in concrete in garage, no gutters in back of home, no carriage lights, the list goes on. This is the real Shea Home experience! ... More

We closed on our home over 2 months ago and our solar panels still are not in working condition. When they were installed there was an issue with the wiring so as a result we’re on the hook for something that was supposed to be in working order at the time of closing. Might be another month before they can be fixed.

I don't even know where to begin. 1. False advertisement. 2. Shea Mortgage - difficult to work with and does not follow up or follow through. 3. Design Center - did not really help, they just agree to what you say so they can get you out of there. 4. Quality and workmanship was just overall poor. Month three and vendors are still in and out, like my house is still under construction. 5. Worst purchase I've ever made.

At this moment we wouldn’t recommend anyone to purchase a Shea Home, matter of fact we wouldn’t let Shea build us a dog house. My wife and I would really like to speak with someone with some authority regarding our experience. We are extremely disappointed.

From start to finish you're simply a # to Shea. They clearly do not care if you have a positive home-buying experience and will cut corners whenever possible. Their trades are subpar at best and their Project Managers have little control of the quality of their work. The excuses for the inferior workmanship come fast and furious and in the end you're left with whatever they choose to deliver to you. At closing our home was not finished and we were left with more excuses. Now two months post-closing and our over-priced $10,000 fireplace still doesn't work. The Rinnai tankless water heater with recirc pump does not deliver hot water and is riddled with glitches making our lives miserable. We have sagging floor boards, nails protruding from the pull-trowel drywall finish and constant electrical issues and these are just a few of the ongoing problems. In the end, I could never recommend Shea to any homebuyer. You'd think that due to their size they'd have safeguards in place to ensure they can deliver a home that is of modest quality but you quickly realize they are so big that they simply do not need to care if you like it or not. ... More